As of today, the Australian Standards which are primary references in [the National Construction Code](https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/), can be accessed and referenced in real time in the ClearCalcs’ platform alongside its comprehensive calculation tools. It is the first time that these guidelines for the construction and engineering industry have been available in a digitally integrated format.

As the leading independent software platform for engineers looking to check and streamline their calculation needs, ClearCalcs approached [Standards Australia](https://www.standards.org.au/) knowing that together, they could enable the industry to build more compliant and creative structures. 

The partnership was designed to not only promote stronger adoption of industry best practice, but to encourage engineers to more safely and confidently explore new ideas and concepts.

Launched in 2017 by co-founders Chris Borzillo and Steven Robinson, ClearCalcs is a fast growing Australian startup with an established presence locally and in the US, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. 

![An image showing ClearCalcs team based in Toronto](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/Toron_Team_Selection1_82ca3b4d0d.jpg)
![An image showing ClearCalcs team based in Melbourne](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/Team_Selection2_1_ccaceeb8f9.jpg)
_Figure 1: Headed up by co-founders Chris Borzillo, CEO, and Steven Robinson, CTO, ClearCalcs team based in Melbourne and Toronto are revolutionizing workflows across engineering construction sector._

The platform houses a comprehensive library of purpose-built calculator tools that enable [engineers](https://clearcalcs.com/persona/structural-engineer), [architects](https://clearcalcs.com/persona/architect) and [building designers](https://clearcalcs.com/persona/building-designer) to better determine the structural requirements for their projects. 

Speaking of the news, Borzillo said, “Integrating Standard Australia’s guidelines into our platform has been a goal of ours since day one. Our calculators are designed to help engineers make confident decisions faster, and we know that they refer to Australian Standards constantly through this process, which makes marrying the two an absolute no-brainer. 

![ClearCalcs platform showing library of Australian Standards now readily available for engineers to refer to](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/Standards_Library_5ad40f21b8.png)
![An image showing how Australian Standards are available and integrated in ClearCalcs structural engineering design and analysis platform](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/Standards_in_Web_Viewer_7e80a37e63.png)
_Figure 2: ClearCalcs now includes access to the Australian Standards which are primary references in the NCC (National Construction Code)_

“Feedback so far has been phenomenal, especially from senior engineers who keep commenting on its potential to swiftly educate juniors. With our tools, engineers are able to quickly calculate their specific and comprehensive engineering needs, reducing the time it takes for projects to move from concept to reality. With Australian Standards now a core part of our functionality, the credibility and value of our service will only grow. 

“The Standards Australia and ClearCalcs partnership empowers our users to make informed decisions in real-time online, so that they can achieve more with confidence by placing Australian Standards directly alongside the engineer's daily workflow. Together, we are transforming how the engineering industry operates through easy to use, innovation-led distribution of information.

“One of the things that engineers love about working with us is that we enable them to trial new and different materials and solutions that would have previously been too time consuming or costly to consider. Access to up-to-date Australian Standards plays a vital role in giving engineers the confidence to adopt new methods and materials, so in making standards even easier to access and understand, we hope this new partnership will inspire and encourage our clients to lead others in industry to also think outside the box. 

![Australian Standards now available directly in ClearCalcs' library of calculators](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/Standards_Reference_In_App_62eede1329.png)
_Figure 3: Users can directy access relevant clauses and references from within every ClearCalcs calculator with a simple click of a button - no more searching through PDFs to find relevant clauses and formula!_

“In a world where housing supply is at crisis point and the need for sustainable construction methods only continues to rise, we take pride in playing a part in helping our clients improve the design of tens of thousands of homes and structures, and are committed to continuing to push innovation we believe can assist with these challenges.”

Daniel Chidgey, Standards Australia’s Head of Commercial Partnerships said, “We are delighted to partner with ClearCalcs to integrate trusted standards information into their innovative software platform, helping engineers make quality decisions with confidence.

“Engineers typically make hundreds of calculations in engineering projects, often using spreadsheets, clunky platforms, and manual calculations. Mistakes when making calculations can lead to extended project timeframes and costly reworks, so they must be done right from the start. Having Standards Australia’s content embedded into ClearCalc’s intuitive engineering platform has great potential to improve their efficiency and accuracy.

