Introduction to MaxBeam Software
	Speed: MaxBeam enables you to quickly select the right size beams, joists, rafters, headers, girders, posts, beam hangers, post hardware and footings for light frame buildings. Graphic Interface: The simple graphic interface allows you to easily enter the load on each beam. Possible span loads include: uniform, increasing, partial uniform, and point loads. Possible overhang loads include: uniform and point loads. Any single type of load or combination of loads can easily be entered. Automatic Reference: MaxBeam automatically looks up all required information from built-in libraries of most standard woods, glue-lam beams, manufactured woods (i.e. paralams, LVL, etc.), manufactured I joists, and a range of steel shapes including wide flange, channels, angles, pipes, tubes and flitch plates. In addition, custom libraries for other materials can be added and saved. Calculates Properties: MaxBeam evaluates the span and loading on each beam to make a preliminary selection for size. Customization: MaxBeam allows you to adjust the beam uses, material type, material grade, quantity and size to tailor the final selection of each beam to meet your design requirements. The program automatically re-calculates the shear, bending and deflection values. If the beam selection is appropriate, it is confirmed with "OK." If, however, the beam does not meet the requirements, it tells you if the area, section, modules, or moment of inertia failed. Post Selection: MaxBeam determines the required end bearing and selects, from a choice of materials, the required post size to support each beam. MaxBeam can also select the required hanger, post base, and post cap for a range of post materials. Foundation Sizing: MaxBeam determines the required footing size for the entered Soil Bearing Capacity for beam supports. MaxBeam also provides a worksheet for calculating the size of the footings for the perimeter and interior walls. Documentation: In a user-friendly interface, MaxBeam displays the fomulas used for each calculation and its result. This information can be printed, as seen on the screen, to provide a simple, six to eleven page document ready to submit for a building permit. It includes complete load documentation and calculations for up to 35 seperate beams and posts. Codes: MaxBeam meets the requirements BOCA, SBCCI, 97 UBC, 2003 CBC, and 2003 IBC codes. The codes requirements for wood beam design are based on the 1997 National Design Standards (NDS). All formulas and material strengths used in MaxBeam are based on recognized engineering methods, sources, and the requirements of NDS.