Posts Tagged engineering software
Methods for Measuring Bending Stresses in Structural Engineering
Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering, Latest News on September 1st, 2008
Measuring bending stresses is an important part of structural engineering. Measuring bending stresses determines how much load a structure can support before it fails. Building structurally sound projects is the ultimate goal of successful structural engineering.
Measuring Bending Stresses
Measuring bending stresses requires determining the average amount of force exerted on an area that results in distortion or failure of the material. Understanding these values is crucial in determining the limits of construction materials.
Methods for Measuring Bending Stresses in Commercially Available Construction Materials
With the advent of new composite materials, measuring bending stresses has become a crucial ongoing investment of research dollars for scientists and engineers. One of the newest methods of measuring bending stresses is the use of piezoelectric PVDF (polyvinylidene-fluoride) film sensors.
Researchers have reported that a 25 µm thick PVDF strip used as an embedded interfacial stress sensor on aluminum and composite beams adequately measures bending stresses of the building materials. Engineers have also used these PVDF strips to measure other forces such as interfacial stresses and the adhesion strength of laboratory recreated layers of ice that might occur on the outside of a structure once constructed.
Another method of measuring bending stresses is to clamp gauges at key points of an existing structure to measure the bending moment of different types of materials used in the structure. By studying this data, scientists can learn vast amounts of information about the bending behavior of different construction materials once they are used in the field. This method also allows engineers to measure bending stresses over an extended period of time, allowing researchers to factor in other variables such as weather, corrosion, and alternating live loads.
Alternatively, engineers can measure bending stresses by attaching a hollow bar with strain gauges on its inner surface in a manner that allows part of the bar to move longitudinally along its axis with respect to the structure itself.
In Japan, researchers have experimented with measuring bending stresses in micro-cantilever structures by using a macro model using a micro-fizeau interferometer and the spatial fringe analysis method. Comparison of these test results with other measurements obtained from traditional gauge measurements shows that this method is effective in measuring bending stresses.
Other methods of measuring bending stresses indirectly are under consideration by the U.S. Patent Department and may revolutionize the way structural engineers study the measurement of bending stresses in the near future.
The Most Used Engineering Terminology Defined
Posted by Adam Wilson in Engineering Resources, Latest News on August 18th, 2008
The most used engineering terminology can be confusing to the average consumer. Understanding the common jargon used in structural engineering can help you communicate with your architect, engineer, or construction manager more effectively.
Beam
A structural member, usually horizontal, with a main function to carry loads cross-ways to its longitudinal axis. These loads usually result in bending of the beam member. Examples of beams are simple, continuous, and cantilever.
Beam-Column
This is a structural member whose main function is to carry loads both parallel and transverse to the longitudinal axis.
Cantilever
Cantilever refers to the part of a member that extends freely over a beam, which is not supported at its end.
Collateral Load
Collateral load is additional dead loads (not the weight of people and not the weight of the building itself), such as plumbing, duct work, ceilings, and other components of the structure.
Column
A column is a main vertical member that carries axial loads from the main roof beams or girders to the foundation parallel to its longitudinal axis.
Continuity
Continuity is the term given to a structural system describing the transfer of loads and stresses from member to member as if there were no connections.
Damping
Damping is the rate of decay of amplitude for floor vibrations.
Dead Load
Dead load describes the loads from the weight of the permanent components of the structure.
Deflection
Deflection is the displacement of a structural member or system under a load.
Dynamic Load
This type of load varies over time.
Footing
A footing is a slab of concrete under a column, wall, or other structural to transfer the loads of the member into the surrounding soil.
Foundation
A foundation supports a building or structure.
G-Type Joist Girder
A type of Joist Girder using joists located at panel points where diagonal webs intersect the top chord of the joist only.
Gable
A gable is located above the elevation of the eave line of a double-sloped roof.
Gage
Gage can refer to the thickness of a sheet of material or the distance between centerlines in a set of holes, usually perpendicular to the joist or joist girder.
Girder
A girder is the main horizontal member spanning between two main supports and carries other members or vertical loads within the structure.
Grade
The ground elevation of the soil.
Header
A member that carries other supporting members and is placed between other beams.
Hip Roof
A roof sloping from all four sides of a building.
Joist
A structural load-carrying member with an open web system which supports floors and roofs utilizing hot-rolled or cold-formed steel and is designed as a simple span member.
Kip
1000 pounds.
Live Load
Non-permanent loads on a structure created by the use of the structure.
Load
An outside force that affects the structure or its members.
Modulus of Elasticity (E)
The value is usually 29,000 ksi for structural steels and is also called Young’s Modulus. It calculates the slope of the straight-line portion of the stress-strain curve in the elastic range.
Moment
Moment is the tendency of a force to cause a rotation about a point or axis which in turn produces bending stresses.
Moment of Inertia (I)
A measure of the resistance to rotation offered by a member’s geometry and size.
Pitch
Pitch is the slope of a member defined as the ratio of the total rise to the total width
Reaction
Reaction is the force or moment developed at the points of a support.
