New SCI light gauge steel design software released for testing
SCI in partnership with Steadmans Ltd have been working for some time on a new suite of engineering software designed to optimize the design of secondary light gauge steel sections. The software called ‘EuroSpec’ is in the final testing stage. Using both British Standard and Eurocode methods the software assesses wind and snow loads adding normal structure and imposed loading for common building shapes. The user can choose to design roofs or walls or both. EuroSpec collects the appropriate loading using location information by interaction with the well known BREVe component.
The novelty in EuroSpec is the assessment of actions on structures. Actions are developed from the snow and wind standards and assessed in structural ‘element zones’. EuroSpec calls for minimal input of location and general arrangement and calculates limiting design actions on elements permitting automated selection of structural elements from element performance databases for Steadman's section range, also prepared by the SCI.
The families of solutions are then assembled into so-called ‘system zone’. This requires logic combining an understanding of the extent of limiting load zones and of business logic in offering particular combinations of light gauge system to solve practical roofing and cladding problems.
It is clear that there are three dimensions to this type of software:
The first thing is that it is important that it is appealing to the user-base. There are two broad categories of user. One is an infrequent user who needs answers quickly without investing time in learning the interface. The other is a repeat user who is probably looking for optimised solutions and is willing to invest the time in learning the interface for the reward to tighter design. EuroSpec has simple and advanced methods.
The second thing is performance. It is important that design loads are correctly established. Correct application of the simplified wind loading method is important and then offering a full directional method can affect load ‘savings’ of around 10%. Equally the testing regime behind the performance tables ensures that maximum safe performance is obtained from the particular purlin and rail systems available through the software. Even simple rail sleeving can add some end rotational stiffness to real performance and this improves the overall observed flexural capacities.
The third thing is quality control and that has been at the core of the SCI production of technical output. The core engineering component and the expression of results from it through the interface components have been subjected to the SCI’s continual Quality Management Scheme. This results in an audit trail for all testing performed. Here the SCI registers all users and can monitor users to determine the currency of the software and user platform information.
Dissemination of the software is important to the SCI. There is no point in procuring a software product without the means to get it to market. The SCI have an active user group of over 15,000 users. Not all would be interested in the design/selection of secondary framing but most could get reliable structural wind and snow actions from the EuroSpec package.
To test the new software and for further information, please contact:
John Moran
Senior Manager ICT
Email: j.moran@steel-sci.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1344 636515