Endurocadd updates

09/03/2023 by Kelly Watts

ENDUROFRAME® Conference 2023 Key Information

A reminder to everyone that your competitors may be attending this event, so please be mindful of your obligations under the Competition and Consumer Act and avoid inappropriate discussions or sharing commercially sensitive information.

Conference Partners

Conference Venue

Melbourne Polytechnic Conference Centre

Address: Building U, 77 St Georges Road, Preston VIC 3072 [Open in Google Maps]

Conference Parking

Onsite parking has been arranged for ENDUROFRAME Conference attendees.

Enter the student car park via St Georges Road
Drive through to the top section of the student car park
Report to the parking attendant who will provide a parking permit
Park in designated space as directed by the attendant
Ensure the permit provided is clearly displayed in front window of vehicle
Proceed to Building U – Conference Centre

Cocktail Reception - Wednesday 22nd March

Event	Cocktail reception - drinks; finger food; and networking
Time	6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location	Downstairs Building U in the Ellen Smiddy Room Melbourne Polytechnic Conference Centre 77 St Georges Road, Preston VIC 3072 [Open in Google Maps]
Notes	Dinner is not organised but we’ve identified that Tallboy and Moose could be a good venue after the reception.

Main Conference - Thursday 23 March

Event	Main conference
Time	8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Location	Gerald Maynard Building U Melbourne Polytechnic Conference Centre 77 St Georges Road, Preston VIC 3072 [Open in Google Maps]
Notes	Lunch, morning, and afternoon tea provided

Main Conference Agenda	Presenter
Key ENDUROFRAME® Developments & Roadmap	Paul Jones
New Features in the ENDUROCADD® System	Sylvia Weber
Ideal Fastener Presentation	Neville Deutscher, Ideal Fastener
Morning Tea 10:30 am
TRUECORE® Steel Update	Michelle Gissel
What are the Upcoming NCC changes and how to comply with them?	Michelle Gissel
ENDUROCADD® NX - Creating Levels and Walls	Nazanin Azizi
Getting the Most out of Endurocademy	Kelly Watts
Lunch 12:30 pm
How to generate first rate site documentation for easy on-site installation	Sylvia Weber Glenn Braybon, Blue Line Detailing Rebecca Kelly, RA Kelly Detailing Dael Griffiths, Steel Frame Solutions Jeremy Mortensen, McHugh Steel
Personalise Layouts Templates - How to Create Professional Customised Layouts	Nazanin Azizi
Case Study - How to effectively outsource detailing	Sana Ullah, Ezequote
Afternoon tea ~3 pm
Case Study - IFC and BIM integration	Mitchell Crisp, Ultimate Steel Frames
The importance of quality fasteners in LGS framing	Neville Deutscher, Ideal Fasteners
Developments in framing accessories - what is available?	Warren Tharle

Conference Dinner - Thursday 23 March

Event	Dinner
Time	6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Location	Oliva Social 102 - 104 High St, Preston, VIC, 3072 [Open in Google Maps]

Detailing Masterclass - Friday 24 March

Event	ENDUROCADD® Software Detailing Masterclass
Time	8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location	Auditorium Building U Melbourne Polytechnic Conference Centre 77 St Georges Road, Preston VIC 3072 [Open in Google Maps]
Important Notes	If you want to follow along on ENDUROCADD® Software: Please bring a laptop along with the latest version of ENDUROCADD® NX and ENDUROCADD® Software pre-installed. Make sure your laptop is fully charged. Power points will be limited! Bring a notepad and pen. Morning tea and light lunch provided.

