Simpson CFS Designer

[StrEng007]

Does anyone here use this program and would recommend it for built up beams, built up columns etc.?

Anyone recommend an alternate product?

 

[driftLimiter]

It has some standard built up profile arrangement that it tackles.

I quite like the software. It covers most of what I need for CFS design.
For other softwares I dont know of much, but there is AISI Win is pretty good I believe SCAFCO licenses a version of it for free.

There are alternatives I have used that are much less user friendly.
One by RSG Called CFS which is okayish for typical design, but quite useful for section analysis.

 

[StrEng007]

driftLimiter,
Can you design an entire residence using it? Beams, headers, columns, jambs, collectors, etc.?

 

[driftLimiter]

I think so yes.

It has modules for joists, headers (with jambs), general elements (columns collectors).

You might have to trick the modules via loading and support conditions for certain elements but it covers much of what you are asking for directly.

 

[StrEng007]

OK, great. Thanks for the input, driftLimiter!