Boost your BIM collaboration with new version of Tekla BIMsight
Becoming a part of the toolkit for construction professionals Tekla BIMsight continues to evolve and now offers improved collaboration tools for construction projects. As before, it is still the easiest BIM tool available for everyone in the construction industry to download and share over the Internet for free.
New features released today in Tekla BIMsight 1.3 make it even easier for project parties to find the relevant information from the various models and communicate the possible issues. The coloring function allows users to select colors for models or model objects, including transparency. The support for layers makes it easy to filter the relevant data and the support for units (SI and Imperial) makes the information easy to understand.
The current release continues to improve the collaboration aspect by introducing a way for Tekla BIMsight users to exchange notes in open BCF format. Tekla launched first version of this unique software application for building information model-based construction project collaboration in February 2011.
Tekla BIMsight success continues in the form of an ever growing user base of construction professionals and favorable reviews. Tekla is committed to offer the construction industry with the easiest BIM tool that should make it possible for any construction project to take on BIM and enjoy the benefits of timely project delivery and less RFI's.
"Tekla's mission is the same as before, to develop the construction industry towards the use of digital design tools and thus increase the efficiency of our customers processes and reveal their full potential." says Tekla Executive Vice President Risto Räty. Tekla BIMsight remains free and Tekla promotes it to be used for design coordination in all BIM projects - big and small.
Download Tekla BIMsight 1.3 software for free at www.teklabimsight.com.
Introducing the New SDWS Ledger Screw and SDWH Hex-Head Screw at DeckExpo, Booths 2221 and 2224
Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie has expanded its Strong Drive® SDW wood screw product line by offering two new screws that provide high-strength alternatives to through-bolting and traditional lag screws.
The new Strong Drive® SDWS screw is specifically designed for structural wood-to-wood applications, including securing deck ledgers. The low-profile, 0.22" diameter SDWS screw provides a safe, high-strength alternative to traditional lag bolts as well as higher loads than other lag solutions. The fastener features a patented 4-cut tip that eliminates pre-drilling and a unique thread design that provides superior holding power. The screw’s tan color blends in with ledger boards while its double-barrier coating protects against corrosion in preservative-treated wood applications.
The hex-head Strong Drive® SDWH screw is designed for structural and general-purpose fastening applications. The 0.195" diameter fastener requires less torque to install than comparable fasteners, which makes it easier to drive. The SDWH also features a corrosion-resistant coating to make it suitable for interior applications and exterior, preservative-treated wood applications.
Both the SDWS and SDWH are available in 3” to 10” lengths for a variety of structural fastening applications. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten or the Simpson Strong-Tie® booths #2221 and #2224 at DeckExpo in Chicago, October 13-15.
New DexxterTM Screws for Composite and Encapsulated-Composite Decking Launch at DeckExpo, Booths 2221 and 2224
Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie introduces its expanded line of DexxterTM fasteners for composite and encapsulated-composite decking. Now available in coated carbon steel, the new screws are designed to ease installation and offer a cleaner, less noticeable fastening solution.
The Dexxter screw’s trim pan head and patented thread formation reduce the mushroom effect common with traditional decking screws, resulting in a smoother clean-looking installation. It also features a Type-17 point that easily pierces composite deck boards for faster starts and a Quik Guard® coating to provide corrosion protection with many preservative-treated wood substrates.
The carbon-steel Dexxter screw is available in a variety of shades to match colors from leading composite decking manufacturers and is approved for use with the Trex® Transcend® decking and railing system. Customers also can choose stainless-steel Dexxter screws, which come in the popular 6-lobe version with optional painted heads.
Dexxter fasteners are offered in hand-drive options as well as collated strips for use with the Simpson Strong-Tie® Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving system. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/deckcenter or the Simpson Strong-Tie® booths #2221 and #2224 at DeckExpo in Chicago, October 13-15.
IES VisualAnalysisTM 9.0 – General Purpose Analysis and Design
VisualAnalysis is an easy to use structural engineering software package that automates the design of steel, wood, concrete, cold-formed steel, and aluminum to the latest codes and specifications. VisualAnalysis has a modern and intuitive user interface that simplifies modeling, analysis, design, and reporting.
