masterseries updated-notes 0ctober 2008

2008

Department of Construction Technologyand Management (CTM)

Faculty of Civil Engineering and theBuilt Environment (CEBE)

College of Engineering and Technology(COET)

P.O.Box 35131Dar es Salaam

10/5/2008

Masterseries Manual Module 1

University of Dar es SalaamCollege of Engineering and Technology

BUREAU FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION (BICO)

COMPUTER APPLICATIONIN

CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN

Department of Construction Technology and Management (CTM)Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Built Environment (CEBE)

College of Engineering and Technology (COET)P.O.Box 35131Dar es Salaam

Master Series ManualModule 1

MasterseriesGuide notes 1

Table of ContentTable of content 1

1.0 Principles of Computer application in structural design 2

1.1 Getting started with master series 2

1.2 Introduction to basic features of masterseries 2

1.3 Masterseries main menu 3

2.0 Masterseries element design 4

2.1 Masterkey concrete slabs 4

2.2 Masterkey column and pad designer 6

2.2.1 Columns 6

2.2.1 Pad foundation 7

2.3 Masterkey beam designer 8

2.3.1 Beam curtailment 8

2.3.2 Beam detailing options 9

2.3.3 Beam and column links 10

2.3.4 End Beam options 11

2.3.5 Real slabs 12

2.4 Design and grades 15

3.0 Developing a building structural frame 19

3.1 The member menu 19

3.2 The node menu 24

3.3 Procedures for Developing a structural frame 30

4.0 Getting started with the 3D Model manager 35

4.1 3D Model menus 36

4.2 Multistorey menu 36

4.3 Area Load default 41

4.4 Gravity area loading 43

4.5 Basic rules of member area loading 49

5.0 Roof Truss 50


1.0 Principles of Computer application in structural design

Any computer application in engineering design involves various steps and principle thatshould be adhered to for a successful design. There are various structural design softwares incivil engineering and most of them rely on the same design principles. The following are thegeneric principle that can be applied for computer application in structural design using anysoftware.(a) Determine the structural frame geometry(b) Define the support conditions(c) Define material and section properties(d) Loading(e) Analysis(f) Design and detailing

1.2 Introduction to Basic features of Masterseries

A The Main MasterSeries Start-Up Screen

The various MasterSeries programs are accessed from the main MasterSeries Start-Upscreen. MasterSeries customization, general utilities, and the help system can also beaccessed from here.

To start the MasterSeries click on theWindows Start button following thepath shown and select the MasterSeriesfor Windows icon.


1.3 The Masterseries Main Menu

The File Menu: gives you access toMasterFrame Customisation, Print BlankMasterSeries pages (for use with handcalculations)and Exit MasterSeries.

The Frames Menu: gives you access toMasterFrame: Space, Grillage and Plane FrameAnalysis (Integrated Design and Drafting).The menu also provides you with access toMasterCAD: General Frames from theDrafting menu inside MasterFrame.

The Portal Frames menu: provides access toMasterPort for the elastic-plastic analysis anddesign of portal frames.

The Element Design menu: gives you access toMasterKey: Steel Sections, MasterKey: Connections andMasterKey: Timber as stand alone programs. MasterKey:Concrete Slabs and MasterKey: Concrete Columns and Padscan also be accessed.


The Flat Slab menu: enter the MasterFrame: Flat SlabConstruction analysis and design package.

The Designer Suite menu: provides access to MasterBeam:Composite Beam design, MasterKey: Masonry Design,MasterKey: Retaining Walls, MasterBeam: Concrete BeamDesigner, MasterBeam: Steel Beam Designer, MasterBeam:Timber Beam Designer, MasterKey: Concrete Columns andPads, MasterRC: Pile Cap Design and Detailing andMasterKey: Wind Loading to BS 6399.


2.0 Master series Element design

2.1 MasterKey Concrete Slabs

The design of simple concrete slabs that comply with the simplified rules in BS 8110-1 cl 3.5can be designed in a separate module that comes with MasterKey Concrete Beams. NamelyMasterKey Concrete Slabs.The program is accessed from the MasterSeries front screen and selecting “Element Design”> “MasterKey: Concrete Slabs”

These slabs are limited to the followingFunction LimitsSlab Section Capacity None


1-way Simply supportedSlab

Full dead and live UDL only.

1-way Continuous Slab Full dead and live UDL only. Cl 3.5.2.3 & Table 3.12Imposed/Dead does not exceed 1.25Imposed load max 5 kN/m2.