Seismic Load
Loads produced during the seismic movements of an earthquake.
Shear
Forces resulting in two touching parts of a material to slide in opposite directions parallel to their plane of contact.
Span
The distance between supports.
Structural Steels
Steels suitable for load-carrying members in a structure.
Strut
A structural brace that resists axial forces.
Stud
A vertical wall member used to attach other structures, such as walls.
Torsion Loads
A load that causes a member to twist about its longitudinal axis. A couple or moment in a plane perpendicular to the axis produces simple torsion.
These most used structural engineering terminology definitions provide a baseline understanding of engineering jargon for the average consumer. Detailed definitions can be obtained from visiting a professional engineering website or professional journal.
Why Builders Prefer Structural Analysis Software
Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering, Latest News on August 4th, 2008
Structural design and residential construction are common tasks for the building contractor. A contractor, architect, structural engineer, or the consumer may take part in the structural design process. Residential construction is a complicated process, and many consumers and professionals turn to a structural analysis software program to assist with the structural design process.
Structural analysis software programs assist the purchaser with a wide variety of building design applications. Beam design, footing design, and column design are all included in quality structural analysis software.
The structural design of a building is critical to the structure’s stability. One misplaced column or beam can result in property damage, personal injury, or collapse of the building. Structural design programs assist the designer in creating a stable, attractive residential design that fits the needs of the consumer.
The structural design of a residential building is much more than a floor plan and aesthetic design. It is also a blueprint for a sound structure that is designed to withstand the forces of nature, the effect of the residents, and the ravages of time.
Structural Design and Residential Construction: From the Contractor’s Point of View
A building contractor values his or her time. A contractor works on a tight schedule and places enormous importance on meeting the needs of the consumer. An unhappy homeowner is bad for business. The majority of consumers hire a contractor with a set budget.
They want to get the most values out of their new home as is possible. Errors in the structural design of a residential construction project can be costly for both the contractor and the homeowner. Structural analysis software helps eliminate design errors before a single brick is laid or the first nail is driven.
Residential construction can be very stressful for the homeowner. Many homeowners can become finicky, demanding, or downright hostile during this stressful period. Last minute changes to the structural design of a residence equate more stress for the building contractor as well. With the use of a structural analysis software program, these last minute changes are quickly and easily integrated into the existing residential construction plan.
Structural Design and Residential Construction: From the Home-owner’s Point of View
Every homeowner wants a quality home that does not drain his or her bank account. Having realistic expectations about the structural design of a residence in relation to budget set for the residential construction helps reduce the stress level for the homeowner.
A structural analysis software program helps the consumer plan out the details of the structural design and evaluates the cost effectiveness of such a plan. Having a detailed residential construction plan also aids the homeowner in setting a realistic budge for the project.
A structural analysis software program helps eliminate problems in the structural design of the home and thereby reduces the cost of construction by eliminating the need for alterations during the construction phase.
Structural design and residential construction are completed more quickly and smoothly when the homeowners or building contractors decide to use a structural analysis software program.
The Features and Benefits of Structural Engineering Software
Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering, Latest News on July 27th, 2008
Structural design software has many features and benefits for builders, contractors, architects, and even the industrious homeowner. Structural design software is a useful tool that saves time and money for anyone involved in building or remodeling structures. If you are considering purchasing structural design software for your business or personal use, this review of the features and benefits of structural design software will help you determine if an investment in structural design software is right for you.
Features of Structural Design Software
Not every structural design software program is the same. Some structural design software is very basic while other programs have extra features. Some structural design software is geared toward professional architects, contractors, and builders, and other programs are better suited for the homeowner remodeling his or her own house. A good structural design software program has features that are suited for a wide variety of uses and is easy to use, right out of the box.
A well-rounded structural design software program includes footing design, column design, and beam design. Structural design software should also include features for wood construction, steel construction, and manufactured building supplies.
An exceptional structural engineering software program also includes added features like flitch beam design, hip and valley beam design, international building codes, laterally loaded column design, local building codes, multi- span analysis, rectangular and continuous footing design, sheer and moment diagrams, steel angles, and wide flange steel columns.
Benefits of Structural Design Software
You may be wondering who uses structural engineering software. Architects, engineers, designers, and builders all benefit from using structural engineering design software. Structural engineering students and homeowners remodeling their home can benefit from structural engineering software.
Structural design software saves users time by streamlining the structural design process. A good quality structural engineering software program includes building codes that apply to your specific geographical location. This feature saves time by eliminating the extensive research and double-checking that would otherwise be required without the use of structural design software.
Structural design software also saves money. Not only does it cut costs by streamlining the design phase of construction, it eliminates costly mistakes and last minute alterations in the design of a structure. Using structural design software also ensures that structures meet all building regulations , thereby eliminating fines and costly alterations to bring a structure up to code.
Structural design software saves builders, architects, engineers, and designers time and money. Be sure to check out the features of a structural design software program before purchasing it, to ensure it meets your design needs.
