STACKDES Program
Detailed Information

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Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Description:
(English and Metric Units)
STACKDES is a stand-alone executable program that performs the overall structural analysis of Self Supported or Guy Wire Supported Steel Stacks..  It uses a stiffness matrix to completely model the stack and it's loadings, and then applies the appropriate acceptance criteria based upon the user selected design code.  The program also calculates the natural frequency of the structure so that the dynamic along wind and dynamic across wind (vortex) loads can be applied to the stack.  

Here is a brief outline of the 5 simple steps that are followed to analyze a stack:

Step 1 - Design Codes
The user would select the appropriate design code for the stack.  Some of the comprehensive stack codes built into the software include:

Comprehensive Design Codes
ASME STS-1-2006  (US Code)
BS 4076  (British Code)
IS 6533 (Indian Code)
CICIND (International Code)
TIA/EIA-222F (Antenna's and Poles)

In addition to these comprehensive codes STACKDES also allows the user to enter a customized set of codes and standards.  The user may mix-and-match from the following available codes:

Upon Selecting the code(s), the user then enters the appropriate parameters such as wind speed, exposure, terrain etc....

Also the seismic code is selected, and there are several to choose from:

Seismic Codes
UBC 97
IBC 2006
IS 875
Manual (G-force)

Step 2 - Model Stack
Next it is necessary to Model all of the physical details of the stack.  This includes defining the diameters, thickness, materials, and boundary conditions.  A graphical representation of the stack is shown on the screen to provide a quick check on the users input to ensure it is correct.

If it is a guy wire supported stack, then the user would also specify the guy wire, deadman, guy lug, and guy wire hardware information.  

Step 3 - Define Attachments
Now the user defines all of the non-structural attachments on the stack such as ladders, platforms, piping, insulation, and more.

Step 4 - Define Details
A breech opening can be modeled so that the software will automatically consider the reduced strength due to an opening.  It also allows for the addition of stiffeners to reinforce the opening.  Within the Details menu the designer can specify Baseplate, Structural Flange, Lift Extraction, Guy Lug, and Guy Wire Hardware properties.  

Step 5 - Perform Analysis
Now it is time to perform an analysis.  The output is reviewed, the designer makes the necessary modifications to the model, and an analysis is repeated.  This process is repeated until the stack meets all of the necessary criteria.

Software Modules
STACKDES offers modules capable of designing Self Supported (Free Standing) stacks as well as Guy Wire Supported Stacks.  At the time of purchase the user elects to lease either the Self Supported Module, or Self Supported and Guy Wire Supported modules.  The prices are set according to the length of the lease and the modules that are purchased.

Pricing:

1)  During the maintenance period, the user receives free technical support and software updates.  Maintenance also includes support on the floating network option. 

2)  Once the maintenance has expired, the STACKDES software will expire and you will no longer be able to use it. 

Floating Network Option:
Each license entitles the customer to a floating network license.  This option allows multiple users to share a license.  Some conditions must be met:

1)  User must be connected to internet, while license transfer is occurring.
2)  STACKDES must not be blocked by a firewall.
3)  If one (1) license is purchased, then only one (1) user at a time can access the software.  Other users will not be able to access the software until the current user releases the license.
4)  Each user must set up the floating network option correctly. 

We want to provide you with realistic expectations for the floating network option, so here are the pro's and con's of the floating network option.  This option is powerful, but it is not maintenance free.  Here are some known problems and issues that can arise:

a)  All users must be set up correctly for the floating network option.  If they are not, then the other users cannot access the software.
b)  Although all users do not have to be at the same site, it does create a bit of a logistics problem if a user at one site does not close down the software correctly.  
c)  If the license is checked out and you cannot determine who has the license, then you have to contact Meca at support@mecaenterprises.com , and we can try to locate the user that has the license checked out.  
d)  There are instances where for some unknown reason (program crashes, network connection lost, etc..) that the license is not returned correctly.  In these cases Meca must be contacted and we will investigate and correct the problem.  

For these reasons, we would like to make certain recommendations to minimize the inconvenience to our clients (Customer can choose to follow or not):  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I get a fully functioning demo to try out the software?

We offer a limited demo, but we do not offer a fully functioning demo.

Does the program have a help manual?

A help manual is provided with the program in the form of a pdf file.  You may print the file or view it electronically.

Do I have to be connected to the internet to use the software?

It is possible to run the software without an internet connection; however there are specific instances where a connection is required:

1) Initial Activation of Software
2) Transfer Use of software to another computer
3) Check for updates automatically.

Once a computer is activated, then the software does not require an internet connection to run. A common situation is a person that may have a desktop and laptop computer, and they want to use the software on both computers. If you were going on a trip, then you would want to transfer the license to the laptop while you have an internet connection. In this case you would "Log Out" on the desktop and "Log In" on the laptop. Now you would be able to use the software on the laptop without an internet connection. This is a very simple process, but does require some planning. There are a couple of other alternatives:

Option # 1) Buy an additional license and keep both the laptop and desktop activated all of the time.

Option # 2) Enable the "Floating Network" option so that you are automatically "Logged In" and "Logged Out" when you launch and close the software respectively. This still requires that you have an internet connection to "Log In" on the laptop, but it handles the situation where you forgot to "Log Out" of the software on the desktop prior to leaving on the trip. Once you "Log In" on the laptop, then you no longer need an internet connection.

Can I share the Software with Coworkers?
Yes, the software can be shared.  See "Floating Network Option" above for more explanation. 

How do I set up software on a laptop when traveling?
See "Do I have to be connected to the internet to use the software" for detailed answer. 

Is technical support available for the software?
Yes, technical support is available.  We offer a very affordable program, and we are a lean and mean company.  This means that we must handle technical support by email (support@mecaenterprises.com).  We request that questions be limited to the use of the software, we can not provide interpretations as to how to apply the code to various situations.   There is an option under the "Help" menu which automatically emails the input file to Meca, and you simply provide an explanation to the problem which you are experiencing. 

Do I receive a CD with my purchase?
No, not unless the "CD" option is purchased in the store.  Shipping charges apply. 

How quickly can I begin using the software?
Our order process is completely automated.  If you purchase online, you will automatically receive an email with instructions on downloading and activating the software.  This information also appears on the last page of the order process.  You will be using the software in minutes after purchase. 

How do I extend the maintenance on the software?
Go to the "Security" "Extend Maintenance on Software" and click "Continue".  The program will automatically launch the internet browser and take you to our store.   Please note that if you do this before the current maintenance has expired, you will receive more favorable pricing.  The maintenance date will be extended for 1 year from the end of the current expiration.  If the maintenance is expired, then the maintenance is extended for 1 year from the purchase date (of the extension). 

How do I determine the expiration on the maintenance for the software?
Go to the "Security" and the expiration date is shown near the bottom. 

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