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Timber design

Timber design

Timber design

(OP)
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

RE: Timber design

"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

 

RE: Timber design

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

RE: Timber design

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

RE: Timber design

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

 

RE: Timber design

(OP)
Thank you all for your suggestions.

RE: Timber design

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.

RE: Timber design

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

RE: Timber design

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.

RE: Timber design

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.
 

RE: Timber design

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.

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