SImple Structure software/program

[pakoman]

Hello all!
I've just registered, but this seems great.
Let me introduce myself: I'm a spanish Industrial Engineer working in the automotive industry, in conveying and transport systems within the production buildings.
I always encounter problems in structural analysis, and was wandering if anybody could help me find a simple program which could fit my needs.
The civil works/structure we provide is always subcontracted, and that leaves us in an unfavourable position as we have to beleive in our suppliers. Basically conveying systems are fixed onto the floor or else hanged from a platform either suspended from the ceiling beams or fixed to the ground by a "porticoe".
My purpose is that by introducing the load of the conveyors, the distance between porticoes or ceiling lattice, I could get information on the type of beam needed.
I know that it's difficult to find something so exact, but I'll be happy with anything which can help me, specially if it could be implemented on an excel sheet, or else it were freeware.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Don't they still teach a little beam theory to all engineers in college? Enough so you'd have a textbook that covered the simple cases at least?





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Ron]

pakoman...your issues are going to likely follow simply supported beam conditions.

Hand calculations will usually suffice for such conditions. As Mike said, a basic structural analysis text will cover this. You should have someone check your results, as it doesn't appear that you are familiar with such analyses.

With conveyor systems you might also have some dynamic structural conditions. A program to model such conditions won't be simple and you should have some instruction, guidance, and mentoring in such before you take off with it.

 

[pakoman]

Thanks to both!
First of all I must have explianed myself poorly, mainly because it was friday night nad I was about to go out to party.
During my studies I did have beam theory, in fact two different subjects, but they only covered 2D analysis, as 3D analysis was computer aided, and we only had a couple of practical lessons with a simple program.
My knowledge about structural analysis is moderate, but enough to make a static analysis of loads on 2D structures: porticoes, reticulated structures, articulated, etc.
The problem is mainly the 3D and dynamic conditions, which, in our conveying systems, we usually avoid to calculate by just considering an augmenting factor according to previuos experiences. Nevertheless, my duty amongst others, is really estimating project costs, project management,... so I really don't get in touch much with engineering development. That's why, as a way of controlling costs, I'd like to find a way of procuring an easy-to-follow method with which I can be sure that my supplier is not cheeting me (things still work this way).
Anyway, thanks for your help, after having submitted myn post I knew that it was going to be difficult. I ever I get to find a simplo tool for this I'll let you know.

 

[BigInch]

Won't you just have to hire a structural engineer to run the program. Outsourcing can be cost effective.

Going the Big Inch!

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

 

[cvg]

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=507

recommend you re-post this in the structural engineering forum for better response. See link above...

 

[BigInch]

I've got a spreadsheet with about a hundred beam load cases and some typical frame figures. Contact me at my webspace. You'll find the e-mail address at the bottom of the profiles tab.

Going the Big Inch!

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com