VIRTUAL JOIST

GIRDERS
Using Virtual Joist Girders for Building
Modeling and Design
Presenters: David Samuelson, PE, Nucor R & D
Walter Worthley, PE, Valley Joist

Virtual Joist Girders

Introduction & Purpose

User Table Information
General Information
Implementation in STAAD
Implementation in RISA
Example

Virtual Joist Girders

Introduction

Introduction & Purpose

Joist Girders (JG) are custom designed trusses
designed and manufactured for use in specific
locations on specific construction projects.
The Project Structural Engineer of Record (SER)
provides the JG designation as well as any special
loads or other design criteria.
The Joist Manufacturer designs and manufactures
the JG to meet the specified project requirements.

Introduction and Purpose

There are many instances where the SER has a
need to incorporate the JG into the structural
model of the overall building design.
For example:
In designing a lateral load resisting frame using JGs,
the SER must include the JG in the frame model, and
must provide member end-moments and member
end-forces to the Joist Manufacturer for
incorporation in the final JG design.

Introduction and Purpose

The process requires good communication
between the SER and the Joist Manufacturer to
ensure compatibility between the JG design and
the overall frame design model.
Historically, the coordination process has been
hampered because the SER did not know, at the
time of modeling the overall building structure,
the design properties for the JG.

Introduction and Purpose

The Steel Joist Institute (SJI) has developed a
table that provides the approximate section
properties for Virtual Joist Girders for use by
the SER in preparing the building structural
models.

Introduction & Purpose

Virtual Joist Girders (VJG) are equivalent-beam
section properties based on commonly
available top and bottom chord angle sizes.
The tabulated VJGs do not represent the final
JG design and cannot be used to specify the JG
design requirements.
They do yield reasonably close approximations
of the final JG chord area, effective moment of
inertia, and weight, for use in structural models.

Introduction & Purpose

The intent is for the VJG tables to be used in the design
models through use of the design programs Member
Selection and Code Check functions.
Using these functions, the VJGs are treated as custom
wide-flange beams, the appropriate members can be
selected, section properties displayed, and approximate
weights calculated.
The VJG sections in the tables are not stock sections
for any given Joist Manufacturer. They are a guide for
use in the design of structural systems using JGs.
The sections have demonstrated to yield results
reasonably close to the final JG designs.

Introduction & Purpose - Tables

After the appropriate VJG selections are made
using the tables, the SER must specify the JG
design requirements using conventional JG
nomenclature as directed by SJI Standard
Specifications and Code of Standard Practice.
Special loading requirements, i.e. Axial Loads,
Fixed-End Moments, must also be specified.
9

Introduction & Purpose - Tables

If the JG stiffness (effective Moment of Inertia) is
significant to the overall building structural model
(such as in a lateral load resisting frame) then;
a) the SER must specify the VJG moment of
inertia as the target JG effective moment of
inertia, and
b) Directions to notify the SER if the final JG
design moment of inertia varies by more than 10%
from the target value should also be specified.
10

Virtual Joist Girders

USER TABLE INFORMATION

User Table Information- Excerpt

12

User Table Information

(Format By Line)
First Line Property units
Second Line Member classification
Third Line VJG designation, Example: VJG20-12
(20 inch deep VJG with chord combination #12).
Fourth Line Designated VJG Properties as
shown in the next slides.
Repeat third and fourth line for each available
VJG.

13

Virtual Joist Girder

Section Properties
The section properties for a each VJG as they read from left
to right are:
Ax: Total Area of Top and Bottom Chords Sum of top and
bottom chord areas
D: Total VJG Depth
TD: Web Thickness Total Depth/30; Ensures that the section is
treated as "compact" when considering web shear.
B: Flange Width 2*Chord Angle Leg + 1" Chord Gap
TB: Flange Thickness (Chord angle thickness)/(chord angle
leg) * B/2; This value results in the correct
width/thickness ratio when STAAD checks (B/2)/TB.

14

Virtual Joist Girder

Section Properties
Iz: VJG Strong-Axis Effective Moment of Inertia Classically
calculated Moment of Inertia of the Chords divided by 1.15
to account for deflection effects from the joist web
members.
Iy: VJG Weak-Axis Moment of Inertia 2*Top Chord Moment
of Inertia; Based on flange (chord) that would typically be in
compression.
Ix: VJGTorsion Constantapproximate based on chord
elements

15

Virtual Joist Girder

Section Properties
Sz: Section Modulus About Strong-Axis Minimum Chord
Area*VJG Effective Depth; Reduces the over-estimation of
chord (flange) stresses. The method substitutes an "effective
section modulus" based on a stress distribution used in classic
truss theory of uniform stress distribution across the cross
section of the member.
Sy: Section Modulus About Weak-Axis Section modulus of top
chord; a reasonable conservative value used when a JG is used
in out-of-plane bending. Note that it is not recommended to
apply out-of-plane loading to joists or JGs, and if this is done it
must be carefully coordinated with the JG Manufacturer.

