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TreadSpec™ FRP STRUCTURAL CALCULATOR, QUICK DEFLECTION CHECKS FOR ArchitEX™ PROFILES
This Tech Talk Tuesday session introduces the TreadSpec™ FRP structural calculator for Treadwell’s ArchitEX™ FRP structural profiles. The online tool helps designers and engineers perform quick sanity checks on:
- Horizontal FRP beams
- Vertical FRP columns
- FRP flat sheets and plates under line loads or uniformly distributed loads
Within the TreadSpec™ environment, users can select a profile, enter span and loading, and instantly see deflection and basic capacity checks. The tool also links directly to downloadable section data, including PDF, DWG, STEP, and JPEG files for the chosen profile, enabling faster detailing and coordination in CAD and FEA environments.
This calculator is presented as an aid to design, not a substitute for complete engineering in accordance with relevant FRP design standards. Users are encouraged to use TreadSpec™ for early sizing and feasibility, then apply appropriate load combinations, safety factors, and project-specific checks throughout their design workflow.
Key Benefits
Fast horizontal beam checks
- elect from standard ArchitEX™ FRP profiles, such as I-beams, universal beams, and channels.
- Input span length and line load to see mid span deflection and span to deflection ratio in seconds.
- All checks assume a simply supported beam condition with the load applied at the worst-case deflection, which provides a clear first-pass view of serviceability.
Simple vertical column capacity checks
- Choose from square, rectangular, or wide-flange column profiles, and enter the effective column length.
- The calculator outputs:
- Cross-sectional area (A)
- Radius of gyration (R)
- Allowable concentric axial stress (FA)
- Allowable concentric axial load (PA)
- This helps you quickly determine whether the selected FRP column size is within the appropriate range before running a more detailed analysis and connection design.
Flat plate and sheet deflection checks
- Check FRP flat sheet performance under either:
- Uniformly distributed load (kPa)
- Concentrated line load (kN per metre)
- The tool reports mid-span deflection and highlights excessive values in red when deflection exceeds a recommended limit, such as half the thickness.
- Designers can quickly test different thicknesses and spans to balance stiffness, weight and cost.
Clear visual warnings and limitations
- Deflections that exceed the recommended thresholds are highlighted in red, prompting users to adjust the span, thickness, or profile.
- The tool does not automatically account for self-weight or load factors, nor does it consider combined bending and axial effects. This is made explicit to help designers determine where engineering judgement and more advanced checks are required.
- Some multi-web profiles, such as double-web beams and deck boards, are excluded. For these, Treadwell encourages direct consultation for project-specific advice
Direct access to digital section files
For each selected profile, TreadSpec™ provides quick access to:
- PDF section datasheets
- DWG drawings for CAD
- STEP or solid model files for 3D design and FEA
- JPEG profile images for quick visual reference
This helps integrate ArchitEX™ FRP sections into design software, including structural analysis platforms and BIM environments, with minimal manual rework.
Applications
The TreadSpec™ FRP structural calculator is intended for quick, early-stage checks across a wide range of projects where Treadwell’s ArchitEX™ FRP profiles are used, including:
- Industrial platforms and walkways
- Verifying beam spans for FRP platforms that support FRP grating.
- Checking column capacities for access structures and maintenance platforms.
- Public infrastructure and boardwalks
- First pass sizing of FRP beams and stringers for boardwalks, jetties and viewing platforms.
- Evaluating flat plate options for covers, skins and ancillary components.
- Water, wastewater and corrosive environments
- Screening FRP beams and columns for structures in high corrosion environments where steel and concrete are challenged.
- Supporting concept design for FRP access structures around tanks, channels and treatment assets.
- General FRP concept and feasibility studies
- Comparing different FRP section options while exploring layouts.
Testing the impact of changing spans or loads before commissioning full detailed design.
Whenever a designer needs a quick answer to “Will this FRP section be in the ballpark for this span and load?”, the TreadSpec™ FRP structural calculator provides an efficient starting point.
Key Moments
- 00:10 📅 Treadwell holds Tech Talk Tuesday webinars every two weeks at 1:30 PM New South Wales time.
- 01:03 🖥️ The TreadSpec™ tool assists with FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) specifications and includes a Structural Deflection Calculator and Fixing Selector.
- 02:27 ⚠️ TreadSpec™ is a sanity check tool and not a substitute for full engineering solutions; assistance is available for applicable design standards.
- 04:46 📏 The tool allows for checks on horizontal beams, vertical columns, and flat plates under various loading conditions.
- 05:09 📂 Users can download section files and relevant drawings from the tool for inclusion in their projects.
- 07:30 🚧 Deflection checks do not consider safety factors, and columns are treated as simply supported in calculations.
- 08:20 ❗️When entering loads, users must consider the self-weight of products, which is not included in the calculations.
- 09:43 📩 Contact Treadwell via email or phone to arrange design standard discussions or tool walkthroughs.
- 12:29 📚 For bolted connection design and methodology, users are directed to resources from the American Composite Manufacturers Association.
- 13:41 🗳️ Feedback on sessions is encouraged for continuous improvement and suggestions for future topics.
Why Treadwell?
Treadwell combines specialised FRP product expertise with practical digital tools like TreadSpec™ to make composite design more accessible to engineers, architects and asset owners. With the ArchitEX™ FRP range, Treadwell offers
- Proven FRP structural profiles that are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and well-suited to harsh Australian and New Zealand conditions.
- An online structural calculator that reflects fundamental product properties, making early checks more realistic than generic assumptions.
- Downloadable CAD and BIM-ready content that streamlines project documentation and coordination.
- Responsive technical support for questions that go beyond the calculator, including connection design, non-standard profiles and compliance with relevant standards.
By pairing robust FRP products with an intuitive structural calculator, Treadwell helps project teams move from concept to constructible FRP solutions with greater confidence and less guesswork.
