Design and Analysis Requirements

Design Codes

Composite beam checks are performed according to the AISC Steel Construction Manual (14th Edition). Both ASD and LRFD design methodologies are supported. The design method is determined automatically from the strength load combinations that exist in the load class used for the check.

Units

Units within the model, can be either Metric or Imperial.

Results for composite beam checks are shown in Imperial units.

Compatible Cross-Sections

The composite beam module only works for W (wide-flange) composite sections.

Load Combinations

The check requires that a load class be created and that load combinations for each stage of analysis are put into the load class according to the specifications in Loading Composite Members . If the class is missing a combination or if strength combinations from different design methods (i.e. LRFD and ASD) are included in the same class, an error message, which explains what is missing or inconsistent in the load combination, will be displayed in the "Summary", "Stud Layout", or "Detailed" output preview. In addition, the label on the member will show a result of “XXX RLC” as an indication to review load combinations.