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CS COLUMN
USER REFERENCE GUIDE
F-COLUMN USAGEUG 14 v1.0  2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CS COLUMN ................................................................................................................................... 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. 2
CS COLUMN OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 3
PRESETS .................................................................................................................................... 4
MEMBER DESCRIPTION TAB ............................................................................................... 5
USER/JOB INFO TAB ........................................................................................................... 15
MENUS ...................................................................................................................................... 16
FILE MENU ............................................................................................................................ 16
EDIT MENU ........................................................................................................................... 18
VIEW MENU .......................................................................................................................... 19
WINDOW MENU ................................................................................................................... 21
HELP MENU .......................................................................................................................... 24
INPUT INTERFACE................................................................................................................... 25
GRAPHICAL INTERFACE .................................................................................................... 26
MEMBER INTERFACE.......................................................................................................... 28
CALCULATION WINDOW AND OUTPUT ............................................................................ 32
BASIC ENGINEERING .............................................................................................................. 39
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CS COLUMN OVERVIEW
CS Column performs single member sizing analysis for columns and tall wall studs. The program
defines design criteria for axial loads, wind loads, and bracing conditions when designing solidsawn lumber, glulam, and Structural Composite Lumber (SCL) columns.
CS Column Main Screen
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PRESETS
The first time using CS Column, set the program Presets to establish default values, as well as
define how the program analyzes a Standard Column, Standard Wall Stud, Custom Column,
or Custom Wall Stud. Parameters entered as default Presets can be modified for individual
columns on the main Input Interface screen. Selecting Edit > Presets displays the Presets
window.
Edit Menu: Presets
Presets Window
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MEMBER DESCRIPTION TAB
The Member Description tab displays basic default values for member measurements, loads,
bracing, and supports.
Presets: Member Description Tab
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TYPE
Select Standard Column, Standard Wall Stud, Custom Column, or Custom Wall Stud from
the Type list.
Preset Member Description Tab: Type
SPACING
If Standard or Custom Wall Stud is the member Type, enter stud Spacing in feet-inchessixteenths format. Spacing is only available for stud members.
Preset Member Description Tab: Spacing
TRANSVERSE LOADS
Enter the default horizontal Wind Load in plf (pounds per linear foot) for columns and psf
(pounds per square foot) for studs and select an applied load direction.
Preset Member Description Tab: Transverse Loads
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BUILDING CODE
Select the default Building Code from the list.
Preset Member Description Tab: Building Code
EDGEWISE DIRECTION
Select the Edgewise Direction to determine the orientation of the column or stud. Select the X or
Y axis to indicate where to align the strong axis of the member.
Preset Member Description Tab: Edgewise Direction
DEFLECTION LIMITS
Select 120 or 180 Deflection Limit from the list, or type a custom value into the field.
Preset Member Description Tab: Deflection Limit
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REPETITIVE MEMBER
Check Repetitive Member when at least three wall studs are present which applies an increased
capacity of 15%.
 NOTE: Repetitive Member is only available with Standard and Custom Wall Studs
Preset Member Description Tab: Repetitive Member
AXIAL LOAD ECCENTRICITY
Input a percentage of the column dimensions, applied to both X and Y directions, to allow
eccentric loading for applied gravity loads. Eccentric loading is any loading that is offset from the
exact center (or centroid) of the member. This induces bending into the member in addition to the
compression forces.
For columns that support the end of a beam that bears on top of the full width of the column, the
beam rotates slightly as it deflects under load. The rotation can induce bending forces into the
column. To account for this, it is common for designers/engineers to add an eccentricity of about
1/6 of the column width (measured in the direction of the beam span). For other conditions (i.e.
brackets on the side of the column), there may be even more eccentricity.
Preset Member Description Tab: Axial Load Eccentricity
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WET SERVICE
Check Wet Service if the member will be constructed in a humid environment. Certain reduction
factors may be applied for specific design values.
