Software for Small Steel Frames

[jdonville]

All,

I would like suggestions for reasonably inexpensive (it's all relative, of course) and simple software to design steel frames/rings used to brace temporary earth excavations. Most of the software I have found during my trawl of the Internets seems to be oriented to vertical frames.

The frames are planar, but are oriented horizontally rather than vertically. We use standard US steel sections, and would like the option to specify the allowable yield stress for particular members.

Checks for lateral torsional buckling, web buckling/crippling and the like would be nice.

The ability to compute member deflections at non-nodal locations would definitely be a big help.

Suggestions for related or separate software analysis of bolted and welded connections would also welcome.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Jeff

 

[getsimple]

For frames with definite defined supports, I Like the Enercalc Fastframe software...but I am not sure if it will be revised for the latest codes such as the 2006 IBC.

For your need of a closed structure (say a rectangle) with EFP loads "pushing" inward... perhaps you could get an "envelope of reasonable maximum stresses" by using the Fastframe software with two different models of supports (say at the corners...and then at the middle of the straight sides).

Hope this helps!

 

[wikidcool]

I'm not sure, but it sounds like RISA 2D might do what you're looking for...

You can orient and load the frame however you want (so long as it's planar, 3d is avail. if it's not), there is steel section databases built in, you can specify whatever yield strengths you want, and you can tell it to run numbers (like deflection, stress, etc) at evenly spaced intervals between nodes (for example, 1/5 points or 1/10 points, etc)

They make you contact them for pricing, and it's been awhile, but I'm thinking it's somewhere around 350-600 bucks (don't hold me to that though

http://www.risatech.com

 

[jdonville]

All,

Thanks. I downloaded the Enercalc Fast Frame aff the internet, but it was just too unstable and I could never sort out how to apply a section shape and material.

I am trying the Freeware version of Robot Millenium v20, and I am expecting a demo of S-Frame to arrive shortly. I will let you know how it goes!

Regards,

Jeff

 

[jdonville]

All,

As promised, I am following up.

I confess that I have not yet tried the S-Frame demo that I received - mainly because of the initial cost of the entry-level version of the product. The ROBOT Millenium software that I am using is sufficiently functional and (currently) free.

Additionally, for the small structures that I am working with, I have concluded that performing manual and/or spreadsheet-based code checks is not burdensome enough to be worth purchasing a separate or add-in package.

Jeff