Composite Steel Beam Design in RISACalc

Composite steel beam design is now available in RISACalc per the AISC and CSA steel design manuals with the following supported steel codes:

American Codes:

• AISC 15th (360-16): ASD & LRFD

• AISC 14th (360-10): ASD & LRFD

• AISC 13th (360-05): ASD & LRFD

• AISC 9th: ASD

• AISC 3rd: LRFD

• AISC 2nd: LRFD

Canadian Codes:

• CSA S16-14

• CSA S16-09

• CSA S16-05

• CSA S16-01

Within the RISACalc interface, you can easily set up all the parameters necessary to perform composite steel beam design, including member size, camber criteria, steel deck information, headed stud and information about the adjacent framing. Each of the parameters can also be viewed graphically, providing instant feedback of the complete design criteria.

Defining Composite Beam Properties

To begin defining the properties, users can quickly choose the required beam shape from the drop down menu or can easily type in the size of the member under consideration.

In the case of camber, RISACalc allows for optimization or explicit definition in the case where an existing member needs to be evaluated.

Additionally, metal deck profiles from the Verco or Vulcraft catalogs are specified along with the deck angle and concrete properties. Users can also uncheck the metal deck option if their system consists of concrete only on top of the steel beam.

Finally, the stud properties can be established such that users can analyze an existing beam by specifying an explicit number of studs or allow the program optimize the number of studs required.

For serviceability checks, deflection ratio limits are established and deflection ratio results will be color coded as passing or failing based on these limits.

Applying Loads

After setting up the design properties, users can switch to the Loads section where the individual point and line loads are applied and graphically on the beam. You can use the View options to toggle between the different load categories.

Reviewing Results

Within the main view, users can quickly identify the governing code check and deflection ratio. These values are based on the selected load combination which can be changed using the View dropdown.

Finally, the Detail Report, located near the bottom of the main window, provides a consolidated view of all the input and output information needed for a calculation package. All the information regarding properties, loads, and load combinations are reported as well as detailed calculations and deflection results.

For more information about composite steel beam design in RISACalc, click on the Help button found in the upper right hand corner of the application.