2-way Simply supported un-restrained Slab

Full dead and live UDL only. Cl 3.5.3.3 & Table 3.13

2-way Continuous restrainedSlab

Full dead and live UDL only. Cl 3.5.3.4 & 3.5.3.5 & Table3.14 & 3.15Imposed/Dead does not exceed 1.25Imposed load max 5 kN/m2.

If these limits are not met then use MasterKey Concrete Beams

2.2 Masterkey Column and Pad designer

2.2.1 ColumnsHere you change the number and diameterof the reinforcement in the column.If symetrical reinforcement is activated inthe Basic defaults then you can notchange the internal yy axis reinforcement..

Link patterns define the size and arrangement of links that restrain the main reinforcement.Every other bar should be restrained.The 9 old link patterns prior to MasterSeries 2004See below for new patterns.Using a 2004+ version of the MasterSeries, the old link patterns 1-9 are set by setting thefirst droplist to 0 and then choosing the correct number from the second droplist

.

1 - SingleLink,

2 - 2 links.1 outer &1 diamond link

3 - 3 links.1 outer &2 ⅓ width links

4 - 2 links.1 outer &1 saussage link

5 - 2 links.1 outer &1 saussage link


6 - 2 links.1 outer &1 ⅓ width link

7 - 2 links.1 outer &1 ⅓ width link

8 - 3 links.1 outer &1 ⅓ width link &1 saussage link

9 - 3 links.1 outer &1 ⅓ width link &1 saussage link

New MasterSeries 2004 + column link patterns.MasterSeries 2004 introduced new link patterns that give the engineer the flxibility theyneed. No longer do you define a pattern number but state the number of link legs in eachdirection.The Restraint and Bracing arrangements are calculated from the frame geometry and globalvalues set in Basic Data and Defaults. Any restraint and bracing details set to global will usethe frame geometry and default values . If “Symmetrical Reinforcement” is set in BasicData and Defaults then Y-Y internal reinforcement is equal to the X-X internal reinforcementand their input boxes are greyed out.Should you wish to over ride these you can change them. Reference should be made toBS8110-1:1997 Cl 3.8.1.5 & Tables 3.19 & 3.20

2.2.2 Pad Foundations

Pad Data:Length xx:Breadth zz:Depth:

Basic dimensions of the pad

Strip footing: Set whether the Foundation is a Pad or a strip footing. If you select afooting then ensure the dimension in the direction of the wall is 1000 mm.

Cage Style: The detailing style is also set to Straight-Bars, Bobed-Bars or full depth U-Bars

ColumnWidth xx:Width zz:

Basic dimensions of the column allowing for any concrete casing or aconcrete plinth. If left to ZERO then it will default to the size of thecolumn in MasterFrame (conservitive)

Centre xx: Distance from the edge of the foundatioin to the centre of the column. . If


Centre zz: left to ZERO then it will default to the center of the foundationPlinth height: The height of any plinth or dwarf column not considered in the

MasterFrame/MasterPort analysis. Any horizontal Shear Forces aremultiplied by this height to develop an additional moment.

ReinforcementHere you change the number and diameter of the reinforcement in the pad.The steel can be in up to 2 zones say Inner zone is 200 c/c, and outer zone is 400 c/c (see BS8110-1:1997 cl 3.11.3.2).If zoning is not required then the steel is assumed to be at the first pitch throughout .LoadingGk Ult Partial safety factor on the Density and Surcharge in ultimate load cases.Gk Srv Partial safety factor on the Density and Surcharge in service load cases.Surcharge: Surcharge to top of base kN/m2 applied to whole base.Density: Density of the concrete in kN/m3.SWP: Safe Working Pressure kN/m2 or the Un-Factored (Service) Bearing

pressure used in sizing the pad. The program identifies a loading case asservice case if all load factors are equal or less than 1.00.

WallsLoad Service/working load (kN/m) per meter run.

Note: If no wall projections (faces) are defined then the load is assumed tobe total intensity (kN).

o/s xx Wall offset parrallel to the XX axis (mm).o/s zz Wall offset parrallel to the ZZ axis (mm).Faces Define which faces of the

foundation the wall existson. See example oppositeIf NO wall projections(faces) are defined thenthe load is assumed to betotal intensity (kN).

