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APF WoodBeam
vers. 4
User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Index
USER INTERFACE...................................................................................................................................................3
RIBBON MENU.........................................................................................................................................................5
Data............................................................................................................................................................................5
Computations.....................................................................................................................................................6
Tools............................................................................................................................................................................7
Information...........................................................................................................................................................9
TOOL PANNEL........................................................................................................................................................10
Structure...............................................................................................................................................................10
Constraints...........................................................................................................................................................12
Loads.......................................................................................................................................................................14
DIALOG WINDOWS............................................................................................................................................16
Materials................................................................................................................................................................16
Project Rules......................................................................................................................................................18
Deflection Limits.............................................................................................................................................19
Partial Factors for actions.........................................................................................................................19
Partial Factors for materials....................................................................................................................21
Factors for duration load..........................................................................................................................22
Verification information in the event of fire...............................................................................23
Load groups and design situation....................................................................................................25
Computation settings................................................................................................................................27
Unit of mesaurement.................................................................................................................................30
Styles for the calculation report...........................................................................................................31
Settings and global resources common to all applications............................................31
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
USER INTERFACE
The following window will appear when starting up/powering the software.
The central area is dedicated to the design of the structure, its loads and diagrams to verify the
stress. On the top side of this area is your tool panel which allows you to:
• SELECT ALL SECTIONS in which all calculations and loads will be shown for the entire
structure
• SELECT ONLY ONE ROW in which all calculations and loads will be shown for the relative
section of structure, thus allowing you to check the calculations and regulations applied
to the independent areas of the structure.
By right clicking row you can export desired images of the structure.
The tool panel allows you to enter and modify data for the project. Modifications are instantly
represented on the design and if the calculation settings are activated the sums will be
automatically updated and represented in the drawing and in the report.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
The results panel contains a Summary and the Report thus allowing you to check that all the
project requirements have been met. The values shown in this section represent the Rd/Ed
report, in other words the project resistance/project action. They represent all partial coefficients
made to the resistances and must therefore have a uniform value. You can then immediately
see if the value is excessive (>1.0) or lacking (<1.0).
The ribbon menu allows you to open and save your project and you will be able to access the
windows relative to the structural data (coefficients, materialss).
The status bar contains summary information about the opened file like verification status, the
overall working time etc... by left clicking on the desired section.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
RIBBON MENU
Data
Allows you to enter and modify data for the project.
Manages standard technical rules that have to be applied. The user must
check the National Standard or National Eurocodes Annexes.
Set the coefficient values for safety factors for actions, useful for generating
project situations and load combinations.
Manages the settings for fire design, exposure times, fire protective
cladding.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Computations
Contains commands that enable you to perform the analysis and view the results of
WoodBeam.
Executes the solver portion of the software. If the lock is pressed, the
program performs the calculation every time you make a change to the
model.
Checks the model for errors, and shows warnings before the execution.
Activate the characteristics of stress diagram: axial force, shear forxe and
bending moment.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Enables you to save the image currently shown on the screen. Lets you
type in the filename and choose the directory the picture should be saved
in.
Enables you to save the drawing currently shown on the screen. Lets you
type in the filename and choose the directory the drawing should be
saved in.
Enables you to save the report currently shown on the screen. Lets you
type in the filename and choose the directory the file should be saved in.
Tools
Provides access to a set of tools to utilize and personalize the software.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Enables you to set the options for the results report. The
analysis must be performed before selecting this
command. You can set the font size, font family, update
the report, and save it.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Information
Contains commands that enable you to obtain help for the program and show the copyright
and registration information about your software.
To continue to use your product, you need to activate your software. Opens
an Activation Wizard that gives you instructions on how to proceed. Shows
the licensing information, and the copyright information.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
TOOL PANNEL
Structure
Contains commands that enable you to modify the geometry and mechanical properties of the
structure.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Enables you to change the coordinates of extreme points of the beam. In this section you can
choose the material of the beam, and the size of the rectangular cross section. Choose material
from the choice menu based on the desired property. In case of thermal verifications it is
possible to enable such verifications to the structure. It is possible to define the rotational angle
based on longitudinal axis.