 NOTE: In general, in the continental USA & Canada, most areas of enclosed buildings or
portions of non-enclosed buildings not exposed to rain and under non-leaky roofs are considered
Dry Service. Some exceptions are swimming pool areas or other areas exposed to high humidity
due to moisture sources (i.e. a hog refinement facility or a greenhouse).
Preset Member Description Tab: Wet Service
TEMPERATURE
Select 100°F, 125°F, or 150°F from the Temperature list to identify the environment in which
the column will be used and apply a reduction according to section 2.3.3 of the NDS.
Preset Member Description Tab: Temperature
BRACING
If Custom Column or Custom Wall Stud is selected, specify Unbraced or Continuous braced
column from the Bracing x-direction and Bracing y-direction lists, or enter a custom value.
Preset Member Description Tab: Bracing
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SUPPORTS
If Custom Column or Custom Wall Stud is selected as Type, specify Pinned, Fixed, or Free
from the Top Support and Base Support lists.
 NOTE: Pinned and Fixed are the only options available for Base Supports.
Preset Member Description Tab: Building Code
EDIT PRODUCT LISTS
Click Edit Product Lists to define default products used for Column and Stud member analysis.
The PST – Product Priority window will display.
Preset Member Description Tab: Edit Product Lists
Edit Product Lists
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Usage
Select Floor Beam, Floor Girder, Floor Joist, Roof Beam, Roof Girder, or Roof Joist from the
Usage list.
 NOTE: Throughout CS Suite, the term "Beam" refers to Dropped Beams, and "Girder" refers
to Flush Beams.
Edit Product Lists: Usage
Copy To
Select a usage category from the Product Priority window and then select Copy To. Choose a
target usage from the list to replace eligible products.
Edit Product Lists: Copy To
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ADD PRODUCTS
Select Add Products to launch the PST-Add Products window.
Preset Member Description Tab: Edit Product Lists
Select the lumber Type from the list. Select a Species, Grade, Thickness, and Width and then
click Add to List.
 NOTE: Products available in the Products Type list depends on the licensing agreement
between the EWP supplier and lumberyard.
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Add as FLAT
Check Add as FLAT to specify a “flat” versus “on edge” orientation.
Add as FLAT
Left: Standard On-edge Orientation and Right: Flat Orientation
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Click OK to apply the changes and return to the Product Priority window.
Preset Member Description Tab: Edit Product Lists
Products selected in the Add Products window will display in the Product Priority window.
Preset Member Description Tab: Edit Product Lists
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USER/JOB INFO TAB
Enter Designer name and Company Info in the User/Job Info tab. Information entered here will
display on all outputs. This same window displays if JOB INFO is selected from the icon toolbar.
Preset Member Description Tab: User/Job Info Tab
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MENUS
The Menu Bar is located at the top of the screen in CS Column. Many of the menu items also
have Hot Key combinations, and several common menu items are available in the Icon Toolbar.
Menu Bar and Icon Toolbar
FILE MENU
The File menu contains common commands for file functions. CS Column uses a .kyc file
extension.
File Menu
NEW
Select File > New to create a new file.
OPEN
Select File > Open to launch explorer and search for CS Column files.
CLOSE
Select File > Close to close the current active file.
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SAVE
Select File > Save to save the current active file.
SAVE AS
Select File > Save As to launch explorer, then choose a location, enter a new file name and save
the CS Column file.
PRINT SETUP
Select File > Print Setup to define the default printer and printer configurations.
PRINT PREVIEW
Select File > Print Preview to open a preview of the current calculation before printing.
PRINT
Select File > Print to send the current calculation to the default printer.
RECENT FILES
The bottom portion of the File Menu displays the most recently opened files. Selecting a file from
the list will open that file.
EXIT
Select File > Exit to close all open files and exit CS Column.
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EDIT MENU
The Edit menu contains an Undo command.
Edit Menu
PRESETS
Select Edit > Presets to access the program presets for CS Column. This same window
launches by clicking the corresponding toolbar icon. For detailed usage information, reference the
PRESETS section of this manual.
