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 - Stress Strain Curve
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 . Material returns to original shape.
- Plastic Plateau: Deformation with no increase in stress.
- Strain Hardening: Stress increases up to .
- Necking: Cross-section decreases, stress drops until fracture.
Introduction to Structural Steel - Theory & Concepts - Load Combinations
Overview of steel properties, history, grades, structural shapes, and design philosophies (LRFD vs. ASD).
Interactive Load Combinations (ASD vs LRFD)
Input Service Loads (kips)
ASD Required Strength ()
- D = 20.0
- D + L = 50.0
- D + S + 0.75L = 52.5
- D + 0.6W = 29.0
Governing ASD Load: 52.5 kips
LRFD Required Strength ()
- 1.4D = 28.0
- 1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5S = 77.0
- 1.2D + 1.6S + 0.5L/0.25W = 55.0
- 1.2D + 1.0W + 0.5L + 0.5S = 59.0
- 0.9D + 1.0W = 33.0
Governing LRFD Load: 77.0 kips
Tension Members - Theory & Concepts - Tension Capacity
A comprehensive overview of structural steel tension members, covering limit states, gross and net areas, block shear, and member design.
Tension Member Capacity Analysis
Limit State Capacities ()
Governing Design Strength
75.9 kips
Beams: Flexure - Theory & Concepts - Beam L T B Curve
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 - Beam Deflection
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 - Interaction Diagram
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 (): 1000 kips
- Flexural Strength (): 600 k-ft
Interaction Value: 0.422
Equation H1-1a used ()
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 - Plate Girder Web
A comprehensive overview of built-up steel plate girders, focusing on web slenderness, stiffeners, and tension-field action.
Plate Girder: Tension Field Action
Simulation Status:
- Current Load: 10 kN
- State: Elastic Shear (Unbuckled)
Composite Members - Theory & Concepts - Composite Section
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 - Base Plate Bearing
Design of column base plates, anchor rods, shear lugs, and moment connections transferring forces to foundations.