“Together, we are transforming how the Australian engineering industry works with standards. It’s been a pleasure partnering with ClearCalcs to bring engineering standards into the digital world.”

As Australia’s leading independent standards organisation, Standards Australia develops and updates the nation’s standards across multiple industries, including construction and engineering. The ClearCalcs platform rollout has been in beta testing since January. [Find out more here](https://clearcalcs.com/standards/).

**More about ClearCalcs**
Australian owned, engineering software startup ClearCalcs is creating the world's single source of truth for engineering design calculations. The eng-tech software enables engineers and architects to streamline their calculations across a single platform, from the roof to a building’s foundations, providing unparalleled insight and accuracy to the engineering process. 

**About Standards Australia**
Standards Australia is an independent, not for profit organisation, and Australia’s peak non-government standards development organisation. The work of Standards Australia and its contributors from industry, government and the consumer sector enhances the nation's economic efficiency, international competitiveness and contributes to a safe and sustainable environment for all Australians. Standards Australia’s vision is to be a global leader in trusted solutions that improve life – today and tomorrow: www.standards.org.au

Australian engineering and structural design software, ClearCalcs, has launched an industry-first partnership with Standards Australia. 

ClearCalcs Engineers Industry-First Partnership  with Standards Australia

This month, we are introducing the release of Restrained (Basement) Retaining Wall, an update to the Wood Shear Wall Calculator that includes support for multi-story buildings and more.

Let's dive right into it.

_Table of Contents:_ 
- _[Restrained (Basement) Retaining Wall now available to IBC 2021, ACI 318-19](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-august-2023#head1)_
- _[Multi-Story Shear Wall enabled in Wood Shear Wall Calculator to AWC SDPWS 2021 and NDS 2018](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-august-2023#head2)_
- _[Sloped beams automatically considered in timber beam design to Australian Standard AS 1720.1:2010](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-august-2023#head3)_

## Retaining Wall

### <a name="head1"></a>Restrained (Basement) Retaining Wall now available to IBC 2021, ACI 318-19

Meet our latest calculator: [Restrained Basement Retaining Wall Calculator](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/retainingWallRestrainedUSA). 

The calculator quickly analyzes and calculates designs for restrained retaining walls, which are typically used as basement walls.

Built to comply with the International Building Code (IBC) 2021, the calculator assumes the absence of shear keys, no inclination of soil behind the structure, and excludes wind or earthquake loads.

With an easy-to-use interface for you to input the retaining wall, soil, and stem wall properties, you will instantly obtain the sliding and lateral forces, moment, and shear capacity of your restrained retaining wall's stem and footing in minutes.

[Watch the calculator in action](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/vk04a4r3jl).

![calcsUS-basement-retaining-wall-key-dimensions.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/calcs_US_basement_retaining_wall_key_dimensions_b87a90fbf9.png)

The calculator also checks for negative moments in the stem wall, making it really simple to help you select the appropriate reinforcement placement for your basement retaining wall.

![calcsUS-basement-retaining-wall-reinforcement-placement-small.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.amazonaws.com/calcs_US_basement_retaining_wall_reinforcement_placement_small_6746d783ef.png)

This is [the Beta version](https://clearcalcs.com/support/faqs/what-is-a-beta-template) of the Restrained Retaining Wall Calculator. We will continue to receive feedback for improvements, and the calculator will undergo external verification by a third-party engineering firm before being fully launched.

**Available on**: The Beta version is currently available for all users to test and share feedback. The calculator will be offered as part of the Pro plan at launch.

## Wood Shear Wall 

### <a name="head2"></a> Multi-Story Shear Wall enabled in Wood Shear Wall Calculator to AWC SDPWS 2021 and NDS 2018

By popular demand, we've now enabled the design of multi-story shear walls with the [Wood Shear Wall calculator](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/timberShearWallASD).

You'll see that the location of the opening is set as identical on each floor by default. This indicates the panel ratio, which informs you whether the shear wall panel is engaged to distribute the loads and, therefore, whether you need chords designed for the shear wall.

