Design
Software
We
have been busy evaluating software for designing outdoor structures and we we have found
there's not too much to choose from unless you can justify spending a
$1000 or more. Our experience with using CAD and
engineering software goes back more than 20 years, so we have seen some
incredible advances in the capability and ease of use for these tools, but
the professional level programs are still expensive and the homeowner
versions lack many of the features needed to do anything other than simple
structures. However, we have found a great bargain in engineering
software.
Engineering Software.
If you need the easiest and best structural engineering software
available for residential and light commercial construction, click on the link below to the ConstructionCalc web site.
There you'll find packages and individual programs for structural design
that are easy to use, yet powerful enough for the professional builder. We
use these programs to calculate joist, rafter, and beam sizes to ensure
that our designs are safe. Using this software allows us to save money as
well, because we can quickly compare acceptable engineering alternatives
to select the most cost effective solution. These programs offer a
quick payback.
With the reports produced by these
packages you'll be able to breeze through building permit plan reviews
because all of the information is included in an easy to understand
format. Designed to be used by engineers and non-engineers, all of the
programs have a complete set of instructions, definition of terms, set of
assumptions, and explanation of the engineering calculations. Download the
programs for immediate use and big savings or order a CD version. Programs
include:
-
ConstructionCalc ProBeam
Beams, rafters, joists, or
purlins - up to 40 simultaneous solutions: cantilever, 2003 IBC
compliant, I-joists, 2001 NDS wood species, Glu-lam, PSL, LSL, LVL,
Steel, easy top-to-bottom input. This software pays for itself on your
very first use.
-
StairCalc Pro
Never again struggle with stair geometry. Straight or circular, up to
500 steps and 200 landings. Includes, rise, run, horizontal distance,
headroom clearance, horizontal angle, circular interior angle, and much
more.
-
Loads Calculator Roof
loads, snow loads, floor loads, wind, and seismic loading... this
program calculates them all. Stop wasting time searching reference and
code books.
-
Wood Column Calculator Posts,
columns, studs... size them yourself in seconds. Get multiple solutions
on each run. Apply wind loads or other lateral loading at your option.
-
Square Footing Calculator Size
your own square reinforced concrete footings in seconds. Minimal input.
Solutions are complete with rebar callout.
We prefer the bundled packages offered
by ConstructionCalc because you save a lot over buying individual programs
and we find that all are useful to our design and construction business.
Click on the banner below to find out more about these useful and
economical tools as well as their other services and publications.
ConstructionCalc: Structural Software Power Tools
For deck, porch, landscape, and even whole house design, try one of these
software products. Click on the package photo for information and
prices:
BACK TO DECKS
 |
