Frequently Asked Questions

Registration with Alpine Academy is required using a customer number. After registering, use the submitted login credentials to access the platform. Once logged in, full access is available to all videos, articles, and downloads. (Some companies maintain a single login for the entire design staff. Check with an internal administrator.)

The customer number can be found in iModel by navigating to Settings > User Preferences > Configuration, where it appears as the User ID. Enter only the numeric portion (no letters) when registering for site access.

To schedule a training class, contact the training department at training@alpineacademyitw.com.

Yes. live, instructor-led online training is available through Zoom, providing real-time interaction similar to an in-person class. For the best experience and full feature access, downloading and installing the Zoom desktop application is recommended: https://zoom.us/download.

Onsite training may be available in certain situations. Eligibility is determined based on specific criteria. Contact the assigned sales representative for evaluation.

Training sessions are occasionally offered at locations in Grand Prairie, TX; Fort Lauderdale, FL; and Maryland Heights, MO. These sessions are scheduled upon request, and lead times may vary depending on current training availability.

For those new to the software, completing the “Getting Started” tutorials available in Alpine Academy is recommended. These tutorials introduce core functions and improve overall training efficiency. For individuals new to the industry, a Truss Basics course such as one offered by the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) may also be beneficial. (Alpine does not guarantee information provided by external organizations.)

An email will be sent prior to the first session with a link to join the online meeting, along with a connection test link. Audio can be accessed through a computer microphone, USB headset, or by dialing in via phone. Due to common background noise in component plants, the use of a USB headset with both headphones and a microphone is strongly recommended. These are widely available at electronics or discount stores at an affordable cost.

Yes, multiple designers can participate in a single session. Virtual training is conducted via Zoom, allowing trainers to share screens and engage with up to four designers simultaneously. The use of dual monitors is encouraged, with one for viewing the training session and one for hands-on practice. This approach enhances engagement and overall learning effectiveness.

For assistance, contact the Help Desk at 866-237-2878 for troubleshooting support. Alternatively, the assigned software consultant may also be contacted directly.

Alpine Academy offers many opportunities for continuing education. Our trainers work with all levels of designers, from beginners to expert level. In these cases, you may find it useful to bring some of your own designs to work with in the training class. If you have a request or questions, let us know prior to your class and we will tailor the content to your specific needs.

The “Help” drop down menu in the IntelliVIEW Software is a comprehensive tool, with most topics covered in depth. It is very useful, quick tool when you have questions. Contact our Help Desk at 866-237-2878. The Help Desk technicians are well versed in all of our software’s capabilities and will help find an answer to your questions. If you have tried both of the above resources and still have questions, please feel free to contact your trainer directly or by email training@alpineacademyitw.com. You can normally expect a response within 24 hours.

Alpine supports SQL Server and Windows Server versions for three years after Microsoft ends mainstream support for that version. For example, Microsoft mainstream support for SQL 2014 ended in 7/2019, so Alpine support for SQL 2014 will end in 7/2022. Read our full policy statement on the Alpine ITW website under Resources < Literature < Software < Manuals.

End of 2021- IntelliVIEW 22.01 will not be supported on SQL 2012

7/2022- IntelliVIEW 22.02 will not be supported on SQL 2014

7/2024- IntelliVIEW 24.02 will not be supported on SQL 2016

12/2021- IntelliVIEW 22.01 will not be supported on Windows Server 2012

1/2025- IntelliVIEW 25.01 will not be supported on Windows Server 2016

Alpine supports Windows OS as long as Microsoft supports them. For example, Windows 7 is no longer supported, while Windows 10 will be supported until Microsoft ends support.

MWFRS is defined as an assemblage of structural elements that will support and stabilize the building from wind pressures on different surfaces. Think of it as a roof system that will resist wind pressures. Whereas C&C refers to single element of the building that receives wind pressures, and these elements or components can be part of the MWFRS. The Alpine Engineering Department takes the position that trusses are part of an assemblage of structural elements and as a single element of the of the building appurtenances. That is why we apply both MWFRS and C&C wind pressures to truss designs with our engineering software IntelliVIEW Suite.

Exposure refers to the terrain around the building structure, ASCE refers to it as the ground surface roughness. This ground surface roughness considers the topography, vegetation, and other buildings that are around the building structure. There are three (3) different types of exposures as describe in ASCE 7, there is Exposure B, C, and D. Exposure B is typically in suburban or urban areas with mostly single-family dwellings. Exposure C is more open grasslands with scattered obstruction, and Exposure D is on the shoreline with wind flowing over large bodies of water. Just think with more obstructions in the way wind gusts will be interrupted, and with open areas wind gusts build in strength. So, structures in an Exposure D area will tend to have higher wind pressures than structures in an Exposure B area. Let me remind you that these exposure designations should be provided in the construction documents if they are not contact the Building Designer.

In the event of a building failure the Risk Categories refers to the risk of human life. Risk Category I has a low risk to human life, such as a barn. Risk Category III could impose a high risk to human life, like a hospital, Risk Category IV is an essential facility and would pose a substantial hazard to the community, such as a hazardous waste or chemical facility. I went out of order because Risk Category II are all structures that are not Risk Category I, III, or IV. More times than not these are residential structures. Depending on which Risk Category the structure falls in will determine which basic wind speed map you would use to find the correct wind speed to calculate wind pressures, uplift reactions, and uplift connections. The higher the Risk Category the higher wind speed map. These categories should be clearly stated in the construction documents if not contact the Building Designer.

When designing roof trusses on a structure wind can approach from many different directions…windward, leeward, normal to the ridge, parallel to ridge, etc. But one factor that is important to know is where the truss is located in the structure. The location can determine the amount of wind pressures that is needed to be applied to the truss design. MWFRS has different zones, for example when the wind direction is normal to the ridge the trusses on the edge of the structure will have a higher wind pressure as apposed to trusses that are in the middle of the structure. The “a” distance refers to the width of pressure coefficient zone. It’s the zone of high wind pressure when calculating C&C wind pressures. When the user designs trusses in iModel (layout) these zones and distances are considered so the user can take advantage of less wind pressures and therefore smaller uplift reactions, uplift connections, and optimize the truss designs.