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Building Industry Research and Materials Testing
News Release from: Timber Research and Development Association | Subject: Flitch Beam Software
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 October 2004
TRADA Launches Unique Flitch Beam
Software
TRADA has developed a fourth program to add to the engineers' software toolbox on the askTRADA website.
TRADA Flitch Beam Designer is believed to be the only program on the market which enables users to design flitch beams using both the current British timber and steel codes, BS 5268-2 including Annex K and BS 5950-1 respectively Flitch beams are commonly used in loft conversions and for larger spans where solid timber is not long enough
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 10 Feb 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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They comprise a steel plate bolted between two solid timber members.
TRADA Flitch Beam Designer enables users to check that their specification will be strong enough for the project in hand, or very easily to adjust the specification as required.
It produces a detailed drawing showing the required numbers and positions of all the bolts.
The release of the TRADA software is important at this time since the 2004 edition of the Building Regulations Part A no longer cites BS 449 as an acceptable code for the design of steel.
Unlike other programs, the TRADA software uses the current steel code, BS 5950: Part 1.
Arnold Page, who heads the software design team, said.
'The software is also unusual in that it allows for creep, the increasing deflection of timber over time.
This results in increased bending stresses in the steel, which can be critical.' Like the other three programs in the software toolbox - TRADA Timber Sizer, TRADA Coach Screw Connection Designer and TRADA Nail, Screw, Bolt and Dowel Connection Designer - TRADA Flitch Beam Designer is available in a 'Full' version, which comes with a reporting facility, or in a 'Lite' version without it.
The reports include the user's company details, a summary of the data entered and the results.
They can be printed out for submission to Building Control, saving the user considerable time and effort.
TRADA Members can access the 'Lite' version free-of-charge on the askTRADA website or the 'Full' version of all four programs for only £105 + VAT (plus P and P of £2.75), for a single user licence which includes free upgrades for 12 months.
In addition, free technical support is available via the TRADA Helpdesk.
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