Mode: Beam

"Beam" mode allows you to quickly enter and design beams, floor and roof joists, or CLT floor and roof panels.

To select Beam mode, choose Beam from the Mode menu or press the Mode button on the Tool Bar.

Material Input

When in Beam View, the main work area allows you to specify the support positions (span lengths), cantilevers, material, species, and grade used, section size, and other needed information including,

• member name (optional)
• deflection limits
• lateral supports (bracing)
• slope angle
• oblique angle (rotated members)
• built-up beam plies
• joist spacing
• service conditions, treatment and load sharing
• fire design information
• special inputs for glulam materials
• supporting member information for bearing design

The beam with its slope, spans, support information and lateral supports is displayed on the bottom of the screen.

Loads Input

When in Loads View, he main work area is used to load the beam, joist, or CLT panel, and a diagram showing the loads on the member is displayed at the right of the screen. This view also contains a number of Load Options pertaining to items like self-weight, load combinations, load distribution to supports, viewing and input preferences, etc.

For more information, see How To Load The member.

Output

After clicking the Design button, the following Design Results become available:

• Design Summary giving a list of passing sections, along with the analysis vs. design ratios for each section,
• Analysis Results giving all the load combinations generated for the member and the shear forces and and bending moments calculated for each one
• Analysis Diagrams with showing reactions, bending, shear, and deflection graphs for each load combination, and for the critical results.
• When a beam, joist or panel section is selected in the Data Bar, Design Check Results showing reactions and bearing design, and force vs resistance values for each design criterion, with optional Additional Data showing critical load combinations, modification factors, and intermediate design data.

Tools

The Tool Bar allows you to quickly change between Beam, Details, Loads, Diagram, and the three Results views and to quickly execute a design by clicking the Design button. The Data Bar allows you to select a particular section for further design. Status Bar provides you with information and instructions The status bar displays the function of each Tool Bar button if you pass the mouse cursor over a button.