Structural Frame Design Software
Enhance Supply Chain Communications and Streamline Construction
by Ross Theilen, P.E.
How many times in the midst of designing a home have you discovered too late that a roughed-in wall needed to be relocated, a drop-beam covered over, or other framing problem fixed because the architectural plans didn't address all building conflicts? With so many parties involved in designing and building a home-from the architect to the dealer to the subs-builders often face added costs, delays and hassles resulting from misunderstandings throughout the process.
Today, dealers and builders have access to a bevy of framing software that helps improve coordination among builders, dealers, design professionals and code officials. These tools include whole-house framing design programs, specialized software for meeting specific needs like tall wall design, and fabrication software for supporting ready-to- install framing. The benefits include faster construction, enhanced home quality, fewer repairs and support of green building goals by reducing construction waste.
Integrated Frame Design
By using whole-house structural frame design software, dealers and builders can work together to quickly and easily solve building conflicts before a single board is cut or a nail driven. The dealer converts the home plans into a detailed, accurate framing layout that all parties can review from every vantage point inside and out.
Designers can use advanced 3D modeling capabilities in tools such as iLevel Javelin whole-house design software to change any part of a structure and immediately show builders a redesigned layout and material list. The result is improved accuracy and efficiency at every step. An additional benefit of such tools is that the dealer can create framing layouts tailored to suit local construction practices and builder preferences. Some programs also account for plumbing runs, stub-ups and ductwork.
Detailed framing plans developed through modern design software can also help builders earn points under green building rating programs, such as the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED for Homes rating system, as well as the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) National Green Building Standard.
Specialized Framing Needs
Beyond whole house design, framing software can also help work out code-compliant solutions in specific parts of the frame. One such area is tall wall design. Prescriptive building code guidelines are available for walls less than 10 feet tall. But for tall walls in foyers, rooms with lofts or vaulted ceilings, and other similar areas, the builder must develop solutions outside standard code guidelines. This can involve complex calculations, and the risk of red tag delays. Also, if not adequately designed, tall walls may deflect under wind loads, potentially creating sheetrock cracks, water penetration, and popped seals on windows.
Tall wall calculator software addresses these challenges by making it easy to specify walls that are stiff, strong and predictable while meeting code guidelines. Designers use these tools to optimize wall designs, size materials to meet load-carrying requirements, and identify connection details for each wall framing member. They enable builders to present framing member details and calculations to building inspectors to demonstrate code compliance.
Ready-to-Install Framing
The benefits of software to builders extend from the design phase to the construction phase. Dealers using framing fabrication software can help builders reduce the labor needed to cut materials on site, speed up construction, improve accuracy and quality, and reduce construction waste. Programs such as iLevel Stellar convert data generated by design software into electronic instructions that guide computer-controlled saws in producing ready-to-install framing, from pre-cut and labeled kits of materials to panelized units.
With so many software options available, the homebuilding process has never been easier. Costly errors and delays are quickly becoming virtually preventable. To learn more about the latest framing software, contact your dealer or building product manufacturer.
Ross Theilen, P.E., is the general manager of structural frame software for iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. iLevel offers a range of framing materials, technical support and software, including Javelin whole-house design software.
