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Residential structural software

Residential structural software

Residential structural software

(OP)
Has anyone got a recommendation for structural design software that's set up for residential (stud walls, i-joist floors, truss roofs, lvl and steel beams) framing?  

I currently use Enercalc for the beams and joists and ACAD for the drawings.  I would like to find a program that reads an ACAD drawing and can analyze the structural members.

Thanks.

RE: Residential structural software

www.optiframe.com

It has been developed by truss-joist and mitek software.  The license is expensive.

RE: Residential structural software

Have you checked the Ram Systems and RISA websites? They advertise wood framing capablities, but I have not looked into their software. WoodWorks is a popular program. Enercalc's web site says they are coming out with a major new software. Their current package is dated, and not very good for wood, so we are using mostly Excel spreadsheets for wood design.

RE: Residential structural software

I would not recommend RISA for wood, though it is very good for analysis and steel design.  I can't say for sure but if you want the ability to import a dxf file for analysis then you are probably looking at more expensive software than Enercalc.  Wood works is written to conform with the NDS.  It might be worth a look.  I've never used it myself.

http://www.woodworks-software.com

RE: Residential structural software

UcfSE

Can you say why you would not recomment RISA for wood?  I need to design a wood framed structure and I was planning to use RISA.

RE: Residential structural software

For usual applications it's ok for wood.  You have a lot of choices for species but you cannot put in built-up members, such as a double 2x4 post or a built-up beam.  It may be that my company just doesn't have the latest version but the code it uses is the 1991 NDS, a bit out dated.  Other than the old code and the problem with doing something other than a single member, RISA works ok with wood.  Anytime I have needed to design something with wood these always bugged me.

RE: Residential structural software

(OP)
Thanks for the replies.  I will look into optiframe.  I've used RISA and found it OK but not what I wanted.  I will also try RAM and woodworks.

Thanks for the help.  

RE: Residential structural software


The latest version of RISA supports 2001 NDS, multi-ply sections (3-2x4, etc.) and Structural Composite Lumber.

RE: Residential structural software

Hey, everyone missed one of the simplest, yet best, software for residential design . . . StruCalc.  There is effectively no learning curve, the cost of the software is quite reasonable, and you will find it useful on at least 80% of your residential work.
By the way, I have no relationship with StruCalc, but I have been using it since version 1, and obtain every upgrade.

Refer to  www.strucalc.com

RE: Residential structural software

We use strucalc as well and find it good, except for use with vertical loads only on footings.
Thanks
Geoff

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