sign engineering software

[Jean Shimp]

any suggestions on a software program that will calculate foundations for ground signs? Looking for information to design sign foundations that will include wind load calculations.

 

[Kottwitz-Graphics]

There is this:

http://www.signweb.com/content/spreadsheet-download-engineering-sign-structures

in conjunction with : http://www.amazon.com/Engineering-Sign-Structures-Introduction-Analysis/dp/0944094309

But remember, you should only use it as a guideline. If you do it your self, and something happens, a lawyer can come back on you. There really is no substitute for a hired professional.

 

[Gino]

There is this:

http://www.signweb.com/content/spreadsheet-download-engineering-sign-structures

in conjunction with : http://www.amazon.com/Engineering-Sign-Structures-Introduction-Analysis/dp/0944094309

But remember, you should only use it as a guideline. If you do it your self, and something happens, a lawyer can come back on you. There really is no substitute for a hired professional.

That last statement is the key. Hire an engineer or run the risk if something goes wrong, it's all on you.

 

[J Hill Designs]

around here, an engineer's wet stamp is needed for permitting anything taller than 6 feet. I can see software being useful for estimating install costs, but not for actually telling me proper footing size etc.

 

[Jean Shimp]

Thanks for the replies. I am not looking for a substitute for an engineer's stamp, I am looking for software that you can plug in the size of the sign and some other basic details and then get calculations on the size footer your need. I've looked at a couple of software programs online and was wondering if anyone here was using one they could recommend.
We get so many requests for quotes on possible signs, I am spending way too much time figuring these jobs manually.

 

[Nuagedesigns]

Over engineer it to be safe. If you see this is more of your work might be worth the time and money to throw together a few examples differnt sizes that are some what common but larger enough difference to be helpful for future estimating jobs. Send them off to an engineer to get you designs and then use these as your standards and just specify price may will be according to final enginnered drawings for each job. Estimates are exactly what they are, estimates and subject to change based on final details of job.

 

[player]

Be sure to get an experienced sign engineer. I hired an engineer to design a pylon sign and he came back with ridiculously over engineered plans. The cost increase of the over would have sunk the project. I lent him a book I own about sign engineering and he came back with proper specs. He also thanked me for the use of the book.

This is the book. If you are inclined you will be able to spec out your own signs.

https://www.stmediabooks.com/store/shop-by-brands/signage-and-graphics/signs-of-the-times/engineering-sign-structures-an-introduction-to-analysis-and-design.html

 

[TheDude]

I think a major part of why this type of software doesn't exist is consideration has to be made for soil types and inclement weather and other natural forces that will be exerted on the sign structure. A sign in an earthquake zone will have to be designed with different considerations then a sign subject to hurricane forces. A footer in sandy soil may involve a different design then spongier silty soil. Lots of issues can arise from improper design. There is no one size fits all for any type of foundation structure. These types of liabilities are the reason for licensing. Should that sign fall there is someone else' insurance and professional license between you and a judgement.

 

[Graphic Destruction]

Here's an excel macro provided by Murdoch Engineering. Great tool for estimating and then use them for the stamp/approval. Simply fill in the yellow areas and it calculates for you. Iirc, they have a brief tutorial on their website for it.

 

[J Hill Designs]

Here's an excel macro provided by Murdoch Engineering. Great tool for estimating and then use them for the stamp/approval. Simply fill in the yellow areas and it calculates for you. Iirc, they have a brief tutorial on their website for it.

All I'm finding is murdoch university...can you perhaps share the web link? this looks greatly helpful for estimates

 

[Graphic Destruction]

www.murdochengineering.com, I had a pdf tutorial somewhere a long time ago....I'll see if I can find it. If not, I'm sure Murdoch would send you one.

 

[TheDude]

You understand that if you put your name on that and file it with the city it becomes a part of public record, and you are responsible for anything that happens from the time the sign goes up until either you or the sign are no longer around.

But yes, that appears to be a very legitimate spreadsheet calculator

 

[Graphic Destruction]

You understand that if you put your name on that and file it with the city it becomes a part of public record, and you are responsible for anything that happens from the time the sign goes up until either you or the sign are no longer around.

But yes, that appears to be a very legitimate spreadsheet calculator

Great tool for estimating and then use them for the stamp/approval




​Reading comprehension.

 

[TheDude]

I comprehend perfectly fine, thank you. I also read between the lines.

 

[Jean Shimp]

When I click on the Excel file it changes it to a .php extension which I can't open. I can open an excel file normally. Also, when I clicked on the website it said it is under construction. Would really like to see this spreadsheet.

 

[J Hill Designs]

I emailed the guy for the instruction pdf, but haven't heard back.

for the php issue, try right clicking and saving as