JOB INFO
Select Job Info to launch the User/Job Info window. This same window launches by clicking
JOB INFO on the icon toolbar, or accessing the User/Job Info tab in Presets.
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VIEW MENU
The View menu contains items to control the Toolbar and Status Bar.
View Menu
TOOLBAR
If a checkmark appears next to Toolbar, the icon toolbar is visible at the top of the CS Column
window.
View Menu: Toolbar Visible
View Menu: Toolbar Not Visible
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STATUS BAR
If a checkmark appears next to Status Bar, the Status Bar is visible at the bottom of the CS
Column window.
View Menu: Status Bar Visible
View Menu: Status Bar Not Visible
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WINDOW MENU
The Window menu provides arrangement options and access to open files.
Window Menu
CASCADE
Selecting Window > Cascade arranges all open jobs in a cascading fashion.
Window > Cascade
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TILE
Selecting Window > Tile arranges all open jobs in a grid pattern to display as much of each file
as possible.
Window > Tile
CLOSE ALL
Selecting Window > Close All closes all open windows.
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CURRENT OPEN FILES
The bottom portion of the Window Menu displays the current open files. Selecting a file from the
list displays the file in the active window, indicated with a check mark.
Window > Current Open Files
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HELP MENU
The Help menu contains links to helpful information.
Help Menu
WHAT’S NEW
Select Help > What’s New to display the current release notes for the installed CS Column
version.
ABOUT CS COLUMN
Select Help > About CS Column to display the current CS Column version number, copyright
information, technical support contacts, licensed user, registration number, and the security
expiration date.
Help > About CS Column
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INPUT INTERFACE
The main screen in CS Column is the Input Interface divided into two parts: Member Interface
on the left and Graphical Interface on the right.
Input Interface Main Screen
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GRAPHICAL INTERFACE
The right side of the screen contains a graphical representation of the member and contains two
tabs.
MEMBER VIEW TAB
The Member View tab displays a graphical representation of the designed column or stud with
geometry, orientation, applied loading, and the number of plies.
Input Interface: Graphical Interface Member View Tab
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LOADS VIEW TAB
The Loads View tab displays a graphical representation with all applied loads and load
combinations used in the analysis. Select a load case from the list to display the magnitudes of
the axial and transverse loading on the diagram. This function provides a visual check to ensure
the X-Y axis orientation loads are applied in the correct directions.
Input Interface: Graphical Interface Loads View Tab
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MEMBER INTERFACE
The left side of the input interface is the Member Description, containing essential input sections
for column specifications. Except for the Height and Axial Loads fields, the Member
Description tab is prepopulated with the information from the Presets, although all settings can
be changed for individual members. For detailed information on the variables in this section,
reference the Presets section of this manual.
Input Interface: Member Description Tab
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HEIGHT
Enter a dimension in the Height field.
Input Interface: Height
AXIAL LOADS
Enter Dead, Live, Snow, and Roof Live Axial Loads in the fields.
Input Interface: Axial Loads
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PRODUCT LIST / PLIES SELECTION
The Product List window contains selected products for the program to analyze. To select
additional products, click Edit. Information for adding products is located in the Presets, Edit
Product List section of this manual.
A blue question mark indicates an unevaluated product. Click Analyze to evaluate products in the
list.
Input Interface: Product Section
After analysis, products with a green checkmark are acceptable, and products with a red X
indicate that the product and ply solution does not support the applied loads. For detailed
information on the analysis, click Calc Sheet.
Input Interface: Analyzed Product Section
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After pressing Calc Sheet, the Calculation window displays on a new tab next to Member View
and Loads View.
Calc Sheet: Calculation Window with New Tab on Right
Calc Sheet: Calculation Window with New Tab on Right
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CALCULATION WINDOW AND OUTPUT
The Calculation window displays information on the analyzed products. The Print Preview and
Print buttons are only available for the Calc Sheet and Detailed Calc Sheet tabs.