Detailing Masterclass Agenda	Presenter
Joist Hangers - How to detail and manufacture them	Kelly Watts
How to use ENDUROCADD NX Levels; Walls; Openings; Posts and Beams	Nazanin Azizi
Morning Tea 10:30 pm
How to design posts	Mehaladevi Muthukumar
How to Connect trusses to non-load bearing walls	Mehaladevi Muthukumar
Top tips to improve detailing productivity	Sylvia Weber
Applications for Hip Type 3	Chian Chee Choo
Lunch 12:30 pm

Manufacturing Masterclass - Friday 24 March

Event	ENDUROFRAME® Building System Manufacturing Masterclass
Time	8:30 am - 12:45 pm
Location	Steer Manufacturing 9 Capital Link Dr, Campbellfield VIC 3061 [Open in Google Maps]
Important Notes	All attendees must wear long pants, covered shoes and long sleeves. Bus details: After the Manufacturing Masterclass, the bus will go to Melbourne Airport > Conference Center > Hotel > Melbourne CBD. Anybody wanting to go directly to the airport from Steer Manufacturing should take their bags with them in the morning. The bus will have a trailer to carry bags. In the morning, the bus will depart the hotel at 8:15 am sharp. You must be checked out. The bus will stop at the Conference Center at 8:25 am to then depart to Steer Manufacturing. The bus is only for people who have pre-booked. Morning tea and light lunch provided.

Manufacturing Masterclass Agenda	Presenter
ENDURO rollformer overview	Venkata Kalavacharla
Best Practices in using ENDUROHUB	Simon Steer, Steer Manufacturing
Factory Productivity Best Practices	Dennis Sutton
Track and Measure Factory productivity in ENDUROHUB	Paul Jones
Best practices for packing trusses and wall frames	Dennis Sutton
Best Practice to assemble wall panels - Part 1	Dennis Sutton
Running an ENDURO rollformer efficiently	Achal Pandit
Morning Tea 11:15 am
Best Practice to assemble wall panels - Part 2	Dennis Sutton
Stacking Trusses discussion	Simon Steer, Steer Manufacturing
ENDURO preventative maintenance procedures	Venkata Kalavacharla
Lunch 12:45 pm
Bus departs Steer Manufacturing1:30 pm

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Changes/Cancellation of a registration must be advised via email to [email protected]. Verbal changes or cancellation cannot be accepted.

Please note, accommodation charges may apply for all cancellations.

26/01/2023 by enduroframe Leave a Comment

2023 ENDUROFRAME® Licensee Conference Comes to Melbourne

2023 ENDUROFRAME® Licensee Conference
22 - 24th March, Melbourne

The content for the 2023 ENDUROFRAME® Conference has been finalised!

Register now to avoid missing your place!

We have a packed agenda to get you up to date about all the latest features in the ENDUROFRAME® Building system, and provide a sneak peak into the next exciting features that we will be releasing over the coming months. Find out how to further improve your business with new tools, and hear from industry experts about what is happening with light gauge steel framing.

A selection of other topics covered in the main session on day 1 are:

How to generate first rate site documentation with ENDUROCADD® NX
A case study on how IFC and BIM can be used in your next project
The latest additions in framing accessories
What are the changes to the National Construction Code and how you can address these
Find out how to effectively outsource detailing
Getting the most out of ENDUROCADEMY, the online training portal
All the latest developments being made to TRUECORE® steel and how it can improve your business

On day two, join either of the Detailing or Manufacturing Masterclass to get in depth coverage of topics that you are most interested in.

Detailing Masterclass:

Upcoming ENDUROCADD® NX features for creating level, walls, openings, posts and beams

Top tips to improving detailing productivity
Top tips to detail town houses
Engineer Know-how: design posts, connect trusses to non-load bearing walls
Find out how to design and manufacturing the expanding range of ENDUROHANGER brackets

Manufacturing Masterclass:

How to run your ENDURO® rollformer efficiently

Factory Productivity Best Practices
Track and measure Factory Productivity in ENDUROHUB®
Best practices in ENDUROHUB®
Many other tips and tricks to effectively manufacture the ENDUROFRAME® system

Numbers are rapidly increasing with attendees coming from around the world to find out the latest on the ENDUROFRAME® Building System, and re-connect with fellow licensees.

Conference Venue

Melbourne Polytechnic Conference Centre
Address: Building U, 77 St Georges Road, Preston VIC 3072

Situated in the heart of Preston, Melbourne Polytechnic’s Preston Campus just 10KM from the CBD and a 20-minute drive from Melbourne Airport. Parking is available onsite and the centre is easily accessible by public transport. [Open in Google Maps]

Timetable

Wednesday 22 March
18:00 – 20:00 Cocktail Reception
Dress code: Smart casual

Thursday 23 March
8:30 – 17:00 – Main Conference
18:30 – 22:30 Conference Dinner
Dress code: Smart dinner attire

Friday 24 March
8:30 – 12:30 – Detailing OR Manufacturing Masterclasses (choose 1)

Don’t hesitate, register here to confirm your attendance.

