First Structural Design Question
First Structural Design Question
(OP)
I am assigned a design for a 32x44' all steel canopy including decking. I have never done a structural steel design before, what exactly do I need to present to my boss (a civil PE)? I have estimates for dead and live loads, as well as base shear and wind uplift via ASCE 7. I also obtained a moment/shear diagram of the beam I plan on using. I am planning on using gussets to connect beams to 4'' columns and attaching the roof via purlins.
How do I determine appropriate connections, foundation depth, and materials to use? How do I make sure they can withstand the acceleration of an earthquake? What are some good resources for this stuff?
How do I determine appropriate connections, foundation depth, and materials to use? How do I make sure they can withstand the acceleration of an earthquake? What are some good resources for this stuff?






RE: First Structural Design Question
RE: First Structural Design Question
RE: First Structural Design Question
I once worked for a civil land development who felt that all areas of engineering could be performed using nomographs and charts because this is how they did all of their design (not all land development guys take this approach). But structural is not a field that lends itself to the lay person. All of us can figure it out, but it takes more than a one-time chance to pick up a book to figure it out. Your best bet is to kindly inform your boss that this is outside of your expertise and probably too complex to do on your own. Then go find a structural PE who can help you out. The size canopy you are talking about, the fee would be reasonable.
PE, SE
Eastern United States
"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi
RE: First Structural Design Question
RE: First Structural Design Question
Frame Geometry
Loads (Dead and Live), including wind (you'll need to research into wind loads on a canopy roof i.e. pressure coefficients)
Application of loads
Load combinations
Frame behavior i.e. deflections/bending moment diagrams/shear force diagrams
Member Analysis
Member Design
Support Reactions
Foundation Design (if applicable)
RE: First Structural Design Question
RE: First Structural Design Question
RE: First Structural Design Question
Structural Engineer, PhD
Structural engineering software
RE: First Structural Design Question
It's okay to do your own research before asking questions to your boss. I did that when I was a young engineer and was commended for my initiative. I don't have the latest AISC manual yet. But, the older one (black cover) came with a CD that had example of a full building design. Also, browse through your company's project directory and do a quick search on "canopy". I am sure you will find one or two projects that have already been worked out. Review the calcs for those projects and if you can't find any...try to find the engineers responsible for those projects. They should be able to guide you. Once again...it's okay to try on your own and impress the boss. At the same time it is perfectly alright to seek help from him/her. All the very best!
RE: First Structural Design Question
Dik