USER’s Manual

WOODexpress RUNET software

Table of contents
1 General ......................................................................................................................1
2 After program installation..........................................................................................2
3 Basic philosophy in program use................................................................................3
4 Design........................................................................................................................4
5 Design objects ...........................................................................................................4
6 Calculation window ....................................................................................................5
7 Files ...........................................................................................................................5
7.1 File commands....................................................................................................... 5
8 Step by step, program use .........................................................................................6
9 Parameters ................................................................................................................7
9.1 Material and load factors ......................................................................................... 7
9.2 Service classes ...................................................................................................... 9
9.3 Timber strength classes .......................................................................................... 9
9.4 Timber section sizes ............................................................................................. 10
9.5 Roof loads ........................................................................................................... 10
9.6 Roofing............................................................................................................... 10
9.7 Snow loading....................................................................................................... 11
9.8 Wind loading ......................................................................................................... 2
9.9 Seismic design....................................................................................................... 3
9.10 Eurocode and National Annex................................................................................... 3
9.11 Parameters and assumptions ................................................................................... 4
9.12 View all parameters ................................................................................................ 4
9.13 Units .................................................................................................................... 4
10 Ultimate limit states...................................................................................................5
11 Structural fire design .................................................................................................5
12 Connections ...............................................................................................................6
13 Floors......................................................................................................................... 7
13.1 Floors over one or two spans ................................................................................... 7
13.2 Simply supported beams and beam over two spans..................................................... 7
13.3 Timber-concrete composite floors ............................................................................. 8
14 Roofs.......................................................................................................................... 9
14.1 Roof dimensions..................................................................................................... 9
14.2 Element cross sections .......................................................................................... 10
14.2.1 Reduction of timber sections ....................................................................... 10
14.3 Roof secondary structure....................................................................................... 10
14.4 Roof loads ........................................................................................................... 11
14.4.1 Concentrated loads ................................................................................... 11
14.4.2 Snow and wind loading .............................................................................. 11
14.5 Spacing of trusses Spacing of purlins................................................................... 11
14.6 Truss connections................................................................................................. 12
14.6.1 Truss connections, Steel plates ................................................................... 12
14.6.2 Truss connections, Nails ............................................................................. 12
14.6.3 Truss connections, Bolts............................................................................. 12
14.6.4 Truss connections, Screws.......................................................................... 13
14.6.5 Carpentry joints ........................................................................................ 13
14.6.6 Stiffness of connections ............................................................................. 13
14.6.7 Truss connections, Plate arrangement ......................................................... 13
14.7 Asymmetric roofs ................................................................................................. 14
14.8 Hipped roofs........................................................................................................ 14
15 CAD drawing of roof trusses .................................................................................... 15
15.1 CAD Features ...................................................................................................... 15
15.1.1 Dimension units ........................................................................................ 16
15.1.2 Line thickness, colour and font sizes ............................................................ 16
15.1.3 Add extra dimensions ................................................................................ 16
15.2 Print - preview drawing ......................................................................................... 16
15.3 Project panel ....................................................................................................... 18
15.4 Export drawing to PDF format ................................................................................ 18
15.5 Export drawing to dxf format ................................................................................. 18
16 Program settings ..................................................................................................... 19
16.1 Greek character setup........................................................................................... 19

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16.2 Language Set Up.................................................................................................. 19

16.3 Decimal point symbol............................................................................................ 19
16.4 Screen sizes ........................................................................................................ 19
16.5 Default screen dimensions ..................................................................................... 19
16.6 Auto computational option ..................................................................................... 19
16.7 User's guide ........................................................................................................ 20
17 Reports .................................................................................................................... 20
17.1 Preview report ..................................................................................................... 20
17.2 Print report ......................................................................................................... 21
17.3 Report to file ....................................................................................................... 21
17.3.1 RTF files .................................................................................................. 21
17.4 Text insert .......................................................................................................... 22
17.5 Report editing...................................................................................................... 22
17.6 Printer Setup ....................................................................................................... 22
17.7 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................... 22
18 Report parameters ................................................................................................... 23
18.1 Report setup ....................................................................................................... 23
18.1.1 Report Page Header .................................................................................. 23
18.1.2 Main report .............................................................................................. 23
18.1.3 Report page footer .................................................................................... 24
18.2 Page setup .......................................................................................................... 24
18.2.1 Report cover ............................................................................................ 24
18.2.2 Report setup, Various ................................................................................ 25
19 Engineering tools ..................................................................................................... 26
19.1.1 Unit conversion Cross sections ............................................................. 26
19.1.2.................................................................................................................. 26
19.1.3.................................................................................................................. 26
19.1.4.................................................................................................................. 26
19.1.5 Areas (x,y coordinates).............................................................................. 26
19.1.6 Area (polar coordinates)............................................................................. 26
19.1.7 Areas (sum of triangles)............................................................................. 26
20 Eurocodes ................................................................................................................ 27
21 References ............................................................................................................... 27

Updated 09/09/2011

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License and Copyright

If you do not agree with the terms of the following Disclaimer and License Agreement, return the
program disks before you install and activate it, to RUNET Norway as, within 30 days of purchase
for a full refund of software cost and sales tax.

Disclaimer
This software should be used only from experienced and licensed professional engineers. The
software must be considered as a helping tool for the designer engineer, and can never replace the
knowledge, the experience and the judgment of a professional engineer. The user of this software
must understand that no matter how advanced and well checked this software is, he should
carefully check the results and take responsibility of their use.

Copyright
This software is owned by RUNET Norway as, and it is protected by EC (European Community)
Copyright Laws and International Treaty Provisions. This software and the accompanying materials,
must be treated like any other copyrighted material (e.g. book). It is allowed although to make one
copy of the Software for backup or archive purposes. You may not copy and distribute the
accompanying materials. It is strictly prohibited by law unauthorized reproduction or resale of this
software product and the accompanying materials.

Software License
This is a legal agreement between the legal user of this software and RUNET Norway as. By
installing this software you agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree
to the terms of this agreement then do not install this software and return within 30 days after
purchase, for a fully refund of your payment.

Scope of License
Each licensed copy of WOODexpress, must be used either on a single computer, or installed on a
single workstation used non simultaneously by multiple people, but not both. This is not a
concurrent use license.
You may not rent or lease this software. You may not modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer,
decompose, or disassemble the software. Any violation of this agreement terminates your right to
use this software.

Liability Limitations
WOODexpress, in no event shall be liable for any damages whatsoever (including without
limitations, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, or any other loss) arising of
the use of this software. RUNET makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, as to the quality
or performance of this software, that the results and calculations of this software will meet your
requirements, or that the operation of this software will be error free.

This software is a helping tool to aid you in the design of timber structures. The results of this
software must be reviewed and interpreted from experienced licensed engineers, and by no means
constitute an acceptable engineering design.

WOODexpress and related documentation are provided "AS IS" and without warranties as to
performance or merchantability or any other warranties whether expressed or implied. Because of
the various hardware and software environment into which this software may be put, no warranty
of fitness for a particular purpose is offered.

Under no circumstances shall RUNET Norway as and its personal be liable for any direct or indirect,
incidental special or consequential damages resulting from the use or inability to use of this
software or related documentation, even if RUNET Norway as has been advised of the possibility of
such damages.

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This agreement shall be governed by EC (European Community) laws. If for any reason a court or
competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this agreement, or portion thereof, to be
unenforceable, that provision of the agreement shall be enforced to the maximum extend
permissible so as to effect the intent of the parties, and the remainder of this agreement shall
continue in full force effect.
If this license is too restrictive with the laws of your country, do not use this software and return
within 30 days after purchase, for a fully refund of your payment.