Cost

Attending the seminar, activities, cocktail function on 22 March, and lunch and dinner on 23 March are all provided without charge for employees of businesses which own an ENDURO® Rollformer or those who have a current ENDUROCADD® Software license. For those that do not fall into either of these categories, the cost is AUD 400 (+GST) per person.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at Novotel Melbourne Preston which is a five minute drive or 20 minute walk to the venue, and two minute drive/10 minute walk to the dinner on Thursday. Reserved room rates* are AUD 250 for a standard room (25m2) or AUD 260 for a larger room (30m2), per night single/twin/double.

To secure your accommodation, simply complete the online registration form. A valid credit card number must be provided and will be passed on to the hotel to guarantee your booking. Your credit card may be charged a deposit at the time of booking or in advance of arrival. Your accommodation and incidental costs must be settled directly with the hotel on arrival or departure. Please note hotels may apply a surcharge to credit card payments.

*Once the initial accommodation allocation is exhausted, further hotel bookings are subject to availability and room rates are subject to increase. You will be advised of the rates before confirmation.

Registration Entitlements

Attendance to all Conference sessions
Opportunity to join the Masterclass or Site Visit on the Friday
Morning/afternoon tea and lunch on the Thursday
Morning tea and lunch on the Friday
Ticket to the Cocktail Function
Ticket to the Conference Dinner
Name badge

Registration Confirmation Email

A confirmation email will be sent to you after completing a registration form. It is advisable to check all items listed. Any changes or alterations can be made in writing to [email protected]

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Changes/Cancellation of a registration must be advised via email to [email protected]. Verbal changes or cancellation cannot be accepted.

Please note, accommodation charges may apply for all cancellations.

Partners and Exhibitors

Partnership opportunities are available. For a copy of the Partnership Prospectus please contact Warren Tharle, on email [email protected].

13/10/2022 by enduroframe Leave a Comment

Next Generation of ENDUROCADD® Steel Frame Software Released

Efficient Light Gauge Steel Frame Design Software

A core component of the ENDUROFRAME® Building System is the ENDUROCADD® steel frame software package to design light gauge steel frames. The ENDUROCADD® software package works seamlessly with ENDURO® rollformers to make roof trusses, wall frames, and floor joists. It complies with the applicable Australian standards for the design of light gauge steel frames. Also, it even self-certifies frames in accordance with the ABCB Protocol for Structural Software.

The ENDUROCADD® software designs light gauge steel frames for use in residential, light commercial, modular, and even industrial buildings. It provides structural calculations on roof trusses, floor trusses, connections and wall bracing. The ENDUROCADD® software prepares drawings for the fabrication and installation of frames, and even provides detailed costings.

From November 2021, the ENDUROCADD® software incorporates a powerful CAD engine developed by the Intellicad Technology Consortium. This provides full 3D visualisation of the light gauge steel model, and produces detailed site drawings to show how to install the ENDUROFRAME® system. This new CAD engine will be progressively expanded to provide even more functionality over the next few months.

Find out more about the ENDUROCADD® software package at https://enduroframe.com/endurocadd_software/.

An ENDUROCADD software license provides you with a one year annual subscription which includes access to the software application, extensive online design manuals, a comprehenisve library of construction details, and our online training system, Endurocademy.

Click here to purchase an ENDUROCADD® software license.

10/08/2021 by enduroframe

How sophisticated testing leads to cost-effective steel trusses

How sophisticated testing and engineering leads to cost-effective light gauge steel trusses

A common misconception is that all light gauge steel roof trusses spanning the same distance and with the same loads use the same amount of steel. This is not true. Smart research and development in trusses and sophisticated software can provide reductions in steel usage of up to 50% compared to less efficient light gauge steel trusses.

The ENDUROCADD® design software has been developed over 20 years as a design tool for the ENDUROTRUSS® system, a key component of the ENDUROFRAME® building system. Over this period the system has responded to changes in building construction, design standards and regulatory requirements.

