Re: simple structural software

From: <Christopher>
Date: Mon Aug 22 2005 - 11:38:00 EDT

On Aug 22, 2005, at 4:34 AM, Steve McKenzie wrote:

> does anyone have any recommendations for a structural program under
> windows which outputs stress and deflection for simple frames, given
> dimensions, Z's and loadings?

Go to <http://www.structural-engineering.fsnet.co.uk/free.htm> There are a number of free- shareware programs for doing simple frames. Take your pick.

The problem, even with the simple stuff, is that there's a learning curve which can be a pain in the ass if you're in a hurry. It'll be worth it in the long run, but while you're trying to sort out the differences in the way you do things as against the way the program does them, there'll be a lot of muttering and exasperation.

One other thing is working out routines for putting the program results into a useful format. Freeware usually doesn't have a lot of flexibility for summarizing results. Excel is a very useful tool for reading and parsing program output listings and culling out the numbers you want to keep. Writing macros and making best use of add-ins also takes work, but it'll save you time for repetitive tasks.

Christopher Wright P.E. |"They couldn't hit an elephant at <a href="/group/PipingDesign/post?postID=Vd53ZEtbbC8MK-oT49PfEtLnfSjXl3X5N3WGk7_zyiBa5_EezGOcqe-sEcLG24KPadd4ZT5iS3mS">chrisw@skypoint.com</a> | this distance" (last words of Gen.

.......................................| John Sedgwick, Spotsylvania

1864)
<a href="http://www.skypoint.com/~chrisw/">http://www.skypoint.com/~chrisw/</a> Received on Mon Aug 22 11:38:00 2005