Timber design

[euranian]

Hi All,

I am going to start my career in Timber Design. I would like to know which is the best software for Timber Design. I don't have any building codes for wood structure. Is there any link from where I can download?

Thank you

 

[msquared48]

"Woodworks" for larger structures. I use "BeamPro" for smaller situations.

As for the codes, there is the IBC, the AITC, the APA, the Douglas-Fir Use Manual just to name a few.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[hawkaz]

If you are just starting in timber design- Don't use any software until you know what you are doing. I would recommend running your calcs by hand (it's not that complicted) until you can recognize a bad answer when you see one.

Get a copy of the NDS for Wood Construction in addition to what msquared listed

 

[csd72]

timber design is much quicker by hand most of the time.

 

[msquared48]

What csd says is true.

You tend to get a lot of splinters, but you do fet a good feel for the work.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[euranian]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

 

[RockEngineer]

I like StruCalc for sizing joists, girders, rafters, etc. It is fairly easy to use and inexpensive.

For reports and hand calcs I use mathCAD. It makes it easy to see the equations and check your work.

 

[dik]

For timber design (timberframe, and not dimensioned lumber housing design), it's likely easier to develop a series of spreadsheets or mathcad programs to do the work. Connections tend to be repetitive and of half a dozen different types.

Dik

 

[a2mfk]

Agree with Hawkaz until you get your sea legs. I used my own mathcad templates when I started out, by the time I wrote a template I had it down pat. Now I use Enercalc which has a lot of fairly simple design modules for everyday member design.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Learn to do it by hand FIRST - like suggested.

There is APAwood, SPIB, etc, etc websites.

I like BeamChek (spelling is correct) for dimensioned lumber and Microlams, Paralams, etc.

 

[abusementpark]

BuildingWorx 2011 is good program for overall building analysis for wood structures, both gravity and lateral.

The program is still in its infant stages with capabilities and user friendliness, but I have still found it very useful. It is very similar to RAM Structural System, but for wood structures.

Obviously, I should echo others concerns about understanding wood design by hand before diving into computer analysis.