16

Virtual Joist Girder

Section Properties
Ay: Shear Area in Y Direction Ax*.25; Based on an
approximation of the shear area used in SJI spec's for chord
shear checks.
Az: Shear Area in Z Direction Ax*.25; Based on an
approximation of the shear area used in SJI spec's for chord
shear checks.
Pz: Plastic Modulus About Strong-Axis Equals Sz; Stress
distribution is always uniform across the chord in classic
truss analysis, whether in a plastic or elastic state.

17

Virtual Joist Girder

Section Properties
Py: Plastic Modulus About Weak-Axis Unity; is not a significant
factor in current analysis.
HSS: Warping Constant approximate based on chord
elements
DEE: Depth of Web Equals Top Chord Angle Leg Length

User Table Information- Excerpt

19

Virtual Joist Girder

General Information

Virtual Joist Girder

Material Properties
The sections defined by the VJG table use
the same material properties as structural
steel, with the exception of density, which
is 15% higher, to account for approximate
weight of web members and
miscellaneous materials.

21

Virtual Joist Girder

Material Properties
The explicit material properties are:
Youngs Modulus (E) = 2.9e+007 (lb/in2)
Poissons Ratio (nu) = 0.3
Density = 0.333 (lb/in3)
Thermal Coeff (alpha) = 6e-006
Critical Damping = 0.03
Shear Modulus (G) = 1.1154e+007 (lb/in2)
22

Virtual Joist Girder Bracing Condition

To achieve the best performance for the VJG approximation,
typical VJG members should be modeled with an Unbraced
Length of zero.
Research1 indicated that setting the unbraced length to zero
yielded selection of VJGs with properties closest to the final
JG design properties, for conditions with normal Joist
Girder loading and bracing.
This recommendation does not apply (and could be
unconservative) for very unusual conditions, such as a JG
being used in a lateral load resisting frame with no joists
attached to provide intermediate lateral support.
1.

23

Development of an Improved Design Method for Joist Girder Selection in a Generalized Structural Design Program, by Phillip A. Knodel, MSCE thesis,
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, 2011

Selecting an Appropriate
Span/Depth Ratio
In using the Virtual Joist Girder Tables, it is
important to select only girder depths that are
appropriate to the span.
The span of the girder should be no less than
12 times its depth and no more than 24 times
its depth.
Usually, the most economical selections have
a span/depth ratio of between 12 and 18.

24

Managing Girder Self Weight

Standard SJI procedure is to include the approximate JG self weight
in the JG design loads provided to the joist manufacturer.
As an alternative, if the JG self weight is not included in the
specified design loads, then the JG design specifications must
include a note to the joist manufacturer stating that JG self weight
is not included in the specified design loads and must be added to
the JG designs.
In order for the VJG selection properties to match the final JG
Design properties as closely as possible, it is important to ensure
that self weight is included in the analysis and member selection.
In STAAD this can be done by using the Member Self Weight load
option, so that the member self weight is automatically updated
with each design iteration.
25

Joist Girder Stiffness Accuracy for Moment

Frame Design and Analysis
Since the JG stiffness (effective Moment of Inertia) is significant
to the overall building structural model the SER must specify the
VJG moment of inertia as the target or effective Moment of
Inertia.
Directions to notify the SER if the final JG design Moment of
inertia varies by more than 10% from the target value for
model accuracy verification. (Note that this effective Moment
of Inertia is the JG chord Moment of Inertia divided by 1.15 to
account for the reduced shear rigidity of the open web system.
To avoid potential confusion, it is very important to denote this
value as the target/Effective JG Moment of Inertia.)

26

Joist Girder Designation

The JG Designation specified by the SER on the contract structural
drawings must follow SJI convention from the SJI Standard
Specifications for Joist Girders and Code of Standard Practice for
Steel Joists and Joist Girders, NOT the VJG designation from the VJG
Selection Tables used in the structural modeling.
For example, if a VJG22-20 is chosen for use in the structural model,
this is NOT an appropriate JG designation for the structural contract
drawings. Rather the JG designation on the contract structural
drawings must follow standard SJI convention, such as 22G5N10K.
Please reference the SJI Standard Specifications for Joist Girders and
SJI Code of Standard Practice for Steel Joists and Joist Girders, for
more information on appropriate JG designations.

