ClearCalcs Blog

Resources to help you keep up to date with structural design industry insights, best practices and more.

November 28, 2024

What's New at ClearCalcs? (November 2024)

Discover the latest updates at ClearCalcs this November, including custom steel I-beam designs compliant with AS 4100:2020, uplift safety factor checks, circular column capabilities, and more.

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November 4, 2024

Introduction to Timber Connections in Structural Design

Learn the fundamentals of timber connections in structural design, including key types, standards, and load considerations across regions. Discover how ClearCalcs’ calculators simplify connection design for safety, durability, and compliance in timber structures.

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October 11, 2024

Choosing the Right Column Shape in Structural Engineering: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of circular, square, rectangular, and H-shaped columns. Learn key design considerations for optimal structural performance.

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October 11, 2024

What's New at ClearCalcs? (October 2024)

You can now design circular columns with our Concrete Column Calculator to AS 3600:2018. Plus, do more with your cold-formed steel design with Rondo Top Hats.

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September 17, 2024

Choosing the Best Material for Beam Design: Timber, Steel, or Concrete?

Learn how to choose the best beam material for your project. Compare timber, steel, and concrete beams based on load capacity, space constraints, and aesthetics. Optimize your structural design with ClearCalcs.

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August 30, 2024

Stop Construction Chaos: Streamline Engineer-Drafter Collaboration

Eliminate miscommunication, errors & delays. Discover how ClearCalcs enhances collaboration on structural projects, saving time and reducing costly rework.

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August 13, 2024

Lateral Stability in Residential Design: A Guide for Australian Projects

This practical guide for structural engineers explores lateral load-resisting systems for Australian homes. From wind load calculations to design strategies, ensure structural integrity and compliance with Australian Standards.

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June 25, 2024

3 Ways Structural Engineers and Architects Collaborate to Deliver Optimal Structural Design

Discover how architects and structural engineers use collaboration and technology like ClearCalcs to deliver successful building projects. Explore 3 key strategies.

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June 10, 2024

Wind Load Calculation to AS/NZ 1170.2:2021: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to calculate wind loads accurately to AS/NZ 1170.2:2021. This guide covers steps, formulas & software for simplified compliance.

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May 8, 2024

Detailing of Reinforced Concrete to Australian Standards AS 3600

This article provides guidelines for effectively detailing concrete structural elements and reinforcement to work together optimally under various loads.

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April 18, 2024

Eurocodes and National Annexes - Where to Get Them!

Discover the importance of National Annexes and Eurocode standards. Learn where to obtain these essential documents, their availability in different languages, and whether there are any associated fees.

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April 11, 2024

Design Load Combinations to Australian Standards

Learn the essentials of accurately describing building loads and combinations to Australian and New Zealand Standards with worked examples.

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March 21, 2024

Development Length of Reinforced Concrete Bars to AS 3600:2018

Design stronger concrete structures with our detailed guide on reinforced bar development. Gain a comprehensive understanding of development length as per AS 3600:2018 to ensure safety and reliability.

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March 7, 2024

Reinforced Concrete Slab Design to Australian Standards AS 3600

Get an overview of the key concepts and principles of slab design to AS 3600, including load calculations, design assumptions, and structural detailing.

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February 20, 2024

Live Load Patterning and Why It Is Important in Structural Analysis

Explore the critical role of live load patterning in structural analysis and learn how ClearCalcs simplifies the process of determining live load patterns with our practical tools.

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February 6, 2024

Design of Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Column to AS 3600:2018

Gain insights into the design of reinforced concrete columns to AS 3600: 2018 Australian Standards, exploring the structural requirements, practical case studies, and a comprehensive comparison between hand calculation and structural analysis software.

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January 15, 2024

What's new at ClearCalcs? (January 2024)

Wood Shear Wall Calculators get an upgrade. You can now specify holdown connectors using the Simpson Strong-Tie catalog and choose between segmented or perforated shear walls.

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November 29, 2023

What's new at ClearCalcs? (November 2023)

Get access to the complete Snow Load Calculator to ASCE 7-16 out of Beta, as well as the latest LH series in Steel Joist Calculator to SJI 100-2020, and Rondo Wall Stud Track sections now offered in CFS Calculator to AS/NZS 4600:2018.

