Beam/Joist/Framing Software Latest and Greatest Choices

[engxxx]

Hi, All, I know there has been past threads on this but I'm looking for an update please. I used to use Strucalc which was fine for what I needed but when they switched owners and were able to negate/cancel legally paid for and licensed software and wanted to force monthly fees, well, it's unthinkable that they somehow got away with it. I will never use them. So, I'm looking for options, any thoughts on BeamCheck or Woodworks? Thanks!

 

[XR250]

Hmm, looks like Vitruvius has renamed their stuff back to Strucalc.
That's good, because "The Vitruvius Project" was a really dumb name for software IMHO.

 

[phamENG]

Woodworks is great for the price. If you can put up with the limitations, Forteweb is free and really easy to use.

 

[milkshakelake]

Another nomination for Woodworks and Forte. Woodworks is really cheap.

Or just spreadsheets for your specific cases. For example, I use DF No 2, similar loading, and similar factors (things like temperature factor and incising factor) for a lot of things, so it's built into a quick spreadsheet that's faster than using software. Basically just need to input the span and size. Will probably add VBA into it for automatic sizing one day.

 

[jerseyshore]

StruCalc used to be pretty good but then they botched the new program. Even tho they just switched the names back it doesn't matter, same trash.

I've never used woodworks but between Forte and Enercalc you can design pretty much any single member except flitch beams.

 

[CURVEB]

I think Enercalc does flitch beams now. They did a pretty big overhaul a year or so back and made a bunch of improvements that may be worth checking out.

 

[Celt83]

What calculations do you want to accomplish?

For just wood beam/post design Woodworks is a good value and one of the cheapest product offerings. Forte will cover products sold by Weyerhauser but note they do not consider creep in their deflection calculations.

If you want a full general suite as much as I rag on them Enercalc can fit that mold just make sure you validate each module you plan to use as they have/had some issues. A nice alternative to Enercalc is the suite of products provided by the IES folks they still offer a perpetual license model as well, Link. Some other offerings that I don’t have much experience with are ClearCalcs and Skyciv.

For anchorage Hilti/Dewalt/Simpson have their offerings, be mindful that they check the anchors only and do not indicate if allowable bearing stress is exceeded nor do they desing the actual base plates.

If your company subscribes to the Autodesk AEC collection for Revit the you also have access to Robot. Robot is an absolute chore to learn how to use but if you have the access can be worth the effort as it has some strong points.

 

[XR250]

I use my calculator for most. Spreadsheet for flitch beams. For more complex situations, I use a 30 year old 2-D frame program on my Mac. Also, BC Calc or Forte or their span tables for I-joist situations.

 

[jerseyshore]

I used the Enercalc flitch plate module somewhat recently but it wasn't as good as the StruCalc one. But maybe they updated it since then. I'll have to check.

Following up on Celts comment, Hilti Profis will do baseplate design if you turn that on.

 

[JMASE]

Just worked on first wood project with ClearCalcs. One great feature is the ability to easily link a previous calculation's results (e.g. reactions) for input as loading for the subsequent supporting member. It keeps track of the different loading types (D, L, S, etc.) for the reactions so that the right load combinations can be applied for next calc. That's a time saver.

 

[JStructsteel]

Enercalc also does 2D frames, checks steel and wood ratios.

 

[manstrom]

I use Forte and Enercalc. I have used Beamchek with success. I've used Woodworks, but it didn't do anything that Forte couldn't do

I also use and write a lot of excel spreadsheets for shear walls and random things.

The online AWC web app for connection design. It is hard to beat.