Structural Engineering Software

[psuengineer]

Hello all, I am pretty new in the field of structural engineering. Graduated in May 2011, and I am working with a small firm, so we do not have all the high tech structural analysis software. I was wondering if anyone could suggest some cheap, easy softwares for indeterminate members and things of that nature.

Also, I do a lot of residential work with wood, which I did not really study in school, we worked with steel and reinforced concrete. Is there a manual for wood that is easier to use than the IBC/IRC?

Thanks for your help.

[PinkertonD]

Welcome to the Engineering world.

At the risk if generalizing, with wood there is very little difference to metal when working with it as structural medium. Check with Machinery's Handbook (MH = the bible) for starters. If you do not already have "the bible," then you need to rectify that pronto. It will be your constant companion and first place "go to" reference. Page 374 in MH #25

You could also check the following and see if it is of any assistance.
http://www.sap2000.org/

[psuengineer]

Thanks!

I did use and liked SAP2000 in school, and I will check out "the bible" asap!

Thanks again!