How to dynamically track load paths through a structure.

About this event

Engineers rely on tracking load paths regularly when designing structures. In residential house construction, for example, a continuous load path is important because it helps redistribute dead, live, and wind loads, and transfer these forces from the roof to the foundation.

Conventionally, load paths are calculated manually by hand or via spreadsheet. For example, when you want to increase or decrease the size of an upstream member, you need to look at the reactions on the spreadsheet or paper, and manually type or copy paste those reactions down the load path, which is both a massive time sink and highly prone to mistakes as revisions are made. Join our structural engineers to learn tips to easily determine the load path in a structure, and find out how you can easily link reactions between beams, columns, and foundations in ClearCalcs so you can dynamically track loads through a structure, and ultimately, help you deliver great design faster.

In this webinar, we will cover…

• Load path theory
• Common application of load path in residential structures
• Worked examples of load linking and reactions in ClearCalcs

Webinar Summary

Summary In this webinar, Laurent discussed the importance of load paths in structural analysis and how every pound of weight must be accounted for in the load path. He also demonstrated how to use ClearCalcs' load linking feature to accurately track the load path and distribute forces throughout the structure. Additionally, he mentioned that ClearCalcs is working on implementing a new feature that will allow users to link beams to a database of wood connectors, ensuring proper connections in the load path analysis.

I. Load Paths and Accounting for Weight

• Laurent discussed the importance of considering load paths in structural analysis.
• He emphasized that every pound of weight must be accounted for in the load path.
• This involves understanding how loads are transferred from one element to another.

II. Load Linking Feature in ClearCalcs

• Laurent mentioned that ClearCalcs has a feature called load linking.
• Load linking allows users to link loads from one element to another in their structural analysis.
• This ensures that every pound of weight is properly accounted for in the load path.
• By linking loads, users can accurately determine the distribution of forces throughout the structure.

III. Linking Beams to Wood Connector Database (Upcoming Feature)

• Laurent mentioned that ClearCalcs is working on implementing a new feature.
• This feature will allow users to link beams to a database of wood connectors.
• The purpose of this feature is to ensure that the connections in the load path are properly accounted for.
• By linking beams to the connector database, users can select appropriate connectors for their design.
• This helps in accurately analyzing the load path and ensuring the structural integrity of the connections.

Overall, Laurent highlighted the significance of load paths and the need to account for every pound of weight in structural analysis. ClearCalcs offers load linking as a feature to facilitate accurate load distribution. Additionally, they are developing a feature to link beams to a wood connector database, further enhancing the accuracy of load path analysis.