NB: any changes will consequently modify side parametres exposed to heat.
Allows you to enable or disable the far left notch, and to change its characteristics. Verifications
conform to legislation EN1995-1-1 6.5.
Allows you to enable or disable the far right notch, and to change its characteristics. Verifications
conform to legislation EN1995-1-1 6.5.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Allows you to add, remove, and change the characteristics of intermediate notches, located
along the beam. Verifications conform to legislation EN1995-1-1 6.5.
Constraints
These commands enable you to modify the location and kind of constraints. Relative
verifications conform to legislation EN1995-1-1 6.5.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Allows you to enable or disable the far left constraint, and to change its characteristics. In this
section we can activate a default constraint type, or assign the desired stiffness to each degree
of freedom.
Allows you to enable or disable the far right constraint, and to change its characteristics. In this
section we can activate a default constraint type, or assign the desired stiffness to each degree
of freedom.
Allows you to add, remove, and change the characteristics of intermediate constraints, located
along the beam. In this section we can activate a default constraint type, or assign the desired
stiffness to each degree of freedom.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Loads
These commands enable you to apply different types of external loading to the beam. Each load
must relate to a group of actions that define its type and its duration.
Enables you to add, delete or modify the self-weight loads of elements included in the model as
applied loads. The volume and density of each element is used to automatically calculate its self-
weight. You may choose the Load Group that will include the entered load.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Enables you to add, delete or modify concentrated forces or moments along the beam. The
offset define the loading positions over of the beam. You may choose the Load Group that will
include the entered load.
Enables you to add, delete or modify distribuited loads along the beam. The loads are varying
linearly along the beam length. The offset define the loading positions over of the beam. You
can set the direction of the load. The projection define if the beam is to be projected on the
beam along the given axis. You may choose the Load Group that will include the entered load.
Enables you to add, delete or modify distribuited area loads along the beam. The loads are
varying linearly along the beam length and are calculated throught the definitition of the
interspace W0 and W1 of two elements. The offset define the loading positions over of the
beam. You can set the direction of the load. The projection define if the beam is to be projected
on the beam along the given axis. You may choose the Load Group that will include the entered
load.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
DIALOG WINDOWS
Materials
This section is dedicated to the properties of the structural material.
The Class Service box indicates the service class of the structure. This value consequently affects
the verifications.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
In the Wood tab you can define the kind of wood desired as structural material for the
construction. Each material is identified by an increasing index and by name. The chosen
materials can be used to create the beam. The list to choose from must contain at least a
material element otherwise the calculations and verifications will not be able to be carried out.
Mechanical properties (fm,k,fm,k, E0,mean, ...) can be defined manually or by selecting the
lightbulb icon and copying values defined by technical legislations that have preset resistances.
The Carbonization Speed tab defines the wooden materialss property under fire/heat
conditions/stress. These properties are used to create the beam. The list to choose from must
contain at least a “group property” element otherwise the calculations and verifications will not
be able to be carried out. The lightbulb icon allows you to copy values defined by technical
legislations that have preset resistances otherwise values can be defined manually.
The program uses the reduced cross section method for both unprotected and protected
surfaces. Surfaces can be protected by fire protective claddings whose properties are defined by
the user. Carbonization velocity is measured in βn, including angular and crack lenghth (k0, d0)
and resistance time, measured in minutes (exposure time) [EN 1995-1-2 3.4.2 e 4.2.2].
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Project Rules
This section is dedicated to the definition of national parametres which automatically apply
eurocodes to the structure according to member state legislations.
The parameter value km [EN1995-1-1 6.1.6 6.2.3 6.2.4 6.3.2), which has an effect of flexion,
compression and traction, stability verifications, can be modified.
