software advice
software advice
(OP)
my current job right now we use risa 2d and 3d to solve frames. To do simple beam analysis we use struc calc. To be honest with you, I hate struc calc because of these reasons:
1. Can only analyze up to 3 spans
2. The load input is not very efficient (cant input load to all span all at once, hard to do traezoid load)
I am thinking about getting a different beam analysis software instead of struc calc. Any suggestions? I like the way you input the load values on risa but it will take forever to set up model to just do a simple beam anaysis. Also the new program must have :
1. steel member
2. LVL member
3. lumber
1. Can only analyze up to 3 spans
2. The load input is not very efficient (cant input load to all span all at once, hard to do traezoid load)
I am thinking about getting a different beam analysis software instead of struc calc. Any suggestions? I like the way you input the load values on risa but it will take forever to set up model to just do a simple beam anaysis. Also the new program must have :
1. steel member
2. LVL member
3. lumber
Never, but never question engineer's judgement






RE: software advice
Does it really take that long to model a beam in RISA 2-D? I used that in college and I don't remember it that well? I prefer RAM Advanse for analysis.
Do you need it to design as well or just for analysis? I am just wondering why the material types are important if you are only looking for analysis.
RE: software advice
Never, but never question engineer's judgement
RE: software advice
RE: software advice
Does most of what you want and at $150 - pretty cheap. Does up to three spans - after that not much changes. Does steel, LVL and wood and you can input custom values if needed.
Or try "beams" at www.archoneng.com. Doesn't do wood
RE: software advice
I have a spreadsheet set up to check steel beams based on the data output from Sizer.
RE: software advice
If you have a trapezoidal load that starts in one span and stops in another, it can be put in once and the program breaks it into pieces for pattern loading automatically. The loads are immediately visible on the beam below the input, and they reflect relative magnitude to one another so it's easy to spot incorrectly entered loads as you go.
RE: software advice
With actual project problems, simply open the appropriate file and adjust a few things like spans, loads, etc.
Pretty quick.
There may be other programs (like the ones above) that are specifically tied into continuous beam analysis that might go faster on average. We used to use a program called Ecom (by some firm in Milwaukee) that was very fast and simple to use - only did analysis at the time, but alternated live loads and gave all the shear/moment results.
RE: software advice
RE: software advice
RE: software advice