[Watch the calculator in action](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/amy6t36o2r).

![calcsUS-woodshearwall-multi-story.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/calcs_US_woodshearwall_multi_story_15bbaeca20.png)

This new feature allows you to apply seismic or wind loads to each story separately. The calculator will either combine the same type of load or apply them individually. This also includes dynamically linking your multi-story shear walls to [multiple diaphragm analyses](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/diaphragmAnalysis) for end-to-end shear wall design.

**Available on**: Wood Shear Wall Calculator is available for the Pro plan and above. 

## Timber Beam

### <a name="head3"></a> Sloped beams automatically considered in timber beam design to Australian Standard AS 1720.1:2010 

If you're designing [timber beams in Australia](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/timberComplexBeam), the presets for rafter and hip/valley (roof beams) now automatically consider the beam pitch when calculating the member length and forces. 

[Watch the calculator in action](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/g3e9u46d32).

You'll see an option to select whether you need a simple slope for your rafter or two different slopes for your hip/valley design. 

![calcsAU-timber-beam-incline.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/calcs_AU_timber_beam_incline_61eaaf95b1.png)

After that, you only need to input the horizontal length of the beam and the roof pitch to calculate your total length and forces. In the case of hip/valley, this means you can input two different incline angles based on your design.

![calcsAU-timber-beam-incline-input.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/calcs_AU_timber_beam_incline_input_fd0f27f1d8.png)

The calculator will then automatically calculate the loads and analyze the axial forces based on the beam incline. For hip/valley, this includes automatically calculating the triangular load as a result of  [the tributary area around the hip beam](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/what-is-load-and-tributary-width-in-structural-design-an-overview).

![calcsAU-timber-beam-incline-loads.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/calcs_AU_timber_beam_incline_loads_ba318ed07b.png)

## Resources

We've released new documentation for the Steel Beam Calculator to AISC 360-16. Read the documentation:
- [Worked example of steel beam design to AISC 360-16](https://clearcalcs.com/support/beams/design-example-continuous-beam-designed-per-aisc-360-16).
- [Interpreting and optimizing results for steel beam design to AISC 360-16](https://clearcalcs.com/support/beams/us-steel-beam-interpreting-optimizing-results).

## Take Action
Improve your structural workflow and accelerate your productivity by joining live events and meet others power users in the ClearCalcs community.

#### [Calculating Snow Loads Per IBC 2021](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/snow-loads-ibc-2021)
Wednesday, August 30th, 1 pm (ET)

#### [Diaphragm Analysis and Lateral Load Linking for Shear Wall Design](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/diaphragm-analysis)
Wednesday, September 27th, 1 pm (ET)

#### [Introduction to the Girder-Slab® System and Design Tool V3.4](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/girder-slab-sytem-design)
Wednesday, October 11th, 1 pm (ET)

[Check out our upcoming webinars](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars) or [watch previous webinars](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/archive) at your own pace!

-- 

That's all for this month. If you have any feature requests, you can send them to help@clearcalcs.com. Enjoy!


This month, we're introducing the release of Restrained (Basement) Retaining Wall, an update to Wood Shear Wall Calculator to include support for multi-story, and more. 


What's new at ClearCalcs? (August 2023)

This month, we're introducing new feature additions - including adding unbalanced snow loads and drift loads in the snow load calculator and lateral seismic loads to the retaining wall calculator! 

_Table of Contents:_
- _[Snow Load Calculator to ASCE 7-16 now incorporates unbalanced and drift loads](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-october-2023#head1)_
- _[Cantilever retaining wall to IBC 2021, ASCE 7-16, ACI 318-19 now considers lateral seismic loads](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-october-2023#head2)_

Let's get right into it.

## Lateral Loads

### <a name="head1"></a> Snow Load Calculator to ASCE 7-16 now incorporates unbalanced and drift loads.

First of all, shout out to all of you who attended the [ClearCalcs Learn Hour on Snow Loads Analysis](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/snow-loads-ibc-2021) - massive thanks for your feedback and suggestions. This update is for you!

