This section provides Java® applet tools and real data relevant to the course's main concepts, such as "Trussworks," a matrix analysis tool for truss structures, "Frameworks," a similar tool for frame structures, and "Steel Sections," a database of steel beam sections.
Real Tools & Data
Trussworks
Trussworks allows users to easily create and analyze 2D Structures using the Direct Stiffness Method. It models truss structures that can carry axial loads. The click and drag interface lets you input two-dimensional structures, but the program can take in and perform calculations for three-dimensional structures as well using a text based XML input.
Frameworks
Frameworks allows users to easily create and analyze 2D Structures using the Direct Stiffness Method. It models general framed structures that can carry and transfer shear forces and moments as well as axial loads. The click and drag interface lets you input two-dimensional structures, but the program can take in and perform calculations for three-dimensional structures as well using a text based XML input (see Section 4). Also included is a database of steel cross-sections and their corresponding geometric properties developed by a colleague and adapted for the programs, as well as material properties of the most commonly used engineering materials.
Steel Sections
This program provides users with a database of searchable steel cross-sections and their corresponding geometric properties.
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