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Latest Eurocode News
Well, the
Eurocodes are with us. Unlike earlier national code changes,
the Eurocodes bring major opportunities for Engineers and
construction companies to work across borders using common
standards. This should be good for the UK construction industry but
we must grasp the opportunity and adopt the codes promptly.
We've already supplied Eurocode software to countries far and wide,
not just the EU. Unless the UK gets its act together, we may well be
overtaken by the overseas competition, especially on EC3. EC2 and
EC7 are already in use and expected to 'take-off' quite rapidly.
STRAP,
BEAMD and GEO5 are already Eurocode (EC2/EC3/EC7) compliant and
where applicable can be loaded with National Annex (NAD) values for
any country. quikEC3 and other QUIKSOFT software is
currently ready to go but is awaiting publication of the UK NAD
(expected at the end of this month or shortly afterwards).
To ease
the transition to the Eurocodes, why not buy a copy of the quikEC3
steel section calculator now for just £65 + vat. It's currently
using assumed NAD values but will be updated FREE as soon as the NAD
is published. It really is an excellent training program and a
useful tool thereafter. See below for full details.
To further
reduce transition costs, we've got special upgrade policies for
existing customers and realistically priced software for new
customers. Plus, we have a no-risk policy allowing customers to swap
codes during the transition period. Contact us for further details.
Useful
Eurocode links:-
Eurocodes Expert (www.eurocodes.co.uk)
JRC (EU) Eurocode News
eurocodes.jrc.ec.europa.eu
NOTE: All
references to Eurocodes refer to the currently published EN 1993n
versions. All software has the ability to accommodate NAD values for
any country. If following publication of the UK NAD any special
provisions are required, these will be incorporated.
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GEO5 Price Increases
Owing to
exchange rate fluctuations, it has become necessary to raise GEO5
software prices. The software still represents unbeatable value for
money often offering more functionality than software costing many
times its price. For example, most programs are just £325 (was £295)
with the powerful and fully-functioned Slope Stability program
costing only £450 (was £425).
Officially
the prices came into effect on 1st January but we will continue to
honour the old price list and existing quotations for all orders
placed by 31st January.
New Price List
Old Price List
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GTS Support Forum
1st
December 2007. We are pleased to announce our new support forum
intended primarily for customers but with sections open to other
construction industry professionals. We hope this new initiative
will help us to provide an even better customer support service and
to obtain useful feedback for our program of continuous improvement.
In addition to an ever-expanding 24/7 knowledge base, the forum will
be a focal point for updates, downloads, technical information and
customer feedback. To have full use of the forum, you must register.
On registration you will be allocated privileges according to your
status as a non-customer, customer or maintained customer. Only
maintained customers will have full access to the whole of the site.
Note that you need provide only basic details to register but we
must be able to identify whether you are a customer. All details are
held on a secure server and use heavily encrypted passwords. GTS
never releases any customer information to third parties except
where required to fulfil legal obligations.
Forum Registration
Go to FORUM
NOTE:
Users who register outside our normal office hours will not be
validated until the offices re-open.
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An ideal
training tool for the forthcoming introduction of EN 1993-1-1 (EC3),
quikEC3 is a very useful 'electronic blue book' which can calculate
properties, section classifications and structural capacities for a
wide range of section shapes, using EC3 terminology. A database of
all major worldwide steel sections is included but custom tables are
easily built for non-standard sections.

In
addition, the program calculates the following:
Section classifications for axial, y
bending, z bending : (for non-symmetrical sections,
classification is carried out for either top, bottom, left or right
of section in compression depending upon section orientation).
Calculation of effective section properties
for class4 (slender) sections including any shift in neutral axis.
Section capacity checks: axial tension,
axial compression, moment, low shear, high shear, moment and shear,
moment with axial, moment axial and shear for both Y and Z axis
bending. Class1, 2, 3 and 4 (slender) sections are covered.
Combined axial, X moment and Y moment capacity
checks.
Download
this innovative program now and try it free for up to thirty days
(registration required). Buy it for just £65 + vat
HERE or by calling 01509
260559 with your credit card details for immediate unlock code.
Program Datasheet [PDF]
Sample
calculations [PDF]
Download free evaluation
copy
Buy on-line |
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New
Geotechnical Program
We are
pleased to announce a new program from FINE Ltd, developers of the
popular GEO4 and GEO5 geotechnical toolkits.
GROUNDLOSS is a program for the
prediction of building damage due to tunnelling. The UK
price for this major new program is just £695 (+vat and delivery)
with express shipping from our Loughborough offices. (note: £30
rebate for existing GEO4/GEO5 users)
Find out
more about software for assessment of risk of building damage due to
tunnelling at the special GROUNDLOSS website
www.groundloss.com.