The [Snow Load Calculator](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/loadsSnowASCE7-16) now includes the ability to calculate unbalanced snow loads and drift loads. 

![[BLOG POST] what's-new-oct-23-unbalanced-snow-loads.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/BLOG_POST_what_s_new_oct_23_unbalanced_snow_loads_300e637e65.png)

With easy input for horizontal distance from eave to ridge and roof pitch, the calculator will automatically determine whether unbalanced snow loads need to be considered and give you the unbalanced snow surcharge with or without a rafter system. 

Additionally, we also include simple table inputs for calculating snow drifts on lower roofs and projections/parapets, giving you instant results for your snow drift pressures. 

![[BLOG POST] what's-new-oct-23-drift-snow-loads.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/BLOG_POST_what_s_new_oct_23_drift_snow_loads_a02af52676.png)
This means you can now better anticipate and plan for different scenarios when calculating snow loads and prevent localized overloading on specific areas of your structure.

[Watch the calculator in action](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/5ho6yp8ws8).

**Available on**: [Pro plan and above](https://clearcalcs.com/pricing/us). 

## Retaining Wall 

### <a name="head2"></a> Cantilever retaining wall to IBC 2021, ASCE 7-16, ACI 318-19 now considers lateral seismic loads.

Now, you can easily incorporate seismic lateral loads into your [cantilever retaining wall designs](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/retainingWallCantileverUSAACI318-19). 

![[BLOG POST] what's-new-oct-23-seismic-retaining.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/BLOG_POST_what_s_new_oct_23_seismic_retaining_5eaeb42165.png)

With a straightforward toggle, you can consider seismic lateral load in your retaining wall design. The calculator allows you to input the lateral pressure from seismic loads based on equivalent fluid pressure method, usually obtained from a geotechnical engineer or report . 

And that's not all; we've considered the International Building Code's factor of safety, which sets the default value of 1.5, and can be optimized to 1.1 for more cost-effective designs when seismic loads are in play. 

With this, whenever you're designing retaining walls in regions prone to earthquakes or your building code requires it, we've simplified the process to ensure that your retaining walls can withstand seismic events.

[Watch the calculator in action](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/qy3fq3ebjj)

**Available on**: [Pro plan and above](https://clearcalcs.com/pricing/us). 

## ICMYI
Wondering what other goodies we have come up with in the last few months? Here's a roundup of updates in case you missed it (ICYMI):
- We launched the brand new [Restrained Retaining Wall Calculator](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/retainingWallRestrainedUSA), currently in Beta version and available for all users to test and give feedback!
- [Multi-story shear wall analysis is now enabled](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-august-2023#head2) in the Wood Shear Wall Calculator.
- [Sloped beams are now automatically considered in timber beam design](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-august-2023#head3) to Australian Standard AS 1720.1:2010

## Take Action
Improve your structural workflow and accelerate your productivity by joining live events and meet others power users in the ClearCalcs community.

#### [Open Web Steel Joists Analysis and Design](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/open-web-steel-joists)
Wednesday, October 25th, 1 pm (ET)

#### [The Atlas Tube Advantage: HSS Specification and Its Applications in Structural Design](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/atlas-tube-hss)
Wednesday, November 15th, 1 pm (ET)

[Check out our upcoming webinars](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars) or [watch previous webinars](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/archive) at your own pace!

-- 

That's all for this month. If you have any feature requests, you can send them to help@clearcalcs.com or submit them in our [subscribers-only community forum, the Blueprint](https://blueprint.clearcalcs.com/). 

This month, we're introducing new feature additions - including adding unbalanced snow loads and drift loads in the snow load calculator and lateral seismic loads to the retaining wall calculator! 

What's new at ClearCalcs? (October 2023)

This month, we're releasing the Snow Load Calculator to ASCE 7-16 out of its Beta version. Plus, Steel Joist Calculator to SJI 100-2020 now includes LH-Series joists and the Cold-Formed Steel Calculator to AS/NZS 4600:2018 includes Rondo Wall Stud Track sections.

