I haven't used the AISC 13th Edition at all yet for design, I'm still using ASD 9.
Today I've tried to understand Section E5 concerning Single Angle Compression Members. Their logic for x-axis buckling makes a lot of sense, but it seems the new design procedure is based on equations E5-1...
I'm reviewing the design of several truss conveyors constructed from angles. These have been modeled and solved using Multiframe. There are no gusset plates in these trusses, the angles are welded together by overlapping the legs and welding, creating an eccentrically loaded connection...
I am currently reviewing a design of an aggregate bin (for the storage of sand and gravel) using the ACI 313-97 specification to calculate material pressures on the bin and hoppers. This bin is an existing design that I've been told has not shown any problems in the past but my calculations...
About a year ago I found a website that had a formula for sizing an x-brace that would be equivalent to a plate for in-plane forces. I can't find where I filed this and can't locate it on the web again. Since my structural analysis software (Multiframe) doesn't have a plate element this...
I've been waiting for the new Salmon and Johnson text to come which was to be in April, but now has no projected date. Does anyone know of another text based on the new code? I'm still using ASD9th and am interested only in the ASD part of the new spec.
I currently use my own program...
I used to do a lot of programming with VB for miscellaneous structural and mechanical engineering problems. For the last two years I have been doing more of this work with Mathematica but still think that there are things better done with a procedural language like VB. I am not a formally...
I work for a concrete plant manufacturer and design agg bins, cement silos, and related support structures that could be located anywhere in the US. Occasionally we are asked for stamped drawings in which case we go to an engineer registered in the appropriate state and have them review our...
Over the years I have always use ladders with 12" rung spacing. However the height required of a ladder is seldom an even increment of 12" so there will be an odd dimension on either the top or bottom and I can't remember which it should be, and I can't find it in any documentation I have on...
We are experiencing vibration problems with one of our mixer platforms. The mixer weighs about 15 kips and the contents are about 20 kips. This customer is apparently mixing a very wet batch and is getting a sloshing effect that rocks the machine up and down 1/8" (0.25" total) on each side in...
Does anyone have experience with O-Matix?
I used to do a lot of programming with visual Basic but for the last few years have been using Mathematica CalcCenter. I actually do like CalcCenter but for larger programs it seems to take longer than it would have with Basic, in particular the...
A site that I have used quite a bit has moved. To lookup seismic data by zip code go to the following link:
http://eqint.cr.usgs.gov/eq-men/html/zipcode-06.html
This information is based on 1996 data which is good for IBC2000/2003, generally. I think someone here at eng-tips said that there...
I am new to Solidworks, just went through the training class, and am curious if anyone has any tips or good advice. I have used AutoCAD for 9 years but my real job is that of a structural engineer. I am the last one in the department to be going to Solidworks so there will be help available...
I need to support a 63' screw conveyor between two structures. Since there is a lower roof under where the conveyor will be going it would be difficult to design and install supports from below. It has been suggested that we use cables attached to one or both of the structures and hang the...
When I used Autocad Mechanical a few years back I think it had the ability to define a dimscale for specific areas, but I'm not to sure how it was done or even how to describe it. Since I frequently work on multi-sheet drawings of different scales I am constantly changing dimscales but many...
I have worked at two companies that tried to go from 2D CAD to Solidworks. One thing I've noticed is that the Solidworks techs seem to want to make a part number for everything including a drawing and bill of material entry. They explain that Solidworks needs to have a part number for every...
Several years ago I used Autocad that had a ballooning lisp program that I can't find now. Does anyone know of a good place to find another one of these along with other useful utilities. After using Autocad Mechanical I find the basic Autocad a little bit too basic.
Thanks,
-Mike
I'm sending out a drawing today that consists of base plate layouts and loads for cement silos, agg bins, and conveyors. Some are indoors and some are outside. Today it was suggested that should use kwikbolt type expansion anchors instead of bolts embedded in concrete. These are for a climate...
I am calculating foundation loads for several conveyors and am curious whether I should include seismic forces. These are for an area that used to be UBC zone 2. I have been told that no one else does this. Is there a special design spec for conveyors?
Thanks,
-Mike
I am currently working on a project that involves agg bins (elevated bins of sand and gravel,) conveyors, machinery platforms, and a drawing with anticipated foundation loads. This job was underbid and is falling behind schedule. Company management wants me to skip the calculations and just...
I just received a layout drawing of a 160' conveyor going from a hopper at the base to the top of a storage bin, and it is rigidly connected on both ends. When I worked with conveyor people years ago it was considered good practice to fix the conveyor at the base and provide a pinned link at...