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November 23, 2023

Design of Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Beam to AS 3600:2018

Designing rectangular concrete reinforced beams made easy with this comprehensive guide for Australian structural engineers, covering AS 3600:2018 code requirements and calculations.

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November 6, 2023

Concrete Footing Design to ACI 318-19

This article explores non prestressed concrete footing design per ACI 318-19, emphasizing its significance, design considerations, and common practices.

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October 23, 2023

ClearCalcs - The Best Enercalc Alternative for Structural Design

Discover the key differences between structural engineering software Enercalc and ClearCalcs.

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October 17, 2023

What's new at ClearCalcs? (October 2023)

This month, we're introducing new feature additions - including adding unbalanced snow loads and drift loads in the snow load calculator and lateral seismic loads to the retaining wall calculator!

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September 30, 2023

Practical Analysis of Wind Load for Residential Structures to ASCE 7-16

This article provides an example that highlights the significance of wind load by considering a case study of a residential structure and calculating wind loads using manual hand calculations and wind load calculator software.

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September 26, 2023

Analysis and Design of Timber Floor Joists to Australian Standards

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of analyzing timber floor joist design through manual calculation versus ClearCalcs structural design software. Determine the most accurate, efficient, and cost-effective approach for informed decision-making on your construction projects.

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September 1, 2023

A Practical Guide to Timber Floor Joist Design in Residential Construction

This article aims to provide structural engineers, builders, and architects with a comprehensive understanding of timber floor joist design, specifically focusing on Australian standards and building codes.

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August 28, 2023

Wind Load Analysis to ASCE 7: A Guide for Structural Engineers

Learn how engineers calculate wind loads for MWFRS and components and cladding system per ASCE 7-16.

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August 21, 2023

What's new at ClearCalcs? (August 2023)

This month, we're introducing the release of Restrained (Basement) Retaining Wall, an update to Wood Shear Wall Calculator to include support for multi-story, and more.

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July 18, 2023

Structural Analysis of Portal Frames: Worked Examples and Case Studies

In this article, we will explore the approach to analyzing portal frames with hand calculations and FEA-based software like ClearCalcs’ Portal Frame Analysis Wizard to showcase how you can accomplish complex analyses in a matter of minutes, saving valuable time and resources.

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July 13, 2023

Mastering Portal Frames: Types and Design Considerations

This article will explore the basics of portal frame structure design, including the different types, factors we need to consider in the design phase, and the applicable codes and standards in the United States.

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June 30, 2023

Practical Guide for Design and Analysis of Roof Rafters

In this article, we will explore the definition, function, and various types of roof rafters, including their unique features and applications. We will also discuss different materials used for rafters, such as wood, steel, and cold-formed steel, along with practical tips for rafter design and analysis.

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June 19, 2023

Types of Retaining Wall for Residential and Light Commercial Projects

In this guide, we will explore various types of retaining walls commonly used in residential and light commercial projects, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, design considerations, cost factors, and construction methodologies.

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June 15, 2023

Retaining Wall Design to American Standards: Structural Considerations

This comprehensive guide aims to assist structural engineers, building designers, and architects in the United States by focusing on American standards and key structural considerations for retaining wall design.

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May 26, 2023

Cold-Formed Steel: A Guide for Residential and Light Commercial Projects

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for structural engineers who are interested in using cold-formed steel as a structural material in residential and light commercial projects. We will explore what cold-formed steel is, its benefits, its applications in building construction, and key considerations for engineers.

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May 16, 2023

Creep Deflection in Structural Wood Beam Design

Understand Creep Deflection Calculation in Structural Design | Learn about creep deflection and its impact on structural elements. Discover how to account for creep deflection in your design calculations to ensure long-term stability and performance.

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May 16, 2023

Changes in AS3600:2018 Amendment 2 (Concrete)

Understanding Changes in AS3600-2018 Amendment 2 Concrete | Stay up-to-date with the latest updates to the AS3600-2018 Amendment 2 concrete design standard. Explore the key revisions, additions, and implications for concrete design and construction in Australia. Enhance your knowledge and ensure compliance with the updated guidelines.