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1 General
WOODexpress is a program for computations and dimensioning of timber components, and timber
roofs according to Eurocode 5 (EC5). In a unified environment you can design in a simple way
elements of timber structures, covering most of the needs of a structural design firm. It simplifies all
the repetitive and time-consuming every day calculations for timber elements and timber roofs.
In a graphical added environment you specify the necessary dimensions, loads, design code
parameters, of timber components, and the design is immediately performed. Default values and
checks for erroneous input values, facilitate the input data process.
The report, which is created simultaneously, shows in detail all the calculations and the design steps
with references to the corresponding design code paragraphs. It also warns you in case of inadequate
design.
In one project you can create as many timber components (objects) as you desire, all the data are
stored automatically in one file. A dedicated window helps you working with the design objects in a
project. You can edit, delete, copy, include in report, design objects with a click of the mouse. Each
design object is well marked with a name and an icon. You can select the objects to be included in the
final project report.
You can view and print a detailed drawing of the roof truss in any scale, with the programs CAD
modulus.
The report includes sketches, graphs and formulas, and with user specified title block, logos and fonts.
The material properties, the loads and the design code parameters can be adjusted by the user
according to the requirements of the National application document or the country standards.

A context-sensitive Help system, guides you through the use of the program and the Eurocode
provisions. On-line user's manual and frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.) are included in the
program.

The structure (timber) components you can design are:

cross sections under combined action in ultimate limit state
structural fire design for all cases of ultimate limit state
computation of bolted, nailed and screwed joint capacity of various types
carpentry joints
floors, floor beams and composite concrete-timber floors.
a variety of roofs as
mono-pitch roofs
coupled roofs
close coupled roofs
collar roofs
trussed rafter roofs
attic roofs
trusses with carpentry joints

In addition various engineering tools are included as, unit conversion, section properties, area
computations, reinforcing bar properties, lateral earth pressure coefficients.
From the parameters menu you can adjust the default dimensions and code parameters, according
to the needs of your region and the Eurocode National Application Document of your country.

From this edition (01.11.2010) of User manual, the references to the pre version of Eurocodes, ENV,
will be removed.

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2 After program installation

The program is based on the structural Eurocodes. The application and the parameters of Eurocodes
may be different from country to country. National Application Documents define the parameters, the
supporting standards and provide national guidance on the application of Eurocodes.
After the installation of the program various parameters as material constants, safety factors, material
properties, loads, must be adjusted according to the requirements of the region the program is used.
The appearance of the report is quite advanced, with user defined graphic and logo text, page
margins, font selection, size of indentation etc.. The report appearance can also be adjusted to fit the
requirements of the program user.

From the Parameters :

• Adjust the characteristic material properties, and loads according to the requirements of
your region or country. For this it is advisable to consult the National Application Document of
the Eurocodes 5 and 1.
• Select default timber material.
• Select default loads for roof coverage, snow and wind loading.
• Set the default code values for material and load factors. These are the action
coefficients, the load combination coefficients and the material factors as they are defined in
Eurocode 1 and Eurocode 5 or the National Application Document.
• Select the group of section sizes for truss members and purlins.
• You may want to define your own set of section sizes for truss members and purlins.
• From Eurocode and national Annexes, select the use of EN standards for timber design and
loads.
• In [Parameters and Assumptions] you specify various design parameters and default values.

From the Report Setup

• Adjust the report appearance (margins, font, cover, logo, page caption, page footnote).

• From menu Setup/Decimal point, select type of decimal point symbol.

• Check the right appearance of Greek mathematical symbols in the report, and in case you do not
get right appearance, activate Greek character support from the menu Setup/Greek character
Setup.
• From menu Help/Program user's manual, you read or print the program user's manual.

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3 Basic philosophy in program use

With WOODexpress you can design and manipulate various design objects, which are covering various
parts of a timber structure. In a project you may create as many design objects, as you want. All the
data are saved in a common project file. A common report is created for the timber objects, which are
checked to participate in the report.
New timber objects can be created with the design buttons at the top. The design objects, with their
name and a characteristic icon are shown in the [Design objects] window. From this window you
regulate their appearance and the order of appearance in the reports. On the right side of the window
shows the details of calculations of the selected design object.
By double clicking at a design object you enter its calculation window where you specify the
dimensions loads and design code parameters. When the object is created all the values take the
default values set from the parameters. All the data required are marked with a sketch, and the
appropriate dimensions. Automatically a check is always made for wrong or erroneous input values.
In front of every design object is a check box. The objects that are checked will be included in the
common report. If more than one roof trusses are checked for report, because the report for roof
truss designs are very long, a warning message will show up, to inform you in order to reduce the
included in the report design objects.
By right clicking on a design object you may choose from the popup menu to perform calculations,
CAD drawing, report previewing or printing for the design object.

The basic steps in using the program are:

Open a Project File from menu [File].
• Select a design object, from the [Design objects] window, or create a new one from the design
buttons on the top.
• Activate the computations of the object, by double clicking on the design object or by clicking the
computations button. In a new object the computations are activated automatically.
• In the object's calculation window enter the necessary data for the particular design object and
click on [Computations]. Click at the drawing button to enter the CAD drawing modulus for a roof
truss.
• Mark the objects you want to appear in the report, and adjust their order of appearance in the
[Design objects] window.
• Preview and Print the report.
• From the menu Parameters, you can specify the design and code parameters, and the default
values.

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4 Design
The basic program actions are:
• create and manipulate design objects
• set design parameters
• preview reports
• print reports
• manipulate, preview and print the truss drawings

These actions are performed from the program menu or with the drop-down menu buttons (design
buttons) at the top of the main program window. The [Design objects] window, is where all the design
objects of the project appear with their names and their characteristic icons.
After creating a design object, you can activate and manage the object from the [Design objects]
window.

5 Design objects
With the program you create and manipulate various design objects (or calculation objects). The
design objects can be a variety of timber parts of a structure, timber connections and mainly timber
roofs.
We will refer to these calculations as design objects, timber objects or structural objects.
You create the design objects with the design buttons on the top. In a project you may create as
many design objects as you want. Automatically the program gives a default name to each object,
(which you may change), and assigns a small characteristic icon in front to recognize the type of the
design object.
The design objects are autonomous and each one has its own drawings, material properties and
computations. All the design objects of the project are listed in the window at the left, which is the
basic window in working with the design objects. By selecting (clicking at) an object, the
corresponding computations appear on the right window. If the object appears in red colour, the
computations have errors or are not satisfying the design code requirements. The sketch of the
selected design object appears underneath.
The objects checked in front, are included in the report. A common report is produced from the
selected objects. In the Report Setup you may specify the report of each design object to start in a
new page.

With the button you activate the object

design window, and with the button you

activate the objects drawing window.
By right click on a design object you can choose to
activate computation, or to see the report of the
object. If the object is a roof truss you can enter
the drawing of the truss.
The order of the objects (which is also the order of
appearance in the report), is regulated with the

two buttons .

You can delete one or more selected design objects by clicking at Del key or , (multiple selection
of design objects with [Shift] and mouse click, or [Ctrl] and mouse click).

You can duplicate a selected object by clicking at .

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6 Calculation window
A calculation window has a typical sketch of the
timber object that is to be designed. All the
necessary input data are marked with their
dimensions. By clicking all the
calculations are performed.

When the Auto-computation is checked, the

calculations are performed automatically when you
change the data.
The Auto-computation mode can be set from
[Setup/Auto computational option]. Depending on
the speed of the computer the user can choose to
have the computations performed simultaneously
with the data input/change than when clicking the Computations button. In this case check the Auto

Computation.

The calculations appear in the window underneath. This window is expanded by clicking .
Warnings and errors for inadequate design values are shown in red in a small textbox and in the
calculations. You can view a CAD drawing of the timber roof or a sketch of the timber component by
clicking .
When the object is created all the parameters take default values. A check is always made for wrong
or erroneous input values. After the computations, OK or Error (in red) message is shown on top left.

You can see a report of this design object by clicking at or print the report with

.
When the Auto-computation is checked, the calculations are performed automatically when you
change the data. The Auto-computation mode can be set from [Setup/Auto computational option].