2.3 Masterkey Beam designer2.3.0 Basic Data and DefaultsSetting the basic data and defaults is the key to using MasterKey Concrete. These settingsare used in each of the following design aspects.Beam CurtailmentAutoDesignCovers + Aggregate

Design + GradesLaps, Cranks and KicksSide Bars and Labelling

On the first design of a generated frame the basic data and defaults form is displayed. Thebasic data and defaults form can also be accessed at any stage by the control from theQuick buttons.

2.3.1 Beam Curtailment


These rules are used during the AutomaticDesign (AutoDesign) of beams, columns andpads. The beam curtailment and detailingmethods may be overridden manually afterAutoDesign.Beam Curtailment methods

Beam reinforcement can be detailed in 1, 2 or 3 zones.

1 Zone Design 2 Zone Design

3 Zone Curtailment 3 Zone Double CurtailmentThe 3 zone design has 4 curtailment methods as follows:Simple Only Curtailed to the BS 8110 simplified rules only based on span ratios. No

account is taken of the BM diagram and failure may occur.Detailed Curtailed to the BM diagram.Detailed + Double Double curtailed to the BM diagram. This causes 2 sets of main bars to

be used in each zone with different curtailment points.Detailed + Simple Curtailed to the BM diagram and the BS 8110 simplified rules.

2.3.2 Beam Detailing optionsTop Bars to Supports: Top Mid-Span bars (nominal bars) stop

a set distance from the support (seeLaps, Cranks and Kicks) to allow thesteel-fixer to pre-fix links to thenominal bars (Beam & Splice method).

Bot Bars to Supports: Bottom Mid-Span bars (main bars) )stop a set distance from the support(see Laps, Cranks and Kicks) to allowthe steel-fixer to pre-fix links to themain bars (Beam & Splice method).


Bot sup bars use maindia:

The bottom steel at the supports uses the same diameter as the mid-span bars (main bars).

1 Bar group per zone: Only use on set of bars per zone. i.e. 5T20 not 3T20 + 2T16. Thiswill negate the effect of double curtailment but simplifies thereinforcement.

Limit SupportMoment & defl:

Restrict the design support moment to the value at d/2 from thesupport face. This also reduces the effective span for deflectionscheck.

No Odd bar numbers Use 2, 4 or 6 bars but never 3 or 5. This is useful in 450 wideground beams where a 3 bar arrangement would require a middlelink leg as the the mar would be greater than 150 mm from arestrained bar

Delete short mid-bars:

If the mid span bars are less than 30% of the span then delete theseshort bars and re-lap as 2-bar zone.

As 1 bar if span <= If the beam is a single span beam and is less than your set span thenthere will be no curtailment of reinforcement. Just a single bargroup across the full span (and bobbed if requested or required)

Omit slab top midbars

If designing as a slab (see Beam links below) then omit mid-span topsteel if there is no mid-span hogging moment.

2.3.3 Beam & Column Links Options

4 Link Legs asEqual:

Normally 4 link legs will detail as 1large and 1 small link. This gives astable cage with low risk of loosing theside cover. However this is not alwaysdesirable as the internal link can benarrow and requires 2 separate links tobe detailed.This option allows you to use 2 equalsize links of 2/3 width. Caution must beexercised when using this option as thelinks could spread during concretepouring and thus reduce the side cover.

Open Links withcloser:

Detail the links as open links (77 and55) with a 35 closer.

As a Slab (no links): Omit links from beam, and detail as a slab.


See Section 8.4.5 Real SlabsInternal Link Equal: Normally 6 link legs will detail

as1 large, 1 medium and 1 smalllink. This option will give you 1large and 2 small links.

Single leg internallinks

All internal links to be single leglinks shape 85.

Replace Shape code85 links with U-Bars

Replace Shape code 85 links withshort horizontal U-Bars for easierplacement on site. Internal linkswill not be replaced unless theyare 85’s.This function is best used if OpenLinks with closer and Single leginternal links are active

2.3.4 End-Beam OptionsEnd T=B as U bars: If the end support top and bottom steel

match (eg 2T16 top and 2T16 bottom)then at “printing” and “exporting”time these bars will be converted to U-Bars. They will remain as 2 separatebars on the screen to allow you to editthe bars separately.

Always Bob end bars: Always Bob end bars even if the support width does not require it foranchorage.

Anchor as L-Bars: If the bar anchorage length requires the bar to return into the beam asa U-Bar then insist that the bar continues down into the column.


Lift bot leg of U-Bar: Reduce the depth of U-Bars so their bottom leg lies above the mainbottom steel.