27

Chord Axial Loading and/or End

Moments from Wind or Seismic
For specification of JG design loading
information that includes chord axial
loads and/or end moments from wind or
seismic, reference Chapter 6 of SJI
Technical Digest 11, Design of Lateral
Load Resisting Frames Using Steel Joists
and Joist Girders.

28

Virtual Joist Girders

IMPLEMENTATION IN STAAD

User Table Information

STAAD Implementation
The following instructions are applicable
for the use of the VJG user table in STAAD
Pro.
The information/section properties in the
User Table are equally applicable to other
analysis and design software based on
the softwares requirements.
30

Installing User Table File

1. Create directory (folder) for STAAD.Pro design
files that will be using the VJG user table.
2. Place a copy of the user table file into the
same directory.
3. If design files are saved in a separate directory
from the user table file then the file path
must be changed to the user table file name
in order to access the user table data.

31

Installing User Table File

1. Create directory (folder) for STAAD.Pro design files

that will be using the VJG user table.
2. Place a copy of the user table file into the same
directory.
32

Activating User Table

(One method described. See STAAD documentation for other methods).

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

33

In Modeling mode select Tools.

Select Create User Table.
In the pop-up window select the New Table button.
Checkmark the External Table box and select the Browse
button.
Select the user table file and click Open.
In the Select Section Type drop down menu, choose
General and press OK.
The user table should automatically be given a number.
Press Close.

34

Activating User Table

3. Select the New Table button.

35

Activating User Table

4
4

4. Checkmark the External Table box and select

the Browse button.
36

Activating User Table

5. Select the user table file and click Open.

37

Activating User Table

6. In the Select Section Type drop down

menu, choose General and press OK.
38

Activating User Table

7

7. The user table should automatically be given

a number. Press Close.
39

Assigning User Table Data

(One method described. See STAAD documentation for other methods)

1. In Modeling mode select the General tab.

2. In the Properties Whole Structure window,
select the User Table button.
3. Choose the previously assigned user table
number.
4. Select a section and assign the appropriate
material
5. Select Add and close the window.
6. Assign VJG sections from the Properties
Whole Structure window in the same manner
as with ordinary member sections
40

Assigning User Table Data

1.
2.

41

In Modeling mode select the General tab.

In the Properties Whole Structure window, select the User Table
button.

Assigning User Table Data

3

5
3.
4.
5.
42

Choose the previously assigned user table number.

Select a section and assign the appropriate material
Select Add and close the window.

Assigning User Table Data

6

6.

43

Assign VJG sections from the Properties Whole

Structure window in the same manner as with ordinary
member sections.

Virtual Joist Girders

IMPLEMENTATION IN RISA

RISA Virtual Joist Girder

Users Guide
Designing Virtual Joist Girders Using the RISA
Building System

45

Required Files

Accessing the Database

Using Virtual Joist Girders in RISAFloor
Using Virtual Joist Girders in RISA-3D

Virtual Joist Girders

Using RISA Design Software
Required Files

46

VJG_SJI.FIL

This is a binary database file

Normally placed in the C:\

C:\RISA
RISA\\ directory with all the other
database files

VJG sections will be viewed as Wide Flange members

US_VJGBeamLst.asc

This is a ReRe-Design list to promote optimization within the VJG

shapes

Normally placed in the C:\

C:\RISA
RISA\\risa__ReDesign_Lists
risa__ReDesign_Lists\\ directory

Virtual Joist Girders

Using Risa Design Software
Accessing the database

47

Click the Edit Shape Database icon

Select Virtual Joist Girder as the Database / Manufacturer in the

Shape Selection Dialog

Virtual Joist Girders

Using RISA Floor Design Software

48

From the Draw or Modify Beam dialog select the Shape

Group / Design List as Virtual Joist Girder

This option is only available in version 6.0.2 (Beta) or

newer

The program will automatically optimize the member for

stress and deflection requirements

Virtual Joist Girders

Using RISAFloor

49

Virtual Joist Girders

Using RISA-3D
From the Draw or Modify Beam dialog select
the Virtual Joist Girder Database and select a
VJG member.
Select the Virtual Joist Girder Design list and
the program will automatically suggest
alternate shapes for bending, axial and shear
code checks once the model has been solved.

50

Virtual Joist Girders

Using RISA-3D

51

Virtual Joist Girders

Example

Virtual Girder Example

This example is to show how to use the Virtual Girder Table
in modeling building frames using STAAD software
The loads are ASD level and typical of what might occur in a
building design but are not determined from ASCE /SEI 7-10
or any building code; however ASCE/SEI 7-10 load
combinations will be used.
The girders from the example will be identified using the
Virtual Girder designation and the designation that the
Engineer needs to provide to the joist manufacturer.