7 Files
All the design (timber) objects are saved in the same unique file
with an extension [WoodExpressData]. When you specify a
new file name you don't have to type in the extension.
The data are saved automatically as you change them and do
computations.
A folder with name [WOODexpress\Projects] is initially created to
store the files of the various projects.
At the bottom of the [Files] menu is a list of the three most
recent used project files.

7.1 File commands

New Open Save Save As Delete
Printing commands
Print Preview Report Setup Printer
Program settings
Greek character support Language Setup Decimal point symbol Default main screen size
Computational Option

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8 Step by step, program use

Open a Project File. Use New for new project and Open for an
existing project file. All the data are saved in the same file. The
data are saved automatically.

Create a new Design object, e.g. Roof type A, From the drop-down buttons on
the top, automatically you enter the computation window for this object.

You may select an existing design object, from the [Design objects] window, and
activate the computations by double clicking at the object, e.g. Roof-003, or by

clicking at .

In the window with the computations, enter the

necessary data for the particular design object and
click on .
When the Auto-computation is checked, the
calculations are performed automatically when you
change the data.

Click to see more of calculations.

All the computations for the design object are performed.

A message appears if design is OK, the computations and the dimensions

are adequate.
If the design has problems due to inadequate dimensions this message
will appear.
Automatic generation of CAD drawings.

Preview report.

Print report.

Select (check) the objects you want to include in the report. With the
arrows you can adjust their order of appearance in the report. In the
report only the objects checked in front will appear.

Report setup. Adjust the appearance of the report. You can adjust: font
size, margins, captions and footnotes, line distances, character font, new
page after each object printout, line thickness and paragraph indentation

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9 Parameters
The parameters must be set for the region or country the program is
used and according to Eurocode 0,1,5 and National Application
Documents.

From the parameters you set:

• the default timber strength classes
• the default material and load factors, the action and load
combination coefficients
• default sizes of timber cross sections
• the loads of roof covering, the snow load and the wind load
• seismic coefficients
• which Eurocode version to be used for the calculations
• different parameters and assumptions
• Show settings of parameters

9.1 Material and load factors

All the material, load factors and action coefficients have to be adjusted according to the Nation
Application Document in every country. The values given below are recommended values in Eurocode 0
and 5.
The action coefficients for permanent and variable loads in unfavourable loading conditions, γG and γQ,
which according to Eurocode 0 (EN 1990:2002) are γG=1.35, γQ=1.50.
In order to edit the values of the table you must first unlock by clicking at [Locked].

The material factors for timber based materials γM, which according to Eurocode 5 are 1.30 for timber
based materials, 1.10 for steel in joints, and 1.00 for accidental situations and serviceability limit state.

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The load combination factors ψ0,ψ1,ψ2, which are given in Eurocode 0 (EC 0) AnnexA1,A1.2.2
Table A1.1.

Recommended values of ψ factors for buildings

Serviceability limit state

In the program in menu [Parameters/Parameters and assumptions] you can define the values you want.
Default values (L/300, L/250 and L/150). The limits for cantilever beams are taken as half of the above.
Eurocode EN 1995-1-1:2004/A1:2008, Table 7.2.

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9.2 Service classes

In Eurocode 5 the service classes are defined from the mean moister content of the timber. In most
cases National Application Documents, define this classification.

According to Eurocode 5
Class 1 In this class the mean moisture content of coniferous timber is below 12%
Class 2 In this class the mean moisture content of coniferous timber is below 20%
Class 3 Higher moisture content.

9.3 Timber strength classes

The timber strength properties can be changed after you unlock the data by clicking at [Change
values]. The timber properties must be adjusted to the data of the region or country the program is
used, and according to the National Application Document of Eurocode 5. By clicking at a line of the
table you select the default timber class in the program.
The classification of timber in various strength classes as it is implemented in the program, are given
in EN338 :2009, and EN 1194:2000, Structural timber-Strength classes.

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9.4 Timber section sizes

From the menu Parameters you can choose group of

cross sections for truss members, with cross section
dimensions for the elements of the roof truss. The
elements of the same cross section are in groups. The
cross section is rectangular with width B and height H.
The dimensions of the cross section are in [mm].

You can choose a set of cross section values according to your region. The most common values for
the different countries in Europe are implemented in the program according to EN1313-1. You can
also define two groups of user defined dimensions for truss members and purlins.
From the menu Parameters choose Timber cross sections/ User defined cross sections / Cross section
for truss members-1. Enter the values for B and H in the empty white fields and your user-defined
table is ready. You can change the values at any time. Remember to choose the table you want to use
as default. From the menu Parameters choose Timber cross sections/ Select cross section set for truss
members.

9.5 Roof loads

• Dead loads
• Snow loading
• Wind loads

9.6 Roofing
The top layer of the roof. Choose from the
materials existing on the list or add your own. In
order to change or add new values first click at
Change values. To change the existing values
simply click at the field and type the new values.
To add or delete lines in the table click + and -.
You specify the name of material and the values
in kN/m2 of the commonly used roofing in your
area. At the button of the table you can
change/specify the values for the dead load of
ceiling under roof, live load on attic floors, and
dead load of finishing of attic floors. These values
will be used as default values in roof designs.

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9.7 Snow loading

For the snow load you specify the characteristic snow load on the ground in kN/m2. The snow loading
on the structure is computed according to Eurocode 1, EN 1991-1-3:2003.

The snow loading on roofs according to Eurocode 1 (EC1) part 1 is:

s=µi.Ce.Ct.sk [kN/m²]
µi shape coefficient of the snow loading.
Ce and Ct coefficients depending on the exposure to wind and the thermal insulation of the roof
correspondingly. Usually they have values =1.

sk Is the characteristic snow load value on the ground in kN/m².

For the EC countries the values of sk are given in Appendix C of Eurocode 1, EN 1991-1-1-3:2003.

The values of µi used in the program are according to EN 1991-1-1-3:2003, 5.3.2, 5.3.3.

Case of mono-pitch roof Case of double-pitch roof

EN 1991: 2003 - 1-3, § 5.3.2 EN 1991: 2003 - 1-3, § 5.3.3)

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9.8 Wind loading

For the wind loading you specify the wind pressure on a vertical surface in kN/m2.
The wind loading on the structure is computed according to Eurocode 1, EN 1991-1-4:2004.

For single-pitch roofs one loading (pressure) is considered.

For double pitch roofs two loading are considered, one with wind from left to right (pressure at left
drag at right), and second with wind from right to left (pressure at right drag at left)
In the program the wind loading is computed as we=qw.Cpe, where qw is the wind pressure on a
vertical surface in [kN/m²] given at the input data qw=qref. Ce(ze).
The wind loading according to Eurocode 1 EN 1991-1-4:2004 is : we=qref. Ce(ze).Cpe.
qref=(ρ.vref²)/2 [N/m²], ρ is the air density =1.25 kg/m³
vref is the wind reference velocity (m/s). v1=qref. Ce(ze)
Cpe is the pressure coefficient and is computed from the roof pitch according to EN 1991-1-
4:2004.7.2.4 for mono-pitch roofs, and according to EN 1991-1-4:2004, 7.2.5 for double-pitch
roofs.

Monopitch roofs (EN 1991-1-4:2004) Duopitch roofs (EN 1991-1-4:2004)

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9.9 Seismic design

The seismic design of roofs is implemented in WOODexpress according to Eurocode 8, EN 1998-1,
General rules seismic actions and rules for buildings.
The default values for the seismic analysis is selected from the menu [Parameters/seismic
coefficients]

In the design window of roofs, check: Include seismic design, and the adjust the parameters for
seismic design
You select the seismic zone from the map and automatically the Horizontal acceleration ratio is set.
By clicking on the map of Europe or specified country, choose seismic zone.
Choose spectrum type according to Eurocode 8, Table.3.3.

9.10 Eurocode and National Annex

Select the Eurocode and National Annex to apply

in the design. The Eurocode parameters are set
according to the National standards you choose.
From the menu parameters, you can view the
parameters.