Advance
Sections
All current GTS steel design software now has the Corus
Advance sections included. Currently, all sections are included in
STRAP. The new sections can be loaded into QUIKPORT xp, QUIKFRAME xp,
QUIKJOINT and MERLIN. If you have MERLIN you can generate your own
Advance tables for any version of any QUIKSOFT program.
(c) Corus |
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Version
12.5 of our flagship structural package was launched on 31st March
2007. Following on from the major improvements in V12.0, V12.5 also
introduces two new optional modules: RC Slab detailing and Steel Connection
design. Includes EC3 design with full Eurocode
user-configurable NAD support.
We're sure you will agree that it's a real
'bumper-bundle' of new features and improvements. Importantly, the
design modules are now completely Eurocode compliant
including provision for the 'National Annexes' (NAD's). The many detailed
improvements are the result of a vigorous on-going development
program driven by a customer 'wish-list'. All feedback from
customers and support staff is actively considered, prioritised and
incorporated wherever possible. Each improvement is designed to
increase STRAP's productivity and versatility without compromising
its outstanding ease-of-use.
New Features:-
Concrete slab deflections: The program now calculates
short-term and long-term deflections based on the cracked section
properties.
Element offsets: An offset perpendicular to the element may
now be defined. The option is useful when modelling floor slabs with
variable depth, e.g. drop panels.
RC Column design: The user can now design any column defined
as a 'solid section' (including openings) in the STRAP section
generator (CROSEC).
RC Slab detailing and drafting: Working from the FE
results, the program calculates and details the slab reinforcement,
either as an arrangement of individual bars, a pattern of
prefabricated meshes, or a combination of both.
Note: Optional
Module
Steel Connection Design: Working directly from the steel
design module and from pre-defined user preferences, the program
automatically designs and details a range of connection types.
Includes a drawing and, if required, a 3D rendered view of the
connection. All connections in a structure may be designed in
one run. (See left)
Section generator (CROSEC): This can now import a closed
perimeter from a DXF file. For example, an odd-shaped column
could be imported from AutoCAD and then designed in the concrete
module. (See above). Standard sections may now be defined according to
parameters, e.g. standard pre-stressed bridge sections.
Detailed Improvements:
General: Output to Word (RTF) file: the company logo (bitmap)
may now be printed in the Word format file.
Display a plane: a new option has been added to rotate the plane to
the screen plane.
The mouse wheel can now be used to Zoom and Pan
Print/edit a saved drawing: New options have been added to
revise drawing names, delete drawings and to revise the order of the
drawing list. Several drawings may now be printed
simultaneously on a single page; the program automatically arranges
the drawings. Multi-line text may now be edited.
Grid lines: The grid lines for the entire model are now
defined in the Geometry module. These grid lines can then be
added to the current display in other STRAP modules (loads, steel,
etc.). Lines may be removed or relocated in the current display
without modifying the original grid lines as defined in Geometry.
Dimension lines: the repositioning of existing lines when the
model is rotated has been improved.
Main menu: A 'note' may be entered for each model. The note
is defined/displayed adjacent to the small model drawing at the base
of the screen. The option allows the user to maintain a log of all
information relevant to the model.
Setup: the following options have been added:
dimension line options, covers for reinforcement calculations,
Code-related factors, e.g. EC National Annexe factors for individual
countries, arrow parameters for loads and text.
Print: the following may now be printed from the main
screen: load case and combination lists, wall results, spring
stress results.
Toolbar: toolbars may now be arranged for the results, steel
and concrete modules. New options are now available in all toolbars.
Geometry: Element offset: an offset perpendicular to
the element may now be defined:
Stages: Different releases and offsets may now be
defined in each stage.
Rigid links: A new option is available to rigidly connect
nodes that have two identical coordinates. For example, two parallel
planes may now be rigidly linked with one command.
Nodes:Cylindrical coordinate system; the height axis may now
be in any non-global direction. Perpendicular from a node to a line:
multiple nodes may now be selected. Intersection of a plane and a
line: Additional nodes may now be selected; the program creates
lines parallel to the defined one passing through the additional
nodes and generates nodes at their intersections with the plane.
Intersection of a cylinder and a line: Additional nodes may now be
selected; the program creates lines parallel to the defined one
passing through the additional nodes and generates nodes at their
intersections with the cylinder. Nodes may now be defined at
the intersection of grid lines. Move nodes: a single co-ordinate for
a group of nodes may now be moved. Unify: a 'tolerance' value
may now be defined; two nodes will be unified if the distance
between them is less than this value.
Beams: the property may now be selected from a
'list' when defining new beams. Properties - dimensions: the
property number is now displayed in the dialog box header and the
schematic section sketch has been improved. Releases: a
release at one end only may now be defined for multiple beams.
Springs: Spring constants may now be deleted in one direction
without affecting existing values in other directions. Radial
springs may now be defined along an arc.
Copy: the program now displays the distance from the original
reference node location when defining its new location. Springs may
now be copied.
Walls: Section definition: a segment perpendicular to
another segment may now be defined.