Version 9.0 of VisualAnalysis has added over 30 new features and improvements. Topping the list of new features are: Steel Warping Torsion Checks, Graphical Bracing Locations, CAD-Like Selection Box, Automatic Patterned Live Loads, Design Checks for Dynamic Response, Improved Concrete Slab Design, Significant Performance Improvements, and more! For more information about the new features and improvements, please visit www.iesweb.com
Sale (up to 50%) on hundreds of Engineering Titles at ICC until October 31st
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Introducing Connectors for Cold-Formed Steel Curtain-Wall Construction
Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie has expanded its product offering for cold-formed steel applications by developing a new line of connectors for use with curtain-wall, steel-stud framing. Unlike other manufacturers’ offerings, the new line of slide and fixed-clip connectors has been engineered and tested to eliminate time-consuming calculations required of designers.
“Many other curtain-wall connectors are not tested to take into account the anchorage to the structure. Designers typically have to calculate this key connection manually, which can be complicated when considerations are made for eccentric and prying forces,” explained Randy Daudet, cold-formed steel product manager for Simpson Strong-Tie and industry expert with more than 20 years of experience.
Through comprehensive testing Simpson Strong-Tie has virtually eliminated these calculations by providing the connector’s load capacity and its attachment to the framing as well as its anchorage to the primary building. “By providing complete data for the entire connection system, designers save time and are reassured that all forces, including eccentric and prying forces, are adequately considered,” said Daudet.
The Simpson Strong-Tie® pre-engineered connectors accommodate many different bypass framing applications in stand-offs as large as 11 ¼". In addition, the new line includes connectors for head-of-wall and strut applications. All of the standard slide clips accommodate 1" of both upward and downward movement, equivalent to an L/360 live-load deflection for a 30' span. For deflections greater than 1", or stand-offs greater than 11 ¼", Simpson Strong-Tie can provide custom clips to suit most framing needs.
For more information and to download the new Connectors for Cold-Formed Steel Curtain-Wall Construction filer, visit www.strongtie.com/cfsclips.
IES ShapeBuilder 6.0 – Section Properties & Stresses
IES ShapeBuilderTM helps engineers work with custom member shapes calculat-ing structural properties of a cross section. ShapeBuilder will also perform stress analysis and reinforced concrete analysis.
ShapeBuilder will calculate geometric properties including section properties and structural properties that are difficult to calculate by hand such as torsional “J” and “Cw”. ShapeBuilder performs advanced stress calculations including mo-ments, shear, torsional effects, concrete section strength, and cracked concrete properties with user-defined reinforcing steel.
New in ShapeBuilder version 6.0 are stress graphs in the result view for better re-sult visualization, the ability to export custom shapes to VisualAnalysis, an im-proved FEA mesher that is faster and more robust as well as several other im-provements for easier modeling and analysis.
IES VisualPlate – Plate Bending and Slab Projects
IES VisualPlateTM helps engineers solve metal plate bending and concrete slab problems for models with complex or irregular geometries.
VisualPlate automates much of the work involved in finite element modeling, it will take care of the modeling details while the engineer specifies the locations, sizes and configuration of the structure. The software will analyze multiple load combinations applied to the structure to determine stress and displacements using the Finite Element Method (FEM).
VisualPlate has built in support for IBC 2006/2009 and ACI 318-08 code checks. Von-Mises stress criteria checks are performed for metal plates.
New NCEES Speakers Kits now available
NCEES has released a new Speakers Kit, with separate versions for engineers and
surveyors, to help promote the benefits of becoming licensed. Both versions are
available for download online at ncees.org/licensure/outreach.php.
The Speakers Kit has played a central role in NCEES outreach activities since its
introduction in 2003. Licensing board members and other professional engineers and
surveyors across the United States have used the multimedia presentation to explain
the licensure process as well as the benefits and responsibilities of licensure to
engineering and surveying students and young professionals.
“The best way to learn about licensure and its importance is from someone who knows
firsthand,” said Davy McDowell, P.E., NCEES associate executive director. “The
Speakers Kit is designed to make it easy for professional engineers and surveyors to
speak—and to get them in front of students to tell their stories.”
