FEDERAL WAY, Wash., July 27, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iLevel by Weyerhaeuser's single-member sizing program for wood-framed structures – Forte™ software – is now used by more than 10,000 engineers, architects, home designers and other building professionals. Introduced in fall 2009, Forte software is a powerful tool for sizing wood framing members, including joists, headers, beams, wall studs and columns. Using this powerful software, a customer can size dimension lumber and engineered wood products, even accounting for seismic and wind loads. Users prefer Forte software for the ease of use, ability to quickly compare alternatives, and report exporting capabilities that facilitate information sharing. Forte software is available for free download at www.iLevel.com/Forte.
"In the building industry, we don't have the luxury of time when working out solutions to design problems," said Alan Hatcher, partner with Lane & Hatcher Engineers in Pensacola, Florida. Hatcher recently became the 10,000thregistered Forte software user. "With Forte software, I can acquire the answers I need quickly and accurately. Plus, it's intuitive and very easy to learn. The first time I opened it, I was able to move through the member loading criteria quickly and could see a visual display of the results immediately."
"Users tell us they can size members in a matter of minutes versus the hours often needed with cumbersome hand calculations," added Ross Theilen, Director of Customer Software & Technology for iLevel. "The speed and accuracy of Forte software lets them compare multiple solutions and pick the most cost-effective one – that's not always practical when working by hand."
"Another neat thing about Forte software is the JobTree, which allows you to organize your files and quickly switch back and forth between member types," added Hatcher. "Plus, in high-wind areas, you can input various wind load and exposure criteria and the software will analyze the member's lateral force stresses and requirements."
Forte software is part of the iLevel®Modus™ suite of structural frame software, including Javelin®design software and Stellar®fabrication software. Along with Estima™ estimating services, the iLevel family of software and services helps builders and building material dealers with consistently high-quality and cost-effective structural framing solutions.
For a video demonstration of iLevel Forte software, visit www.iLevelTV.com.
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About iLevel by Weyerhaeuser
iLevel by Weyerhaeuser provides the building industry's most comprehensive and innovative collection of structural framing products, support and software for residential, multi-family and light construction. As an industry leader, iLevel develops solutions to help builders and dealers improve quality and reduce costs. Continuing a legacy based on Weyerhaeuser's more than 110 years in business and 50 plus years of expertise from Trus Joist®, iLevel manufactures trusted engineered wood products, oriented strand board (OSB), plywood and specialty dimension lumber. All of the products the company produces are SFI®certified. iLevel is also one of the nation's leading building products distributors, offering a range of construction and finishing materials from other recognized manufacturers. www.ilevel.com
About Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest forest products companies, began operations in 1900. We grow and harvest trees, build homes and make a range of forest products essential to everyday lives. We manage our timberland on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. At the end of 2010, we employed approximately 14,000 employees in 10 countries. We have customers worldwide and generated $6.6 billion in sales in 2010. Our stock trades on the New York Stock exchange under the symbol WY. Additional information about us is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com.
For more information, contact:
Greg Wells
(208) 364-1428
greg.wells@weyerhaeuser.com
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| [Image] | iLevel |
| [Image] | FORTE |