**Table of Contents:**
- _[Snow Load Calculator to ASCE 7-16 out of Beta version](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-november-2023#head1)_
- _[Steel Joist Calculator to SJI 100-2020 incorporates LH-series joists](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-november-2023#head2)_
- _[Cold-Formed Steel Calculator to AS/NZS 4600:2018 includes Rondo Wall Stud Track sections](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-november-2023#head3)_

Let's get right into it.

## Lateral Loads

### <a name="head1"></a> Snow Load Calculator to ASCE 7-16 out of Beta version.

After receiving numerous feedback from our users and incorporating suggestions from our external independent reviewer, the [Snow Load Calculator](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/loadsSnowASCE7-16) is now out of the Beta version. 

![calcsUS-snow-load-Beta.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/calcs_US_snow_load_Beta_584cdac098.png)

>Read more: [What is a Beta Module?](https://clearcalcs.com/support/faqs/what-is-a-beta-template)

In summary, the Snow Load Calculator to ASCE 7-16:
- Calculates both balanced and [unbalanced snow loads](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-october-2023) on sloped and flat roofs.
- Takes into account the ground snow load, surface roughness, roof properties (roof pitch and angle) and the thermal condition of the building. 
- Provides calculations on for [snow drift loads](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-october-2023) on lower roofs or roof projections. 

>Read more: [Our External Independent Review Process](https://clearcalcs.com/support/faqs/our-quality-and-transparency-promise)

## Steel

### <a name="head2"></a> Steel Joist Calculator to SJI 100-2020 incorporates LH-series joists

Now, you can design with LH-series steel joists using the [Steel Joists (ASD) Calculator to SJI 100-2020](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/steelJoistsASD). 

![calcsUS-steel-joists-lh-series.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/calcs_US_steel_joists_lh_series_466a9e1c0a.png)

Longspan (LH) steel joists are designed to handle longer span loads and higher loads, offering structural engineers more flexibility during the project scoping and designing process. 

Additionally,  users can now [take advantage of the dynamic load path tracking that the calculator offers to link line loads or point loads to the steel joist design](https://clearcalcs.com/features/load-linking). 

### <a name="head3"></a> Cold-Formed Steel Calculator to AS/NZS 4600:2018 includes Rondo Wall Stud Track sections

If you're designing with [cold-formed steel (CFS) in Australia](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/cfsSteelBeamAS4600-2018), you can now consider [Rondo&reg; Wall Stud Track](https://www.rondo.com.au/products/walls/steel-stud-track-wall-framing-system) sections in your design. 

![calcsAU-cold-formed-steel-rondo-sections.gif](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/calcs_AU_cold_formed_steel_rondo_sections_1124a5cafa.gif)

This means that as an engineer and designer, you now have more options to design lightweight and durable structures for your projects, especially for internal plasterboard walls and specific external walls.

## ICMYI
Wondering what other goodies we have come up with in the last few months? Here's a roundup of updates in case you missed it (ICYMI):
- Cantilever retaining wall to IBC 2021, ASCE 7-16, ACI 318-19 now [considers lateral seismic loads](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-october-2023#head2).
- The [Restrained Retaining Wall Calculator](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/retainingWallRestrainedUSA) is still in Beta version and available for all users to test and give feedback!
- [Multi-story shear wall analysis](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-august-2023#head2) is now enabled in the Wood Shear Wall Calculator.
- [Sloped beams are now automatically considered](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-at-clearcalcs-august-2023#head3) in timber beam design to Australian Standard AS 1720.1:2010

-- 

That's all for this month. If you have any feature requests, you can send them to help@clearcalcs.com or submit them in our [subscribers-only community forum, the Blueprint](https://blueprint.clearcalcs.com/). 

Get access to the complete Snow Load Calculator to ASCE 7-16 out of Beta, as well as the latest LH series in Steel Joist Calculator to SJI 100-2020, and Rondo Wall Stud Track sections now offered in CFS Calculator to AS/NZS 4600:2018.

What's new at ClearCalcs? (November 2023)

This month, we're expanding the Wood Shear Wall Calculator's capabilities to include the ability to design perforated shear walls and specify holdown designs based on the Simpson Strong-Tie catalog. Plus, the Steel Joist Calculator is fully launched and out of the Beta version.