The new Speakers Kit for Engineers addresses key concerns of today’s students: how to
find a competitive edge in today’s job market and how licensure can prepare them for
the unknown. In addition to explaining the licensure system and the steps to becoming
a professional engineer, the presentation focuses on personal benefits:
- A P.E. is a member of a profession.
- A P.E. license opens career doors.
- A P.E. license commands a higher salary on average.
This message is also important for the other key audience of the Speakers Kit: working,
unlicensed engineers. “For those engineering disciplines that have a lower percentage
of P.E.s, we want to show how, even though they may not be required to hold a license,
there are very real benefits to doing so,” McDowell explained.
The new Speakers Kit for Surveyors, likewise, focuses on promoting licensure. Aimed at
college students and young professionals, the presentation describes licensure in
general, explains how to become a professional surveyor, and describes the exams used
for surveying licensure. The kit does not replace the National Society of Professional
Surveyors Speakers Kit, which was developed with support from NCEES to promote
surveying as a career to middle- and high-school students. Rather, NCEES created the
new kit to provide outreach materials that focused specifically on licensure.
NCEES designed the new Speakers Kit with greater flexibility in mind. Speakers can
add or remove content more easily. Slides can be customized for specific groups, such
as chemical or mechanical engineering students, or for a state’s specific licensure
requirements.
As part of its outreach efforts, NCEES also organizes Speakers Link, a network of
licensed engineers and surveyors who are available to talk to students and young
professionals about the licensure process—and how licensure has benefited their
careers. When NCEES receives a request for a speaker, it looks for a local Speakers Link
volunteer who can give the presentation.
“Our goal is to get new speakers, increase speaking opportunities, and ultimately build
greater awareness of the benefits and responsibilities of licensure,” McDowell said.
To download the NCEES Speakers Kit, request a speaker, or volunteer to be a part of
Speakers Link, go online to the Licensure section of ncees.org and click on Outreach.
IES Releases VisualShearWallTM 1.0 – Flexible or Rigid Shear Wall Systems
IES VisualShearWall allows engineers to easily model and analyze flexible,
rigid, or semi-rigid diaphragms with wood, steel, concrete, and masonry.
An easy to learn interface makes getting started in VisualShearWall fast.
Point-and-click modeling and loading allows the model to be setup quickly,
while the Project Manager provides real-time information on the status of the project. VisualShearWall utilizes the VisualAnalysis engine for fast analysis and high quality results, while automated FEA meshing of plate elements helps insure
excellent behavior of the model. IBC and ASCE 7 wind and seismic load combinations are automatically generated. VisualShearWall provides full-color, customizable reports for a professional look and easy reading.
For more information about VisualShearWall, visit www.iesweb.com
Strongwell Now Offers an Online Metric Design Manual
(Bristol, VA) One of Strongwell’s most useful online design tools, the Strongwell Design Manual, is now available in metric format for international customers. Design Manual users can now enjoy 24-hour access to the new metric manual containing conversions of the important information that Strongwell has provided design professionals for years. In the new Metric Design Manual, designers can find metric calculations for the properties, tolerances, elements of sections, load tables and safety factors of most of Strongwell’s fiberglass products, as well as access to CAD Blocks and MSDS documents.
To learn more or sign up to use the new Strongwell Metric Design Manual, visit www.strongwell.com/designmanual.
Tilt-Up Design Systems, LLC and Nemetschek Scia Introduce the First Integrated Engineering and Construction Software Bundle for Tilt-Up Concrete Construction
Tilt-Up Design Systems, LLC (TDS) and Nemetschek Scia announced today at the Tilt-Up Concrete Association’s 2010 Annual Conference the availability of a new software bundle that provides design-build firms, architects, engineers and contractors with an integrated whole-building solution for site-cast precast (tilt-up) construction.
The new software bundle links Nemetschek’s Scia’s Scia Engineer, one of the world’s premier 3D structural modeling and analysis programs, with TDS’s Tilt-Werks®, the only complete tilt-up wall panel design, detailing and estimating system. This interface provides an integrated workflow for tilt-up that links 3D building modeling, engineering analysis and design, with automatic wall panel design and drawings, reinforcing steel design drawings, placing drawings and cut lists, material quantity take offs and accurate cost estimates.
