Light gauge continues to gain acceptance, and so does the need for software to utilize cold-rolled members in building design and construction.

Software continues to advance to meet the needs of engineers, architects, designers, and end-users. The sophisticated programs offer flexibility, customization, and numerous features. Many are available as free trial versions, and demonstrations are available for most via company websites.

Interest in light gauge steel buildings is growing. Naturally, with the increased interest is the interest in analysis tools for engineers. There are several books on the subject, but engineers increasingly require software to perform the required analysis.

Building design is complicated. There are many software programs covering building analysis and design/engineering. There is software for finite analysis of entire structure. There are programs to analyze environmental factors, plumbing, building code requirements. In fact, there is no one single solution software to address all the aspects of building design.

Since this site is focused on light gauge building, let's look at those software solutions that are specific to light gauge steel framing. This is a continuing research so check back for updates as new information is added. In fact, if you have other information I'd appreciate hearing from you.

LGBEAMER v7 Pro, from Devco Software, provides modeling and design of cold-formed cee's, channels, zee's, and structural HSS shapes with uniform, concentrated, partial span, sloping, and axial loads. Includes framed openings, shear walls, x-braces, and general interactions. Design is in accordance with the 2001 NASPEC, including the 2004 Supplement as adopted in IBC 2006. AISIWIN, also from Devco Software is used in the design of studs, joists and track.

RSG Software, Inc. (www rsgsoftware.com) says its CFS is a comprehensive, general-purpose, cold-formed steel component design tool with a friendly graphical interface. For most any cold-formed shape, users can calculate: full, net, and effective section properties; strength for compression, tension, shear, bending, and web-crippling; strength increase from cold-work of forming; member checks for combined axial/bending, shear/bending, and web-crippling/bending; multiple-span beam and beam/column analysis with diagrams; and elastic buckling analysis.

FRAMECAD (www.framecad.com) ProDesign is an add-on to IntelliCAD that designs and performs structural engineering analysis for cold-formed steel (CFS) structures. FRAMECAD ProDesign produces designs for cold-formed steel framing, complete with engineering calculations and structural analysis. With this capability, material use can be optimized to reduce construction costs. The software provides design and engineering for walls, trusses, and sub-floors, and incorporates full structural analysis, complying with numerous international building standards and codes. It engineers for full environmental conditions, such as various wind zones, roof loads, and snow loads, while allowing users to optimize designs for the best use of material while maintaining structural soundness.

iLevel (www.ilevel.com) offers Forte Software from the makers of TJ-Beam software, a structural-frame design software that’s free. Whether sizing joists, beams, or columns, iLevel Forte software performs load calculations and identifies solutions for the conditions and geometry that users input. View multiple output options to see which framing member is best for the job. Let side-by-side display comparison values and iLevel TJ-Pro Ratings help balance floor structural system costs with customer expectations. Forte software helps optimize budgets and structural performance, while saving time, labor, and material waste, the company said. Request a free copy by phone at 800-833-9491 or online at www.ilevel.com/forte

Design cold-formed steel components with a free license of Steel Smart System (SSS) by The Steel Network, Inc. (www.steelsmartsystem.com). SSS users can design members, connectors, and fasteners in walls, floors, roofs, and trusses. Shear walls, openings, headers, load bearing walls, and curtain walls are all easily designed with SSS. Download a free license from the company’s website.

CCFSS index -- cold-formed design programs.

RISAFloor & RISA-3D