FAQ

Can I customize the price data for the materials that I design with in Truss D&E?

Yes, the material cost data can be customized and adjusted very easy in Truss D&E since material costs will vary by user and supplier.

Does Truss D&E analyze for offset webs?

Yes, Truss D&E creates additional node points for the offset web. The additional node points create a more exact model of the truss web layout. The programs offset web analysis automatically accounts for the additional forces created by the offset web condition.

As an engineer, I can design trusses with structural software that cost less than Truss D&E?

Let’s compare the cost to design an "L" style residential house using standard structural software and Truss D&E.

WHY TRUSS D&E?

Costs and Time.

Let’s compare the cost to design an "L" style residential house using standard structural software and Truss D&E.

Total number of trusses in project	Total number of trusses = 22 each
Gable truss @ main area	1 each
Hip roof trusses @ main area	9 each
Gable truss @ "L" area	1 each
Hip roof trusses @ "L" area	11 each

Standard Structural Software Design Costs

Engineer cost per hour - $150

Time to design one truss - 3.5 to 6.0 hours

Time to prepare simple shop drawing - 0.5 hours per truss

Time to prepare cost estimate for project - 2.0 hours

Total cost for project:

Design - 22 * 3.5 hours = 77.0 hours

Shop Drawings 22 * .5 hours = 11.0 hours

Cost estimate = 2.0 hours

Total Cost = 90.0 hours * $150 = $13,500

Truss D&E software

Gather design information, input and design first gable truss - 1.5 hours

Design Complete hip roof - 2 minutes

Review and summarize all truss designs - 1 hour

Total cost for project:

Design, estimate, summarize = 2.5hours * $150 = $375.00

Cost difference = $13,500 - $375.00 = $13,125.00

Time difference = 90 hours – 2.5 hours = 87.5 hours

Total Saved $13,125.00 and 87.5 hours!!!!!!

You could pay for the Truss D&E software in the design of the first house! Also, Truss D&E designed all the truss to truss connections, truss to support connections and truss to truss lateral bracing. The real question here is why wouldn’t you use Truss D&E?

I am a designer, why would I select Truss D&E over other truss software programs?

Truss D&E offers many design options not available in other truss software. Some of the options available with Truss D&E are: o Choice of many different material libraries, i.e. Knudson, Dale/Incor, Dietrich, Unimast, MSMA, MBCI or create your own material library. o Several different design options: In-Plane or Out-of-Plane; Concentric or Offet Webs, Imperial or Metric, ASD or LRFD o Auto design options: Hip Roof generator, Auto Batch design, Piggyback trusses, Optimize member selection o Mutiple support types o Splice truss (up to 3 places) o Bill of Materials, Cut sheets, Shop drawing and details created at the click of a button o Easy to use. No CAD commands to learn and memorize. You can be up and running the same day you receive the software! o Several truss connection options: screws, welds, bolts or rivets o Multiple truss shapes: roof trusses, attic trusses, floor trusses, curved top and/or bottom chords, building frames, and odd shaped user created trusses o Unlimited spans o Up to 21 different building codes with auto wind load generator

Do you offer Training?

JFBA offers training up to 3 times per year. The classes are either held in Colorado Springs, CO or before/after the Metalcon conviention. Training is 2-3 days. It is encouraged that attendees have the software to be familiarized with its basic capabillities in order to keep pace with the other students. Contact us to find out when the next training seminar will be held.

Will Truss D&E analyze and design the Truss to Truss and Truss to Support connection designs?

Yes, Truss D&E will analyze and design Truss-Truss and Truss-Support connections.

I mostly design commercial buildings but occasionally have a residential design job, can I use Truss

Yes, Truss D&E software can be used for residential, commercial, or heavy construction.

What libraries does Truss D&E design in?

Truss D&E has 12 standard libraries along with several proprietary libraries. The standard libraries include: Allied Tube & Conduit, Aluminum Tube, Aluminum Cee, Dale/Incor, Dietrich, Knudson Frame Maker, Knudson Big Cee, MBCI, SSMA Cold Formed Steel, SSMA Stainless 316A, SSMA Stainless 316 _ Hard, and Unimast.

Can I buy Truss D&E?

Yes, the program can be purchased.

Can I network or share Truss D&E software?

Truss D&E uses hardlocks to protect the software. Users can install the software on as many computers as they wish. Computers without the hardlocks attached will go into Demo mode. The software will not work on a network.

How much training is needed to use Truss D&E?

Truss D&E can be learned in less than a day, typically in about two hours. Users do not need constant training on the program to stay proficient, once they have become familiar with the program.

Will an engineer still need to stamp the designs produced by Truss D&E?

A licensed engineer will still need to approve and stamp the designs made in Truss D&E. Truss D&E does however reduce that time and work required by the engineer.

How long will it take to become proficient at the software?

The time to become proficient in Truss D&E varies on the user and their experience. Most users can become very proficient in two weeks to a month.

What experience is necessary to operate Truss D&E?

Truss D&E is a windows based program. User should have experience with computers and the metal building industry. CAD experience is not necessary to operate Truss D&E.

Does the complete building need to be modeled to start designing trusses?

No, the complete structure does not need to be modeled. Modeling the truss design can be started immediately.

Am I limited to C studs or can I use my own proprietary shape?

Truss D&E does not limit our users to specific libraries or manufacturers. Our software allows users the freedom to create their own proprietary shape or use standard C studs. Occasionally, customization of the program is necessary for proprietary shapes and there are additional charges for this service.

Does Truss D&E take into account wind analysis?

Truss D&E automatically generates all load cases and load combinations, including wind loads on exposed vertical webs and bottom chord overhangs. Truss D&E analyzes by Main Frame Design (constant wind pressure) or Component & Cladding Design (higher pressures at edges and pitch breaks). Truss D&E, also, creates a separate load case for reduced dead load plus wind load for the truss to support connection design.

I design out of plane trusses, will Truss D&E allow me to design for out of plane trusses?

Yes, Truss D&E calculates the moment created in the web due to the out-of-plane eccentricity and uses this moment in determining the correct member size. In-plane or out-of-plane trusses can both be created using Truss D&E.