If you select as National Annex- NA, the first

option, Eurocode EN, then also ENV (prestandard
versions of Eurocodes) are activated. These
preversions of Eurocodes are expired, but are kept
as an option in the program if someone wants to
calculate with old standards for comparison.

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9.11 Parameters and assumptions

Design methods for timber connections

Elastic analysis. The forces on the fasteners
due to a moment applied on the connection
are proportional to the distance from the
rotation center.
Plastic analysis. The forces on the fasteners
due to a moment applied on the connection
are all reaching the same value.

Yielding stress of plate steel in kN/mm2,

used in the strength check of connection plate.
A usual value for high strength steel is 500
kN/mm2. The net area of the plate is taken as
75% of the cross section area; (we assume
25% holes).
Tensile strength of nails, bolts and screws
fuk in kN/mm2 is used to define the default characteristic yield moment of nails, bolts, and screws
EN 1995-1-1:2004, eq. 8.14 and eq 8.30.
The length of timber is used to define the splices of the timber elements in the roof trusses.
Part of compressive design force. When the joint is in compression, the fasteners may be
designed for only a part of the compressive force. This part can be defined in % here. Some
comments on this subject you may find in Eurocode 5, 8.8.5.1 (3)

9.12 View all parameters

From the menu [Setup/ View all parameters] setting you can see the default values you have
chosen for your designs. You can any time change the parameters from inside the calculation
window. If you want to reset all your parameters to the original values of the program, press the

button
If you reset all parameters ALL your user defined values will be LOST. Program will close down and
you must restart.

9.13 Units
The units used in the program are SI (System International Metric) units. The unit of any input
value is marked next to the place you enter the data. The unit of every value in the report is also
marked.
Units used in the program:
length [m]
forces [kN]
moments [kNm]
stresses [N/mm²] = [GPa]
concentrated loads [kN]
distributed loads [kN/m²]
line loads [kN/m]
dimensions of timber sections, B[width]xH[height] in [mm]

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10 Ultimate limit states

Design of various cases of single or combined action according to Eurocode 5,
EN 1995-1-1:2004 §6. You specify the timber cross-section dimensions, the
timber properties, the cross-section loads, and the design check is performed
according to Eurocode 5.
• Tension
• Compression
• Bending
• Shear
• Torsion
• Stability

Many Ultimate limit cases can run automatically using the actions and section properties from other
programs, using the Command language, Appendix 1.

11 Structural fire design

The structural fire design is performed for every stress case. Check the box structural fire design if
you want to include this in your design.
Specify : 1. The time exposure to fire in minutes
2. The exposure of the cross section (all around or tree sides),
3. The notional design charring rate bn. This value is set automatically by the
program with the choice of timber class, according to EC5 table 3.1.
The structural fire design is performed according to EC5 part 1-2, 4.2 reduced cross section
method.

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12 Connections
Design of nailed connections of various types. You specify the
properties of the nails, (nail dimensions, round or square cross
section), and the properties of the connection wood or metal
plate. The Nail Capacity Rd is computed according to Eurocode 5,
EN 1995-1-1:2004 §8.

• Timber to timber connection

• Panel to timber connection
• Steel plate to timber connection
• Carpentry joints

Example of Steel plate to timber connection

Example of Carpentry joint

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13 Floors
In this session of the program you can design:
• Floor over one span
• Floor over two spans
• Simply supported beams
• Beam over two spans
• Timber-concrete composite floors

13.1 Floors over one or two spans

The internal forces are computed at the ends and the midspan of the floor beam, and the elastic
bending deformations at midspan, for all the load combinations according to Eurocode 0,1 and 5.
All the checks of Eurocode 5 are performed in ultimate limit state. The deformations are checked in
serviceability limit state according to EN 1995-1-1:2004 §7.2. The Eurocode 5, EN 1995-1-1:2004
§7.3.3 considerations are taken into account for the check of floor vibrations.

The user has the option to select the way the moment of inertia of the floor
beams is evaluated for the computation of deformations and vibrations.
a. as T cross/section with flange the floor finishing.
b as rectangular cross section.

13.2 Simply supported beams and beam over two spans

Simply supported beams under line load. As in one span floors the internal forces are computed at
the ends and the midspan of the floor beam, and the elastic bending deformations at midspan, for
all the load combinations according to Eurocode 0,1 and 5.

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13.3 Timber-concrete composite floors

In this type of composite floors the concrete is only in compression, and timber is used in tension.
The load carrying capacity and the out of plane rigidity of the floor is increased compared to a
timber floor. The design of the composite cross section is based on EN 1995-1-1:Annex B.
In addition to the data supplied as in one span floors the data for the concrete/steel material, and
slab thickness must be supplied, and the size, spacing and strength of the metal fasteners. If the
spacing of the metal fasteners is set to zero (0) then the program selects an optimum value.
If the concrete slab is quite thick then the neutral axis is inside the slab and a design failure
message appears for the concrete slab. In this case you may reduce the thickness of the concrete
slab or increase the gap between concrete and timber h3, so to have the concrete in compression
only.

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14 Roofs
From the programs main menu you can choose from various roof structures. Select the one you prefer, and
perform a full design according to Eurocode 5. The loadings are evaluated according to Eurocode 1. The roof
finishing (rafter), the purlins and the truss members are design for all the load combinations prescribed in
Eurocode 1 and Eurocode 5. The internal forces of the trusses are computed with finite element analysis of the
truss structure. The user can select the degree of stiffness of the connections (stiff or flexible joint connections).
The truss is considered as a two dimensional frame structure, and the stiffness of the connections is adjusted
according to the selected degree of stiffness.
In order to compute the design values for internal forces in various loading conditions, the internal forces are
computed for unit loading, and from their combination the internal forces in various loading conditions are
obtained.

All the load combinations according to Eurocode 0 and Eurocode 5 are taken into account and the
checks are performed in the most unfavourable loading conditions, for combined action in ultimate
limit state of design, according to EC 5 §6.
The deformations are checked in serviceability limit condition, according to EC 5 §4. The truss
deflections are checked in serviceability limit condition, according to EN 1995-1-1:2004 §7.2.

The maximum deflection for finishing or purlins are computed as:

1: Beams fixed at one end, when the span of finishing (distance of purlins) or the span of purlins
(distance between trusses) is less than the half of the timber length defined in parameters and
assumptions,
2: Simply supported beam when the span is larger than half of the timber length.

In EN the coefficients for checking the limit of allowable deflections are specified in the program as
parameters. are defined in Table 7.2, as regions L/300~L/500, L/250~L350, L150~L/300. In the
program in menu [Parameters/Parameters and assumptions] you can define the values you want.
Default values (L/300, L/250 and L/150). The limits for cantilevering beams are taken as half of the
above.

The natural frequencies of the roof trusses are also computed after a dynamic analysis.
The connections can be nailed, screwed or bolted joints with metal plates and they are dimensioned
according to EN 1995-1-1:2004 §8.
A detailed report is produced, and shows analytically all the computations, design steps, design assumptions
and references to the corresponding design code paragraphs. Automatic generation of truss drawings that can
be manipulated with the CAD modulus. Warnings in red appear in the report in cases of inadequate design.

14.1 Roof dimensions

In the calculation window there is a sketch of the object. Specify the basic roof dimensions in
meters [m], according to the roof truss drawing. The roof pitch (angle with the horizontal) may be

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specified. If you give the roof height the roof pitch is obtained, otherwise, if you give the roof pitch
the roof height is obtained.
You can specify dimensions at the nodal points (intersection of element axis) or the total
dimensions. Select what dimensions you are giving.
You can also choose if you want the truss to be extended at left and right ends with cantilever
elements or if you want an asymmetric roof..

14.2 Element cross sections

For the elements of the truss you specify the cross section
dimensions. The elements of the same cross section are
grouped according to the most common sizes in different
countries, EN1313-1. The cross section is rectangular with
width B and height H. The dimensions of the cross section
are in [mm].
In the program there are included user defined groups of
timber sections for the truss elements and the purlins. The
user can define two(2) groups for timber sections for truss
elements and two (2) groups for purlins. From
[parameters/timber sections] you can select the group of timber sections you want to appear in the
design of roofs.

