Framing Member Labeling & Sizing

[Joe_Carrick]

It's easy to set the size of framing in a plan. However, there's no way to verify the size is sufficient structurally.

So I've devised a macro system for labeling Joists, Rafters, Beams, Posts, etc based on Uniform Loads, Spacing, etc.

 

This system checks standard sizes against the specified size and labels:

• The current size vs what's actually required.
• The label is displayed as whichever is larger.
• It doesn't change what is specified in the model

I wish there was a way in Chief to automatically have the sizes modified.  But at least if gives the information to allow individual and global modifications.

This system is not a replacement for structural engineering but it provides a starting point for a licensed professional to check that the sizes, etc are OK.

 

An example would be:

• 2x6 Rafters @ 16" o.c. with a 28' span
• The macro Labels indicate 2x12 Rafters @ 16" o.c

 

 

[Renerabbitt]

5 hours ago, Joe_Carrick said:

It's easy to set the size of framing in a plan. However, there's no way to verify the size is sufficient structurally.

So I've devised a macro system for labeling Joists, Rafters, Beams, Posts, etc based on Uniform Loads, Spacing, etc.

 

This system checks standard sizes against the specified size and labels:

• The current size vs what's actually required.
• The label is displayed as whichever is larger.
• It doesn't change what is specified in the model

I wish there was a way in Chief to automatically have the sizes modified.  But at least if gives the information to allow individual and global modifications.

This system is not a replacement for structural engineering but it provides a starting point for a licensed professional to check that the sizes, etc are OK.

 

An example would be:

• 2x6 Rafters @ 16" o.c. with a 28' span
• The macro Labels indicate 2x12 Rafters @ 16" o.c

 

 

I do this same thing.. Truth be told I only use automatic framing for display purposes in cross section, otherwise all framing annotations are macro driven based on a master setup. 

You can Also do this for floor joists etc if you out in mid bearing splits etc. 

Room oip can be used for live and dead loads as well

Wish we had tributary nvps

 

[RickyP]

I manually insert all the structural members to the New Zealand building code myself.  Been doing it so long now it has become quite easy.

I do all the floor joists, ceiling joists, rafters but leave roof trusses to the fabricators.

It is extremely handy when designing a complicated house with multi levels etc, I can make sure everything fits, and no one will bang their head on a beam.

[Joe_Carrick]

5 hours ago, Renerabbitt said:

Wish we had tributary nvps

Pretty difficult for Chief since it could be one side or both.  If CA wanted to do it the better method would be to accumulate loads from Rafters and Joists that bear on Beams.  It would still be fairly complicated to program the nodes, etc.

 

Structural Program like Strucalc have much more capabilities for transferring loads as well as different load types.

 

FWIW, I have custom fields:

• Tributary Width
• Span - (calculated from length - cantilevers)
• Span Left - cantilever
• Span Right - cantilever

I also have arrays for the structural properties of each member type:

• Lumber
• LVL
• PSL
• Glulam
• I-Joist
• Steel-I (WF Beams) hash for this instead of an array.

My macros check for the size required based on the maximums Moment and Vertical Shear using  the S,A & I properties of the member.