The parameter value kcr [EN1995-1-1 6.1.7] serves as a value for wood shear.
Note that this parameter must take into account the characteristics of timber hardwood and
glulam [EN 338], [EN 14080].
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Deflection Limits
This window allow to define the maximum limits for the beam deflection. The values refers to
[EN1995-1-1 7.2], and considers a single span beam or a cantilever beam. Values reported are the
ratio between inflection and beam lenght.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
The Partial Safety Coefficients take into account the riskiness/vulnerability γ of the intensity of
loads [EN1990 Tabella A1.2].
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Partial security factors take account of some safety coffection affecting the material.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
In the event of Fire the partial security coefficients become a specific value γM,fi=1 [EN1995-1-2
2.3]), whilst the correctional coefficient is uniform (kmod,fi=1 [EN1995-1-24.2.2 (5)]), thus
introducing parameter kfi [EN1995-1-2 2.3 (3)] to define fractile/fractionasation 20% of the
resistance characteristics in standard thermal conditions.
The program will only take into account the new values from the time that they are changed.
Any prior verifications will not be altered.
kmod coefficients correct resistance values for wood so that humidity and time duration of load
are taken into account [EN1995-1-1 2.3.2.1]. These coefficients “penalise” resistances of long
durations and elevated humidity situations.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
kdef coefficients evaluate the deformability of wood under humid or viscous conditions
[EN1995-1-1 2.3.2.2].
This list classifies the time of exposure in the event of a standard fire. Certain combinations have
to be set and the program will only take into account new values from the time that they are
changed. Any prior verifications will not be altered.
When listing the times in minutes, 30,60,90,120, you can automatically generate design
situation. The program will then propose combinations specific to each fire situation, at 30, 60,
90 and 120 minutes.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
The list of fire exposure defines the various configurations in the event of the elementss
exposure to fire. For each element you can configure its exposure, such as absence of cladding,
side exposure, insulation material, and assign these configurations to the various areas and
points of the structure. The list must contain at least one element. The lightbulb icon allows you
to copy legislation values otherwise they can be set manually.
left side
exposure distance from the furthest point of the left side of the beam
right side
exposure distance from the furthest point of the right side of the beam
exposed sides
select sides exposed to fire: upper, lower, left, right
protective cladding
by deactivating this function the structure will not be protected and is otherwise exposed
to fire when activated, the properties of the cladding must be defined: tch (carbonazation
delay), tf (duration of the sealant), k2 (carbonisation relationship between tch and tf), k3
(carbonisation relationship between tf and times defined by technical legislation) [EN1995-
1-2 3.4.3].
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
The section dedicated to the Load Group contains the types of actions and conditions that the
structure can be subject to. Actions can be grouped into load categories such as concentration
and distribution. They must share a common denominator (self-weight, weight of snow, wind
exerced), have a common cause and contemporarily act upon the structure. The load groups are
therefore a way to unite common loads so that they can be analysed under various
circumstances.
Name
id and description
Class
indication of duration, permanent, variable, exeptional, eccs [EN1990 4.1.1 4.1.2]
Category
identification of origin and nature [EN1990 chart A1.1]
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Class duration
category of duration - specific to wooden structures [EN1995-1-1 2.3.1.2 chart 2.1]
Coeffcient
numerical value that optionally multiplies the load intensities of a designated group; this
function is optional and is generally set to 1.0
Personalisation of Ψ
this function is generally de-activated as the combination of coefficients is generally
automatically set by the program according to load categories or technical legislations
[EN1990 Tabella A1.1]; when the function is activated it means that the user has set the
chart cells.
Ψ0
coefficient set by user; only used by the programme when Personalisation of Ψ is activated
Ψ1
coefficient set by user; only used by the programme when Personalisation of Ψ is activated
Ψ2
coefficient set by user; only used by the programme when Personalisation of Ψ is activated
Select Arrange Design Situation to enable the programme to automatically generate the
design situation and its relative combinations of loads. Each situation is linked to a
combination of actions and a series of conditions for the verification of the structures values.