Anchor L-Bars to D/2: Curtail all L and bobbed bars to a minimum depth of D/2Anchor L-Bars to D-cover:

Curtail all L and bobbed bars to a minimum depth of the far faceminus the cover

Limit unstressedanchor to D- 2 covers

Don’t try to give an unstressed top support bar a full anchorage. Limitit to to D- 2 covers vertically.

2.3.5 Real SlabsThe concrete beam program can be made todesign the beams using the slab rules byselecting As a Slab (no links) above. Thiswill then apply the slab rules to the beamcross-section.As a more practical alternative select the“Design as a Slab for 1000mm …” option.

This will use a slab section of 1000 mmwide.

All moments and shears will beproportioned to the values for sectionanalysis width.

Main bars are input and stored as apitch. Eg T12 @ 225 and not as anapproximate pitch 6-T12 @ 166

Bar pitch changed by using the mouseon the pitch value.

Above: set to “As Slab (no links set)”.Note the odd spacing. Still dealing with a

physical number of bars in a beam width set inanalysis.

Above: set to “Design as a Slab for 1000mm..”Note: the exact spacing and design will be for1000 mm wide section..


Laps, Cranks and Kicks

Crank Details: Defines minimum beam and column bar crank dimensions in both mmand bar diameters. The larger of the 2 values will be used.The Min bar diameter is the minimum bar size that will be cranked(usually 16 mm). Bars below this diameter will not be cranked as they areassumed to be flexible.

Crank top middle: Crank the top middle steel (nominal steel) if it is equal to or above theminimum diameter.

Crank bot middle: Crank the bottom middle steel (main steel) if it is equal to or above theminimum diameter.

Crank bot support: Crank the bottom support steel (nominal steel) if it is equal to or abovethe minimum diameter. At end supports the outside end of the mid-spansteel will be cranked instead.

Laps: Sets the minimum Lap length in mm and bar diameters. Having calculatedthe required lap length for a bar the program will then check it againstthese values and use the largest value.These can be set relative to the column face or any perpendicular beam


face.Top/Bot end gap: Distance from end of mid span nominal top/bottom steel to support.Kicker Height: Sets the height above the top of the beam for start of the bars. The beam

concrete will be poured to this height to form a kicker for the columnformwork.

Use Splice bar laps In columns wherecolumn dimensions aredifferent for each liftthen the program will usesplice bars instead ofcranked bars that projectfrom the lower lift.If active this switchcaused the program toalways use splice bars.

Cranked Splice Bars

Side Bars and labellingAt supports the sidebars may be curtailed inone of 3 ways. You may also set the side bardiameter and the depth above which side barsare required.Bar labelling may be tailored to suit your owndrawing style.In the UK users would normally only beconcerned with how layered reinforcement islabelled. i.e. T1, T2 and B1, B2 or the T, TTand B, BB methods. This is only important ifyou will be using layered steel.High yield bars may have a T, Y or X prefix.

Bar marks can have a prefix or suffix e.g. 4-T16-A03 or 4-T16-03A and the bar mark can beplaced before the bar size e.g. 4-A03-T16.


Covers and AggregateMasterKey Concrete allows you to assigndifferent covers to the different structuralelements in a frame. Namely Beams,Columns and Pad Foundations.Beams and Pads can have different covers toeach face.In Beams you can have different Top andBottom covers in the X-X and Z-Z planes.This can be used to prevent bar clashing in3_D frames.The Additional cover at supports allows youto keep your main steel at full depth increasethe cover in one direction.

2.4 Design and GradesThis area is critical to the operation of theprogram.The design and grades tab defines thereinforcing steel strength and the concretegrades for beams, columns and pads.Numerous practical design options are alsoprovided, giving the user complete controlover the AutoDesign process.

GeneralFy and Fyv: Fy: the yield strength of the main reinforcement in N/mm2.

Fyv: the yield strength of the shear reinforcement (links) in N/mm2.The value of Fy and Fyv for main bars and shear links can be set to 250,410, 425, 450, and 460 to cater for UK and non-UK design.MasterSeries Customisation allows you to add or remove grades from thislist. From the MasterSeries fromt screen go Utilities > Customisation >Design codes. Values are seperated by semicolons.


High yield bartype:

d-1 : Deformed type 1d-2 : Deformed type 2 (Std in the UK)

pln : plainfab : Fabric or Mesh

BeamsFcu: Characteristic strength of the concrete at 28 days in N/mm2.Maximum X/dratio:

When designing doubly reinforced beams by hand you visually choose thelimiting X/d ratio from the design chart (0.3, 0.4, 0.5). The program needsyou to choose this ratio, usually 0.5, and it will then reduce it accordingly ifthere is any moment re-distribution.