Calc Sheet: Calc Sheet Window
CALC SHEET TAB
The Calc Sheet Tab contains the input data and analysis summary.
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DETAILED CALC SHEET TAB
The Detailed Calc Sheet tab contains the product, section properties, design values used for
calculations, geometry of the column, and detailed calculations for each load case/combination.
Each load case contains sections labeled: Design Parameters, Load Case Factors,
Adjustment Factors, Adjusted Design Values, and Design Checks, followed by a table
summarizing values for the interaction equations.
Calc Sheet: Detailed Calc Sheet Tab
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DIAGRAMS TAB
The Diagrams tab contains the forces on the column or stud in either direction, at any location,
and for any load combination. Selecting a load or load combination from the list displays the
diagram.
Calc Sheet: Diagrams Tab
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Calc Sheet: Diagrams Tab – Wind Load Example
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CALC SHEET OUTPUT
Once the input for all the variables is complete, a product selected, and the Calc Sheet reviewed,
click Print Preview to review the output or Print to output the final document.
Calc Sheet Output: Print Preview and Print
Calc Sheet Output: Print Preview Window
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MEMBER DATA
This section details all of the input conditions, including standard loading, pinned and bracing
conditions, and deflection criteria.
Calc Sheet Output: Member Data
BEARINGS AND REACTIONS
This section details the supports for the analyzed member, as well as reporting the maximum
gravity and lateral reactions determined from all the evaluated load cases. The locations
correspond to the diagram to the left.
MAXIMUM LOAD CASE REACTIONS
This section reports the dead, live, snow, and wind load breakdown of the maximum reactions
shown in the previous section. The locations correspond to the diagram on the left.
Calc Sheet Output: Bearings and Reactions and Maximum Load Case Reactions
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PRODUCT
This section details the product and number of plies selected. Passed and failed designs are also
noted in this section.
Calc Sheet Output: Product Data (Passed Design)
Failed designs are noted as No Solution and the primary mode of failure is listed.
Calc Sheet Output: Product Data (No Solution Design)
ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN
This section provides the engineering summary for calculated engineering values, their locations,
and the loading combination used for these calculations. If a member fails, more than one mode
of failure may be present. The axial capacity displayed in the calculation reflects the worst case
loading condition, usually Dead Load only, and should not be used for design purposes without
further evaluation.
Calc Sheet Output: Allowable Stress Design
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BASIC ENGINEERING
This section is dedicated to the basic equations used to determine whether the selected column
or post will support the applied loading.
For these calculations, it is assumed the user has a certain level of background training or
education with engineering mechanics. For this reason, not every step is detailed here. The very
first line of the detailed output is the species, grade, and size of post selected.
Section Properties have the following variables defined:
4
Ix = moment of inertia (in ) in the X direction
4
Iy = moment of inertia (in ) in the Y direction
3
Sx = section modulus (in ) in the X direction
3
Sy = section modulus (in ) in the Y direction
Rx = radius of gyration (in) in the X direction
Ry = radius of gyration (in) in the Y direction
2
A = cross sectional area of the column (in )
Design Values shows the unadjusted species specific engineering properties used in future
calculations.
Fb = allowable bending stress (psi)
Fc = allowable axial compressive stress (psi)
Fv = allowable shear stress parallel to grain (psi)
Ft = allowable axial tension (psi)
Fc = allowable compressive stress (psi) perpendicular to the grain
E = modulus of elasticity (psi)
Emin = minimum reference modulus of elasticity (psi)
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Column Definition summarizes most of the variables input prior to analysis. These include the
applied axial loads, the wind loading, bracing and support conditions, deflection criteria and
others. From there the output proceeds through a series of calculations repeated for various load
cases. Each load case is differentiated by a double underline. These are the variable definitions
for each evaluated load case:
D = the total axial dead load as input (lbs)
L = the total axial live load as input (lbs)
Lr = the total axial live load from the roof (lbs)
S = the total axial snow load as input (lbs)
W = the applied wind load (psf or plf)
The following example uses the last load case:
D + 0.75 W + 0.75 L + 0.75 S
Design Parameters is the first section for each separate load combination. Some of these
factors have x and y subscripts designating which direction is evaluated. This example only
examines those in the x direction, since the y direction is calculated in a similar manner. Because
the example column is square in cross section, all the values will be similar in the y direction.
