MaxBeam

MaxBeam

Archforms is now shipping 2020 version of MaxBeam incorporating the requirements of the, 2018 IBC, or 2019 CBC and 2018 NDS

Speed: MaxBeam enables you to quickly document loading and select the right size beams, joists, rafters, headers, girders, posts, beam hangers, post hardware and footings for light frame buildings.

Graphic Interface: The simple graphic interface allows you to easily enter any single load or combination of loads for each beam. Possible span loads include: uniform, increasing, partial uniform, and point loads. Possible overhang loads include: uniform and point loads. All beam load diagrams are grouped together so reaction loads from one beam can easily be linked as point loads on another.

Automatic Reference: MaxBeam automatically looks up all required information from built-in libraries of most standard sawn woods, manufactured glue-lam beams, manufactured lumber types (i.e. paralams, LVL, etc.), manufactured I joists, and a range of steel shapes including wide flange, channels, angles, pipes, tubes and flitch plates. In addition, custom libraries for other materials that can be added and saved.

Calculates Properties: MaxBeam evaluates the span and loading on each beam and calculates all load and beam properties to make a preliminary selection for size.

Customization: MaxBeam allows you to adjust the beam uses, material type, material grade, quantity and size to tailor the final selection of each beam to meet your design requirements. The program automatically re-calculates the shear, bending, and deflection values for the beam material and size changes you make. If the beam selection is appropriate, it is confirmed with “OK.” If the beam criteria does not meet engineering requirements, it tells you if the area, section modules, or moment of inertia failed, so that you can adjust your beam material and/or size criteria until you find a beam that meets code requirements.

Post Selection: MaxBeam determines required end bearing and selects, from your choice of materials and height, the required post size to support each beam. MaxBeam can also select the required hanger, post base, and post cap for each selected post and beam size, from Simpson standard hardware offerings.

Foundation Sizing: MaxBeam determines the required footing size for the entered Soil Bearing Capacity for isolate beam support pier footing and also recommends the required continuous width of the footings for the perimeter or interior bearing walls.

Documentation: In a user-friendly interface, MaxBeam displays the formulas used for each calculation and its result. This information can be printed, as seen on the screen, to provide a simple, six to eleven page document ready to submit for a building permit. It includes complete load documentation and calculations for up to 35 separate beams and their supporting posts or wall.

Codes: MaxBeam meets the requirements of the 2019 CBC and 2018 IBC codes. The codes requirements for wood beam design are based on the 2018 National Design Standards (NDS). All formulas and material strengths used in MaxBeam are based on recognized engineering methods, sources, and the requirements of  NDS.