Specializing in Engineering & Manufacturing Automation since 1996
News and Updates
6/16/2010 Added web page devoted to Steel Pole Engineering.
Today, 6/16/2010, we added a new web page focused on software tools relevant to steel pole engineering and manufacturing. Up to
now, our efforts in this industry had been limited to the several manufacturers that we consult with. Now, we are reaching out to the
steel pole community at large and offering our suite of software tools and engineering expertise on a wider scale. Please take a moment
to review the 'Steel Pole Engineering' page and familiarize your self with our offerings.
5/31/2010 Updated software tools to allow user to consider effects of distortional buckling.
Today, 5/31/2010, we released new versions of the free, on-line software design tools that allow the user to
determine the impact that the consideration of distortional buckling may (or may not) have on his/her stud or joist selection.
Distortional Buckling is a common failure mechanism for studs and joists which has been mostly ignored by the manufacturers of
cold-formed steel studs. Since it was codified into the 2007 AISI Cold-Formed Steel Design Standard, it has become a source of
contention in the industry. Indeed, most SSMA (Steel Stud Manufacturers Association) members have not updated their selection tables
to account for distortional buckling, which results in their reliance on out-of-date codes which can yield un-conservative selection reults.
These new software tools allow the user to consider (or ignore) distortional buckling.
3/23/2010 New Tool to compare Bending Strength Effiencies of Stud Sections Added.
Today, 3/23/2010, we released a new analysis/design tool to compare the Bending Strength Efficiencies of
stud sections. This tool is meant for Architect's and Contractor's use in determining the most optimal
stud for a given application. Basically, a wider and thinner stud can often out-perform a narrower and
thicker stud. This tool helps determine which stud is the more optimum choice.
10/23/2009 New Floor Joist Selector Tool Added.
Today, 10/23/2009, we released a new analysis/design tool for floor joists. This tool is meant for Architect's and Contractor's
use in determining a feasible stud member given specified distributed and point loads on a floor system and the geometry of the floor
system. The distributed loads do not need to be continuous across the beam. The point loads can be placed anywhere along the joist
and can represent, for example, a column load from a floor or roof above. The calculated results note details about the needed bearing
stiffeners, brace members, end track, and screw connections. The results are presented on a Pass/Fail basis, i.e., all the design
criteria must be noted as True for the design to be acceptable. Use this tool to select a floor joist member (and associated
components) for pricing and/or budgetary needs.
5/28/2009 New Curtainwall Parapet Stud Selector Tool Added.
Today, 5/28/2009, we released a new analysis/design tool for curtainwall studs configured as a parapet. Noting that the
stud selection tables from most SSMA manufacturers only address studs spanning between two attachment points and ignore the possible saving
of parapet configurations, we developed this tool to fill that gap. Because wind acts on the parapet (above the connection point)
as well as the wall below the connection point, the parapet can potentially act as a bit of a lever to reduce the deflection of the
portion of the stud below the connection point. (Note that the parapet experiences wind loads on both faces, a positive pressure on
one side and a negative (suction) pressure on the other face.) Sometimes this can be enough to meet a tight deflection criteria (say L/600)
and save having to employ a wider or heavier gauge stud. Thus a cost savings. Sometimes, a parapet of just 2 or 3 feet is
enough to keep from going to a stronger (i.e., more costly) stud. Use this tool to see if some cost savings might be possbile for
your current application.
4/28/2009 K2 Engineering now has licensure in Florida.
Today, 4/28/2009, we received word from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers that K2 Engineering's application
for a Certificate of Authorization has been approved and will be mailed shortly. Once that is received, we'll be offering
cold-formed steel design services in the panhandle region of Florida. Note: since there is already a K2 Engineering, Inc.
firm operating in Florida (selling hydraulic equipment) we are incorporated in Florida as K2 Engineering of North Florida, Inc.
4/27/2009 Header Analyzer/Selector Tool Added.
Today, 4/27/2009, a new, no-cost online design tool for analyzing and selecting headers above openings in either
curtainwall or load-bearing studs was released. This tool is intended for use by Architects and Contractors in estimating
the stud and track members needed in a given design application.
Today, 3/25/2009, a new, no-cost online design tool for analyzing and selecting curtainwall studs in various geometries
and configurations being subjected to a specified "components and cladding" wind pressure was released. This tool is
intended for use by Architects and Contractors in estimating the stud members needed in a given design application.
Today, 3/25/2009, a new, no-cost online design tool for comparing the meterial costs of various curtainwall framing
configurations was released. This tool is intended for use by Architects and Contractors in estimating the most economical
manner of framing a given length of curtainwall.
Today, 3/6/2009, a new, no-cost online design tool for analyzing and selecting load-bearing studs in various geometries
and configurations being subjected to both an axial compressive force as well as a lateral wind pressure was released. This
tool is intended for use by Architects and Contractors in estimating the stud members needed in a given design application.
1/19/2009 ASCE 7-05 Wind Force Calculator Added.
Today, 1/19/2009, a new, no-cost online design tool for calculating the "Components and Cladding" wind pressures on
low rise (less than 60 feet tall) building structures as per ASCE 7-05 methodology was released. This tool is
intended for use by Architects and Contractors in estimating the wind pressures which various components in a curtainwall
application are likely to experience over the building's design life. ASCE 7-05, published by the American Society of
Civil Engineers, is the most current definitve guide to calculating wind, seismic, rain, and snow loads on structures.
