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.

3/25/2009   Curtainwall Stud Analyzer/Selector Tool Added.

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.

3/25/2009   Wall Framing Cost Comparison Tool Added.

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.

3/6/2009   Load-Bearing Stud Analyzer/Selector Tool Added.

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.