#CFS SOFTWARE HOW TO#
#CFS SOFTWARE UPGRADE#
#CFS SOFTWARE SOFTWARE#
#CFS SOFTWARE CODE#

#CFS SOFTWARE CODE#

Are there code requirements for bearing lengths, or is this simply based on how much bearing we anticipate the member to have at its supports?

Something that helps quite a bit with the web bending and crippling calc is the bearing length. We generally try to size our cold-formed members to avoid the need for web stiffeners, just to save on construction and material costs. Yes, per AISI the program’s Project Settings default is to include cold work of forming in the design and analysis. Essentially, a web stiffener is a member that is added to the stud to help stiffen the stud from crippling.ĭoes this program take into consideration the cold work of forming in the design/analysis? Some examples include using a cut piece of stud or track attached to the stud or using a clip attached to the beam. There are different ways to design a stiffener at different locations. What is a web stiffener? How would you use one at a stud, header, or jamb?Ī web stiffener is typically a stud or track piece that is used to support the wall stud or joist from crippling at a point load or bearing support. We will also make it much more clear in this version which input is ASD and which is LRFD. The stacked x-brace and shearwalls will be LRFD because of the ACI requirements for concrete.

#CFS SOFTWARE UPGRADE#

The next upgrade version will feature up to eight stories of stacked x-bracing and shearwalls, which will be in LRFD.

#CFS SOFTWARE SOFTWARE#

The current software is all in ASD (allowable strength design). You can also access earlier versions of the AISI Specification in CFS Designer by selecting Project Settings/Code and selecting the version.Īre load inputs in ASD or LRFD? Do the load combination factors have to be applied prior to entering loads in the program? Should factored or unfactored loads be input? Is CFS Designer fully compliant with AISI S100-12?ĬFS Designer is compliant with AISI S100-12. If you elect not to upgrade your version of the software, the current version you have will still work, but will not have the new upgrade features. Simpson Strong-Tie anticipates releasing upgrades on a two-year cycle, and the next upgrade has a projected release of early 2019. Upgrades, which include new design modules and updated code information, will require an additional purchase. All updates to the program are free to licensed users and occur every few months to correct software bugs and add functionality. CFS Designer is based on an update-and-upgrade program. You pay only a one-time fee for the license. There’s no annual maintenance fee or subscription fee. Is the price for the software an annual subscription fee or is it a one-time purchase price? Is there any maintenance cost? There are different licensing options based on the number of users.

Webinar attendees should check their email for a special discount code. Please visit /cfsdesigner to download a free 14-day trial version of the software or to purchase a license. Where can I download the CFS Designer program? The complete Q&A webinar list can be accessed here, or through the online recording. Rob and I did get a chance to answer all the questions in a Q&A document from which I’d like to share some excerpts. We received some excellent questions during the webinar, but due to time constraints were only able to answer a few during the live webinar.

#CFS SOFTWARE HOW TO#

The webinar covers how to use the CFS Designer software to design complex loading conditions for beams, wall studs, walls with openings, and stacked walls using cold-formed steel studs, tracks, built-up sections, and even custom shapes. Viewing the recording (and completing the associated test) qualifies for continuing education units and professional development hours.

I recently had the pleasure of presenting a webinar with Rob Madsen, PE, of Devco Engineering on our CFS Designer software, “Increase Productivity in Your Cold-Formed Steel Design Projects.” The webinar took place on September 28, and a recording is available online on our training website for anyone who wasn’t able to join us.

Cfs software