What's New - Cold Formed Steel Design Software & Training

Introducing the GripClip®: Simplifying Drywall Attachment to Columns & Beams

Jan 8, 2025 | The Steel Network

The GripClip®, exclusively offered by The Steel Network, is a cutting-edge accessory designed to streamline the attachment of drywall, sheathing, and other materials directly to steel beams and columns. Engineered for precision and efficiency, it provides a superior alternative to traditional framing methods, leveraging patented snap-tabs for quick and secure positioning of continuous angles—ideal for column-wrapping applications.

Key Features for SteelSmart System Users:

Patented Snap Tabs: GripClip’s innovative snap tabs allow for seamless installation of continuous angles along steel beam or column corners without requiring screws, enabling faster and cleaner installations.
Unmatched Versatility: Suitable for both fire-rated and non-fire-rated assemblies, GripClip adapts to diverse project needs with customizable flange size options, making it a reliable choice for light steel framing.
Premium Material Quality: Constructed from certified 50ksi steel with a G90 coating, GripClip offers enhanced durability and strength, far outperforming alternatives with thinner 18 mil, G40 coatings.
Secure Flange Grip: Delivers a stable, dependable attachment point for gypsum board, ensuring integrity and reliability in even the most demanding applications.
Streamlined Efficiency: Eliminates the need for additional stud framing, saving valuable time and materials. This efficiency is particularly advantageous in column-wrapping projects requiring both aesthetic appeal and fire protection around structural steel.

Ideal for SteelSmart System Projects

GripClip® integrates seamlessly into projects using advanced design tools like SteelSmart System software, offering practical solutions for optimizing material use and installation speed. It simplifies workflows, enhances construction quality, and ensures clean, professional finishes for beams and columns.

For detailed technical specifications and installation instructions, visit our website or contact The Steel Network directly at 1-888-474-4876. Let the GripClip® elevate your next light steel framing project with precision and efficiency.

At Applied Science International (ASI), we are constantly innovating to ensure our software adapts to the changing demands of the construction and engineering industries. The new enhancements in SSS Version 8.6 are designed to help you deliver projects faster, with more confidence, and with superior results.

Download the latest version of SteelSmart System now and explore all the new features! For more information, log into your ASI Portal Account.

Introducing SteelSmart System Version 8.6: The Latest Innovations in Structural Steel Design

Sep 20, 2024 | Cold Formed Steel (CFS) Design software

We are excited to announce the release of SteelSmart System (SSS) Version 8.6, the newest upgrade to our powerful light steel framing engineering software. SteelSmart System continues to be the premier solution for cold-formed steel framing design, combining powerful structural analysis with user-friendly tools. With the latest enhancements, Version 8.6 offers expanded capabilities and improved accuracy to help engineers and designers streamline their workflows.

Here’s what’s new in SteelSmart System Version 8.6:

1. Updated Clip Allowable Load Tables: We’ve revised clip allowable load tables to incorporate updated fastener patterns and installation options, ensuring industry-standard screw strengths. This includes the introduction of 9-screw pattern allowable loads for popular clips such as DTLB362/400(-HD), DTLB600/800(-HD), and DTLB600/800(-PTS).

2. New Connection Option for DriftTrak®: A new “Top of Slab” connection option has been introduced for the DriftTrak® PTS system, using either the DTLB-PTS or DTSLB-PTS clips. This addition improves installation flexibility and ensures precise alignment for slab edge connections.

3. Redesigned VertiClip® & StiffClip®: We’ve replaced the VertiClip® SLS1000-XX and SLS1200-XX series with new models, offering higher strength options such as SLS1000-15, -18, -20, and SLS1200-15, -18, -20. The StiffClip® TD line has been upgraded with a lighter version—StiffClip® TD-LT—eliminating the washer plate while maintaining structural integrity.

4. SigmaStud® Section Expansion: Version 8.6 now supports various 3-inch flange SigmaStud® sections in the design database, giving users more options to choose from in their design process.

5. Enhanced Screw Designer Utility: To reflect industry-standard screw strengths, we’ve enhanced the Screw Designer Utility, making it easier to design and evaluate screw connections for maximum performance.

6. Updated Built-Up StiffWall® Column Configurations: Modifications have been made to the configuration of 8-inch StiffWall® built-up columns composed of three pieces, enhancing their performance and ease of installation.

7. Additional Bug Fixes & Performance Improvements: Along with these new features, Version 8.6 addresses minor bugs and incorporates performance enhancements, ensuring a more seamless and efficient user experience.

At Applied Science International (ASI), we are constantly innovating to ensure our software adapts to the changing demands of the construction and engineering industries. The new enhancements in SSS Version 8.6 are designed to help you deliver projects faster, with more confidence, and with superior results.

Download the latest version of SteelSmart System now and explore all the new features! For more information, log into your ASI Portal Account.

SteelSmart Software Update: Enhancing Performance with Build 151

Mar 25, 2024 | Software Update

In our continuous efforts to refine and perfect the SteelSmart Software (SSS), we are excited to announce the latest update with build 151. This update is dedicated to improving the user experience by addressing specific bugs, ensuring our software remains at the forefront of structural design efficiency and reliability. While we strive to make each update impactful, this particular build focuses on enhancing the software’s precision and stability without introducing new features.

