ACI Rebar Lookup May 2023

I built a rebar lookup using PyXLL.

The rudimentary idea of a lookup is easy and, of course, a standard lookup is quite easily accomplished using Excel alone.

However, consider why I might prefer using PyXLL:

  • it allows the function to reside in a central location outside of the Excel spreadsheet
    • avoids XLAM files
    • avoids broken Excel links
  • clean — no clumsy Excel data sections/tabs
  • it is easily programmed and maintained using Python
  • it is easily customized
  • multiple versions of the function can be produced as needed (to address building code changes, for instance)
Screenshot of lookup used in Excel

Lookup

Screenshot of lookup formulas used in Excel

Lookup

lookup

Python/PyXLL function

ACI reinforcing bar (rebar) in the USA is provided in 11 nominal sizes (callouts):

  • #3
  • #4
  • #5
  • #6
  • #7
  • #8
  • #9
  • #10
  • #11
  • #14 and
  • #18.

Features

CRSI rebar data

In my function, the user may enter string or numeric callouts. Numeric callouts may be integer or float. Float entries are rounded down to the nearest integer.

I also allow abbreviated designation of properties: for example, the user may enter “D” or “DI” or “DIA” or “DIAM” for “DIAMETER”. Lowercase entries are automatically converted to uppercase.

Lookup code

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *