|
·
General:
o
The software operates in a Windows TM environment.
o
The software is user friendly. It allows the user to update and
change parameters continuously through the process of determining
wind loads for a given structure without starting from scratch
with each update.
o
The user may choose between the
1998, 2002 or 2005 standards for their sign design.
o
The software operates in US standard or SI units. The user can
convert back and forth by toggling a switch on the toolbar.
o
The software computes wind loads by analytical method rather than the
simplified method.
o
The software provides the user with options for determining wind
loads for signs.
·
Location and Topography
o
The software "reads" the wind speed maps (including the Continental
US and Alaska) for the user with the same or better accuracy the
user could achieve by "eyeballing" the map.
o
The software allows the user to describe the topography by using
parameters for the topographic conditions included in ASCE7
Section 6.
·
Structure Design
o
The software allows the user to "build" the sign structure by
defining multiple sign panels located at specified heights above
grade. The software does not constrain the user to a set of
preordained sign configurations.
o
The software provides a drawing of the sign structure as the user
adds components.
o
The software permits the user to design one or two supports for a sign.
o
The software permits the user to design
a basic drilled/cylinder
shaped foundation for signs with pole supports. The user
inputs a foundation diameter and estimated soil condition and
the program produces the depth required. This is for
volume estimations only, the program does not design the steel
reinforcement.
o
The software allows the user to obtain wind loads for the main wind
force resisting system (MWRFS) at pre-selected height intervals or
user-defined intervals.
o
When a sign structure’s geometry is completely defined, the program
will additionally perform the computations for the wind loads at
user defined stages of the sign support structure.
o
The software allows the user to select structural pipe and/or tube
members for structural support components from a list of members
based on the design criteria input.
·
Calculations and Output
o
The user can "click" on various intermediate values of the MWFRS
results to obtain the details of the calculations for a specific
value, including: velocity pressure, gust effect factor, cf
and net pressures. The software prints a full report of load for
the MWFRS.
o
The
program calculates a depth of a
drilled/cylinder
foundation for the calculated
overturning moment and base shear created by the wind load on
the sign design.
o
The software provides calculators to allow the user to "play" with
parameters without changing his current design. The user can print
results from the calculators individually. The printouts include
the data entered, intermediate calculations with equations, and
the final answers.
o
The software will output the final structure to the Windows
Clipboard™ to facilitate project estimating and communication with
a registered professional engineer prior to final adoption of the
structural design.
|
