Load Generator and Distributor
The Load Generator and Distributor tool uses the dimensions and load specification for a building to calculate the lateral wind and seismic forces according to ASCE 7 “Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.” The following design codes for development of lateral forces and snow loads are now included in the Load Generator:
- IBC 2021 and ASCE 7-16
- IBC 2018 and ASCE 7-16
- IBC 2015 and ASCE 7-10
- IBC 2012 and ASCE 7-10
The lateral forces are distributed between floor levels and the shear walls at that floor level. The method of distribution considers either rigid or flexible floor diaphragms, while considering torsional effects when rigid diaphragms are selected. Output can be exported directly into the X-Brace Shear Wall design module or into an Excel spreadsheet.
The load generator input is split into 5 input tabs including: Building Data, Wind Data, Seismic Data, Snow Data, and Shear Walls Data. The Building Data tab includes the Loading Code, building location and geometry.
SteelSmart System Basic
Choose from a wide-variety of common curtain wall applications, such as bypass, infill, spandrel, parapet, and opening conditions. Complete the assembly with TSN's connections and Hilti's fasteners.
Optimize load bearing stud elements in low and mid-rise structures. Select fromStandard sections or the optimal SigmaStudsection.
Shear wall design is simplified with the power of SSS 7. Newly added special seismic design requirements provide clients with multiple design options.
Choose from TSN'sPrimeJoistor Standard sections to quickly select a steel-framed floor system.
Design roof rafters and joists quickly and easily with SteelSmartSystem's Roof Module.
Select from a variety of common trusses, or create your own truss to design the members, connections, fasteners, and lateral bracing elements.
Simplify and optimize the design and construction of a short wall or half wall in residential and commercial cold formed steel framing.
SteelSmart System Advanced
Lateral Load Generator/Distributor
The Lateral Load Generator/Distributor tool uses the dimensions and load specification for a building and calculates the total lateral wind and seismic loads according to ASCE 7 Standard “Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures”.
Plots framing layout of the wall and adds the connection design data (clip designation, number of fasteners, embedment, and screw pattern) to the typical connection detail. The drawing also includes framing members’ cross-sections and shapes. The drawing can be exported in AutoCAD;DXF format.
BIM Framing Plugin for Revit
SteelSmart® Framer: Framing Plugin for Revit
The SteelSmart® Framer provides engineers and contractors with a powerful tool to better design, estimate, and communicate light steel framing on projects using Autodesk® Revit® Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. Easily model every stud, track, shear walls, and connector. Export complete material take-off for better estimation and planning of your project.
Advanced Structural Analysis
Extreme Loading for Structures Software or ELS, is an advanced non-linear structural analysis software tool designed specifically for structural engineers. ELS allows structural engineers to study the 3D behavior of structures through both the continuum and discrete stages of loading.
Wind Data Input
Under the Wind data tab users input the basic wind design parameters and effective areas for component & cladding and main wind force resisting system design.
Wind Data Output
Wind Output includes the Component & Cladding and Main Wind Force Resisting System wall and roof design pressures. The lateral wind load at each floor level is also given in the X and Y direction.
Seismic Data Input
Within the Seismic data tab the basic system for the lateral force resistance is selected. Building limits and design coefficients are automatically loaded according to ASCE 7. The user inputs the spectral response accelerations and appropriate loads for calculation of the effective seismic weight of the building.
Seismic Data Output
The Seismic Output tab displays the Seismic Design Category (SDC), total building weight, cumulative base shear, and lateral force at each floor.
Snow Data Input
Within the Snow data tab users can input the Ground Snow Load, Roof Surface Type, Terrain Category, and Thermal Condition to calculate the design snow load for a structure.
Snow Data Output
Within the Snow Output tab, the user is returned the Roof Snow Load, Thermal Factor, and the Roof Slope Factor.
Shear Wall Data Input
Shear wall locations and geometry can be input in the Shear Walls Data tab. The active floor layout can be viewed and selections for rigid or flexible floor diaphragms can be made. Shear walls can also be viewed in a 3D model layout. The load generator includes a new wind and seismic input lookup feature. This feature uses the building zip code and automatically loads the wind and seismic design parameters according to ASCE 7.
Shear Wall Output
Under the Shear Walls Output tab the user can view the distributed lateral wind and seismic forces for individual shear walls within the layout. Shear walls can also be viewed in a 3D model layout.