PulCalc® Structural FRP Design Software (Now Meets ASCE/SEI 74)
Updated 11/25/2025
New PulCalc and ASCE 74 Forum!
We added a new forum to address PulCalc and ASCE 74. Feel free to register and post comments and questions.
PulCalc® V3.33 is now available!
- LRFD and ASD Worksheets that show member capacities
- New Fully dynamic Compression/Tension and Flexural Load Tables (Chapters 3, 4 and 5)
- Imperial and Metric Results
- Programmable Coupon Properties
- Programmable Section Properties
- Connections per Chapter 8 of 74-23
- Bolt capacities (A307, Metric, FRP and Stainless), Bolted connections, FRP Clip angle capacities, Coped connections, Gusset Plate Design, FRP Panel Design
- Plate Design for both isotropic and orthotropic (Pultruded) plates
- PulCalc 3.XX is based on the new ASCE 74-23 FRP Pultruded Standard, Chapters 3, 4, 5 and 8. The design program is composed of worksheets that take inputs from RISA 3D (or similar FEA program) and then provides capacities for FRP members and connections.
- 60 FRP Pultruded Profiles
- 120+ Internal Dynamic Calculators
New for V3.33
In addition to new user dynamic LRFD Load tables released in V3-32, V3.33 updated the tables to better follow ASCE 74. The following changes are now part of V3.33:
- Shear, part of Chapter 5, is now stand-alone analysis as is found in RISA-3D
- Minor and major axis bending moment capacities are broken out in the Flex Tables and Member sheets
- Load Table and Member Table Column names are better colorized for easier viewing
- Parts of Chapter 3 (Tension) have been incorporated into the load tables and member sheets.
Note: ASD has been removed as of V3.33.
PulCalc® is a proprietary structural FRP Design Program that interfaces with structural modeling software. Together, the result is a design for pultruded FRP members and connections and therefore a complete design. The user inputs data from the modeling software data, such as RISA3D or Staad into PulCalc®. Therefore PulCalc® completes or analyzes the FRP design process that standard modeling design software cannot. PulCalc ® computes capacity checks for FRP members in spreadsheet form. Design sheets are are all common FRP shapes including angles, box sections, “i” sections etc. Additionally we also have a connections page that looks at various FRP connection capacities.
PulCalc ® worksheets are now available in both English and Metric.
PulCalc® V3.0 Tutorial
New ASCE 74-23 FRP Standard Update
The new FRP Standard is now up on the ASCE website: https://sp360.asce.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Merchandise/Product-Details/productId/309903818 The new FRP Standard is a major change to the construction markets, especially telecom. FiberDesign is spearheading a telecom FRP working group to tackle some of the hurdles presented by the new standard. This likely will include ASTM/ISO lab testing for FRP connections. PulCalc and the FRP Library will get updated as lab tests gets completed. Expect this to happen of a few years if not continuously over time.
Key Changes from the 2010 FRP Pre-Standard:
- FRP Clip angles not allowed unless pre-qualified via ASTM/ISO Testing per Section 2.3.2
- Only metallic bolts are allowed unless pre-qualified via ASTM/ISO Testing per Section 2.3.2
- There is no known testing that has been done for a FRP connection that uses FRP bolts.
- Traditional telecom connections such as gusset plates and FRP Clip angles (using FRP bolts) are now outside the new FRP standard.
- The new Telecom FRP Working Group is looking at funding avenues for lab testing to address the above.
See below (updated PDF) download that illustrates some of the effects to the telecom world by the new standard. FiberDesign is leading an effort to undertake FRP testing which includes securing funding grants. Contact us for more information.
FiberDesign FRP Standard Details Telecom
FRP Working Group and ASCE 74 Lab Testing
FiberDesign is leading a FRP Working Group to facilitate laboratory testing of FRP-FRP pultruded connections. There are still openings for the group. Contact FiberDesign for details. FiberDesign is also seeking funding for testing and is in process of submitting grants to initiate the testing with regional labs.
FRP Library (New Library is now available)
The FRP Library is normally a work in progress, especially with the new ASCE 74-23 Pultruded FRP Standard. The Library includes PDF and DWG files showing typical pultruded connections. The new code will especially affect the telecom world and the library includes details and recommended framing connections. See the Pulcalc Pricing page for pricing.
What’s in the Library
- Base Connections
- Horizontal and Vertical Bracing
- Typical FRP Members
- FRP Notes
- FRP Platforms
- FRP Angle Frame Connections
- FRP HSS Frame Connections
- FRP I/W Frame Connections
- FRP Gusset Plates
- FRP “Kicker” Connections
- FRP Railings
RISA Model Support
FiberDesign offers model support for your working FRP models. Having trouble? We can help! Send us your model. Getting FRP models to run can be difficult at times. See PulCalc Pricing Page for this option.
FEA/modeling Software Companies Who Cooperate with FiberDesign on PulCalc®:
RISA is working with FiberDesign to enhance and speed up importing structural member data into PulCalc ®. Stay tuned for a future update. We also have submitted a White Paper that will be shown on their site. Thank you to the RISA crew!
PulCalc® Webinar or Google Meet Call
We would be pleased to go through the program (and/or FRP Library) on Google Meet. Send us an email: info@fibrdesign.com We can set up the call.
PulCalc® Client Comments
Chris L. – This is a good price for the level of support you offer and especially reviews of models.
For PulCalc and Library pricing go HERE.
Why Use PulCalc® FRP Design Program?
If you design using a structural modeling program like RISA, they output a code check for each member. However, you cannot use the steel code check as it will not work for FRP. Therefore PulCalc ® takes some of the modeling data and outputs a FRP code check for axial and bending stresses.