Principles Of Steel Design Simulations
A collection of interactive 3D visualizations and simulations to help you master concepts in principles of steel design.
Introduction to Structural Steel - Theory & Concepts
Overview of steel properties, history, grades, structural shapes, and design philosophies (LRFD vs. ASD).
Interactive Stress-Strain Curve
Material Properties
Regions of the Curve:
- Elastic: Linear region up to $F_y$. Material returns to original shape.
- Plastic Plateau: Deformation with no increase in stress.
- Strain Hardening: Stress increases up to $F_u$.
- Necking: Cross-section decreases, stress drops until fracture.
Tension Members - Theory & Concepts
Analysis and design of structural steel members subjected to axial tension, including eyebars and threaded rods.
Interactive Net Area Calculator
Click on the bolt holes to simulate a potential fracture path. The calculator will automatically apply Cochrane's rule ($s^2/4g$) for staggered bolts.
Assume 3/4" bolts. Hole diameter = 3/4" + 1/8" = 0.875".
Select a valid logical path (e.g., A-B is invalid for tension rupture as it's a vertical tear, choose A-C-D instead).
Path Calculation
Select holes on the plate to generate a fracture path.
Governing Path
In actual design, you must calculate the Net Area ($A_n$) for all possible paths and select the smallest value to determine the governing design capacity for tension rupture.
Compression Members - Theory & Concepts
Analysis and design of steel columns, focusing on buckling strength, stability, and built-up members.
AISC Column Buckling Curve
Analysis Results:
- Transition Slenderness: 113.4
- Current Slenderness (KL/r): 50
- Buckling Mode: Inelastic
Stress Values:
- Elastic Critical Stress (F_e): 114.5 ksi
- AISC Critical Stress (F_cr): 41.6 ksi
Beams: Flexure - Theory & Concepts
Analysis and design of steel beams for flexural strength, focusing on moment capacity, compactness, biaxial bending, and lateral-torsional buckling.
Beam Flexural Strength (M_n) vs. Unbraced Length (L_b)
Beam Parameters (W18x35 approx):
- L_p (Plastic Limit): 4.31 ft
- L_r (Inelastic Limit): 13.5 ft
- M_p (Plastic Capacity): 277.1 k-ft
Current State:
- Unbraced Length: 10 ft
- Zone: Zone 2 (Inelastic LTB)
- Nominal Strength (M_n): 209.5 k-ft
Beams: Shear and Serviceability - Theory & Concepts
Analysis and design of steel beams for shear capacity and serviceability limits like deflection, ponding, and floor vibration.
Beam Deflection Check
- Actual Deflection ():6.161 in
- Allowable Deflection ($L/360$):1.000 in
- Status: FAILS - Excessive Deflection
Beam-Columns - Theory & Concepts
Design of members subjected to combined axial compression and flexural loads, including second-order effects and bracing requirements.
Beam-Column Interaction (AISC Chapter H)
Member Capacities (Assumed W14x90):
- Axial Compressive Strength (φP_c): 1000 kips
- Flexural Strength (φM_cx): 600 k-ft
Interaction Value: 0.422
Equation H1-1a used (Pu/φPc ≥ 0.2)
Bolted Connections - Theory & Concepts
Analysis and design of bolted connections, including shear, bearing, slip-critical resistance, prying action, and block shear.
Bolted Connection Limit States
Governing Strength (φR_n)
0.0 kips
FAIL (DCR = Infinity)
Welded Connections - Theory & Concepts
Analysis and design of welded connections, covering fillet, groove, plug, and slot welds, as well as eccentric weld groups.
Fillet Weld Strength
Status
OVERSTRESSED
DCR = Infinity
Plate Girders - Theory & Concepts
Analysis and design of built-up steel plate girders, focusing on web slenderness, proportioning limits, and tension field action.
Plate Girder: Tension Field Action
Simulation Status:
- Current Load: 10 kN
- State: Elastic Shear (Unbuckled)
Composite Members - Theory & Concepts
Introduction to composite steel-concrete construction, including beams, columns, shear connectors, and slab interaction.
Composite Section: Plastic Neutral Axis (PNA)
- Controlling Shear Transfer ($V'$): 500 kips
- PNA Location: Case 2: PNA in Steel Flange
- Increasing the number of shear studs or concrete strength forces the PNA higher into the slab, increasing the moment arm and the flexural capacity.
Connections and Base Plates - Theory & Concepts
Design of column base plates, anchor rods, shear lugs, and moment connections transferring forces to foundations.