The foundation of this success is a commitment to extensive testing of truss connections and entire roof truss assemblies at our state-of-the-art NATA-accredited laboratory in western Sydney. All truss connections are tested in compliance with AS4600: Cold formed steel structures. Once the results have been verified the data is fed into our ENDUROCADD® software to provide efficient steel truss designs.

Putting our testing to the test

We are so confident in our testing that a decade ago we put forward the ENDUROCADD® software to be used as a test case for the drafting of the ABCB Protocol for Structural Software. This was a huge deal for our customers because under this Protocol, trained software users of compliant software applications are permitted to design and sign-off buildings that fall within the Protocol scope. This avoids seeking expensive and time-consuming engineering approvals.

This protocol requires independent verification from a third party to ensure that software calculations comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian design standards. Swinburne University provides independently checks that the ENDUROCADD® software complies with the Protocol.

Working with the benefits of extensive testing

When you use the ENDUROCADD® software, you are presented with intuitive truss design functions that test every load case defined in the loading standards. The ENDUROCADD® software runs design and analysis for all members and connections which, in a typical truss, will be 112 load cases. This ensures that all required load conditions are considered and provides confidence that trusses are structurally sound.

When your job is complete, you can view detailed connection drawings that show required screw types and their installation locations. Even better, when truss components are produced the number of screws required at each chord-to-web and chord-to-chord connection is inkjet marked on the parts. This avoids any confusion during assembly.

There are many connection options which include multiples of screws and different types of gusset plates to vary the connection capacity. As there are about 2000 different connections, a summary sheet of the connections required for a specific job are generated for easy truss assembly.

We believe the number of truss connections is the most of any light gauge steel framing system. This reduces the chance that connections are the determining factor in the truss strength and performance. In turn, this increases the cost effectiveness of the truss system. It is always cheaper to increase the capacity of a connection with a few screws than it is to increase the gauge of steel used in the entire roof truss.

Boxing Saving Costs

Boxing is another way the ENDUROCADD® software helps you reinforce truss chords and webs just where additional strength is required without increasing the overall truss gauge. Boxing is inserted on the reverse side of the truss to the webs and is precisely positioned where required to resist loads. In the diagram above, the darker section demonstrates the sections of truss chords that are boxed. In many cases chord boxing does not need to extend along the entire length of the chord. The boxing part is manufactured together with the truss and, unlike in-plane trusses, the boxing can extend across multiple sections of chords and webs. Pre-punched holes assist with the location of boxing on truss chords.

We’ve created a set of posters showing the assembly details for roof trusses. Sticking these up in your factory is a great way to keep everyone on the same page. See ENDUROTRUSS® fabrication posters.

Find out more about how the ENDUROFRAME® system reduces truss costs here.

For drawings and photographs that clarify truss construction, please read the ENDUROTRUSS® installation manual. See ENDUROTRUSS® Roofing System Installation manual.

10/08/2021 by enduroframe Leave a Comment

Looking To Reduce Your Steel Truss Costs? Here’s How.

Five ways to check whether your steel truss system is costing you too much

Light gauge steel trusses can be created using a wide variety of proprietary systems and a common assumption is that all the trusses created using these systems cost the same. This is rarely the case. In fact, trusses designed with less-efficient systems can cost up to twice the amount of trusses designed with more efficient systems.

Fundamentally, the cost of a truss is determined by the following variables:

steel cost (including the amount of steel and the unit cost of the steel)
cost of the connections used in the truss
labour costs to design, manufacture, assemble and install the trusses.

However, since truss systems use different truss profiles and connections (which may be screws, bolts, rivets, or sometimes even proprietary methods), it can be difficult to determine whether the trusses designed using your system are costing too much. Here are five things to check for to see if your truss system is costing you too much.

Number 1: Do the trusses have a high web density?

Web density is the number of webs that need to be put into a truss to make it structurally sound. Weaker truss systems require more webs to strengthen the truss, and more webs means more steel, more connections and more labour to assemble the trusses. The web density can be affected by the strength of the sections used in the truss webs and chords, whether the chords are used in their strong or weak axis and the strength of the connections used in the truss. Depending on the truss span, a truss that has twice the web density as another truss in a 22.5 degree roof will require approximately 30% more steel.

