Using Structural Software Successfully
How well do you trust the results of your structural analysis software? Relying on software can save hours of design time, but using an inaccurate model can have devastating results. Even the most experienced engineer can stand to be reminded of potential inaccuracies when using structural software, especially with the many changes made to building […]
Resources for Wind Borne Debris Tested Assemblies
Wind-borne debris is without a doubt a very serious design consideration when approaching a storm shelter or safe room design. In every tornado or serious wind event, there are devastating images of the effects from upturned trees, 2x4s, cars, and even large fuel tanks. Designing for such impacts can be daunting, and present day engineering […]
Rules of Thumb to Double Check Software Results
How often do you double check your structural software analysis to be sure the results are accurate and expected? Just because the model shows all members pass the code check doesn’t mean the designer is off the hook to be sure the design is sound. Hand calculations and quick verity checks of the software results […]
Post-Tensioned Concrete vs. Reinforced Concrete
Using post-tensioned concrete may seem like a daunting task for engineers who are more comfortable with traditional reinforced concrete design. However, post-tensioned concrete certainly allows for designs that cannot be achieved with traditional mild steel reinforced concrete, and improvements in construction methods have eliminated previous problems with corrosion of the steel strands. PT concrete can […]
Tips for Designing with Post-tensioned Concrete
Have you wanted to jump into the world of PT design, but have hesitated due to a lack of experience on the subject? Typical undergraduate or even graduate engineering course work may offer a brief overview of PT design, but a thorough, in-depth education on this design method is not commonplace in most universities. However, […]
Analysis of Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors Near Abandoned Holes
Using post-installed adhesive anchors is commonplace in concrete construction and especially in renovations of concrete structures. However, field conditions can often dictate changes to the original design, and anchors are often relocated due to unforeseen circumstances. If you have been a design engineer for any length of time, you have undoubtedly encountered the situation where […]
Buckling Restrained Braced Frames – Schedule and Notes
For the seasoned seismic designer, Buckling Restrained Braced Frames may be a familiar structural system, however, some structural engineers may not be quite as familiar with their use. These prefabricated, or manufactured brace elements consist of a steel core and a buckling-restraining system, and they exhibit robust cyclical performance and have large ductility capacity. Their […]
New Design Approach Recommended for Chevron Braced Frames
Chevron braced frames are popular among steel frame design engineers due to the convenient nature of their flexible geometry which allow for wall openings and movable workpoints along the frame beam. The connections of such configurations are typically left to a contracted connection designer who, in the past, has considered these gusseted bracing connections to […]
What’s the difference? OMF vs IMF vs SMF
Are you able to quickly recall the different code requirements for Intermediate Moment Frames and Special Moment Frames? For many engineers who don’t design in seismically active regions every day, anything beyond a standard R=3 seismic design might require some study on the current requirements for drift and strength design in moment frame construction. However, […]
The Chevron Effect – Useful Resources for EORs
Do you often utilize chevron braced frames in your steel building designs? The flexible geometry of a chevron brace makes these configurations very common because of the ability to shift the workpoint of the bracing connection along the length of the frame beam; thus allowing for wall openings in the structural wall. However, the Chevron […]