Purdue Plane Structures Analyzer II

Book excerpt: The Purdue Plane Structures Analyzer (PPSA) is a computer program developed specifically for the analysis of wood structures. It uses recognized analysis procedures, in conjunction with recommendations of the 1982 National Design Specification for Wood Construction, to determine stresses and deflections of wood trusses and frames. The program offers several options for the analysis of member capacity, depending on lateral support conditions, strength property variations, and critical load assumptions. Tabulated output provides a summary report of the input analog as well as individual member and total structure response to assumed load conditions. Program operation requires knowledge of material properties, member connections, boundary conditions, and loads. The user also must have a knowledge of structural analysis to interpret the output. This report provides guidelines for program use and interpretation of results and will be helpful to structural engineers and designers.