Number 2: Do the trusses use a thick gauge of steel?

Standard gauges of steel used in trusses are 0.55 mm, 0.75 mm, 1.0 mm or even thicker. There are many factors that can drive the gauge of steel used in trusses. A thicker gauge of steel may be required either because a section of the truss or even a single connection fails.

As intermediate gauges of steel are not readily available, an increase from 0.75 mm to 1.0 mm means 33% more steel is required when keeping the same web patterns.

The factors mentioned above that drive web density can also determine the gauge of steel required. Even using one gauge of steel in the chords and another in the webs can make a large difference.

Number 3: Do the trusses support multiple connection options?

Different light gauge steel truss systems use different types of connections. Connections can be screws, bolts or even specialist rivets, and may also include stiffening gusset plates. It is important to easily and cost-effectively scale connections with loads. The truss system should have cheap connection methods for connections with small loads, but also options for much stronger connections where the the load is higher.

You can find out more about how testing reduces truss costs here.

Having only one type of connection (e.g. two screws or a bolt per connection) can be problematic. If the load is very light, an over-designed connection can increase the cost of the truss. Conversely, not having higher capacity connection options can mean trusses fail due to single connections that are just not strong enough. This scenario may mean that thicker gauge chords and/or webs are required to get the truss to pass.

In this example, you can see multiple engineered connections being used on this truss.

Number 4: Can saddle trusses on girders be easily replaced with trusses following the roof shape?

Where roofs are not rectangular and valleys are required, there are two main ways to construct the roof:

a girder truss with a second layer of saddle trusses sitting on top of the girder truss (it may also include a layer or rafters to support the saddle)
roof trusses that follow the shape of the roof.

Using saddle trusses on girder trusses doubles-up the amount of material (in the main trusses and the saddle trusses and any additional rafters). This also increases installation time because installers need to lay out both the main trusses and the saddle trusses.

Trusses that follow the roof shape have a more complex shape, but they use much less material. Additionally, installation time is lower because only the main roof trusses need to be laid out. Unlike timber trusses, which may require extensive jig setups to achieve complex truss shapes, light gauge steel trusses are self-jigging through the alignment of chords and webs with pre-punched locating holes.

Example of roof with saddle trusses

ENDUROCADD Basics – Saddle trusses by enduroframe on Sketchfab

Example of roof with trusses that follow the roof line

Modified peak trusses by enduroframe on Sketchfab

Number 5: Is truss pre-cambering supported?

Roof trusses need to withstand a variety of loads. One of the largest loads that a roof truss needs to withstand are loads from the roofing (in particular, tile roofing) and other equipment that may be incorporated in the roof. These loads do not vary over time and are referred to as ‘dead’ loads. When dead loads are applied to trusses they cause the truss to deflect. This means the truss must be designed to be stiff enough to not only deflect within allowable limits for dead loads, but also other loads as well.

Truss A below shows what a standard A truss looks like deflecting under dead load.

Pre-cambering roof trusses is done by calculating the amount the truss deflects under dead loads and then shortening the truss webs so the bottom chord is cambered upwards – ‘pre-cambered’ – when it is manufactured. Truss B shows what a pre-cambered standard A truss looks like before any loads are applied. Truss C shows what a pre-cambered truss looks like after dead loads have been applied.

While it can be complicated to calculate, pre-cambering trusses is a relatively simple and cost-effective feature to incorporate into light gauge steel trusses which self-jig the truss shape.

Find out more about building the ENDUROTRUSS® system at https://enduroframe.com/building/. You can find out how to minimise the cost of roof trusses at this link.

22/06/2021 by enduroframe

ENDUROCADD® Release V11.01.32 Release Highlights

Overview of Updates in ENDUROCADD® Software V11.01.32

ENDUROCADD® Software Release V11.01.32 comes with many highly sought after features. This new release comes free to ENDUROCADD® software licensees and can be downloaded by clicking on the Options >> Update.