The situations are created according to the type of actions and its permutations. The
information for each situation is shown in the chart below and can be modified by the user. The
times of fire exposure (minutes) are expressed as a reminder and cannot be modified; they can
be defined in the panel dedicated to the fire resistance options.
The section dedicated to the Design Situation defines the conditions that the structure can be
subjected to and are to be guaranteed by the planner, such as in circumstances of vertical load
where the structuress resistance is under pressure (ULS). The planner is also held responsible for
the fire resistance calculations (ULS), exposure time of 30 minutes, in which the stress load must
assume maximum value and avoid collapsing. An important situation to consider is the
structuress use (SLS), in which the loads are considered as probabilities and must perform to a
certain degree of deformability.
Name
identification and description
Class
class of the situation, permanent, transitory, exceptional or seismic [EN1990 3.1 e 3.2]
Partial factor (loads)
group of partial factor to use for certain load and for a combination of actions relative to
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Computation settings
This panel contains the options used by the software for calculations and verifications
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Combining actions
When this function is activated, the results are obtained by combining elementary actions,
the loads applied to structure. Its properties are applied according to the project situation.
For each project situation:
• an automatic model with finite elements is generated
• elastic properties are used according to the conditions of the situation (kdef)
• amplified/heavier loads can be applied depending on the situation (coefficient γ)
• stress loads and deformations for a given situation can be memorized.
In the other case stress and deformations will be defined for each group of actions which
are then combined to fit each project action. The procedure is the following:
• a finite model is automatically generated
• you apply the normal elastic properties
• for each group action, hypothetically single, you must memorize stress and
deformation of structure
• for each project situation, you memorize stress and deformation by combining
each group of actions
In the first case you combine actions (loads), in the second case you combine the effects of
the actions (characteristics of the stress). In case of superposition principle (linear system)
both will have the same result.
Tolerance
used to round up numerical values
Threshold values
used to round up the value to nought, in case the effect of a dimension is negligible
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Upper limits
used to define the maximum numerical value of any size
The verification section has a series of options for each verification that the program executes.
Some of these verifications can be omitted, for example when certain details are not inherent to
downsizing the dimensions of the calculation report or when these calculations have been
followed up in another situation.
The Rd design resistance and the Ed design action ratio can also be modified, thus obtaining
the result of a verification.
All verifications are carried out by partial coefficient method, thus verifying the security by
formal equation Rd/Ed≥1.0
The program can verify distinct permanent conditions (standard use), exceptional (fire) or
seismic and that the ratio between these values is greater than the unity.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Unit of mesaurement
In this panel you can set the units of measurement that you desire to use in the software .
They are divided into categories such as Actions, Material, Structure, etcs If a variable does not
FIT into a specific category, the General sheet values will be used. The settings can be changed
at any moment and these will immediately affect the user interface and any calculations made
from then on. For each value you can change:
● Amount of decimals for printed numerical values, for units of measurement or you can
omit the decimals all together
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
In this panel you can choose the styles to use in the calculation report of the software.
All elements and their categories can be personalized such as titles, paragraphs, tables, lists,
images. The interface is intuitive so does not require particular explanations.
● document styles
This data is saved and shared with all the programmes so that if a software is already running or
the files are already saved they will not be affected by modifications.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
The Import button copies the global database settings into the running program and only for a
worksheet that is currently open (unit of measurement, document styles, project parametres).
Once you have set parametres you can Export global database settings to any running program
so that they all share common units of measurements, styles and Eurocodes.
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User Manuale - APF WoodBeam
Reset brings all values back to their original (recommended and default) setting.
Modified settings will be saved on running programs and any changes or resets will only be
taken into consideration if done before opening a software, and only after OK confirmation.
To import values from one software to another the Import function can be used.
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