14.2.1 Reduction of timber sections

Specify the cross sections of the elements used in the
truss. If the timber of the trusses are old, damaged or
suffered from deterioration, you can specify a reduction
of cross section in %.

14.3 Roof secondary structure

You can select between three types of roofing.

• Roof consisting of purlins and timber finishing on top. The finishing may be rafters laid on top
of the purlins. The tiles are laid on top of the finishing.
• Roof consisting of purlins and no rafters on top. The tiles are laid on top of the purlins.
• Roof with the timber finishing (rafters) nailed directly on the roof truss.

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14.4 Roof loads

You specify the loads:

dead load of the roof covering materials [kN/m2],
snow load on the ground [kN/m2]
wind load as wind pressure on a vertical surface in [kN/m2] .
self weight of purlins and roof finishing materials (insulation, water proofing) in [kN/m2]
dead load of the ceiling under the roof in [kN/m2]
dead and live loads on the attic floor in [kN/m2]

The default values for these loads are set in the menu [Parameters].

14.4.1 Concentrated loads

Enter the nodal loads in [kN]. Node (first column) is the nodal
point where the concentrated force is applied. Fy, vertical nodal
force positive downwards. Fx horizontal nodal force positive towards the
right side. #Load in the last column is the load case for the nodal loads.

Permanent loads, Load case =0

Snow loads Load cases 1 to 4 (see fig pg. 10)
Wind loads Load cases 5 and 6 (pg. 11)

14.4.2 Snow and wind loading

For the snow load you specify the characteristic snow load on the ground in kN/m2. The snow
loading on the structure is computed according to Eurocode 1, EN 1991-1-3:2003. For the wind
loading you specify the wind pressure on a vertical surface in kN/m2.
The wind loading on the structure is computed according to Eurocode 1, prEN 1991-1-4:2004.
14.5 Spacing of trusses Spacing of purlins

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14.6 Truss connections

The connections are considered as bolted, nailed or screwed joints with single or double steel plate
and they are dimensioned according to Eurocode 5, EN 1995-1-1:2004 §8.
• The user can select or specify :
• The type of connection, nailed, bolted or screwed connections.
• The diameter of the nails, bolts or screws, as well as the type of nails (round or square). The
tensile strength of the steel for the nails, screws or bolts can be specified.
• The plate arrangement. Double plates on both sides of the truss surface or inside the truss
member, single plate on the outside surface or inside the truss member.
• The thickness of connection plates.
• The yielding stress of plate steel.
• The degree of stiffness of the connection to perform the truss analysis.
• Multiple or single plates for each joint. Selecting multiple plates reduces the plate size in
connections with more than two members.

14.6.1 Truss connections, Steel plates

Select the thickness of plates in mm. In the case of nailed joints you can select
standard plates as (BMF plates 1.50 or 2.00 mm). When you choose BMF plates
the program selects the optimal plate size from the available BMF plates, and
marks it in the drawings details of the connection. If the BMP plate is getting
too large, or no reasonable dimensions for BMF plates are available, the
program will choose ordinary steel plates and this will also show in the drawing
and reports.
You specify also the characteristic value of yielding stress of the connection
plates fy in kN/mm². The default value is defined in parameters and
assumptions
When the steel plates are getting very large, try multiple plates.

14.6.2 Truss connections, Nails

Specify the nail diameter (in mm), as well as the type of nails
(round or square). In case of selecting BMF plates automatically
the nails are set to 4mm shank nails. Specify also the tensile
strength of the nails fu kN/mm², (EN1995-1-1:2004, Eq. 8.14).
The default value of the tensile strength of nails is specified in
parameters and assumptions.
The minimum nail length will be specified automatically by the
program according to EN1995-1-1 §8, and shown in the report and drawings.

14.6.3 Truss connections, Bolts

When you are using bolts in connections, specify the following:
The diameter of the bolts in mm.
The position of the connection plates:
• double plate on both faces of the timber members.
• single plate on one face of the timber members.
• single plate in the middle of the timber members.
• double plate inside the timber members.
The tensile strength of the bolts, fu in kN/mm², (EN1995-1-1:2004, Eq. 8.30). The default value
of the tensile strength of bolts is specified in parameters and assumptions
The steel plate thickness t in mm .
The yielding stress of the steel of the connection plate, fy in kN/mm². The default value of yielding
stress of the connection plates is defined in parameters and assumptions.

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14.6.4 Truss connections, Screws

When you are using screws in connections, specify the
following:
The diameter of the screws in mm.
The position of the connection plates:
• double plate on both faces of the timber members.
• single plate on one face of the timber members.
• single plate in the middle of the timber members.
• double plate inside the timber members.
The tensile strength of the screws, fu in kN/mm², (EN1995-1-1:2004, Eq. 8.30). The default value
of the tensile strength of screws is specified in parameters and assumptions
The plate thickness t in mm.
The yielding stress of the steel of the connection plate, fy in kN/mm². The default value of yielding
stress of the connection plates is defined in parameters and assumptions

The minimum screw length will be specified automatically by the program according to EN1995-1-1
§8, and shown in the report and drawings.

14.6.5 Carpentry joints

In carpentry joints you specify the cutting depth (tv) and shear surface length (Lv) for each joint.
When you select timber section dimensions tv and Lv are set to the default values which are tv=h/4
and lv= h. The minimum value if Lv is 150 mm.
When the [Alllow optimisation] is checked, the values the user is specifying for tv and lv, may
change if from the solution comes out that larger values are needed. If this option is unchecked
then tv and lv are kept and if the joint is inadequate an error message shows. By pressing the reset
values tv and lv are reset to the default values (h/h and h or 150 mm)

14.6.6 Stiffness of connections

You select the stiffness of connections. By moving the bar at left the truss is
solved with very flexible (almost pin) connections. By moving the bar to the right
the truss is solved with very stiff connections. The connections are considered as
bolted, screwed or nailed joints with single or double steel plate and they are
dimensioned according to EN 1995-1-1:2004 § 8.

14.6.7 Truss connections, Plate arrangement

The user can select the connection plates to be multiple plates instead of
single plate in order to reduce the plate sizes. If the pointer is moved to
the left the program selects multiple plates in the connections. If the
pointer moves to the right the program selects single plates in the connections. If the pointer is
placed between the program depending on the size of the plate selects multiple or single plate
automatically depending on the connection type and the angle of the connected members.
The user is advised to perform a solution with single (right position) and with multiple (left
position), and select the preferable configuration.

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14.7 Asymmetric roofs

From the truss types, the following can be designed as asymmetric.
A1, C1,C2,C3, E1,E2,E3.

In design window, choose asymmetric and adjust the dimensions.

14.8 Hipped roofs

In the hipped roof analysis the program automatically sets the data for the 2-dimensional trusses
which are used for the design of the roof. These data are the dimensions of the trusses and the
loadings. The analysis of all the 2-d trusses are performed automatically.
These (2 or 4) trusses are numbered on the sketch of the roof, and they are grouped according to
their dimensions and loading.
The data and the design of Each individual 2-d truss may be seen by clicking at Truss (1), Truss (2)
etc. .

The user may want to override the automatic data generation of the 2-d trusses. In this case check

the , (do not change data). If you have the [auto computation] checked in the design window,
all the computations of the 2-d trusses are performed automatically, and it may show a small delay
of the cursor, due to many calculations.

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15 CAD drawing of roof trusses

The CAD modulus of the program automatically creates a detailed truss drawing. You can adjust the
scale of the drawing, and you can choose the visible layers. The properties of the drawing
components, (line thickness, colour, text size) can also be adjusted. You can also specify the
dimension units that are shown on the graph.
Before previewing or printing the drawing you can select the printing paper size, and move the
drawing to the desired position on the paper.

