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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 555
Location: SW Ohio
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 Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2004 6:26 am Post subject: OT: Beam Design Software |
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Okay - First post on the new forum and it's off-topic. Sorry.
I am wondering what small offices are using for their beam design. I have Virtural PC 6.1.1 running Window XP Professional. So I should be able to handle any of the programs out there.
I normally do things by hand, but would like to use something for loads more complex then the normal uniform load simple span. I use my design (calculations) during Schematic design/DD's, then trot the design over to my structural engineer for final design, when necessary. Hey ... I can design a simple steel beam, but dang I don't want to struggle with multple uniform loads with point loads.
I give up on the programs from micro-lam manufacturers, because the reps NEVER stay in touch with us to keep things current - including catalogs. (NOTE: PET PEEVE).
Anyway.... what are you using and your thoughts.
Dual 864 G4 Tower
768 RAM
MAC OS 10.3.4 |
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John Cruet
Joined: 30 Apr 2004
Posts: 284
Location: Guilford, CT
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| Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2004 8:07 am Post subject: |
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I've been using TJ-Beam.
It's free, and once the reps know you are out there for their sales pitch, they will check in once in a while to ensure that you are kept up to speed.
Alternatively, you can order this through Trus-Joist's (Weyerhauser's) website.
I find it crawls on Virtual PC, but, at least, you get the results. Your patience will be rewarded. 
_________________
John Cruet
G4/733 w/1028 mb RAM & OS 10.4.10, Classic-free, skuzzy-free (runs PC7)
MacBook Pro 2G Intel core duo 2 gig RAM & OS 10.5.4.
PowerCadd 8, WT 9
Canon iP710 printer
www.johncruet.com |
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patrickm
Joined: 13 Apr 2004
Posts: 322
Location: santa barbara, ca
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 555
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2004 10:09 am Post subject: |
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John, Thanks. I have an old copy of TJ Beam (6.02) that won't load and is out of date. I just have to track down a newer copy. Unlike you the reps don't revisit us. Probably why I don't accept catalogs very often. IF they don't have a website, I don't specifiy them. Most products are now web-based thank goodness. I call the reps in for project specific issues. They seem more focused on contractors then architects or very large firms. (I am one person)
Patrick, Thanks for the link, unfortunately the discussion is about FrameMac only and does not really get into anything specific. Plus Frame Mac seems (according to their website) to be more about structural framing systems. I just want to design the occasional beam.
So, if you are using something what is your experience. I am not looking for something as complex as FrameMac. Does anyone have experience with BeamChek? What other Mac based structural programs are out there, if any. A links page to product developers would be great for the forum to set-up for inquiries such as these. |
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robmunach
Joined: 26 Apr 2004
Posts: 20
Location: Pittsboro, NC
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| Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:31 am Post subject: |
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Frame-Mac is the best beam/2D frame program that you can get on any platform.
Take Care,
Rob
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Rob Munach, PE
Excel Engineering |
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patrickm
Joined: 13 Apr 2004
Posts: 322
Location: santa barbara, ca
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| Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:35 am Post subject: |
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I use FrameMac for simple beams, continuous beam, frames, complicated loading patterns, etc - it does all of this. It's easy to use and fast, but unfortunately, only runs in Classic.
A year or so ago, I tried some demos of other programs (who's names I can't think of) and came to the conclusion that I liked FrameMac more. (I think Dr. Beam might have been one.)
Besides FrameMac, I also use my (now 20 year old) HP41cv calculator with the structural pac plug-in module.
You might peruse the macintosh products guide to see what's available these days:
http://guide.apple.com/index.lasso
Let us know if you find something slick -- FrameMac is my last Classic application and I would love to be 100% OSX. |
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patrickm
Joined: 13 Apr 2004
Posts: 322
Location: santa barbara, ca
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Rob C
Joined: 14 Apr 2004
Posts: 532
Location: Southern Connecticut
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| Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 9:02 pm Post subject: |
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| patrickm wrote: | | Besides FrameMac, I also use my (now 20 year old) HP41cv calculator with the structural pac plug-in module. |
Hey, I have one of those too. I haven't used it in a long time though.
I also use FrameMac, and my own worksheets in Excel. Anything you can do on a pad of paper with a calulator, you can do in Excel. That's how I did mine.
I also discovered for simple spans this interactive page on the American Wood Council web site:
http://www.awc.org/calculators/NetscapeWarning.htm
Rob |
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 555
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 5:18 am Post subject: |
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So far in my search for a simple beam program, I have found the following, either on my own or by input from the forum. Does anyone know of any others, including product-based programs.
It seems that the “Frame” programs are system-oriented, while the “Beam” programs are just that - for single-members. Is that a fair analysis?
I hope this helps others.
Mac-Based
Dr. Beam by Dr. Software
www.drsoftware-home.com
Programs include:
Dr. Frame 3D ($ 899.00)
Dr. Frame ($ 399.00)
Dr. Beam Pro ($ 89.00)
The demo uses Classic.
Frame Mac and Beam Mac by Compuneering
www.compuneering.com
Programs include:
Programs include:
FRAMEmac ($ 595.00)
BEAMmac2 ($ 345.00)
BEAMmac ($ 145.00)
The website states these programs use Classic.
There is also SimpleSpan/Backspan ($95.00)
The website states that this has not been updated for more than 10 years, but is still available.
Virtual PC needed
BeamChek 2004 by AC Software
www.beamchek.com
Beamchek 2004 ($95.00)
There is a demo on the website. They also state they have Mac-based users who are using an emulation program.
TJI Beam for TrusJoist
www.trusjoist.com
You can request a free copy of their software that is based on their projects, which include TJI (wood I-joists), Parrallam, and Microllam.
A friend of mine uses a competitor’s program, which most of her clients use. |
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