Focused Improvements

The modifications in build 151 are tailored to refine existing functionalities, ensuring that your design process is smoother and more reliable. Here’s a closer look at the key updates:

Wind Zones Output Precision: We’ve addressed an issue in the Load Generator, specifically in the exported report, where the listed values for Wind zones were not accurately reflected. This fix ensures that the data you rely on for your structural analysis is precise and dependable.
Corrected Screws Direction in AL Clip Connections: In response to feedback regarding the orientation of screws in connection outputs for AL clips used in Header/Sill, we have made necessary adjustments. This fix enhances the accuracy of the connection details, ensuring your designs adhere to the highest standards.
Improved Load Distribution and Aspect Ratio in Shear Walls: Recognizing the critical role of shear walls in structural integrity, we have made fixes in load distribution and aspect ratio calculations within the Load Generator. These improvements aim to provide more accurate analysis, empowering you to design safer and more efficient structures.
Enhanced Support for Double Clips in Walls: For designs utilizing the toe2toe layout, similar to those in floors, we have enabled the use of double clips in walls. This enhancement aligns with our commitment to provide versatile and robust design options for our users.

Our Commitment

At Applied Science International (ASI), we believe in transparency and continuous improvement. While the specifics of these bug fixes are highly technical, they represent our ongoing commitment to providing a software solution that meets the evolving needs of our users. We understand that the success of your projects relies on the tools at your disposal, and we are dedicated to ensuring that SteelSmart Software remains a reliable partner in your work.

Looking Forward

While build 151 focuses on refinements, we are always looking ahead to how we can further innovate and enhance the SteelSmart Software. We welcome feedback from our community of users, as it is invaluable in guiding our development process. Your insights help us to identify areas for improvement and opportunities to introduce new features that address your design challenges.

Stay Updated

To benefit from the improvements in build 151 and ensure your software is running optimally, we encourage all users to update their SteelSmart Software. For more detailed information on the update process and to access support, please visit our website at https://www.appliedscienceint.com/.

We thank our users for their continued trust in ASI and the SteelSmart Software. Your engagement and feedback are what drive us forward. Together, we are shaping the future of structural design software.

About Applied Science International (ASI): ASI is at the forefront of developing innovative software solutions for structural design and analysis. With a focus on advancing the field through technology, ASI is committed to providing tools that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and creativity in the engineering community.

Current SSS subscriber? Update today!

Users with current subscriptions can now log in/download/install the new updated version of SSS 8.5 (Build 151). Simply log in to your ASI Portal to update your software.

New to SteelSmart System?

Request a free trial today!

Introducing SteelSmart System 8.5: The Future of Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design

Oct 30, 2023 | Software Update

Dive into the latest advancements in cold-formed steel framing design with SteelSmart System 8.5! Developed exclusively for The Steel Network, Inc., this innovative software is packed with new features like the Project concept, enhanced GUI navigation, updated user guides, and much more. Whether you’re a current subscriber or new to SteelSmart, our latest video will guide you through all the groundbreaking updates. Don’t miss out on optimizing your design and detailing process.

Current SSS subscriber? Update today!

Users with current subscriptions can now log in/download/install the new updated version of SSS 8.5. Simply log in to your ASI Portal to update your software.

New to SteelSmart System?

Request a free trial today!

Fig. 12-1_Creating New Project

Fig. 12-2_Required Information to Create New Project

Fig. 12-3_Loading Information of Previously Saved Project

Fig. 12-4_Setting Preferences for the New Project

Fig. 12-5_Project Explorer

Fig. 12-6_Solve Project

Fig. 12-7_Project Design Summary

Fig. 12-8_Status of Each Component in Project Explorer

Fig. 12-9_Adding Report to Project

Fig. 12-10_Output Report Items

SteelSmart System 8.5 Now Available

Sep 8, 2023 | Software Update

Applied Science International (ASI) is happy to announce the release of SteelSmart System 8.5, a cold-formed steel framing design software developed exclusively for The Steel Network, Inc. (TSN). This innovative steel stud design software provides structural engineers with a solid tool engineered for optimal design and detailing of light steel framing studs, joists, shear walls, and connectors.

Unlike its previous versions, SSS introduces the Project concept where many components can coexist in a single project and can be checked, solved, summarized, and have gathering output reports. Multiple Load Generator building files can also be used in the project structure.

Updates include:

SSS Project Features:

Adding/Removing/Importing different components to project.
Creating/Removing/Importing different building data to project.
Adding aggregated components report and utilities reports to project.
Enhanced reports to include a cover page, where three different templates are available.
User preference data that is applied on new created components in project.
Batch solving of components.
Saving of project in one folder.
Project information data enhancement where a project logo can be attached.

Plus…

Enhanced GUI navigation and state preserving in input and output.

Updated SteelSmart System user guide, technical reference and verification samples.

What's New CFS Design Software SSS 8.5

Current SSS subscriber? Update today!

Users with current subscriptions can now log in/download/install the new updated version of SSS 8.5. Simply log in to your ASI Portal to update your software.