15.1 CAD Features

Scale of Zoom Layers Dimension units Grid

Drawing

Scale/Move/Zoom If you cannot see all or parts of the truss on the screen, you can scale or move
your drawing. You activate/deactivate the move command (hand) by double clicking on the
drawing.
By right click you can change cursor.
Layers Choose the layers you want to be visible and printed. The properties of the layers are
defined of the Properties of drawing components.

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15.1.1 Dimension units

Choose unit for dimensions appearing on the truss drawing. This will be the default unit until you
change it.
Grid If you want the grid to appear, from the layers panel, check the grid and choose the size from
the pull down menu. By clicking on the small arrows on the right, you move the grid in relation to
the drawing.

15.1.2 Line thickness, colour and font sizes

By using this panel you can adjust the appearance of the truss drawing.
Turn on or off the layers from the panel with Layers.
For the line type of Axis and nodes, choose line thickness 1 for dashed line, line thickness 2 for
the thinner solid line etc.

There are three levels of dimensioning. By adjusting the dimension distance you move the
dimension lines further or closer to the truss element.
By adjusting the Text distance you move the connection text further or closer to the truss
connections.
The values you are setting are maintained automatically. By clicking at Reset you restore the
original default values of the program.

15.1.3 Add extra dimensions

If you want to add extra dimensions on the drawing, use the . Click on the point at beginning
and the end of the distance you want to insert. Stop the process by right click.

If you want to remove all the extra dimensions added, use the .
For the standard dimensions, use the layer function to turn the dimension on or off.
The extra dimensions added are not maintained in the data file.

15.2 Print - preview drawing

Before you print your drawing it is advisable to preview
the contents of you drawing first.

Click on the Preview Button and set the parameters

of printing.
Choose Paper size and orientation, Scale and check for
Black and White according to your printer.
You move (click on the drawing and move the mouse) the
drawing to place it at the desired position inside the
drawing paper.

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In case your screen size does not allow you to see all the drawing paper by choosing another Paper
scale you scale down the screen image.
Choose the text panels you want included in your drawing.
When you check/uncheck a text panel you can see the area available for the truss drawing is
changing.
You can change text font and size. Be aware if you increase the text size in A4 paper. The text may
become too large for the text area.

Print preview drawing.

Page orientation for drawings.

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15.3 Project panel

To edit appearance of the text panel for the drawings check the fields you want to
be included and type the wanted text.

The project title is automatically taken from the name of

the project.
The title A is automatically taken from the name of the
design object.
The Design Firm title is automatically taken from the
settings of the report parameters, see pg. 28, report
page footer.

15.4 Export drawing to PDF format

From the CAD modulus of the program you can save you truss drawing in PDF
format

15.5 Export drawing to dxf format

From the CAD modulus of the program you can save you truss drawing in .dxf format. This
file can be read from Autocad In the window that appears specify the file name and adjust the text
size and decimal symbol in the new file.

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16 Program settings
16.1 Greek character setup
According to the notation used in the Eurocodes the report contains many Greek mathematical
symbols. In most cases the system takes care of the language settings by itself. But depending on
the Window installation the Greek mathematical symbols may or may not appear right. If you have
older Windows versions you can add Greek language support in your Windows. Go to
[Settings/Control Panel/Regional and Language Options/Advanced].
If your Windows do not support Greek mathematical symbols, then from [Setup/Greek character
support] or [Set UP/Greek character support] select NO. The Greek characters will appear as:
alpha, beta etc. , in the report.

16.2 Language Set Up

You can choose the language of the program from the menu
[Setup/Language Setup]. The design objects have to be
recalculated to show the new language in the calculations and
report.
*Not available for all versions.

16.3 Decimal point symbol

You specify (.) or (,) for the decimal point appearing in the input data and the reports.

16.4 Screen sizes

You can resize the main screen, and its size is maintained. The size of the main screen is
automatically set to the size the last time you opened the program. You can reset the main screen
to the default size by clicking at [Setup/Default screen size].
Most of the program windows have a height limited by the height of the main screen. If you want to
have these windows larger, simply enlarge the main program screen.

16.5 Default screen dimensions

By clicking at this menu option you reset the screen size to the original set in the program. Each
time you change the main screen size its size is saved and when you reopen the program it appears
with the new size. The size of the main window is also the default size for the calculation windows
that are opened afterwards.

16.6 Auto computational option

Depending on the speed of the computer the user can choose to have the computations performed
simultaneously with the data input/change or when clicking the button .

Options from the menu Setup/ Auto computational option:

NO: Computations only when press Computations.
Level - 1: In objects with large output (as roofs) computations only when press Computations, and
in objects with small output else when you change input data';
Level - 2: Computations performed simultaneously when you change input data for all objects.

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If you have chosen the option Level -2, and see that it is bothering slow
when you change data in the roof trusses, uncheck the box Auto
computation and the mode will turn into Level -1 mode.

For new machines use Autocompute checked as the

machines are very fast. In the case of hipped roofs
because the computation part involves the computation
of all the sub-trusses, probably it is preferable to
uncheck the Autocomputation mode.

16.7 User's guide

You can preview, or print the program user's manual. You select to view it as a Word(doc) or as an
Acrobat (pdf) document.

17 Reports
After designing the desired timber objects they can be
printed into a report. The report will contain all the
objects that are checked in the [design objects] window.
The order of which the objects will appear in the report
can be adjusted with the two arrows at the bottom of the
design objects window. Adjustments for the report, font,
margins, logo of caption or footnote, etc. can be done
from [Report Setup].
If more than one roof truss is checked for report, the
report for roof truss designs becomes very long. A warning message will show up to inform you.
You can either continue or make the report smaller. To reduce the size of the report, uncheck one
or more of the trusses in the design object window.
If hipped roofs are included the report contains a large number of pages. In this case is advisable to
see or print the report of each subtruss separately from the window of the calculations.

17.1 Preview report

The report preview contains all the objects that are checked in the
[design objects] window. You can adjust the order in which the object
appears in the report by using the two arrows at the bottom of the
[design objects] window.

In order to preview the report you must have a valid printer

installed in your system. If you work in a network there must be installed a network printer.
Otherwise the system will report – invalid printer. Simply connect/add a printer, or select another
printer as default.

Two different preview types are available and can be selected from
[Report Setup/Page-Preview/Single-Composite]

From the [Report Setup] you can adjust the appearance of your report such as font, margins, logo
of caption or footnote, etc. In [Report Setup/Various/Change page for each chapter], you may
choose to start each design object in a new page.
The report preview and printing for the roofs contain detailed drawings of the connections.

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It has been noticed that the report preview does not appear right at the connection section, in
Windows 98 and Me, although it is printed right. To avoid this you may check the compatibility to
be Windows 98 and Me, from [Setup/Compatibility Mode]. In this case you must print the report
using the print command and not from inside the preview window. This problem does not exist in
windows 2000 and XP.

17.2 Print report

The report contains all the objects that are checked in the [design objects] window. The
order of the objects appearing in the preview can be adjusted with the two arrows at the
bottom of the design objects window.

In order to print a report you must have a valid

printer installed in your system. If you work in a
network there must be installed a network printer.
Otherwise the system will report – invalid printer.
Simply connect/add a printer, or select another printer
as default.
Adjustments for the report, font, margins, logo of
caption or footnote, etc. can be done from Report
Setup. In [Report Setup/Various/Change page for each
chapter], you may choose to start each design object in
a new page.

From the printing dialog you can adjust the page number of the first page and the left margin in
mm. More adjustments for the report, font, margins, logo of caption or footnote, etc. can be done
from Report Setup.
In [Report Setup/Various/Change page for each chapter], you can choose to start each design
object in a new page.

17.3 Report to file

You can export the report to DOC file, PDF file and to a RTF file
(text only), which can be opened by another text editor or
Microsoft's Word.

In DOC and PDF format, the report is exported as it looks, with

the drawings and paragraph settings. In the RTF format only
the text is exported.

