Favorite Seismic Bracing Software?

11/23/2018

What is your preferred software to use for sizing bracing for fire suppression systems?

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3 Comments

Peter

11/24/2018 07:33:47 pm

I work out of Memphis where every system receives seismic bracing. Nobody uses software. You just need a copy of NFPA 13.

Ken W

2/5/2020 10:07:01 am

Peter, I hate to disagree with you that "nobody uses software."

I've been designing, specifying, and participating in construction management for over 30 years in Southern California. And, for the last fifteen years, I've also been performing 3rd party plan review for various AHJ's in my area.

I've done over 7,000 plan review in that time, and I've looked at perhaps a dozen submittals which didn't use a software program to perform seismic bracing calculations.

At the moment (2/5/20) I happen to believe the most consistent and accurate software program is the version available for free from Anvil.

Dave L.

11/27/2018 11:02:14 am

Of course it's much more than sizing. I’ve been using Tolco (Cooper/Eaton/B-Line) Tol-Brace for many, many years, back when they charged for the disc to download it, so it is what I am familiar with. And for a long time, Tolco used to be the go-to product line of places I worked, which made it easier. Using one program and adapting it to a different product line (or mixing product lines) is a hassle. I liked when I had an “in” at Tolco for technical questions about the program and for making suggestions for improvement. The program has been constantly improved, and is keeping up with the many changes in the 2016 NFPA #13. (BTW watch that 6-in. rod rule for 2016) Tol-Brace incorporates the maximum spacing in table 9.3.6.4(a) that I see violated all the time in hand calcs, and gives the appropriate caution when using Schedule 7 pipe. Details like that. The latest version made some changes that confused some users for a while, so I’d like to see some descriptions for each update. That’s not to say other programs like the AFCON/Anvil or PHD programs aren’t bad, they have been catching up. I’ve only tried them a little bit, and I’m still clumsy with them. I’m seeing a lot of people going to AutoSprink for design, but I am not familiar with their bracing program. Most programs are free to download and try out. Whether using a program or doing it the long way, it’s only as good as the weakest link in the process – correct force-factor applied, attentiveness by the fitter (and complete information provided to the fitter), proper appropriate attachment assemblies in wood construction, adequate calculations performed for the project, efficient use of NFPA #13 bracing allowances (tricks), etc.

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