For more information on the Tilt-Werks, Scia Engineer bundle for tilt-up please visit www.TiltupBIM.com, or call TDS at, 407-833-4982, extension 204.
IES VisualAnalysisTM 8.0 – General Purpose Analysis and Design
VisualAnalysis is an easy to use structural engineering software package that automates the design of steel, wood, concrete, cold-formed steel, and aluminum to the latest codes and specifications. VisualAnalysis has a modern and intuitive user interface that simplifies modeling, analysis, design, and reporting.
In version 8.0 of VisualAnalysis we have added over 20 new features and im-provements. Topping the list of exciting new features are: Aluminum Design Checks per ADM 2010 specifications, simplified wall and slab modeling with Meshed Area “edge supports” and “edge results”, a vastly improved reporting sys-tem including Single-Member Reports, Significant Performance Improvements, and more! For more information about the new features and improvements in-cluded in VisualAnalysis 8.0 please visit www.iesweb.com/va
QuickMasonryTM 3.0 - All things masonry
QuickMasonry is a friendly software tool that engineers use to design masonry component. The QuickMasonry “Project Manager” offers the ability to design a whole series of lintels and walls, for a building in one project file, following the latest masonry design specifications.
In version 3.0 of QuickMasonry we have added support for MSJC requirements as well as several new features including; out of plane loading of beams/lintels, project notes, beams can have top bars, and we have improved dimensioning of beam load locations.
New Connector Eases Valley Truss Installation, Increases Uplift Capacity
Pleasanton, Calif. – Erecting or retrofitting valley trusses just got faster and easier for roof framers and truss installers with the introduction the Simpson Strong-Tie® VTCR valley truss connector. Installed on top of roof sheathing, or directly to the framing below, this single-sided valley truss clip eliminates the need to add a support wedge under the valley truss or to bevel the bottom chord to match the supporting roof pitch.
The VTCR connector installs after the valley truss has been set, a time-saving benefit for new construction as well as for retrofits in high-wind areas. The connector conveniently installs from one side with nails or with Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SD structural connector screws, the latter resulting in a nearly 30 percent increase in uplift capacity.
“With the introduction of the VTCR, Simpson Strong-Tie has addressed the need for a valley truss connector that doesn’t install under the valley frame as well as one that only requires front-side fastening,” explained Stan Sias, Simpson Strong-Tie national manager for the Plated Truss Industry. “The VTCR also has a wider pitch range and uses fewer fasteners than its predecessor, and it has been load rated for Simpson Strong-Tie SD-9 screws as well as for nails.”
The VTCR can be installed on either beveled or non-beveled bottom chords and is clearly marked for fast setup of pitches from 0:12 to 12:12. For more information about the VTCR truss connector, visit www.strongtie.com.
ESAB Introduces Atom Arc 7018 Acclaim with Improved Out-Of-Position Characteristics
Florence, SC – ESAB Welding & Cutting Products introduces Atom Arc 7018 Acclaim. The newest addition to the Atom Arc line of stick electrodes, Atom Arc Acclaim offers the same drive and dig of ESAB’s popular Atom Arc stick electrode with improved weld puddle control resulting in easier out-of-position welding.
Atom Arc 7018 Acclaim provides the deep, penetrating arc and tough mechanical properties of the original Atom Arc 7018 with excellent control in out-of-position welding applications, greater weld puddle control and greater arc initiation. The new electrode also features excellent ease of use for both novice and experienced welders, a wide operating range and minimal clean up. It meets E7018H4R classification.
With more than 100 years of experience, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is one of the world’s largest and most skilled manufacturers of welding and cutting equipment and welding filler metals. Ensuring customer satisfaction, a wide range of ESAB products carry the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Recognized as the technological leader in the industry, ESAB is committed to providing customized solutions for their customers. For more information on the company, visit www.esabna.com or call 1-800-ESAB123.