Kx,y = buckling length coefficient determined by the support conditions. These can be
found in Appendix G of the NDS.
Lx,y = actual length of the column in inches
Ecc-x = axial load eccentricity calculated by multiplying the column dimension by the
percent eccentricity input on the main screen
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The remaining items are “flags” for factors used to adjust certain design values.
Load Case Factors depicts the coefficients used in the selected load case/combination. The load
evaluated in this example takes only 75% of the total Snow load; therefore, 0.75 appears next to
the Snow factor in this section. Refer to section 1605 of the IBC for more on load combinations.
Adjustment Factors are the various coefficients that used to modify the design values for the
chosen species of lumber. Table 4.3.1 of the NDS for dimensional lumber determines the
applicability of these factors. A different table must be used for each type of column. All tables
can be found in the NDS. Some factors have design properties listed in parenthesis to the right.
One adjustment factor may have a different value that is used with different design properties.
For this example, these values are defined in the following manner:
Cd = Load Duration Factor from Table 2.3.2
Cm = Wet Service Factor from Tables 4A through 4F of the Supplement. Notice that Cm
appears six times in this table each time with a different subscript following the m. These
letters refer to the design value to which they will be applied. For example Cmb is the
moisture factor for bending stress; Cmc is the factor applied to compressive stress, etc.
Other adjustment factors have similar subscript designations.
Cp = column stability factor is calculated using section 3.7.1
CL = beam stability factor is calculated using section 3.3.3
Cr = repetitive member factor from section 4.3.9
Ct = temperature factor from Table 2.3.3
Cf = size factor using section 4.3.6 and Tables 4A and 4B of the Supplement
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Cfu = flat use factor from section 4.3.7 and Tables 4A, 4B, 4C and 4F of the Supplement
Ci = incising factor from section 4.3.8
Adjusted Design Values show the design values for the species of lumber multiplied by the
appropriate adjustment factors. Table 4.3.1 depicts which factor should be applied to which value.
This section also includes additional values that have been calculated for specific properties such
as Fb*, which is a special value used in determining CL according to section 3.3.3.
Design Checks is where the engineering example begins.These tests eventually determine
whether the chosen column will support the applied loading. Small variations in final answers may
exist due to rounding practices.
Vmax
= max shear applied from the wind load
=
where:
l = height of column (ft)
w = applied wind load converted to plf * 0.75
=
Vall
= 39 lbs
= the allowable shear found by using the equation:
=
where b and d are the x and y
dimensions respectively. Fv’ is taken from the
Adjusted Design Values section
Next, check to make sure the applied loading does not exceed the allowable loading. The result is
printed immediately to the right. For the next few calculations, refer to Chapter 3 of the NDS.
Beam slenderness ratio, Rb =
(le * d ) / b2 where:
le is determined from Table 3.3.3.
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(To simplify this calculation, the only equations used are those in note 1 at the bottom of the
table.) In this case
lu = Lx,y from Design Parameters.
Ly = 108 in and Ly/d = 19.6 therefore:
Le = 1.84 * Ly = 198.72 which determines
Rb =
(198.72 * 5.5) / 5.52 = 6.01
Column slenderness ratio = le / d =108 / 5.5 = 19.64
le = 198.72 and was actually calculated in the process of finding R b
FcE1
=
and is used to determine Cp
=
= 853 psi
FbE
=
and is used to determine CL
=
=
fc < FcE1 = 124 psi < 853 psi = Passed
where fc
=P/A
= 3750 / 5.5
2
= 124 psi
fb1 < FbE = 38 psi < 13,285 psi = Passed
where fb1
=M/S
= 1044.14 / 27.729
= 38 psi
Where M
2
= (w * l ) / 8
2
= (8.59 plf * 9 ft ) / 8
= 1044.14 in-lbs
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The next section is a table showing the applied axial loads and moments and their respective
Combined Stress Index, or CSI. For load cases without a wind component, there are only two
entries in this table; one at the bottom connection of the column and one at the top. For load
cases with a wind component, CS Column divides the member into 10 equal intervals, regardless
of height. In this example, the intervals are spaced every 10.8 inches. The following values are
calculated at mid-height, or 54.00 inches.