Virtual Girder Example

5 @ 40'-0" = 200'-0"

G1

G3

G5

G5

G3

G1

COLUMNS:
Interior = W14X90
Exterior = W14X74

Girders = 36 deep
Joists = 22 deep

G2

G4

G6

G6

G4

G2

3 SPACES @ 40'-0" = 120'-0"

G1

G3

G5

G5

G3

G1

Fixed End
1

BUILDING STEEL FRAMING PLAN

DESIGN DATA:
Roof Loads:
Dead = 12 psf
Live = 20 psf
Wind = 35 psf
Walls: Wind = 25 psf

Column Connections
TYP.

TYP.

GIRDER CONNECTION DETAIL

@ PINNED ENDS

Column Connections
TIE PLATE

TYP.

TYP.

TYP.

TYP.

TIE PLATE

GIRDER CONNECTION DETAIL

@ FIXED ENDS

Virtual Girder Example

Loads on Joists:
DL = 12 x 5 = 60 plf
LL = 20 x 5 = 100 plf
TL = DL + LL = 60 + 100 = 160 plf
WL = 35 x 5 = 175 plf

Lecture 4 - 57

Steel Joist Institute

Virtual Girder Example

Determine Girder Panel Point Loads
Interior Girders:
DL = .060 klf x 40 = 2.4 kips
LL = .100 klf x 40 = 4.0 kips
TL = DL + LL = 2.4 + 4.0 = 6.4 kips
WL = 0.175 klf x 40 = 7.0 kips
Perimeter Girders:
DL = .060 klf x 20 = 1.2 kips
LL = .100 klf x 20 = 2.0 kips
TL = DL + LL = 1.2 + 2.0 = 3.2 kips
WL = 0.175 klf x 20 = 3.5 kips

Virtual Girder Example

Frame Models
24 @ 5'-0" = 120'-0"

WIND = 500 plf

23'-6"

P
6

G1

G2

P : DL = 1.2 kips
LL = 2.0 kips
TL = 3.2 kips
2
WL = 3.5 kips

G1

WIND = 500 plf

FRAME MODEL @ GRID LINE A & F

24 @ 5'-0" = 120'-0"

23'-6"

G5

P
6

P : DL = 2.4 kips
LL = 4.0 kips
TL = 6.4 kips
2
WL = 7.0 kips

G6

FRAME MODEL @ GRID LINE C & D

G5

WIND = 1000 plf

WIND = 1000 plf

Virtual Girder Example

Frame Models
24 @ 5'-0" = 120'-0"

WIND = 1000 plf

23'-6"

G3

6
P : DL = 2.4 kips
LL = 4.0 kips
TL = 6.4 kips
2 WL = 7.0 kips

P
7

G4

FRAME MODEL @ GRID LINE B & E

G3

WIND = 1000 plf

Virtual Girder Example

Each Frame was modeled in STAAD.
For simplicity we have chosen the columns and used the
Virtual Joist Girder Tables to select the Virtual Joist Girders.
ASCE7-10 ASD Load Combinations were used for the design.
Each frame was then analyzed for each load type (DL, LL WL)
to obtain the axial loads and fixed-end moments for that load
type.
All reported loads are UNFACTORED

Virtual Girder Example

The following table shows the Virtual Joist Girders (VJG)
selected by STAAD for the Analysis/Design of the frames
Mark

VJG
Selected

Approx.
Target/Effective Ix
[in4]

Approx.
Weight
[lbs]

G1

VJG36-1

931

642

G2

VJG36-1

931

642

G3

VJG36-22

1347

949

G4

VJG36-28

1521

1061

G5

VJG36-28

1521

1061

G6

VJG36-17

1236

860

Virtual Girder Example

For comparison, the approximate Moment of Inertia, Ix, is
determined from the equation given in the SJI COSP
Section 2.2(b)
Ix = 0.027NPLd
where: N = no. of joist spaces = 8
P = Total Load (in kips)
L = Girder Length (in feet)
d = Girder depth (in inches)
Note that this equation is for a simply supported Joist Girder under
static loading and must be divided by 1.15 to obtain the effective Ix.