StrucSoft Solutions’ Component Management Software addresses DSTV ‘missing link’ between structural steel detailing and fabrication
CNC software takes clean-up, guesswork out of producing accurate DSTV files used by steel fabrication machines
Montreal, Quebec, Canada – June 10, 2010 – StrucSoft Solutions today launched its Component Management Software (CMS v5.0), a 2D/3D graphical application for creating, viewing, editing and managing DSTV-CNC files commonly used by structural steel fabrication machines such as Peddinghaus, Ocean Machines, Controlled Automation, Burlington Automation and Ficep. CMS automatically clean up DSTV file inconsistencies, helping fabricators and steel detailing firms reduce labor costs, increase throughput, and meet compressed project schedules. CMS is available as a standalone or plug-in for Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, and MBS.
The Problem of DSTV
DSTV is a widely-used public Numerical Control (NC) file format specifically for communicating design information with CNC machines used for structural steel component fabrication, including beam lines, drill lines, coping machines, single lines, plate-cutting tables, and plasma machines. Although DSTV is a well established format, there are variations in DSTV interpretations. Steel detailing software programs all produce slightly different variations of the DSTV NC file, and CNC machine vendors also have different interpretations of how the DSTV file should be written and organized. Therefore, either the fabricator or steel detailing firm must spend time cleaning up the DSTV files so that the CNC machines can read them properly.
CMS is a graphical application that makes it easy to immediately spot and fix DSTV file inconsistencies. For shops using 3D modeling programs that do not create DSTV files, such as Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, and MBS, CMS will generate accurate DSTV files directly from these programs. CMS can also be used as a standalone tool, allowing users to define the steel part directly in CMS and produce the required DSTV file, as well as a DXF drawing file, which the detailer can then dimension and print.
“CMS fills the missing link between steel detailing and fabrication,” commented Spencer Murray, VP Operations at StrucSoft Solutions. “For large shops, it can save considerable time and labor by eliminating file inconsistencies. For smaller shops, the recent introduction of inexpensive CNC equipment, combined with the ability to create DSTV files with CMS, affords them an opportunity to compete for jobs without a huge investment.”
For pricing information contact info@strucsoftsolutions.com or call +1 514-731-0008
Metal-Wood-Framing Professional Software Now Available for Autodesk Revit Architecture and Structure 2011
StrucSoft Solutions’ light gauge metal and wood framing solution automates stud design and manufacturing in Revit BIM environment
Montreal, QC, Canada June 2, 2010 -- StrucSoft Solutions today announced that its MWF Professional software now supports Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011 and Revit Structure 2011. MWF is a template-driven extension to Revit that streamlines design, shop floor drawing production, and manufacture of light gauge metal and wood framing.
MWF Professional provides framing designers, engineers, builders, contractors and fabricators with the tools required take on serious metal or wood framing projects. The software is both a template as well as rules-based driven application that recognizes Revit walls, doors, windows and openings. It automatically generates stud arrangements, panel numbers, sheathing, shop drawings, Cut Lists and CNC output.
Other capabilities of MWF Professional include:
- Designing on-the-fly within Revit Structure
- Comprehensive library of Simpson Strong-Tie connectors
- Wall-frame-to-wall-frame joint creation interface
- Automated framing of floor and roof openings
- MEP clash detection with automatic opening and framing creation
- Ability to define framing conditions for any size and type of opening with User-defined rules that supplement wall templates
For more information on MWF Professional please see www.strucsoftsolutions.com/imageG/mwf/mwfpro.pdf.
Pricing and Availability
Software is available now. For pricing information contact info@strucsoftsolutions.com or call +1 514-731-0008
iCAPTM, Pile Capacity by Signal Matching
Pile Dynamics, Inc has announced it will be enhancing its flagship instrument, the Pile Driving Analyzer® (PDA), with the iCAP software.
Up to now the Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) has calculated capacity at the time of the test solely by the Case Method. A CAPWAP® analysis, performed after the conclusion of the test, yields the ultimate bearing capacity. iCAP represents an improvement - it is instant signal matching based on the widely accepted CAPWAP logic. “iCAP instant signal matching leverages 40 years of continued improvement and development of the globally-accepted CAPWAP logic”, declared Garland Likins, the president of Pile Dynamics. With no user interaction, iCAP will extract the soil behavior from dynamic measurements, compute capacity by signal matching, and produce a simulated static load test graph, all in real time during the pile test.
For more information visit www.pile.com