I would like to request that the design parameters of Forte for cantilevers be restricted to a maximum of ½ of member back span. Forte is currently available for anyone that wishes to download it in our market. We are concerned that someone with limited design knowledge will design a member similar to what I have attached, install it, then attempt recourse on either Weekes Forest Products or Weyerhaeuser when the product fails. The attached member calc shows an 8’ back span with a 7’ cantilever with an additional point load added to the end. The only warning given on the member report is that cantilever length exceeds 1/3 member length or 1/2 back span length, and additional bracing should be considered. Over the years, the building official community has become accustomed to seeing and accepting TJ Beam/ Forte calcs which pass design in lieu of a document sealed by a P.E. They understand that the software only allows product designs which can be backed by Weyerhaeuser. By allowing this type of calc to pass we are saying the product still works, however, there is a sub note which states that you are on your own for bracing. By doing this, we are diluting the confidence we have built in our customers, builders, and building officials over many years.
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Software should be allowed to design as any PROFESSIONAL engineer deems proper, the results of which should be checked by the engineer and plan review.
It shouldn't disallow it, but it absolutely should have some large notice/red mark indicating that the back reaction is negative. I would also say that the negative reaction sign (-) absolutely needs to be on the same line as the reaction itself; on the linked example it wraps the magnitude to a different line than the sign.
Could a prompt or toggle be added on the "Spans and Supports" page or possibly to user settings?