The first column indicates the height of the associated values in the same row. The second
column indicates the NDS equation used to determine the CSI’s (combined stress indices).
P is the axial load applied for this load combination
P
= D + 0.75 L + 0.75 S = 1,500 lbs + (0.75 * 3,000 lbs)
= 3,750 lbs
The value is negative indicating the member is in compression.
Mx
2
2
= [(w * l ) / 8] * 12 = [(8.59 plf * 9 ft ) / 8] * 12
=1044.14 in-lbs
Again, the value is negative due to the direction of the applied loading.
My would be calculated in a similar manner. Since no load acts in this direction My = 0.
The CSI’s are calculated according to equation 15.4-1 of the NDS. It’s a cumbersome equation
that won’t be repeated. Suffice it to say the first term addresses compression, the second term
addresses bending about the strong axis, and the third term addresses bending about /around
the weak axis. CS Column adds an additional check, however, it is based on pure compression
(fc/Fc’). The primary CSI, which is the last column in the table, reports the larger of these two
values. The remaining CSI terms are determined in a similar manner and reported accordingly.
In this example, at a location of 10.80 inches the total CSI reported is 0.22, which is the value
obtained by the pure compression check. If the NDS formula is applied, the total CSI equals 0.19.
Since 0.22 is the governing value, it is reported in the CSI-P column. Because the governing
value does not entail the usage of the Mx and My CSI’s, these values are reported as 0.
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At a location of 54.00 inches, the total CSI reported is 0.23, which is obtained by applying the
entire equation 15.4-1. The first term is 0.05, the second term equals 0.11, and the third term is
0.07; the sum is 0.23. The individual terms are reported in the CSI-P, CSI-Mx and CSI-My
columns, respectively.
Moving to the second table, the first column again addresses the locations where the associated
properties are evaluated. The following properties are evaluated at 54.00 inches.
Vx = 0 because no shear is applied in this direction
Vy = 0 because shear force is 0 at the mid-point in this example.
Vall = 4,517 lbs from earlier calculations
CSI-V = Vmax / Vall
= 0 / 4517
=0
Deflection Checks are the final investigations covered by this example. This section is only
found once at the end of the detailed report; it does not appear with every load combination.
Since there is no lateral component applied in the X direction, only the Y direction is shown here.
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Controlling LC is the load combination used for maximum deflection checks. According to Table
R301.7 of the 2006 IRC and note a, the wind load may be reduced to 70% of the given value in
determining deflection.
The max deflection is calculated according the formula in the column on the right.
Allowable deflection
= (9 ft * 12) / 180
= 0.6 in
L is the height of the column in inches.
Actual ratio
= (l * 12) / Actual deflection
= (9 ft * 12) / 0.14
= 7714, but because this number is limited to three significant digits 999 is used.
Allowable ratio is simply the deflection limit imposed by the input on the left screen.
For deflection at any location along a uniformly loaded beam:
Deflection =




 w * 0.75  l 3 x  2lx 3  x 4

 E * I 

 24 * 
2
 12  







11.46 * 0.75

 (9 3 * 4.5)  2(9 * 4.53 )  4.5 4
=
 1,100,000 * 76.26  

 24 * 
2
12





Which eventually leads to 0.00126 feet. Converting this to inches yields 0.014.
F-COLUMN USAGEUG 14 v1.0  2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.
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