v2006.04 fixes a few plate areas
for flitch plates. v2006.05 is a bug fix for point loads within the
depth of the beam from the right support and we updated the SCL values for IP's 1.9E LVL and TrusJoist's new 1.55E
Timberstrand LVL replacement for the 1.7E. v2006.06 is a full
rework of the Wind loading on Studs with additional features and
revised modification factors. v2006.06b fixes access to fonts in the
Set Defaults menu.
No major code changes were
necessary in v2006, but we are watching the development of the NDS
2005 edition for next year. New in this release is analysis
for wind loading on studs (combined axial and bending). This feature
can be found on the menu bar of the Columns Form. Along with
the usual Structural Composite Lumber updates we have added a new
manufacturer, Roseburg Forest Products. Several minor items include
incised lumber identified as "PT", 8x8 structural steel tubing, a
"no spacing" option for repetitive use factor, maximum
round log diameter is increased to 36" and, of course, we
always try to improve the printing functions.
An Important code change in
v2004
Items introduced in the 2004 version included the NDS 2001 edition, which
is referenced in the new IBC 2003 and IRC 2003. Design values and methods have changed in the NDS 2001 mostly in regards to shear values (Fv) and the shear factor (Ch).
FEATURES IN v2005
This was a non-mandatory upgrade
that included machine evaluated lumber (MEL and MSR), a tool for checking notches and
trimming beams, along with additional Structural Composite Lumber
sizes and companies. Due to popular request we have re-included
the 'Copy to Clipboard' function.
FEATURES IN v2004
Non-standard nominal timber sizes have been added as well, from 5x5 to 12x20 in half inch increments. These sizes may be tested by using the Custom Values Form.
FEATURES IN
v2.4
Added
50 ksi steel, expanded wide flange steel database, 'long' file names for saving files, 32-bit compilation (requires Windows 95 or later), and solves most, if not all, printing problems. Distributed via internet with pass code or on CD-ROM.
FEATURES IN
v2.3
Optional 1991 or 1997 National Design Specification (NDS) values, and the 97 version has the new “Incising Factor” for pressure treated wood. Not all jurisdictions have adopted the 97 NDS. Check with your bldg. Dept.
Round (Log) wood members are now available on the custom values form in diameters from 5 to 24 inches.
The Wide Flange and Tubular Steel database of sizes now include some additional sizes specifically requested by BeamChek users. You may click on a “Database” button and see all the sizes available in that steel shape.
Laterally unbraced solid sawn wood and Glu-Lam members may now be modified for user selected unbraced lengths. Note: Structural Composite Lumber, flitch beams, and multiple span analysis require full lateral bracing.
Stud grades are now built into the dimension wood columns in both 97 NDS and 91 NDS versions. Stud grade only applies to members 10 feet or less in height. The “Incising Factor” is available the 97 NDS version.
Steel Plates for use as “Flitch Beams” have been added to the steel selections. Analysis is for the steel plates only and the wood is only for stability and connection purposes.
We’ve improved our file saving by opening the criteria save box along with the data record save procedure. When loading a saved criteria form, you will now have the previously calculated member’s size and species shown on an information bar at the bottom of forms 1 & 2 for reference when modifying beam criteria.
You may now enter up to four pairs of commonly used uniform loads and cycle through them by clicking the PLF or PSF button next to the uniform load entry box.
We’ve made several interface improvements including as consistent “Back” buttons and other items requested by users. We’ve fixed a few minor bugs as well.
FEATURES IN
v2.2b
Structural Composite Lumber Update
SCL’s: All the manufacturers represented in BeamChek have changed values and/or sizes in their product lines. Version "b" is a maintenance release.
FEATURES IN
v2.2
Depending upon when you last upgraded, you may already have some of the following features.
Glu-Lams: AITC updated values for Western Woods and Southern Pine species combinations. Depths increased to 31-1/2” for Western and 30-1/4” for Southern Pine. Southern Pine widths are changed to the more common manufacturing widths. Custom Southern Pine glu-lams are now available.
Steel: Rectangular Tube beam database has been expanded up to 20” x 8” x 5/16”.
Printout: You may print your reports using any font on your system. (The printout is still optimized for Arial.) Optional 600 dpi resolution adjustment to the printout for better presentation.
New Tools: Automatic rafter slope dead load adjustment. Equal multiple spans with a uniform load. Ability to neglect the member self-weight and a switch to turn off the automatic shear reduction feature for members with side-loading. You may clear your loading entries by clicking on the adjacent load letter, or clear all the loads of specific type by double clicking within the surrounding border. Insert your calculator totals into any load box by selecting the box and pressing your “insert” key. We’ve also made some adjustments in computation speed and memory use.
