Technical Specifications:

• Analyze and design continuous columns and beams of up to 15 spans/stories.
• Supports can be rigid, partially fixed or pinned. Beams on grade can also be modeled as well as cantilevered beams and columns.
• Beams can consist of multiple members allowing for the analysis and design “drop in” members that connect two spans.
• Beams are “strong axis bending” members, columns are axial force members that resist transverse loads about both axes.
• Codes checks are made per NDS 97 and include bearing, bending, shear, torsion, axial, deflection and time (duration factors are accounted for) considerations. Adjustments for moist use and repetitive use are also made as needed. Lateral torsional buckling can be accounted for by entering braced points for both the top and bottom flange.
• Shear deformation for I-beams is computed and designed for.
• Snow and wind loads can be entered directly or automatically determined by choosing a building code (UBC 97, BOCA 99, SBCCI 99) and entering a zip code.
• Loads include concentrated forces, linear and uniform loads and area/tributary loads. Forces can be offset from the member’s centerline causing a torque on the member.

• Database includes: dimensional lumber and heavy timber of various species and grades, spaced columns, I-joists, glulams, LVL, LSL, PSL for various manufacturers including the APA-EWS, Finn Forest, Rosboro, Georgia Pacific, Louisiana Pacific, Boise Cascade and Willamette. The database also includes customizable “user types” that can be set up easily by the user.
• Automatic live load patterning for multiple span beams (Beam Design module only).
• Reports are in Microsoft Rich Text Format which is recognized by Microsoft Word and nearly all word processors.
• Wizards guide you quickly through the program through a series of questions.
• U.S. and metric units available, including architectural notation.
• Printable graphics include: to scale geometry, loading, shear, moment, torsion, and deflection diagrams. Diagrams can be generated for a single load case, combination or for the entire loading envelope.