D1.E.4 Code Checking and Member Selection
The following two design modes are available:
Code Checking
The program compares the resistance of members with the applied load effects, in accordance with the LRFD and ASD methods of the AISI code. Code checking is carried out for specified locations via the SECTION command or the BEAM parameter. The results are presented in a form of a PASS/FAIL identifier and a ratio of load effect to resistance for each member checked compared to the RATIO parameter. You may choose the degree of detail in the output data by setting the TRACK parameter.
Member Selection
You may request that the program search the cold formed steel shapes database (AISI standard sections) for alternative members that pass the code check and meet the least weight criterion. In addition, a minimum and/or maximum acceptable depth of the member may be specified. The program will then evaluate all database sections of the type initially specified (i.e., channel, angle, etc.) and, if a suitable replacement is found, present design results for that section. If no section satisfying the depth restrictions or lighter than the initial one can be found, the program leaves the member unchanged, regardless of whether it passes the code check or not.