WallsandCeilingsArchitect May 2011 : Page 6
design information for prefabri-cated shear panels. By reducing braced wall sections, such panels can help reduce materials needed, expand design flexibility and sim-plify construction when compared to site-built shear walls. • Design options: Some programs add ress complex braced wall designs including multiple plate heights, diaphragms and condi-tions with difficult shear trans-fer and plan irregularities. This is helpful in large custom homes or buildings with varied facades. • Outputs: Ideally, lateral bracing design software will provide a complete calculation report that the project team can use to dem-onstrate code compliance. Also, programs that output shear wall layout and schedule data to CAD software make it easier to incor-porate braced walls into the over-all building design. COMPREHENSIVE STRUCTURAL FRAME DESIGN Architectural plans frequently do not address potential conflicts that may arise during structural frame construction. Contractors must then make judgments in the field, which can result in additional material and labor costs. One solution is to develop detailed framing plans that show the size and placement of all members. In recent years, design programs have evolved significantly to enable modeling of the entire structur-al frame in a single file—including walls, roofs and floors. Tools like iLevel Javelin design software provide a visual way for all players to com-municate about the frame and view it from multiple angles before start-ing construction. Designers can show contractors details for unique framing assemblies and the team can identify and resolve potential framing con-flicts. Such tools help reduce material waste and costs that can arise from fixing framing problems on site. Primary capabilities to consider when selecting among these types of programs include: • Breadth of applications: For great-est flexibility, programs should track vertical loads from the top of the structure to the foundation and show loads on each member. Some programs will also enable modeling and design of multiple frame components, including roof and ceiling joists as well as wall and floor systems. • Automated redrawing: A feature that saves time and improves accu-racy is automated redrawing and sizing throughout the frame when a member is changed—such as converting a drop beam to a flush beam. Some programs will also account for impacts to the framing from other building components such as ductwork and plumbing. • Outputs: Frame design software that provides detailed material lists helps simplify cost estimat-ing. Lists should include each member’s dimensions and mate-rial type, framing connector types and amounts. • Adaptability: The ability to easily customize framing layouts to suit local construction practices can help reduce project costs. Some programs also allow designers to save such specifications for refer-ence in later projects. Structural frame design tools can solve a host of challenges and help ensure accurate and code-compliant framing. A quick conversation with a framing product manufacturer or building material dealer can identi-fy what tools they offer and how to obtain them. Patricia Baird is a business analyst for iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. 6 | Walls & Ceilings Architect | June 2011
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