Research Engineers and Omnitech Associates (the makers of DESCON, the most popular steel connection design software in the US) have joined forces to integrate STAAD.Pro, the world leading structural analysis and design software with DESCON. All users who have upgraded to STAAD.Pro 2005 can now purchase the integrated DESCON module to connect your entire structure within seconds.
What does DESCON do? DESCON consists of four modules (ASD and LRFD modules are separate) that help you analyze and design the steel connections on your structure. These modules are:
DesconWin (ASD):
Design beam-to-column connections (HSS sections included), beam and column splices, and beam to girder connections using the ASD method. Simple shear connections, and partially or fully restrained moment connections are included in DesconWin. On-screen and printed output include a detailed calculation report and a drawing of the connection. DesconWin has a database of steel sections including W, M, S, and HP shapes. Users can add customized or non-standard sections to this database. DesconWin requires a minimum amount of data in the Design mode and allows the user to enter all pertinent data in the Check mode. DesconWin creates a DXF file of the designed connection to interface with CAD systems. Users can also check the connections as per the AISC Seismic Provisions (yellow book) as well.
Beam to Girder Connection
AISC Seismic Provisions
DesconWin (LRFD):
This module is exactly the same as the aforementioned module (DesconWin ASD) except the LRFD method is used. Also, this module includes seismic connection design as per the FEMA 350 code. The seismic connections in this module include:
Beam Splice
Descon Brace (ASD):
This module designs for Braced Frame type structures using the Uniform Force Method where it is applicable. Descon Brace designs Chevron, Knee, and K- Braces as well as braces connected to column base and Beam-Column joints where up to four braces and two beams may exist. Member forces automatically come from STAAD.Pro, and Descon Brace designs and/or checks the brace to gusset connection, gusset plates, gusset to beam and column connections, and the local stresses in the column and beams.
Descon Brace creates and prints a scaled drawing showing the connection details. Callouts, dimension lines, and weld symbols can be moved to preferred locations in the drawing area with the mouse. Descon Brace creates a DXF file of the drawing for importing into CAD systems. Descon Brace generates a calculation report that includes the formulae in symbolic and numerical formats and the result of the computations.
Descon Brace (LRFD):
Same as the Descon Brace ASD module except uses the LRFD method.
Column Brace
Input for Column Brace connection
Integration with STAAD.Pro 2005 and beyond:
All of the DESCON modules above are completely integrated within the STAAD.Pro environment. So now you can model, analyze, design and connect your structure in one integrated environment. There is no need to manually input all the member end forces for all the load cases for all the members. STAAD.Pro will automatically pass the relevant information onto DESCON and DESCON will iterate until it optimizes the connection for the most critical load case. All the drawings and calculations are available to you within STAAD.Pro. You never have to leave the STAAD.Pro environment unless you want to override the calculations provided by DESCON. The DESCON modules can be used in stand alone mode as well.
