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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a short list of frequently asked questions we receive from structural engineers using our SteelSmart System light steel framing design software and SteelSmart Framer BIM framing software to design and detail cold formed steel studs, track, joists and connectors.

Installation Questions

Do I need to uninstall a previous version of SSS from my computer?

No, Steel Smart System 7 will automatically remove previous versions of SSS before installing.

How do I activate my copy of SteelSmart System?

After the initial installation to your computer hard drive, click on the SSS desktop icon. When the SteelSmart System window appears, it will prompt you for your ASI Portal username and password, enter them, then press activate and your license will automatically activate.

Is there a SSS network license option available?

Yes, a network license option is available.  Network administrators can purchase licenses as normal through the website, but a separate link will be provided for download.  Please contact support@steelsmartsystem.com for more information or access to the download.

Technical Design Module Questions

What design codes does SSS use?

The following design codes are available within SSS:

  • 2018 IBC with AISI S100-16 and ASCE 7-16
  • 2015 IBC with AISI S100-12 and ASCE 7-10
  • 2012 IBC with AISI S100-07/S2-10, and ASCE 7-10
  • 2009 IBC with AISI S100-07 and ASCE 7-05
  • 2006 IBC with AISI-NAS 2001/04 Supplement and ASCE 7-05
  • Canadian NBC 2015 with AISI S136-12
  • Canadian NBC 2010 with AISI S100-07/S2-10

When I click on some of the design modules I get a message that says “This component is not active in the current version of SSS.” How can I get a version of SSS with this component?

Modules are available depending on which type of license was purchase. Please contact support@appliedscienceint.com for license options and pricing.

How can I enter the type of sheathing used for designing a wall?

SSS does not directly allow the user to input the type of sheathing used when designing wall components. When using the 2009 IBC, 2012 IBC, 2015 IBC, or the Canadian NBC 2010 as the design code, SSS allows the input of kφ, the distortional buckling rotational stiffness. When designing according to the 2006 IBC this value is not used and sheathing effects are not taken into consideration for design of wall components. More information regarding this value and sheathing effects can be found in the SSS 7 Technical Manual.

How can I enter axial loads on curtain walls?

In some cases axial loads other than self-weight and dead load must be added to a curtain wall. To enter axial loads on a curtain wall, select the User-Defined layout and enter the axial loads using the member loads table. Select the desired load case and click the (+) sign to enter the load value and its location. To place a load at the top of a member, the X/L ratio should be entered as one.

When I execute a design I get a message stating “Either the bridging member or the bridging clip was not available.”

If you are unsure of what method of lateral bracing to specify or of a reasonable bridging spacing, select Auto Calculate from the Bridging Member drop-down menu.

How are wind loads which are applied to window and door openings distributed to jamb, header, and sill members?

Users are given the option to select from four different wind distribution methods. Four-way distribution, two-way distribution on header and sill members, two-way distribution on jamb members, and unglazed conditions can be analyzed. More information about these selections can be found in the SSS 7 Technical Manual.

CFSUM Questions

What does CUFSM stand for?

Cornell University Finite Strip Method.

What is CUFSM?

CUFSM is a tool that calculates elastic buckling loads for use with the Direct Strength Method of the AISI S100-07/S2-10 Standard and later versions of the standard.

Where can I get more information about CUFSM?

More information about the CUFSM tool embedded in SSS can be found here: http://www.ce.jhu.edu/bschafer/cufsm/.

Design Codes/Design References:

  • AISI 2004(a), “AISI Standard, Supplement 2004 to the North American specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members,” American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Washington, DC, January 2005.
  • AISI 2004(b), “AISI Standard, Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Lateral Design,” American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Washington, DC, December 2004.
  • AISC 360-10, “Specification for Structural Steel Buildings,” American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), One East Wacker Drive, Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois 60601-1802, June 22, 2010.
  • AISI S100-12, “AISI Standard, North American specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members,” American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), June 2013.
  • AISI S100-07/S2-10, “AISI Standard, Supplement No. 2 to the North American specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members,” American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), February 2010.
  • AISI S100-07, “AISI Standard, North American specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members,” American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), October 2007.
  • AISI-NAS 2001, “AISI Standard, North American specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members,” American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), June 2002.
  • AISI S211-07, “AISI Standard, Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Wall Stud Design,” American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Washington, DC, 2007.
  • AISI S214-07, “AISI Standard, Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Truss Design,” American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Washington, DC, June 2007.
  • ASCE/SEI 7-10, “ASCE Standard, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other structures,” American Society of Civil Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-4400, 2010.
  • ASCE/SEI 7-05, “ASCE Standard, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other structures,” American Society of Civil Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-4400, 2005.
  • CAN NBC 2010, “National Building Code of Canada,” National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2010.
  • CFSEI (2012), Evaluation of Screw Strength, Technical Note F701-12, Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute, Washington D.C.
  • CFSEI (2008), Design Aids and Examples for Distortional Buckling, Technical Note G100-08, Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute, Washington D.C.
  • Hilti 2014, Hilti North American Product Technical Guide, Volume 2: Anchor Fastening Technical Guide, Hilti Inc., www.us.hilti.com.
  • Hilti 2013, Hilti North American Product Technical Guide, Volume 1: Direct Fastening Technical Guide, Hilti Inc., www.us.hilti.com.
  • IBC, 2018 version, “International Building Code,” International Code Council (ICC), 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795.
  • IBC, 2015 version, “International Building Code,” International Code Council (ICC), 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795.
  • IBC, 2012 version, “International Building Code,” International Code Council (ICC), 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795.
  • IBC, 2009 version, “International Building Code,” International Code Council (ICC), 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795.
  • IBC, 2006 version, “International Building Code,” International Code Council (ICC), 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, November 2006.
  • Light Steel Framing Connections Manual 2006, The Steel Network, Inc., www.steelnetwork.com, June 2006 Edition.
  • Trestain 2007, “Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide,” Second Edition, American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, February 2007.