DXF drawing: the drawing may be displayed with the original
DXF file colours and with all text.
Loads: Pre-stress: variable cable force and
eccentricity may now be defined along a line of beams (or arc)
Output: Slab deflections:The program now calculates
short-term and long-term deflections based on the cracked section
properties and the reinforcement in both directions:
Slab reinforcement: a new option to calculate minimum
reinforcement according to the Code has been added.
Wall results: new option to display results for the entire
wall (M,P,V) and not only for the component segments.
Deflections - graphic: the component deflection for a
selected global direction may now be drawn.
Concrete Design: the user can now design any column defined
as a 'solid section' (including openings) in the STRAP section
generator (CROSEC). Options are available for defining 'corner bars'
and reinforcement 'lines' and 'groups' for these sections. These
reinforcement patterns may be saved in a library and recalled later
for similar sections with different dimensions. Walls:
Different effective length factors and moment magnifier values may
now be defined for each segment in a wall. Beam detailing (BEAMD):
All beams may now be detailed at the same time; the
program display a parameters menu and the specified values are used
for detailing all of the beams. Concrete volumes and reinforcement
weights may be displayed for projects and/or beams. Eurocode 2:
factors may be revised according to National Annex.
Steel Design: AISC: the program has been updated according to
the revised 2006 version of the Code. Eurocode 3: factors may
be revised according to National Annex.
CROSEC: DXF Import: A closed perimeter from selected
layers in a DXF file may now be imported into the program.
Additional interior perimeters are treated as openings. Sections
defined by parameters: standard sections may now be defined
according to parameters, e.g. standard pre-stressed bridge sections,
I sections with holes, etc.
STRAP V12.5 literature [PDF] STRAP web pages
RC slab flyer
Steel Connections flyer
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This
all-new version really is the most advanced portal frame design
program. Using the same up-to-date and innovative
interface as QUIKFRAME xp, the program is faster, even more
user-friendly and incorporates all the latest elastic, plastic and
second-order methods.
Switch instantly between input screens.

Switch instantly between display modes. Analysis
is automatically run when necessary so your results are always valid
for the current frame model.
The popular INPUT wizard is retained so that data
entry for standard frames is extremely simple with frame loadings,
including wind and snow loadings, being automatically calculated for
all frames in a building. Purlin and sheeting layout tools complete
the picture.

The DESIGN and CHECK wizards have substantially
increased speed. Unlike other programs, QUIKPORT xp automatically
considers all aspects of a frame including capacity, stability,
in-plane stability, second-order effects and the addition of stays.
Elastic, elastic-plastic, rigorous minimum weight, advanced
second-order refined hinge analysis, elastic critical load (for any
geometry) are just some of the methods in use. However, the Engineer
always has control over the final design.
There are no built-in limits in QUIKPORT xp, only
the limits of your computer. A wider range of steel sections may be
used although there are some restrictions on certain members.
Finally, QUIKPORT xp is Eurocode ready. Once the
national annexe is published, a 'plug-in' module will be available.
QUIKPORT xp web page
QUIKPORT xp literature [PDF] click
here
An evaluation copy is available from our
download area (17MB) |
GEO5 represents the ultimate in low-cost but high performance
software. Superb graphical user interface fully utilises the latest
Windows style. An intuitive 'control panel' is standard across all
programs. Once you can use one, you can use them all. Links between
the programs are seamless. Design a retaining wall in the
'cantilever wall' program and immediately check its overall
stability in the 'slope stability' program. Printout is a dream -
just click to compile a very professional report including all
necessary calculations and drawings.

We've
compared Geotechnical programs and we have to say that GEO5 offers
exceptional software at an exceptional price. We invite you to
undertake your own comparison between GEO5 and software costing much
more.
GEO5 v. GEO4 comparison [PDF]
(Also gives an indication of its very advanced features)
GEO5 Evaluation Download
The following modules are available now: Slope Stability, Cantilever wall, Gabion Wall, Gravity
Wall, Block Wall, Prefab Wall, Sheet Pile check (FEM), Sheet Pile design
(classical), Spread Footings, Pile design, Settlement, Earth Pressures. |
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***
FEATURE ***
Cold
Formed/Light gauge Steel Design
STRAP's
sophisticated steel design module now has a cold-formed (light
gauge) steel design option to BS5950:Part 5. This addition reflects
the increasing popularity of this form of construction in the UK.
Previously only USA and EC versions were available. STRAP
models may contain both light gauge and normal HR sections. A
library of common shapes is included but the STRAP CROSEC program
may also be used to draw sections which are then added to the
sections table. All necessary properties are calculated
automatically. The program can either check specified sections or
search for the lightest sections which comply with code
requirements, subject to constraints defined by the user.
Calculations use effective section properties and take account of
the strength increase due to cold-forming. Reduced section
properties due to web holes are calculated and used where
appropriate.
For more
details, contact our Sales Office
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