Changes to Trusses

Centered Boxed Hip Rafters Added

A new style of boxed hip rafters has been added with many new features. This feature can be selected in the roof construction menu and there are details available for download to provide to site to show how to install from this link.

Boxed hip rafter U notch

There is now a notch in the U section of boxed hip rafters to make it easier to position the boxed hip rafter against truncated truss horns.

Truss hip rafter heel height

Hip truss heel height now matches the heel height of the roof block.

Broken hip options

There are now different options for broken hips in the Roof construction window.

The default option is Boxed to keep it consistent with older jobs.

Truss differential deflection check

New check for Differential Deflection between Bottom Chords of adjacent trusses (or) between Internal Truss and Gable end. Maximum allowable value is Nominal truss spacing /150 or 4 mm whichever is less.

This check is not included in truss certifications (yet). Have a go and let us know what you think.

Changes to Floors

Floor joist end chords

End chords for None intermediate floors will not be built as wall parts anymore. End chords for floor joists are now built in the floor joist when the supporting wall’s intermediate wall detailing options are set to None.

End chords will also be built in joists supported by Wall Others.

Need to update floor joist end chords? Follow this tutorial, Update identical floor joist end chords.

Changes to Walls

Bottom plate uplift calculation

In v11.01.32, the Uplift reactions on the bottom plate in the ENDUROCADD® software has been improved to ensure that there is clarity around how uplift values are calculated and consistency between the uplift values and the location and type of tie down that is applied at stud locations in bottom plates.

General

Sample jobs and detailing options

There are now sample jobs and detailing options included in the ENDUROCADD® software.

These sample jobs act as a reference for future jobs and are especially useful for new licensees to see detailing options and auto-opening and auto-tiedown options pre-configured.

System settings popup at update/install

When you install/update ENDUROCADD, the settings window will popup. provides an opportunity to review system settings before starting a new job.

If no changes need to be made, please click Cancel.

Sketchfab axes fixed

Sketchfab models are now uploaded the right way up. No need to edit axes before publishing the model.

The Sketchfab login settings that ENDUROCADD requires have been simplified too. You now only need to enter your Sketchfab API token.

Job variables

New and updated job variables:

V67	WALL	Walls, Load-bearing, Area of NEW	New job variables for ENDUROWALL and SUPRAFRAME walls only. Raked areas are calculated correctly and opening areas are included. These are the same values reported in job header sheets.
V68	WALL	Walls, Non-load-bearing, Area of NEW
V100	ROOF	Sloping area of roof UPDATED	Includes Outrigger and Gable ladder faces. Faces also counted in Statistics.
V102	ROOF	Plan area of roof UPDATED	Saddle areas are no longer counted.
V105	ROOF	Length of gables COMING SOON	This is the length of the roof along gables including dutch gables and dormers, including eave blocks.
V106	ROOF	Length of valley lines NEW	This reports the total length of valley lines in roof blocks, including eave blocks.
V107	ROOF	Number of valley lines NEW	This reports the total number of valley lines in roof blocks, including eave blocks.
V108	ROOF	Length of hip lines NEW	This variable reports the total length of hip lines in roof blocks, including eave blocks. Note, this variable is different to V87 which reports the total length of individual hip rafter parts.
V109	ROOF	Number of hip lines NEW	This variable reports the total number of hip lines in roof blocks, including eave blocks. Note, this variable is different to V88 which reports the total number of individual hip rafter parts.
V110	ROOF	Length of ridge lines NEW	This reports the total number of ridge lines in roof blocks, including eave blocks.
V111	ROOF	Number of ridge lines NEW	This variable reports the total number of ridge lines in roof blocks, including eave blocks.

View which lines are counted in the new roof shape job variables via Roof shape menu > View > Roof lines.

ENDUROFRAME® Conference 2023 Key Information

Page Contents

Conference Partners

Conference Venue

Conference Parking

Cocktail Reception - Wednesday 22nd March

Main Conference - Thursday 23 March

Conference Dinner - Thursday 23 March

Detailing Masterclass - Friday 24 March

Manufacturing Masterclass - Friday 24 March

Cancellation & Refund Policy

2023 ENDUROFRAME® Licensee Conference
22 - 24th March, Melbourne