Replying to Weight Load Points

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... respectfully disagree with you regarding not being comfortable with one designing a house and not knowing structural sizing by material type.

I deliberately said not necessarily the specific sizes. I have no problem with that. Maybe because - like you - I have been doing this over 40 years, I think I know instinctively where to use steel or LVL and am being unfair ... I withdraw my comments.

Why do my posts need approval from a moderator before being shown?

Keith, I would have to respectfully disagree with you regarding not being comfortable with one designing a house and not knowing structural sizing by material type.

In the example above regarding steel beams vs LVL loading there may be times when a , for example only, 6" I beam may load the same as a 3ply 11 17/8" LVL.

The location may allow for the LVL combination which may accommodate the fastening of other wood framing members and be easier to place than the 6" Ibeam.

Having access to and using software such as Strucalc would allow the designer the comfort knowing the design will work especially in locations with limited space

available for stairways etc. before sending the plans to a Structural Engineer for final calculations.

  After 46+ years doing actual hands on residential construction I am able to get very close with the old "gut feeling" but use the software to then verify. Given every loading

situation offers unique challenges with point loading, live loads, dead loads, wind loading etc, I would consider the software another tool available to help produce a quality

set of plans and future home for the client.

 That said I think the Guest question was on point as an inquiry into the limits of Softplan. I would encourage any designer to spend some time learning the structural characteristics

of all materials used to generate " The Bones " of a building from actual hands on experience, a good structural engineering book " Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders"

by James Ambrose, or engineering software such as Strucalc. After that I would still recommend the services of a licensed Structural Engineer.  Steve 

 For liability purposes I would recommend the services of a Structural Engineer.

As would I. As far as I am concerned, anything outside the scope of a regional Building Code, should be the responsibility of a specialist. Whether that is a Structural Engineer, or a trained user of Weyerhauser or similar software .... As long as it's not me.

... where to use Steel Beams and LVL's to ensure all load point requirements are met ...

COMMENT WITHDRAWN - SEE POST #9

Have been using Strucalc for several years. This an excellent program for load calculations. That said, I use it

mainly to calculate loads and determine member sizes so I leave enough room on the plans to accommodate

the beams etc. I then place a disclaimer note on the plans noting no attempt at structural either implied or not

implied is a part of these plans. For liability purposes I would recommend the services of a Structural Engineer.

I use Forte software from Weyerhaeuser so design engineered and SPF beams, joists and lintels. It is a free download from http://www.woodbywy....forte-software/

here's the site for "strucalc"  - heard good things about it.

NOTE: wait for other suggestions on eng software

1.  strucalc ======

http://www.strucalc.com/

i've been hearing about this one for a couple of decades.

btw:  i've never tried any of them.

bottom line,

softplan is not engineering software.

note: to a point, it will assist with size and spans of floor joist

if you set up the criteria properly,

but it definitely "WON'T"

calculate structural members, point loads, ret walls,  etc, etc, etc,

it does have many wall details covering most of the elements

of most common designed residences.

in some states, you'll need a licensed professional engineer or licensed architect to stamp and sign the structural drawings.

a structural engineer can also sign the architectural drawings if he had a part in

designing and drawing them.  that's another topic.

note:  in many states, a professional building designer can sign his drawings.

note: in California, all the professional building designers and some architects will use professional engineers / civil & structural.

here in California you'll also need geotechnical engineers (soils engineers) to help

with designing the foundations -----  their usually required. 

  ---

from what i've heard.  there are a few real good structural programs out there if you have

a good understanding of engineering.

Sorry, but it's up to the user to make sure the Structure complies with relevant regional codes.