FeaturesModelling

Scheme designer: frame layout and preliminary sizes from span

Lay out a concrete or steel frame on the architect's plans and get slab and beam sizes from their spans, self-weight included. Column loads come with it, so a scheme can be tested in minutes.

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A concrete frame with every floor coloured by the column it loads

Concept frameEvery level

Layout: Columns, beams and cores on the plans
Sizes: From span/depth ratios
Loads: Self-weight included
Plan: Free

How it works

Lay out the frame

Place columns once and they run through every level. Add beams and cores on the plans.

A frame with columns running ground to roof

FrameGround to roof

Size from span

Turn on Size from span for the building, a level or a selection. Slabs and beams take their depth from span/depth ratios for your region, and steel beams take the lightest standard section that fits.

A floor plan with slab spans and tributary areas, sizes set from span

Size from spanSlabs and beams

Column loads

Self-weight follows the sizes, and the load at every column base updates as you move things.

A ten-storey tower in 3D Results view with the floors hidden: the load in kN at each column base, the core coloured by load, and the load on each transfer beam

Column loadsAt every base

Instant results as you drag

Drag and move elements and the results update instantly, so you can make decisions live as your project changes. No waiting for an analysis to run.

A 21-level tower in the app, with every floor split onto the columns and walls that carry it

Live resultsUpdates as you edit

What to know

Preliminary sizes for scheme design, not a design check.
Typing a size takes that element off Size from span.
Free to use.

Questions

Both. Concrete slabs and beams take a depth from span/depth ratios. Steel beams take the lightest standard section that fits.

Yes. Typing a size takes that element off Size from span.

Need this for your work?

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Column schedule

Column types up the height, rationalised to fewer sizes, out to Excel and Revit.

Drawings to model

Import PDF plans, trace with snapping, and place each element once for every level.

Load takedown

Tributary areas and the load at every wall and column base, live as you edit.

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