**Table of Contents:**
- _[Specify holdown connectors for shear wall design](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-january-2024#head1)_
- _[Perforated multi-story shear wall with openings now available for the Wood Shear Wall Calculator  ](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-january-2024#head2)_
- _[Steel Joist Calculator to SJI 100-2020 out of the Beta version](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-january-2024#head3)_

Let's get right into it.

## Wood Shear Wall

### <a name="head1"></a>Easily specify holdown connectors for shear wall design

We have now integrated the Simpson Strong-Tie catalog into the [Wood Shear Wall Calculator to AWC SDPWS 2021 and AWC NDS 2018](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/timberShearWallASD) so you can easily specify your holdown connectors in one place.

Holdowns are generally required when overturning conditions cause uplift at the chords. Based on the maximum chord tension load, the calculator automatically determines whether holdowns are necessary for your shear wall design. 

![holdown-connectors.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/holdown_connectors_4228932809.png)

Using the integrated member selector, you can easily choose the appropriate holdowns for your shear wall based on the complete [Simpson Strong-Tie catalog](https://www.strongtie.com/resources/literature/wood-construction-connectors-catalog), removing the need to refer to or browse the catalog and manually calculate the holdown capacity. 

[See it in action](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/fden8jdek3).

### <a name="head2"></a>Perforated multi-story shear wall with openings now available for the Wood Shear Wall Calculator  

You now have the option to choose between perforated or segmented shear wall types when designing shear walls with the Wood Shear Wall Calculator.

Plus, when creating perforated multi-story shear walls, you have the ability to include openings at any location of any story in your design. This added flexibility saves you time by eliminating the need for manual load calculations from one story to another.

![perforated-shear-wall.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/perforated_shear_wall_a501c886e6.png)

The key difference in these wall types is in how openings are considered in the shear wall capacity calculation. 

Perforated shear walls offer greater architectural flexibility because of continuous openings within the walls. Additionally, perforated shear walls typically only need holdowns at the very ends of the shear walls compared to every opening in segmented shear walls, making it more cost-efficient and less labor-intensive to construct.

The calculator will also automatically determine the holdowns required for your shear wall design based on whether the shear wall is segmented and perforated, and you can also now easily determine your holdown specifications with the latest integration of Simpson Strong-Tie connectors database in the calculator. 

[See a worked example of the Wood Shear Wall Calculator with perforated shear wall](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/tjsuwxxorv).

## Steel Joist

### <a name="head3"></a>Steel Joist Calculator to SJI 100-2020 out of the Beta version

The Steel Joist Calculator to SJI 100-2020 has been extensively and independently reviewed by an external reviewer and is now out of its Beta version.

In summary, the Steel Joist Calculator allows you to: 
- [Design open web steel joists](https://clearcalcs.com/webinars/open-web-steel-joists) based on the Steel Joist Institute's SJI Load Tables.
- Quickly size K-series and LH-series steel joists and check for the moment and shear utilization from a database of thousands of sections from SJI 100-2020.
- [Dynamically link load reactions between steel joists as point loads or line loads](https://clearcalcs.com/features/load-linking) to save time and avoid copy-pasting load reactions over and over again. 

-- 

That's all for this month. If you have any feature requests, you can send them to help@clearcalcs.com or submit them in our [subscribers-only community forum, the Blueprint](https://blueprint.clearcalcs.com/). 

Wood Shear Wall Calculators get an upgrade. You can now specify holdown connectors using the Simpson Strong-Tie catalog and choose between segmented or perforated shear walls.

What's new at ClearCalcs? (January 2024)

This month, we're introducing automatic retrieval of design parameters for wind, snow, and seismic using your project's address, the ability to add custom and linkable loads in your project defaults, the release of the ASCE 7-22 Wind Load Calculator for the Florida Building Code 2023, and many more. 

**Table of Contents:**
- _[Get design wind and seismic parameters automatically using your project's address.](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-february-2024#head1)_
- _[Easily input custom distributed loads for dynamic load linking with design calculators.](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-february-2024#head2)_
- _[Override the snow load duration factor in project defaults.](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-february-2024#head3)_
- _[Florida Building Code 2023 is now available with the release of the Wind Load Analysis Calculator to ASCE 7-22.](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-february-2024#head4)_
- _[Live load patterning is now available for beam calculators (US standards only).](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-february-2024#head5)_

Let's get right into it.

