Posts Tagged flanges
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.
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.