17.3.1 RTF files

To make the text appear right in the new rtf file, when you first open the file in Word, do the
following:
• select all the text
• expand the margins to 16 cm or 6.5 inc.
• set the font to courier new
• set the font size to 8.

If your windows do not support Greek character set, the Greek mathematical symbols will not
appear right.

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Depending on the Window installation the Greek mathematical symbols may not appear right. If
you have Windows XP or 2000 you may add Greek language support in your Windows, from
Windows [Settings/Control Panel/Regional and Language Options/Advanced].
If your windows do not support Greek mathematical symbols, then from [Setup/Language Set-Up]
select the language without the support of Greek mathematical symbols. Thus the Greek characters
will appear as alpha, beta etc.

17.4 Text insert

You can insert your own text in the, with the [Preview/Text
Insert] command.
In the window which opens, type in the text or read it from
a *.rtf file. This text object can be treated like all the other
objects of the program.

17.5 Report editing

If you want to edit the report, save the file to word or rtf format and do the changes from the new
document.

17.6 Printer Setup

Select printer, and adjust printer properties. Standard Windows dialog.

17.7 Troubleshooting
Greek Mathematical symbols
According to the notation used in the Eurocodes the report contains many Greek mathematical
symbols. Depending on the window installation the Greek mathematical symbols may not appear
right. In case you have windows XP or 2000 you may add Greek language support in your windows,
from Windows [Settings/Control Panel/Regional and Language Options/Advanced].
In case your windows do not support Greek mathematical symbols, then from [Setup/Language
Setup] select the language without the support of Greek mathematical symbols. In this case in the
report the Greek characters appear explicit e.g. alpha, beta etc.

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18 Report parameters

From the main menu you can adjust the appearance and the printout of the reports by using
the [report parameters setup].

18.1 Report setup

Header, page footer, paper size, orientation,

line distance, margins etc.

18.1.1 Report Page Header

On the page’s
header it may appear, a small picture
(bitmap), at the project title, the
chapter title, the page number and a
horizontal line underneath. By
checking the corresponding boxes
you can choose which of the above
objects you want to appear on the
caption. The position of these objects
is regulated from the numbers in mm
you specify in the boxes in columns 2
and 3. In the last column you can set
the font, or select a bitmap for the
icon, or the thickness and colour of
the line. At the page place you can
specify the letters you want to
appear before the page number e.g. Pg. With the buttons at the bottom you can preview or print a
sample of the header.

18.1.2 Main report

You select the font type, as well as the

size of the font. For the font type it is wise to select non
proportional fonts, such as Courier, Courier new,
Lucida Console, so that the report formulas and
tables to be aligned properly.

You may also specify the page margins (left, right, top,
bottom) in millimetres (mm).

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18.1.3 Report page footer

On the page’s footer
it may appear, the
logo of the design firm, the file name of
the project, the report subtitle or chapter
title, the report date, and a horizontal
line on top. By checking the
corresponding boxes you can choose
which of the above objects you want to
appear on the caption. The position of
these objects is regulated from the
numbers in mm you specify in the boxes
in columns 2 and 3. In the last column
you can set the font, or the thickness and
colour of the line.
With the buttons at the bottom you can
preview or print a sample of the page
footer.

18.2 Page setup

18.2.1 Report cover

You can design your own front page of the report. From
[Report Setup/Page Preview/Report Cover]
You can edit the features on the cover of the report.
The cover may be displayed with an outline, a picture
(from bitmap file) and two text lines. You can adjust the
contents with the checkboxes.
The outline's colour and thickness be changed.
If you wish a picture on the cover, you can choose from
the examples or choose your own bitmap.
The style of text in the two text lines from the font style
editor box.
You can Preview your new report cover and also
do test print.

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18.2.2 Report setup, Various

Paragraph numbering in report. Check this if you

want your chapters numbered.
If you check [Change page for each chapter], the
computations of every design objects will start on a new
page.

If you check [Print Errors in red colour], warnings will

be printed in red when computations are not satisfying
the codes or standards.

You can adjust the line distance in mm and the

paragraph left margin in characters.

The indentation of paragraphs can be adjusted from the

margin already set in [Report setup/Page-setup/main report]. The indentation can be adjusted in
characters (not mm), and
margins are according to the figure.

Mark Plain text for references if you don’t want the references to be bold and underlined.

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19 Engineering tools

19.1.1 Unit conversion Cross sections

Cross section properties. Give the cross section dimensions b,h,...etc, and the cross section
properties (area, moments of inertia, and section modulus), are computed.

19.1.5 Areas (x,y coordinates)

To find the area of a more or less complicated shape you
can use the area of the region.
Give the points of the surrounding of an area, in polar (r ,
theta) coordinate. The area and the centroid of the region are
computed. On the right of the window appears a sketch of the
region, and the centroid is marked in red. With the buttons at
the bottom left you may save the data in a file and read them
back again later.

19.1.6 Area (polar coordinates)

Give the points of the surrounding of an area, in polar (r ,
theta) coordinate. The area and the centroid of the region are
computed. On the right of the window appears a sketch of the
region, and the centroid is marked in red. With the buttons at
the bottom left you may save the data in a file and read them
back again later.

19.1.7 Areas (sum of triangles)

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20 Eurocodes
Group of standards for the structural and geotechnical design of buildings and civil engineering
works.
These standards are a set harmonized technical rules for civil engineering works, in the members of
the European Community. National Application Documents are national standard for adapting the
Eurocode to native requirements.

The structural Eurocodes are:

Eurocode 0 (EC0) EN 1990 Basis of structural design
Eurocode 1 (EC1) EN 1991 Actions on structures
Eurocode 2 (EC2) EN 1992 Design of concrete structures
Eurocode 3 (EC3) EN 1993 Design of steel structures
Eurocode 4 (EC4) EN 1994 Design of composite steel and concrete structures
Eurocode 5 (EC5) EN 1995 Design of timber structures
Eurocode 6 (EC6) EN 1996 Design of masonry structures
Eurocode 7 (EC7) EN 1997 Geotechnical design
Eurocode 8 (EC8) EN 1998 Design provisions for earthquake resistance of structures
Eurocode 9 (EC9) EN 1999 Design of aluminium structures.

21 References

Eurocode 0
1990:2002 Basis of structural design
Eurocode 1
EN 1991-1-1:2002 Actions on structures – general actions – Densities, self-weight and imposed
loads.
EN 1991-1-2:2002 Actions on structures – general actions – Actions on structures exposed to fire
EN 1991-1-3:2003 Actions on structures – general actions – Snow loads
prEN 1991-1-4:2004 Actions on structures – general actions – Wind actions
Eurocode 5
EN 1995-1-1:2004 Design of timber structures – General – Common rules and rules for buildings
EN 1995-1-2:2004 Design of timber structures – General –Structural fire design
EN 338:1995 Structural timber – strength classes
EN 338:2003 Structural timber – strength classes
Eurocode 8, EN 1998-1, General rules seismic actions and rules for buildings.

1. STEP/Eurofortech, Timber Engineering, Centrum Hout, Netherlands, 1995 Werner, Holzbau

Verlag GmbH, Dusseldorf 1991
2. W.M.C. McKenzie, Design of structural timber, Macmillan press Ltd. 2000.
3. Ozelton & J.A. Baird, Timber Designer Manual, Blackwell Science Ltd, 2000.
4. BMF Bygningsbeslag a/s, Danmark.
5. Timber Engineering Step 1, Centrum Hout, The Netherlands
6. Timber Engineering Step 2, Centrum Hout, The Netherlands
7. Atlante del Legno, Natterer Herzog Volz, UTET, 2003

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WOODexpress Command Line

WOODexpress can run as a post processor of various Finite Element Programs (ANSYS, SAP2000,)
to perform the concrete element design. The communication of WOODexpress with other programs
can be done with a command file in simple text format. Each line of this Command line file
describes an object that is going to be created in WOODexpress. Commands and data can be read
in WOODexpress and the design objects are automatically created. The format of the command text
file is given below.

