glulam beam analysis software

[efsinc]

hi,
Does anyone have a recommended software to analyze a grid line full of glued laminated girders with cantilevers, double cantilevers and drop in beams?
It'd be nice if it would calculate the volume effect factors. automatic Roof live load reductions based upon tributary areas would be nice too.

 

[OldPaperMaker]

efsinc,
If you are located in the western US Weyerhaeuser has their Forte 4.1 and Boise Cascade has BC Calc software.Both sizing programs are free and can be used to design Glue Lam Beams (GLB). I suspect that wood products suppliers that are located other areas of the country have similar software.
The Volume Factors are just a function of the size & span of the member and are found in the NDS package and part of the software.You will have to check with the tech support at the two companies about LL reductions. The link beam systems are a bit complicated so I would also check with tech support.

 

[efsinc]

Thank you. I'll check them out.

 

[jeffhed]

efsinc,
Be careful with Forte. It always assumes a fully braced beam for flexural calculations. For a flush beam that is ok, but for headers over large openings the program will not be accurate. Instead of allowing you to input an unbraced length and then calculating the appropriate CL adjustment factor, it simply returns a minimum required bracing spacing that is required for the beam to work. I have asked them multiple times why they don't provide this input in the calculations. They have told me that if you cant provide the bracing then you need a thicker member to prevent flexural buckling. We have created our own spreadsheet for wood beams, glulams, LVL, etc and only use Forte for floor joists or flush beams. I have attached one example where the bracing is required on a dropped beam. Be sure to read the entire report through to make sure you don't miss something like this.

 

[efsinc]

Thanks Jeffhed,
The CL calc, CV calc and live load determination on cantilevered situations seems to be the areas where software differs.