design-in-steel

The SCI/Corus blue book is an invaluable source of geometric and structural data for British steel sections. It is now available online at the following location:

http://csbluebook.steel-sci.org

The first in our Glossary of Terms series. We aim to build this up into an exhaustive visual database of steel terms. First up is the portal frame ridge, or apex:

Purlin: A secondary structural member that transfers the load from roofing material to the primary structure.

Rafter: A primary steel roof member upon which the rest of the roof structure is supported, usually made up of Universal Beam sections.

Rafter Stay: A steel strut which connects the bottom flange of the rafter to the purlins, providing some restraint to lateral torsional buckling in the rafter.

Ridge Purlin: Name given to the purlins located nearest the roof ridge.

Purlin Cleet: Bracket welded to the rafter to which purlins are fixed. It is designed to limit rotation of the purlin.

Apex Haunch: Deepening of the rafter at the apex where bending moment is greater than what can be resisted by the rafter itself.

End Plate: A plate welded to the end of a steel member so that it may be connected to another member, usually by bolting.

Click on the image to see full size.

The main steel detailing software packages used in the UK are listed below along with website links.

StruCad

by AceCad software: www.acecad.co.uk

One of the most popular products in the UK with structural and architectural steelworkers alike.

X-Steel

by Tekla: www.tekla.com/uk

Probably the most polished steel detailing software available, but also the highest priced.

Advance Steel

by CADS: www.cadsglobal.com/advance_steel_home

A relative newcomer offered by CADS who are best known for their excellent RC detailing software.

ProSteel 3D

by Struc Soft (recently bought by Bentleys): www.strucsoftsolutions.com/prosteel3d

Little used in this country, but well worth looking at. They have recently brought out a lite version which may be a great benefit to structural engineers and small fabricators who don’t need to detail entire buildings.