Design Software

Structural beam design software is a builder’s best friend when planning a new structure. Structural beam design software helps eliminate potential structural failures and design flaws that may not be noticed until after construction has begun.

Beam design can be a complicated process. An experienced builder may know which type of beam is used to achieve a desired visual style of a structure, but is that beam able to support the load of the structure adequately? Does it leave open the possibility of expansion of the structure later on?  Is there a cheaper beam that would be adequate for the design of the structure?

Structural Beam Design Software

Structural beam design software allows a structural engineer, contractor or homeowner to design structural elements with performing of the mathematical equations required to design such elements.  Often, once faced with the design on a computer screen, necessary and desired changes become apparent and are easily remedied.

Bending and shearing stresses play an important role in choosing a beam design.  A top-quality structural beam design software program also calculates possibilities in the given beam design by using these values and comparing them to known structural engineering values to ensure structural integrity.

Structural beam design software will also take into consideration the stiffness, strength and size of the desired beam. It then calculates the potential weight-bearing load of the designed beam. Calculations based on the desired qualities reveal all viable beam design possibilities. Calculations can also be made that show the cost effectiveness of each beam design option.

The structural beam design software also provides a list of possible beam materials to help provide a stable structure without exceeding the given construction budget. Do you need a solid beam, or is a hollow beam a viable option? Do you need an I-beam design or a rectangular beam? Structural beam design software can help you sort out all the options.

Structural beam design software is a wise investment for any structural engineer, building contractor, or individual building a new home construction. It eliminates potential mistakes in the design of the structure, as well as ensures that structural integrity is maintained during last minute changes in building plans. Not all structural beam design software is top-quality. Be sure to research the features offered by a structural beam design software program including the support available with the program before selecting a structural beam design software package.

beam design, design software, structural software

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Steel Angle Design Helps Avoid Structural Problems

Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering on March 31st, 2008

 Steel angle design software takes the confusion and guesswork out of designing support angles. Calculate too small of angle and your masonry may crack; design too large of angle and your budget suffers.

Steel angles are often used to transfer the dead load of masonry back to the steel framework of the structure typically over doors and windows. Shelf angles, clip angles, and beam flanges are equipped with slots in differing directions to help the builder adjust the steel angle appropriately. The mason readjusts the angle as they work in order to keep the brick flush and squared.

The steel worker or engineer readjusts the steel angle again to provide adequate structural support once the masonry is completed. The beam that supports the steel angle will deflect when loaded and the angle must be spot welded to secure its position. Horizontal expansion joints are often installed directly below the steel angle to accommodate for this deflection and provide additional support.

Quality steel angle design software determines the precise size of angle required to keep costs low. Properly designed angles equate fewer chances of improper installation.  The cost of steel angles is based on the overall weight of the beam and hence an overdesigned beam equates in larger budgets.

If the structural support angles are placed in an environment that draws moisture, a protective flange must be applied to deflect moisture and prevent corrosion of the steel. Regular inspection should be made to ensure that settling and deflection have not affected the supports. A routine structural inspection should also be performed to check for loose fastenings, broken welds, and corrosion.

The use of steel angles to strengthen a brick structure is becoming increasingly popular. This method can significantly increase the strength and stability of a structure when performed properly. Utilizing the exact calculations of a quality design software program not only reduces the workload of the engineer, contractors, and builders, it provides peace of mind for the crew and owner. The steel angle design software eliminates one more potential design flaw and keeps construction moving on schedule.

More and more contractors, builders and engineers are turning to design software to produce structurally sound buildings at a lower cost to the consumer. Steel angle design may be a complicated field, but designing software takes the guesswork out of the calculations involved with these structural support angles.

angle design, design software, flanges, quality design, quality steel, steel angles

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Flitch Beam Design & Software

Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering on December 12th, 2007

Accurate Flitch Beam Design Made Easier with Software

Flitch beam design software is a useful tool for architects, engineers, designers, and builders. Flitch beams are a common type of composite construction. Composite construction materials are formed by combining two or more materials in a way that allows them to function as a single component structurally. Flitch beams are created by layering wood beams with steel plates or plywood in order to form a wider, lighter structural beam. Bolts hold the layered components together to form a single unit.

These advantages make flitch beams a desirable and attractive choice in light frame construction projects:

• they can support heavier loads over longer distances
• are thinner than solid wood or steel beams with similar load-bearing qualities
• can be nailed to other components of wood structures during construction
• are much lighter than solid beams.

Using computer software to design a flitch beam can greatly improve the cost effectiveness of a project by allowing for a more exact and efficient design.  Software packages precisely calculate the needed thickness, depth, and length of each beam much easier than any kind of hand calculation.

Utilizing flitch beam design software eliminates the possibility of using beams that are too thick or too closely spaced together.  This can drastically reduce construction costs by allowing each beam to be more fully utilized to its capacity.

One of the more difficult calculations associated with a flitch beam is that of the Deflection the beam will undergo.  Software packages will carefully calculate the deflection of flitch beams.  Properly constructed flitch beams ensure that all of the components deflect by exactly the same value. The relative stiffness value of steel and wood is vastly different.  When used correctly, structural analysis software will accurately determine the proper interaction of multiple materials.

Bolt size and Spacing in the construction of flitch beams is crucial. A separate article will briefly discuss a simple way of determining the bolt spacing for a flitch beam.

Flitch beam design software is a must-have tool for the careful architect, engineer, or designer.

beam design, composite construction, deflection, design software, flitch beam

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