Virtual Girder Example

The approximate effective Moment of Inertia for the
girders are:
IxG1 = IxG2 = 0.027(8)(3.2)(40)(36)/1.15 = 866 in4
IxG3 = IxG4 = IxG5 = IxG6
= 0.027(8)(6.4)(40)(36)/1.15 = 1731 in4

Virtual Joist Girder

Reporting Loads
The following tables provide a format for reporting the
design loads for the Joist Girders.
The axial loads and fixed-end moments are from the
STAAD analysis results for the structure for each load
condition. Note that combining loads is not required.

Virtual Joist Girder

Reporting Loads
Axial (Pos. causes Tens.)
Split between Top & Bottom
Chord

Panel Point Loads

Mark

Designation
Dead
[kips]

Live
[kips]

Total
(D+L)
[kips]

Wind
[kips]

Dead
[kips]

Live
[kips]

Wind
[kips]

G1

36G8N

1.2

2.0

3.2

3.5

5.88

G2

36G8N

1.2

2.0

3.2

3.5

1.04

1.63

2.84

G3

36G8N

2.4

4.0

6.4

7.0

0.48

0.76

9.39

G4

36G8N

2.4

4.0

6.4

7.0

1.71

2.72

4.85

G5

36G8N

2.4

4.0

6.4

7.0

G6

36G8N

2.4

4.0

6.4

7.0

11.75
1.87

2.99

5.23

Virtual Girder Example

Reporting Loads
Fixed-End Moments (Pos. is Counter-Clockwise) couples Between Top & Bottom Chord
Mark

Target
Ix
[in4]

Dead [ft-k]

Live [ft-k]

Wind [ft-k]
Acting to Right

Wind [ft-k]
Acting To Left

Left
Extr Col.

Right
Intr Col.

Left
Extr Col.

Right
Intr Col.

Left
Extr Col.

Right
Intr Col.

Left
Extr Col.

Right
Intr Col.

G1

931

G2

931

24.5

-24.5

38.2

-38.2

-204.9

-71.2

71.2

204.9

G3

1347

11.2

-51.5

17.8

-81.8

-55.5

-106.6

-5.8

396.0

G4

1521

G5

1521

G6

1236

44.0

-44.0

70.2

-70.2

-398.9

-153.3

153.3

398.9

Virtual Joist Girder - Example

Comparison of Results
Using the tabulated Joist Girder loads, the specified
Joist Girders were designed by a joist manufacturer to
check the final results.
The tables on the following slides show a comparison of
the Moments of Inertia and Weights for the Virtual Joist
Girders chosen by STAAD and the manufacturers final
designs.

Virtual Joist Girder - Example

Effective Moment of Inertia Comparison
Target/
Effective Ix
From
STAAD

Ix from
SJICSOP
Equation

%
Diff

Design
Ix from
Manuf.

Effective
Ix from
Manuf.

%
Diff

G1

931

866

-7.0

1009

878

-5.7

G2

931

866

-7.0

1009

878

-5.7

G3

1347

1731

28.5

1621

1410

4.7

G4

1521

1731

13.8

1895

1648

8.3

G5

1521

1731

13.8

1895

1648

8.3

G6

1236

1731

40.0

1484

1290

4.4

Mark

Virtual Joist Girder - Example

Weight Comparison

Mark

VJG Weight
From STAAD

Final JG
Weight

%
Diff

G1

642

651

1.4

G2

642

687

6.6

G3

949

1036

8.4

G4

1061

1135

6.5

G5

1061

1131

6.2

G6

860

985

12.7

Virtual Joist Girders

Summary

Virtual Joist Girders

Summary
The VJG tables provide equivalent-beam section properties
for building models that can be used in structural analysis and
design software and will provide reasonably accurate results .
The VJG Member Classification cannot be used for
specifying the final Joist Girder, JG, on the contract drawings.
The Joist Girder must be designated as described in the SJI
Code of Standard Practice Section 2.2(b).

Virtual Joist Girders

Summary
When there are multiple or complex loading
conditions that must be provided to the joist
manufacturer i.e. Axial Loads, Fixed-End Moments, a
load table (Refer to Slides 56 & 57) is the best
method for supplying this information.
The Target or Effective Moment of Inertia should
be specified when it will affect the accuracy of the
structural analysis.

Virtual Joist Girder

Downloads
The Virtual Joist Girder Table can be
downloaded from the SJI web site.
www.steeljoist.org
When you go to the website look across the
options at the top of the web page. On the far
right is Virtual Joist Girders.

Virtual Joist Girders

Further Developments
Development is underway for inserting the VJG
Tables within the next release of Computers
Structures Incorporated ETABS.
Working with Bentley for insertion within RAM
Structural System.
SJI is currently working with the South Dakota School
of Mines and Technology to develop Virtual Joist
user tables for steel joists.

75

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