Within StruCalc is the hip/valley beam portion of the roof beam module. Our users can easily determine the size of a hip or valley beam by entering the span length and the pitch of the two roofs that are coming together. StruCalc will then determine the slope adjusted actual length of the beam, behind the…
In a separate article entitled “Accurate Flitch Beam Design Made Easier with Software” there was an allusion to the difficulty associated with designing the connection between the solid sawn members and the steel members of a flitch beam. In this article there will be a more in depth discussion on the methodology for attaching the different materials…
Stresses in BeamsIn a separate article entitled “Structural Analysis of a Beam” there was a brief discussion of stresses and their function in structural analysis. In this article there will be a more in dept discussion of normal, bending, and shear stress. Normal StressA normal stress is a stress that occurs when a member is…
The loading diagram is perfect for all of those teachers that wanted to see a free body diagram. The loading diagram is a visual representation of the loading on the beam being designed. Below the loading diagram there is also a summary of the various loads on the beam. This is available in any of…
The process used for determining the adequacy of a wood, steel, or even a concrete beam is essentially the same. Once a beam has been selected the method is as follows: Determine the LoadsThe first step in the structural analysis of a beam is determining the amount of load, or weight the beam is going to…
Beam Design and Structural Design in Commercial and High-Rise Buildings Beam design and structural design in high-rise buildings is constantly evolving. Structural designs are created to withstand earthquakes and high winds, conform to building codes, and construct impressive visual designs. Beam designs can significantly affect the stability of a high-rise building as well as the…
More about State and Federal Building Codes State and Federal Building codes are an important part of the construction process. For structural engineers, working knowledge of state and federal building codes is essential. Keeping on top of constant changes made to state and federal building codes can be challenging. Building codes vary from state to…
Types of Beam Designs There are many different types of beam designs and materials to choose from when designing a structure. Engineers can choose from various shapes, sizes, construction materials, and construction techniques. Deciding on the proper beam design for a particular structure can be a complicated process. Structural engineers and builders have many different…
Loading Diagram The loading diagram is perfect for all of those teachers that wanted to see a free body diagram. The loading diagram is a visual representation of the loading on the beam being designed. Below the loading diagram there is also a summary of the various loads on the beam. This is available in…
Rectangular and continuous footing design is one of the most important aspects of any building project. The footing supports the foundation and bears the entire weight of the structure. Make a mistake in the design or construction of the footing, and the results could be disastrous. Continuous Footing Rectangular Footing The purpose of the footing The…