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May 16, 2023

Soil Conditions in Sleeper Retaining Wall Design according to AS4678-2002

Soil Conditions in Sleeper Retaining Wall Design according to Australian Standards AS4678-2002 | Learn about the importance of soil conditions in the design of sleeper retaining walls. Explore key factors such as soil types, properties, and their impact on wall stability.

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May 16, 2023

ASD vs LRFD calculations in Structural Design

ASD and LRFD Calculations | Understand the difference between Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methods in structural engineering calculations.

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May 16, 2023

Development Length in Reinforced Concrete Footings

Development Length in Footings Explained | Learn about the importance of development length in reinforced concrete footings. Understand the code requirements, factors affecting development length, and solutions to accommodate it in your footing design for safe and efficient construction.

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May 11, 2023

ClearCalcs Engineers Industry-First Partnership with Standards Australia

Australian engineering and structural design software, ClearCalcs, has launched an industry-first partnership with Standards Australia.

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May 8, 2023

National Construction Code 2022: What You Need to Know

This article gives a general overview of the National Construction Code, its importance, and how it affects the workflow of structural designers for residential and light commercial buildings in Australia.

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April 24, 2023

Different Types of Foundations in Residential Design, Their Applications, Pros, and Cons

This article will discuss the different types of foundations used in residential buildings, their applications, pros, and cons.

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April 17, 2023

Support and Connection Types in Structural Design

This article will explore why support is important in structural design and examine different types of support commonly used in structural design, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

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April 12, 2023

Load Transfer in Residential Structures: From Roof to Foundation

This article aims to give a general overview of the concept of a load path and why it is important in structural design.

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April 4, 2023

Practical Analysis and Design of Steel Roof Truss According to American Standards

This article discusses the approach to analyzing and designing a steel roof truss by providing a typical case study and comparing various tools commonly used to analyze truss design.

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March 31, 2023

Load and Tributary Width in Structural Design: An Overview

In this article, we will explore what load tributary width is, why it is important in structural design, and how it is calculated. We will also provide examples of load width calculations in residential structural design.

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March 24, 2023

Structural Foundations Design in Residential Projects: An Overview and Design Considerations

This article gives an overview of foundation design in residential projects and highlights some critical design considerations.

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March 17, 2023

Understanding Building Codes & Load Combinations in the United States

Building codes are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of construction projects. This blog post will discuss what building codes are, why they're important, and how to use them with respect to structural design in the United States.

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March 10, 2023

Practical Analysis of Seismic Load Using the ASCE 7-16

This article provides an example of seismic load calculation of the residential building to the ASCE 7-16.

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March 3, 2023

Types of Roof Trusses and Their Applications in Residential Design

In this blog post, we look at the different types of residential roof trusses and their advantages for various applications in residential design.

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February 25, 2023

What is a Truss and How Do Trusses Work in House Framing Design?

This blog article provides an overview of trusses, explores their different types, explains how they work, and discusses their benefits and limitations when designing safe and secure frames for houses.

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February 9, 2023

Earthquake and Its Effects on Residential Structural Design

When designing a residential project, it's important to take into account the risk of an earthquake and how it could affect the building. Here we discuss some of the effects earthquakes can have and how you can plan for them.

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February 7, 2023

Seismic Load Analysis for Residential Buildings to ASCE 7-16 Requirements

This article discusses the procedure for calculating seismic loads in residential buildings using the linear static approach in Chapters 11 and 12 of the ASCE 7-16.

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January 24, 2023

Everything a Structural Engineer Needs to Know About the Latest California Building Code 2022

Learn what a structural engineer needs to know about the California Building Code 2022, from building regulations to key requirements. Get up to speed today!

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January 19, 2023

ClearCalcs Engineers $2.5m Funding Top Up as Its Global Growth Swells

Australian engineering and structural design startup, ClearCalcs, has secured an additional AUD2.5 million in funding, taking its total pre-series capital to $5 million.

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August 22, 2022

Structural Design for Residential Architects: How to Get Started

How to easily set up your structural calculation for common residential structures with structural design software like ClearCalcs.

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May 23, 2022

3 Simple Steps to Start Your First Structural Calculation with ClearCalcs

Follow these 3 steps, and you’ll be engineering confidently in ClearCalcs in no time.

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