How to import the command file

Click at menu File/ Read Command Line File

Browse and [Open] the file with the command lines (.TXT)
Enter the name of the new project file as .WoodExpress data.
… and the Design objects are created from the commands and the data of the text file.

Example of command text file

MATER TC=C24, SC=1, LC=0, gM=1.30, gS=1.10, gG=1.35, gQ=1.50

S-TENSION NM=section-001, TP=0, B=58, H=150, Rs=12, Na=15.45

S-TENSION NM=section-002, TP=1, D=150, Rs=12, Na=25.45

S-COMPR-PAR NM=section-011, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=16, Na=17.35

S-COMPR-VER NM=section-012, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=5, Na=12.55, La=60, LL=70, L1=180
S-COMPR-ANG NM=section-013, TP=0, B=70, H=140, Rs=5, Na=15.45, Aa=20

S-BEND NM=section-021, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=0, My=12.45, Mz=3.5

S-BEND+T NM=section-022, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=5, Na=11.34, My=12.45, Mz=3.5
S-BEND+C NM=section-023, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=6, Na=9.46, My=11.45, Mz=2.5

S-T+C+B NM=section-031, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=10, My=7.45, Mz=3.5

S-T+C+B NM=section-032, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=10, Na=9.46, My=11.45, Mz=2.5
S-T+C+B NM=section-033, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=10, Na=-9.46, My=11.45, Mz=2.5

S-NM NM=section-034, TP=0, B=60, H=150, Rs=10, Na=-10.46, My=11.45, Mz=2.5

S-SHEAR NM=section-041, TP=0, B=90, H=140, Rs=10, Vs=15.45

S-SHEAR NM=section-042, TP=0, B=140, H=90, Rs=12, Vs=6.45
S-SHEAR NM=section-043, TP=1, D=200, Rs=10, Vs=16.45

S-TORSION NM=section-051, TP=0, B=120, H=140, Rs=5, Mt=15.45

S-TORSION NM=section-052, TP=1, D=120, Rs=0, Mt=15.45

S-STAB-N NM=section-061, TP=0, B=120, H=140, Rs=5, Na=15.45, L=3.20, SKy=1.00,SKz=2.0

S-STAB-NM NM=section-062, TP=0, B=120, H=140, Rs=5, Na=15.45, My=2.1, Mz=3.2, L=3.20, SKy=1.00,SKz=2.0
S-STAB-M NM=section-063, TP=0, B=120, H=140, Rs=5, My=2.1, Mz=3.2, L=3.20, SKy=1.00,SKz=2.0

S-STABILITY NM=section-071, TP=0, B=120, H=140, Rs=5, Na=15.45, My=2.1, Mz=3.2, L=3.20, SKy=1.00,SKz=2.0
S-STABILITY NM=section-072, TP=0, B=120, H=140, Rs=5, Na=15.45, L=3.20, SKy=1.00,SKz=2.0
S-STABILITY NM=section-073, TP=0, B=120, H=140, Rs=5, My=2.1, Mz=3.2, L=3.20, SKy=1.00,SKz=2.0

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Command Line explanations

Every part of a command must separated with comma (, )

Code words (first word and words with =) must be exactly the same
Capital and small letters are the same

MATER Materials and partial safety factors

TC=C24 Timber class
SC=1 Service class (1,2,3)
LC=0 Load duration class
0:permanent,
1:long term,
2:medium term,
3:short term
gM=1.30 Material factor for timber
gS=1.10 material factor for steel (if needed)
gG=1.35 γG Partial factor for permanent loads
gQ=1.50 γQ Partial factor for variable loads
If Material Command is omitted, then the default values that are set in the program the moment
you read the command file are taken.
Many material cards may be included. Each one affects the set of following commands.

S-TENSION Cross section tension parallel to the grain

NM=Section-001 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=58 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=10 Cross section reduction (%)
Na=15.45 Cross section axial load in kN

S-COMP-PAR Cross section compression parallel to the grain

NM= Section-011 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=16 Cross section reduction (%)
Na=17.35 Cross section axial load in kN
If TP=1 then D=150 cross section diameter in mm.

S-COMP-VER Cross section compression perpedicular to the grain

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NM= Section-012 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)

*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm
Rs=5 Cross section reduction (%)
Na=12.55 Cross section axial load in kN
La=60 Loaded length in mm
LL=70 Loaded length in mm
L1=180 Loaded length in mm

S-COMP-ANG Cross section compression perpedicular to the grain

NM= Section-013 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=70 Cross section width in mm
H=140 Cross section height in mm
Rs=5 Cross section reduction (%)
Na=15.45 Cross section axial load in kN
Aa=20 Load angle in degrees.

S-BEND Cross section Bending

NM= Section-021 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=0 Cross section reduction (%)
My=12.45 Cross section bending moment in kNm
Mz=3.50 Cross section bending moment in kNm

S-BEND+T Cross section Bending and Tension

NM= Section-022 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=5 Cross section reduction (%)
Na=11.34 Cross section tension in kN
My=12.45 Cross section bending moment in kNm
Mz=3.50 Cross section bending moment in kNm

S-BEND+C Cross section Bending and Compression

NM= Section-023 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.

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Rs=6 Cross section reduction (%)

Na=9.46 Cross section compression in kN
My=11.45 Cross section bending moment in kNm
Mz=2.50 Cross section bending moment in kNm

S-T+C+B Cross section with Axial load (tension or compression) and bending
moments
NM= Section-031 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=6 Cross section reduction (%)
Na=9.46 Cross section compression in kN
My=11.45 Cross section bending moment in kNm
Mz=2.50 Cross section bending moment in kNm
(any of the forces or moments can be omitted)
S-NM same as S-T+C+B
S-SHEAR Cross section with shearing force
NM= Section-041 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=6 Cross section reduction (%)
Vs=15.45 Cross section shearing force in kN

S-TORSION Cross section with torsion

NM= Section-051 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated *****
TP=0 Section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=6 Cross section reduction (%)
Mt=15.45 Cross section torsional moment in kN

S_STAB-N Cross section stalility in Axial load

NM= Section-061 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated
*****
TP=0 section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=6 Cross section reduction (%)
Na=15.45 Cross section axial load in kN
L=3.20 Element length in m
Sky=1.00 Buckling length around y-y axis (Ly=sky.L)
Sky=2.00 Buckling length around z-z axis (Lz=skz.L)

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S_STAB-NM Cross section stalility Axial load and moments

NM= Section-062 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated
*****
TP=0 section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=6 Cross section reduction (%)

Na=15.45 Cross section axial load in kN

My=2.1 Cross section bending moment My in kNm
Mz=3.2 Cross section bending moment Mz in kNm
L=3.20 Element length in m
Sky=1.00 Buckling length around y-y axis (Ly=sky.L)
Sky=2.00 Buckling length around z-z axis (Lz=skz.L)

S_STAB-M Cross section Lateral stability

NM= Section-063 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)

*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated
*****
TP=0 section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=6 Cross section reduction (%)
My=2.1 Cross section bending moment My in kNm
Mz=3.2 Cross section bending moment Mz in kNm
L=3.20 Element length in m
Sky=1.00 Buckling length around y-y axis (Ly=sky.L)
Sky=2.00 Buckling length around z-z axis (Lz=skz.L)

S_STABILITY Cross section stability (Axial load and moments)

NM= Section-071 Name object (any name up to 16 characters)
*** NOTE object names are unique must not repeated
*****
TP=0 section type 0:rectangle, 1:round cross section
B=60 Cross section width in mm
H=150 Cross section height in mm.
Rs=6 Cross section reduction (%)
Na=15.45 Cross section axial load in kN
My=2.1 Cross section bending moment My in kNm
Mz=3.2 Cross section bending moment Mz in kNm
L=3.20 Element length in m
Sky=1.00 Buckling length around y-y axis (Ly=sky.L)
Sky=2.00 Buckling length around z-z axis (Lz=skz.L)

General case of stability.

If Axial load is missing = lateral stability,
if moments are missing=buckling with only axial load.

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