How do you use software tools and applications to facilitate LRFD for steel design?

Softwares are great, however, the design always shall be check by quick hand calc. This is needed to ensure that the answers provided by the software is making sense. Only Relying on the Softwares are wrong, and might get us to a very slippery slope.

* Pick steel design software: Choose a tool based on your project needs. * Consider: * Structure size and complexity * Design codes used (LRFD etc.) * How much you can change the design * Cost and how easy it is to get the software * Does it work with other tools you use? * Is it easy to learn and use? * Popular options: AISC Steel Solutions Center, Bentley RAM, Autodesk Robot, RISA-3D

Software tools enable engineers to perform complex structural analysis, considering various load combinations and load types specified in the LRFD code. These tools can handle different structural systems, such as beams, columns, frames, and connections, and provide detailed results including internal forces, displacements, and reactions. Advanced finite element analysis (FEA) software can also be used to model complex geometries and non-linear behavior.

* Tell the software about your design: * Size and shape of the structure * How parts connect * Where it's supported * Type and size of steel members * Material properties * Use built-in options or enter your own data. * Draw or type the information, or import from other software.

* Define loads on structure: * Dead weight (weight of structure itself) * People, furniture, equipment (live loads) * Wind, snow, earthquake (other loads) * Use codes to find worst-case load combinations * Software can help calculate loads and combinations * Input loads manually or import from other software

Software tools are available to aid in the design of steel connections based on LRFD principles. These tools provide pre-designed connection details or allow users to customize connections based on specific project requirements. They consider connection types, such as bolted or welded, and provide calculations for connection capacities, including shear, tension, and moment resistance. Detailed connection design outputs, such as required bolt sizes, weld lengths, and plate thicknesses, are generated by these tools.

* Use software to analyze the structure: * Forces, stresses, and deflections under loads * Check if design meets LRFD criteria: * Strength, stability, and ease of use * Optimize member selection for efficiency and cost

* Check LRFD software results: * Are they accurate? * Complete? * Consistent? * Make sense (valid)? * Compare to expectations and codes: * Do results match your design goals? * Follow building codes and standards? * **Use review tools:** * Look at tables, charts, and drawings. * Run reports. * Do your own calculations (double-check).

While the building industry generally uses research and specifications developed by AISC (American Institute for Steel Construction) for steel elements, AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) traditionally has recognized that bridges should be designed somewhat differently than buildings. Bridges are subject to more rigorous and aggressive environmental effects, and their live loading is typically more variable than that of buildings. In general terms, bridge design necessitates larger factors of safety and higher capacity reduction factors. Similar to AISC’s LRFD provisions for buildings, AASHTO’s LRFD includes both factored loads and resistance factor reductions in nominal capacity.