design-in-steel

Google SketchUp is being used by companies to design products, manufacture, and even market them through 3D Warehouse. If you haven’t yet looked into this possibility for your products, check out this case study for Steelcase Office Furniture:

Steelcase saves time and money with Google SketchUp

TEDDS have released a product bulletin to make customers aware of an “un-conservative” feature in their column baseplate design module. All engineers in the UK who have used this feature may need to re-check their baseplate designs using another method, or using the updated version of TEDDS. Whilst not wishing to give TEDDS bad press, we felt it prudent to make this information available to our readers, given the wide usage of TEDDS in the UK. The distributors of TEDDS (CSC) have taken the responsible step in notifying customers of this flaw, and we congratulate them for doing so. See this link for product info.

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.