## Project Defaults

### <a name="head1"></a>Get design wind and seismic parameters automatically using your project's address.

If you're designing to ASCE 7-16, you can now automatically retrieve the design parameters for [wind](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/loadsWindCnCASCE7-16), [snow](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/loadsSnowASCE7-16), and [seismic](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/seismicAnalysisUS) in ClearCalcs when you input your project's address located in the United States. 

For example, let's say you have a project on California Avenue, Palo Alto, California.

![project-address-details.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/project_address_details_8883dbab05.png)

Here, you'll see your [Project Defaults](https://clearcalcs.com/support/manage-projects/project-defaults-us) automatically locate your project's location on the wind speed contours map and retrieve the design parameters for wind, snow, and seismic, such as the Basic Wind Speed, Ground Snow Load, Site Class, Seismic Design Category (SDC), and more. 

![autowind-autoseismic.gif](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/autowind_autoseismic_6e5cd48f9c.gif)

![autowind-autoseismic.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/autowind_autoseismic_06711af52f.png)

This new feature helps you save precious minutes in every project by eliminating the need to obtain these values manually using the ASCE Hazard Tool or navigating wind speed contours map on the physical copies of standards. 

### <a name="head2"></a>Easily input custom distributed loads for dynamic load linking with design calculators 

Do you find yourself entering loads again and again when you work on large design projects involving multiple loads with different locations and tributary widths? 

You can now set up your custom distributed loads in Project Defaults and [link them to different calculations in your projects](https://clearcalcs.com/support/advanced-tips-and-tricks/linking-reactions-between-beams-and-columns-load-path-tracking) so that when you need to update the loads, you only need to update the loads once, and the reactions will calculate and update automatically across all your calculations in a project. 

![custom-loads.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/custom_loads_4b0302219f.png)

![custom-loads.gif](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/custom_loads_bd897b42c5.gif)

This way, you no longer have to manually input your loads each time you calculate or search through different calculations to retrieve old values when your loads change and risk making mistakes in the process.

### <a name="head3"></a>Override the snow load duration factor in project defaults

If you are working on a design project in mountainous areas such as Utah or Alpine County, and the International Building Code (IBC) amendment by the local authorities requires the NDS snow load duration factor for timber elements to be 1.0 when elevations are above 5,000 ft, you can now modify the load duration factor for snow in Project Defaults. 

![snow-load-duration-factor.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/snow_load_duration_factor_67bfd8bb66.png)

This will allow you to override the default value and ensure that your design project is up to code without any messy workarounds.

## Building Code

### <a name="head4"></a>Florida Building Code 2023 is now available with the release of the Wind Load Analysis Calculator to ASCE 7-22

[The Florida Building Code 2023](https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/FLBC2023P1) took effect on January 1, 2024. One key change is that it now refers to ASCE 7-22.

For this reason, we have just released our [Wind Load Calculator to ASCE7-22](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/loadsWindCnCASCE7-22) standards for both Components and Cladding and MWFRS. 

![asce-7-22-wind.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/asce_7_22_wind_faf665de0f.png)

This ASCE 7-22 wind load calculator is very similar to the ASCE 7-16 with a couple of minor differences in equations and coefficients that are listed below:
- The Wind Directionality Factor (Kd) is applied when calculating the Design Wind Pressure (p), instead of the Velocity Pressure (qh)
- Formula for Velocity Pressure Exposure Coefficient (Kh) is updated
- External pressure coefficients and number of zones for gable and hip roofs for Components and Cladding calculator are updated
- Load case name change for MWFRS from Load case A and B to Load Case 1 and 2

If you're an engineer in Florida or you're designing to the Florida Building Code, you can rest easy knowing you can keep using ClearCalcs to submit your project calculations to your local building department. 

