Brought to you by Micrographics SA
Brought to you by Micrographics SA
Encased Column is a specialised Prokon module for designing composite compression members consisting of rolled steel sections encased in reinforced concrete. It simplifies the complex calculations behind composite column design, including second-order effects, material non-linearity, and interaction between steel and concrete — so you can deliver safe, code-compliant structures faster and with greater accuracy.
- Automatically calculate section resistance with second-order and non-linear effects
- Design fully or partially encased I- and H-sections with integrated reinforcement
- Provide detailed interaction charts for both principal design axes
- Combine steel, concrete, and rebar design into a single process
- Deliver transparent results with detailed equations for verification and reporting
- Follow Eurocode-based rigid plastic theory for reliable, standards-compliant outcomes
Avoid Wasted Hours on Complex Composite Calculations
Encased Column automates advanced steel–concrete interaction checks, letting you achieve precise, code-ready designs without spending hours solving equations manually.
Prevent Costly Rework from Code Errors
With Eurocode principles built-in, Encased Column removes the risk of manual miscalculations, ensuring every design meets compliance standards and avoids expensive project setbacks.
Gain Full Clarity into Structural Performance
Interactive charts and transparent calculation outputs give you complete visibility into column behaviour under axial and biaxial loads, empowering you to design safely and make confident engineering decisions.
Design composite columns with
precision and speed
Request a demo of Encased Column today and see how it simplifies complex compression member desig
PROKON ENCASED COLUMN USE CASE
Challenge
A structural engineering consultancy was tasked with designing the support columns for a high-rise commercial building. The project required composite steel-and-concrete columns to optimise strength and stiffness while reducing cross-sectional size. Manual calculations would have been too time-consuming and carried a high risk of error.
Solution
The engineering team adopted Prokon’s Encased Column module to handle the complex interactions between steel sections, concrete, and reinforcement. They used the software’s built-in second-order analysis and interaction charts to quickly assess multiple design scenarios and select the most efficient column configuration.
Results
Thank you team for your excellent service, speedy response time and always availability to assist with support for Prokon Software!
Gerrie Pienaar
CO-MEMBER, PRINCIPLE ENGINEER | DLF CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Prokon‘s software support is unmatched. The quote process was smooth, and a last-minute team meeting was promptly arranged. For local and international markets, Prokon‘s fair pricing and top-tier features make it the standout choice. Highly recommended!
Stoffel Bakkes
MD / OWNER | SB PROJECT
FAQs
It can design compression members made of rolled steel sections fully or partially encased in reinforced concrete, including I- and H-sections with integrated reinforcement.
Yes. Encased Column automatically considers second-order effects and material non-linearity in its calculations.
The module adheres to the rigid plastic theory outlined in the Eurocode, ensuring compliance with European standards for composite column design.
Yes. The software supports both fully encased and partially encased steel sections, allowing flexibility for different project requirements.
Yes. It accurately accounts for the interaction between steel, concrete, and reinforcement in the composite system.
Yes. The module provides interactive interaction charts for both principal axes, helping you evaluate performance under biaxial loading conditions.
Yes. Encased Column provides detailed calculation equations in its output, allowing you to review and verify the results.
Absolutely. It is ideal for designing composite columns in structures that demand high strength, stiffness, and material efficiency, such as multi-storey buildings.
Yes. By quickly assessing multiple column configurations, you can choose the most efficient design that meets structural and code requirements.
Facilitated by Micrographics SA
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PRODUCTS & SERVICES
PORT ELIZABETH OFFICE
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Office 1st Floor, Pharos House,
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