Steps for Designing Beams

A structured approach to beam design per NDS 2024 ASD, aligned with the Wood Beam module in StructSuite (/design/wood-beam).

In StructSuite (wizard order)

Accordion titles follow content/wizard-labels/wood-beam.json plus design verification and visualization:

1. Step 1: Geometry & Configuration — Spans, supports, tributary width, geometry for single- or multi-span beams.
2. Step 2: Load Definition (ASCE 7-22 / NDS 2024) — Dead, live, and other loads; combinations for strength and serviceability.
3. Step 3: Material & Section — Species, grade, product type (sawn lumber, LVL, glulam, etc.), size.
4. Step 4: Design Parameters (NDS Adjustment Factors) — C_D, C_M, C_t, and related factors per NDS.
5. Step 5: Design Verification — Flexure, shear, deflection, bearing, and related checks with expanded calculation detail.
6. Step 6: Visualization — Load-case selection and beam diagrams when geometry and loads support them.

General design sequence (code-check order)

1. Determine loads – Dead load, live load, and applicable load combinations.
2. Compute reactions and moment – Shear and moment diagrams.
3. Check bending – F'b = F_b × C_D × C_M × C_t × C_F × C_r × C_i; M ≤ F'b × S.
4. Check shear – f_v ≤ F'_v (adjusted shear design value).
5. Check deflection – Δ ≤ L/360 (or project limit).
6. Check bearing – F'_c⊥ at supports.

References

• NDS 2024, Section 3 (Design Values)
• NDS 2024, Chapter 4 (Design Requirements)