## Beam Analysis

### <a name="head5"></a>Live load patterning is now available for beam calculators (US standards only)

If you're designing [wood](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/timberBeamASD), [steel](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/steelBeamASD), or [concrete beams](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/concreteBeamRectangularUSAACI318-19) to US standards, you now have the option to enable automatic live load patterning to your load application. 

![load-pattern-toggle.png](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/load_pattern_toggle_b2ecf6279c.png)

When you activate this function, ClearCalcs will automatically generate load combinations for distributed (psf) and line (plf) live loads on all continuous beams. This means that you no longer need to create separate calculations or iterate your designs in ClearCalcs for each structural element based on different live load patterns.

[See it in action](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/nmuj2uev98?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=load-pattern&utm_term=load-pattern&utm_content=load-pattern). 

--

That's all for this month. If you have any feature requests, submit them in our [subscribers-only community forum, the Blueprint](https://blueprint.clearcalcs.com/).

Explore ClearCalcs' newest features, such as automatic wind, seismic, and snow design parameter retrieval and the ASCE 7-22 Wind Load Calculator for Florida Building Code 2023.

What's new at ClearCalcs? (February 2024)

This month, by popular requests, we're adding the ability to design circular column with our Concrete Column Calculator to AS 3600:2018. 

_Table of contents:_
- _[Circular column preset now available in the Concrete Column Calculator (AS 3600:2018)](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-october-2024/#head1)_
- _[Enhance your cold-formed steel designs with Rondo Top Hats](https://clearcalcs.com/blog/whats-new-clearcalcs-october-2024/#head2)_

Let's get right into it

## Concrete Design

### <a name="head1"></a>Circular column preset now available in the Concrete Column Calculator (AS 3600:2018)

Do even more with your concrete designs thanks to the new Circular Column preset.

![An animated screenshot of ClearCalcs circular column preset within the Concrete Column Calculator to AS 3600:2018](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/circular_Column_3bb8da1d40.gif)

Many of you have requested this feature, and we’re excited to announce that ClearCalcs now includes a Circular Column preset in the [Concrete Column Calculator for AS 3600:2018](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/concreteColumn). This addition simplifies the design workflow for projects where space optimization and uniform load distribution are crucial.

Key Features:
- Easily input critical design factors such as column diameter, concrete strength, and reinforcement details.
- Automatically generate interaction diagrams to visualize the performance of your column under various loading conditions.
- Switch between detailed and standard views to gain a deeper understanding of your design's behavior.

Circular columns are commonly used in high-rise residential buildings, modern architectural projects, and structures subjected to dynamic loads. With these new capabilities, you can now seamlessly integrate circular column design into your concrete projects, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy.

[Watch the tutorial](https://clearcalcs.wistia.com/medias/v14k5t2j0g?utm_source=website&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=whats-new-october-2024)

**Available in: [Starter, Pro, and Ultimate plans](https://clearcalcs.com/pricing/au).**

## Cold-Formed Steel Design 

### <a name="head2"></a>Enhance your cold-formed steel designs with Rondo Top Hats

![An animated screenshot showing selection of Rondo Top Hats in ClearCalcs Cold-Formed Steel Beam Calculator to AS/NZS 4600:2018](https://clearcalcs-prod2-cms.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/rondo_top_hats_e2acf3f758.gif)

The [Cold-Formed Steel Beam Calculator to AS/NZS 4600:2018](https://clearcalcs.com/calculations/cfsSteelBeamAS4600-2018) now supports [Rondo Top Hats](https://www.rondo.com.au/products/top-hats-and-steel-angles/top-hats-and-steel-angles), expanding your design possibilities.

This update is ideal for projects with high wind loading or heavy-duty sheeting requirements, as Rondo Top Hats can be used in both internal and external applications, as well as on vertical fascias and soffits.

**Available in: [All commercial plans](https://clearcalcs.com/pricing/au).**

-- 

That’s all for this month! If you have any feature requests or questions, don’t hesitate to [join the discussion in our Blueprint forum](https://blueprint.clearcalcs.com/). We’d love to hear from you!

You can now design circular columns with our Concrete Column Calculator to AS 3600:2018. Plus, do more with your cold-formed steel design with Rondo Top Hats. 

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