Many engineering students find themselves studying structural engineering basics, but this fundamental knowledge is useful for others as well.  Backyard landscapers, anyone remodeling a room of their home and those building a new skyscraper all benefit from structural engineering basics. Structural engineering basics are evidenced in the great pyramids of Egypt and indications of knowledge of structural engineering can be found in earlier structures as well.

The Basics of Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is the study of how to design structures and non-structural elements that bear a load. Structural engineering seeks to determine the stability and longevity of a load-bearing item, and design building plans accordingly.

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?

 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 elements of beam design is a topic of great interest for structural engineers and contractors. Beam design is integral in the design and construction of a structure. Most structural beams are comprised of wood, steel or concrete. Each of these construction materials reacts differently under the stress of a load. Each also has its own unique advantages.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Concrete Beams

Architectural design software uses can vary from project to project. The type and quality of the architectural design software often dictates the potential uses of the program. Some common uses of architectural design software are:

• the planning of a new construction home
• designing a layout for a remodeling project
• creating an addition to an existing home
• adding adequate lighting sources for a home.

Architectural Design Software Uses: New Construction

Whether you are remodeling your current home or if you are a contractor, designer, or architect, structural analysis is crucial to your project. With the advent of high-quality structural analysis software, beam design, floor span and the calculation of the floor joist load is easier and more reliable than ever before.

More Efficient

Premium structural analysis software is programmed with building codes from every geographic area and incorporates these regulations into the building plans. This prevents inadvertent omissions that could result in annoying structural errors, fines, and even structural failure. The large number of required building codes is generated specifically for each project’s geographic location and ensures that none are overlooked. This in turn eliminates revisions during the building process and helps keep contractors on schedule and on budget.

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 footing provides a stable flat supportive base that distributes the weight of the load of the structure into the surrounding soil.  The weight distribution is spread out through the soil as the distance increases from the footing. For this reason, the texture of the soil is crucial to the success of any rectangular or continuous footing design.

Stud wall design plays an important role in noise transmission from room to room in your home. Staggered stud wall design can help soundproof any area of your home.

Construction begins with a wider than normal top and bottom beam, usually a 2 x 6 or a 2 x 8 instead of a 2 x 4.  2 X 4 studs are screwed in an alternating pattern along the base plate. The studs are spaced 16 inches on center across the beam and two 2×2’s are security each end to support the weight of drywall. This creates form of discontinuous construction. This prevents noise from being conducted from one sheet of drywall, through the studs, and into the next room.

2007 California Building Code Changes: The Good, The Bad, The Details

The 2007 California Building Codes take effect January 1^st, 2008. Some of the more prominent areas of change in this installment of building codes center on fire safety, equal access for disabled persons and environmentally friendly construction. The new set of codes is based on the latest national and international model building codes.

Rosario Marin, Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and chair of the Building Standards Commission has said, “This will put California back in the forefront as a leader in the use of the latest technology for building safety, fire prevention, safe construction, and code enforcement.”

Rafter Design: An Integral Part of the Construction Process

The rafter design of a structure is an integral part of any new roof construction. Rafters serve as the aesthetic framework of a roof as well as structural supports for the building. Roof designs are generally sorted into two categories: vented or non-vented.

Vented roofs are used to adjust the roof temperature to prevent melting snow and ice from damaging the structure. They can also release hot air trapped in the attic of a structure to help provide a cooler living environment beneath the attic space. Ventilation openings are also useful for releasing built-up condensation in the structure.