With the introduction of the Simpson Strong-Tie Yield-Link® moment connection for steel construction, the engineering and software development teams at Simpson Strong-Tie created multiple design tools to support users in their specification of the Yield-Link technology. These tools range from a connection modeling guide and plugins for designers to detailing software add-ins for detailers. Below is a brief introduction to these tools for the different trades.
Author: Brandon Chi
Brandon obtained his BS in Architectural Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and MS in Structural Engineering from UCSD. Prior to Simpson Strong-Tie, Brandon worked 8 years as a structural engineer in a San Francisco firm that specializes in seismic and innovative engineering for new and retrofitted structures. Since joining Simpson Strong-Tie in 2008, Brandon has worked as the lead project engineer for the steel product lines (OMF, SMF, and Yield-Link Moment Connections [YLMC]). He led the development for all the Yield-Link Moment Connection design and detailing tools such as the ETAB/SAP2000 plugin, TEKLA and SDS/2 custom components. Brandon is a licensed civil engineer (PE) and a licensed structural engineer (SE) in the state of California, a certified steel Welding Inspector, and Bolting Inspector. He’s a Project Management Institute certified, Project Management Professional (PMP) and is also an Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).Away from work, Brandon enjoys spending time practicing and playing table tennis.
Introduction to the Site-Built Shearwall Designer Web Application
Wood shearwalls are typically used as a lateral-force-resisting system to counter the effects of lateral loads. Wood shearwalls need to be designed for shear forces (using sheathing and nailing), overturning (using holdowns), sliding (using anchorage to concrete) and drift, to list some of the main dangers. The Simpson Site-Built Shearwall Designer (SBSD) web app is a quick and easy tool to design a wood shearwall based on demand load, wall geometry and design parameters.Continue Reading
