It has been awhile since we posted any development progress so I thought I’d drop by and give you guys an update. Rest assured this doesn’t mean we haven’t been working as hard as always it’s just a long process!

This is a sneak peek of StruCalc’s newest design module just integrated yesterday. The new Collar Tie Design Module is the newest form of user input in StruCalc 8.0. We put the controls on the diagrams so you know exactly what and where to enter the correct information to make your designs quick and accurate.

I shrank the screenshot down so you can also see StruCalc 8.0’s full new interface. All the familiar controls are in a left hand navigation bar allowing quicker and easier access to all the information for your current member. No more multiple forms here! It’s all in one place on one screen. Some video’s coming shortly will highlight the new navigation and design process that truly makes StruCalc 8.0 the next generation of engineering software.

As you can see the collar tie allows inputting of the rafter dimensions, a ridge point load, a roof live and dead load, roof pitch, bracing applied to the bottom of rafters, and a double eave live load. The properties of the rafters can be designed on the left hand bar and after choosing a placement for the tie StruCalc will calculate the size and type of collar tie the user needs for an adequate design. It also will give the information needed to correctly design the connection.

We hope everyone is as excited as we are about the new interface and design features. Our productivity has certainly increased since we started using the new program and we know your’s will to. Keep us posted with your great feedback we enjoy hearing from our users and look for some very exciting news in the next two weeks!

Adam Wilson
StruCalc Development Team