BeamChek News and Updates
This page was last updated on December 20, 2025.
Current News: Version 2025 Now Available
Version 2025 is now available exclusively via download from this website. This is a free update for all users running v2022, v2023, and v2024. Users with older versions can purchase an upgrade on the Order Page.
Key Features and Updates in v2025
NDS 2021 Code Cycle: The National Design Specification (NDS) 2018 remains the current standard within the new 2021 building code, as the American Wood Council (AWC) elected not to make changes this cycle. The NDS 2024 is included as an optional selection in v2025.
Material Additions:
Added Southern Pine Timber Posts to the library.
Added two new 2.1E LVL products from Blue Linx and Pacific WoodTech to the Structural Composite Lumber (SCL) library, replacing previous Georgia Pacific products.
How to Get the v2025 Update
Free update unlock codes are available via email. Please send your registration number, name, address, and telephone number to BeamChek@gmail.com with the subject line: BeamChek Unlock Code.
Update Archive
BeamChek v2023, v2024
The National Design Specification (NDS) 2018 remains without change in the new 2021 building code. As noted above, the NDS 2024 is included as an option in v2025.
BeamChek v2020, v2021, and v2022
The National Design Specification (NDS) 2018 is now included as the default, as most jurisdictions adopted the new NDS. We found no major changes to SCL values or sizes this year. Minor adjustments were made to the user interface.
BeamChek v2019
The National Design Specification (NDS) 2018 was included as an option, while NDS 2015 remained the software default. Users can change the NDS version in the Options menu on Form 1. This version included minor revisions to SCLs and a bug fix for the rectangular steel tube database. Version 2019.01 fixed a weight issue with X-beams and added the W 6x15 steel size.
BeamChek v2018
NDS 2015 is the default. SCL libraries were updated with minor revisions. Added competitive glulam products (Boise Cascade) comparable to the Rosboro X-Beam line.
BeamChek v2017
NDS 2015 became the default National Design Specification. Users can select previous NDS versions via the Options menu if their jurisdiction had not yet adopted the 2015 NDS. Rosboro "Big Beam" values were adjusted for Doug Fir laminations.
BeamChek v2016
Included NDS 2015 as an option. Flitch plates were divided into single and double plate selections for ease of use. SCLs were updated, including full-width glulam sizes marketed as "X-Beam" by Rosboro.
You've built lots of things with BeamChek...
Theme park structures
Air Conditioning platforms at NASA
Elevator equipment supports
Forest Service buildings
NATO and National Guard buildings
Agricultural processing structures
Boat Houses
Log Homes
Ski Lodges
Bridges
Manufactured Homes
Secret government stuff in the desert, but we can't tell you more.
Movie sets
Auto assembly line equipment supports
Email us about your special BeamChek projects and we'll add them to our list...
BeamChek v2014
Added Miscellaneous Steel Channels (MC) and several small regular channel sizes from the 13th edition Steel Manual. SCLs were updated.
BeamChek v2013
Included the NDS 2012 version referenced in the IBC/IRC 2012. Updated Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine reduced values in both NDS 05 and NDS 12 editions. Updated SCL values and sizes.
BeamChek v2012
Included the NDS 2012 version. Updated Southern Pine #2 and Mixed Southern Pine #2 reduced values for 2x4s. Updated SCL values and sizes, focusing on the Rosboro X-Beam product line.
AC Software, Inc.
330 Dayton St. Suite 6 Edmonds, Washington 98020
Telephone 1-425-776-7373 E-mail: BeamChek@gmail.com
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