Mathcad Worksheets

[MindofBarca]

All,

My design firm is looking at switching between basic excel to Mathcad to preform our basic calculations. My big question is can Mathcad automatically choose functions for you. For instance, can you have a design worksheet set up for let's say Steel angle design; where you input all the loads and necessary criteria and given some angle properties will Mathcad choose the angle?

Maybe some input or if someone has a spreadsheet similar to this working that I could take a look at, I would be greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,

JReck

 

[desertfox]

Hi

Mathcad is like starting with a blank sheet of paper where you write down your own formula and variables.
I guess you could write a program in mathcad to do what you suggest in your post.

 

[BAretired]

I haven't seen any of his posts recently, but ishvaaag used Mathcad extensively and included output for a variety of structural problems, so I suggest you review a few of his posts for an idea of the format you might expect to see when using Mathcad.

BA

 

[IDS]

Mathcad is programmable, so it can do anything that can be programmed (as can Excel).

Whether Mathcad is the best tool for doing what you want I don't know, but the Mathcad forum (PTC: Mathcad) would probably be the best place to ask.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services

http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

 

[connectegr]

Our firm has used MathCAD for our connection design programs for nearly 20 years. We have had some issues with incompatible software upgrades. But, overall we are very satisfied. We have developed extensive programming language within the programs. We find the calculations much easier to follow and check, than the hidden calculations within Excel cells.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

Providing fabrication and erection efficient structural design of connections. Consulting services for structural welding and bolting.

 

[MindofBarca]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I will continue to look into this.

Connectegr would you be open to sharing a worksheet so I could see and get a hands on of how the functions are working?

 

[connectegr]

Sorry. If we ever work together on a project, the summary calculations only are provided.

The basic calculations are simple to understand. Variables are defined and formulas are written similar to a hand calculation. We have "hidden" calculations that iterate material thicknesses, weld sizes, bolt patterns, etc., to achieve a desired result. We also have routines that reference databases for AISC dimensions and properties, or calculate weld and bolt eccentricity coefficients. These have taken years to develop and are constantly changing/improving. We have metric/US calculations. Units are easy to handle within MathCAD. However, some given factors are unitless (but not really), so they can be confusing. We have incorporated multiple specifications; AISC 9th Edition-14th Edition (ASD/LRFD) and CISC 7th Edition-10th Edition.

Another advantage of this programming is consistency between designers. Often we have several engineers working on the same connection design project. Obviously there are several ways to "skin a cat". For example one may increase the weld length and another may increase the weld size. Our programming incorporates decades of fabrication/erection economy experience. While the engineer has significant freedom to manipulate the set-up. The goal is for all calculations and details to represent a similar design concept.

I can tell you that MathCAD can do far more that our firm requires. It is a great tool. And I am sure there a more efficient uses of the programs features. We tend to have tunnel vision when updating or developing a calculation. As a result we rely on previous calculation examples, when new methods may be available within the software. We are engineers, not programmers. Some of my staff have spend 100's of personal hours "tweaking" our calculations and "playing" with the software. The results have been reviewed by engineer's all over the country and any comments have also been incorporate or addressed.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

Providing fabrication and erection efficient structural design of connections. Consulting services for structural welding and bolting.

 

[connectegr]

Sorry, JReck... I am always available to discuss design concepts and interesting project concerns. But, our programs are held closely.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

Providing fabrication and erection efficient structural design of connections. Consulting services for structural welding and bolting.

 

[BAretired]

thread507-313250 is an example of a thread started by ishvaaag.

BA

 

[J1D]

You can embed a spreadsheet in MathCad for the sectional properties.