Composite Beam Analysis Programs 2

[msquared48]

Can anyone recommend any composite beam programs that will allow input of what steel, steel studs, and concrete is there, coming up with moment capacity and shear capacity? - set up for analysis as opposed to design.

I may need to analyze a series of composite beams done in the late 60's under the 6th edition of AISC for the addition of new equipment. Used WF steel beam sections with concrete fireproofing encasement.

I need one that's REAL user friendly.

Thanks.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[JoshPlumSE]

I think any of the composite floor system programs out there should be able to handle user defined studs and such. Though if the configuration doesn't meet current code minimums (for stud embedment and such) then the programs may refuse to do code checks for you.

 

[msquared48]

That's the thing that concerns me - the design called for 3/4" X 3" long studs in an 8" thick slab - no metal deck.

May just be better to assume non-composite action for present day codes.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[WillisV]

Excel...

 

[bookowski]

Agree with WillisV, set up an Excel sheet. Ram single beam will do flat slab on steel but I don't think they will have the historic shapes. TED's also has a free trial version of a composite beam designer, but again I think you'll have the same problems - go with excel and the AISC spreadsheet with historic shapes. The 3/4" x 3" studs should be ok for composite action. Not positive, I'd have to go back and check, but I believe that the only AISC requirements are length = 4 x stud diameter which you have and that the studs extend 1.5" above the deck which isn't a concern in your case.

 

[dcarr82775]

I am not sure I sure I actually updated it to the 13th Ed like it claims, but here is a spreadsheet

 

[saad73joss]

Hi,
Have a look on freeware called "ArcelorMittal Beams calculator", it may help you.
The code is Europeen but at least you have an idea...
Good luck

 

[msquared48]

dcarr82775:

Thanks. It looks like it only accepts current AISC shapes from their website. I can tweek the input though to a slightly smaller beam to be conservative. Thanks.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[SethGuthrie]

You can make custom shapes, and work with flat concrete slabs in RAM SBeam (or the full blown RAM Steel). The program still supports the ASD 9th edition and allows you to get beam capacity even when the stud configuration might not meet 25% minimum composite action.

 

[dcarr82775]

M^2,

I think you can overwrite the values for d, b, Tf, Tw, and A and it will work for whatever symmetrical shape you have.

 

[msquared48]

I tried, and it didn't seem like it would do it. I'll try again...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[Kato2100]

Has anyone has any luck with the CSC Fastrak free software for composite beam design and analysis? I have been using a REALLY old version of COMPBM from the early 90's. It is an old DOS based program that barely works on our newer machines (and obviously doesn't have provisions for the AISC 13th Edition. I am currently downloading the free software from CSC and am going to try it out. Any tips/tricks/comments are welcome.