Archetech Issue 35 2018 | Page 35

schöck soFtwaRe suPPoRt moRe extensive than eveR The exTensiVe rAnge of free online and downloadable software from Schöck is one of the most comprehensive in this market sector. It offers wide-ranging support to the design process in areas such as product selection; thermal analysis; structural analysis; and BIM services. One of the most recent developments is the inclusion of a design program for the Isokorb types KS and QS in steel-to-concrete connectivity situations. This complements the company’s existing calculation software for designing concrete-to-concrete and steel-to-steel connections. The program is also able to calculate natural frequency, which allows a check on the serviceability of the whole balcony system with regard to vibration. It calculates the natural frequency of thermally broken steel balconies using numerous geometric and material variables – and even proposes options for steel side plates, end plates and on-site stub brackets. There is an online thermal bridging calculator too, which produces substantiated thermal bridge analysis in just a few simple steps. The calculator computes two-dimensional heat flows, isothermals, temperature factors, surface temperatures and psi values (values). The calculation results provide architects, structural engineers and building physicists with all the information needed to produce a detailed thermal bridge analysis to identify compliance with part L regulations. bim libraries Special object libraries and plug-ins have been developed for users of the leading BIM systems. At present, these libraries are available for the standard Schöck Isokorb product portfolio (concrete-to-concrete, steel-to-concrete and steel-to-steel) for Allplan and ArchiCAD CAD systems, with Revit and Tekla to follow. Two levels of detail are available in the plug-in. One for preliminary planning and one for execution planning. Visit the Schöck site at www.schoeck.co.uk for all the latest software and product development updates