Support Width: When no supporting columns are present in the analysis model, such ascontinuous beams, then this value is used as the nominal support width atsupports for curtailment of bars and links.Tip: Should you wish to use varying support widths on continuous knifeedge beams then this is best done as follows:

Create a single level multi-story frame with say 1 m high columns andFixed bases.Set column widths to desired support widths.Release the upper end of each column using “Release Ends” in theMembers menu.

Ignore As Comp: Do not use any compression steel in the design. This has the advantage ofremoving the limits on link size and diameter.

Minor AxisMoments

Beam design is for major axis bending only.This is a set of switches to ignore all minor axis moments or only if below acertian value or ratio of the major moment.These moments are listed on the output and noted that they are ignored.

ColumnsFcu: Characteristic strength of the concrete at 28 days in N/mm2

This is now better set in the Beam/Column Levels area as you can setdifferent grades at different levels.

Minimum KValue:

The program uses BS 8110 equation 33 to calculate the K value for slendercolumns but allows you to conservatively set it to 1. Allowing you to setthe minimum value provides a flexible degree of safety.

X-X, Y-Y Braced: The program needs to know whether the frame braced or un-braced in eachaxis.

Fixed Bases asDeep Beams:

When the program encounters a fixed support the program needs to knowwhether to consider this as a Deep or Shallow beam end condition.

Ignore MaxTension Steel Gap:

There are two schools of thought on whether BS 8110 requires you tocheck the tension steel gap in columns. When selected this check isignored.

SymmetricalReinforcement:

When selected the reinforcement on all 4 faces is identical. When de-selected the reinforcement on all opposite faces is identical.

Plane frame YYRestraints:

In 2-D frames you need to tell the program what the "out of plane" YYrestraint conditions are.

PadsDesign Pads: Permit or omit the design of column supports as pads. You would turn this

off if your frame was supported on piles.


No up-lift: Size pads to prevent up-lift of the base. During AutoSizing only.Ignore Shear: Omit the horizontal shear force from the support reactions from the design

of pad foundations. This reduces or omits applied bending on the pad. Ifyou use this option you must be careful to remember to resist the horizontalforces by some other method. A typical example of this would be wherethe column leg is tied to the floor slab.

Ignore srv moment If there are no Ultimate moments then ignore any service moments.This applies to frames with “Nominally pinned” steel columns to BS 5950-1:2000 Cl 5.1.3.3

Fcu: Characteristic strength of the concrete at 28 days in N/mm2.Mass Concrete Design pads as mass concrete.SWP: Safe Working Pressure kN/m2 or the Un-Factored (Service) Bearing

pressure used in sizing the pad. The program identifies a loading case asservice case if all load factors are equal or less than 1.00.

Density: Density of the concrete in kN/m3.Style: Style of reinforcement

1 Straight Bars. 2 Bobbed Bars. 3 Full height U-Bars.Surcharge: Surcharge to top of base kN/m2 applied to whole base.Gk Service: Partial safety factor on the Density and Surcharge in service load cases.Gk Service: Partial safety factor on the Density and Surcharge in ultimate load cases.Mue % Coefficent of friction between soil and concrete base as a percentage. 30%

implies a mue of 0.30.

AutoDesignThe AutoDesign tab allows the user to setthe minimum and maximum bar parametersfor automatic design.With the adjacent AutoDesign parametersthe minimum beam reinforcement will be 4no. – 16 mm diameter bars top and bottomwith a minimum of 2 no. - 12 mm diameterlink legs at a maximum longitudinal pitch of250 mm.In Pad foundations you also set the defaultpad size and AutoDesign size increments.The AutoDesign reserve is a percentageincrease in the applied moments and shearsto allow for late changes in design or anincreased factor of safety.

It should be noted that these settings will have no effect on the existing reinforcement butwill be used if you select the current member AutoDesign or AutoDesign All Visiblemembers buttons.An efficient way to use the AutoDesign settings is as follows.

Set wide ranging values say 2-6 bars and 12-32 diameter bars.Perform an AutoDesign All.


Assess the range of reinforcement used on the different spans.Set a narrower educated range of values say 4-4 bars and 16-25 diameter bars.Perform a second AutoDesign All.

Assess the ReinforcementRe-assess the Support reinforcement doing an interactive re-distribution using theinteractive redistribution spin buttons atthe bottom of the bar editing tab.

Set your global re-distribution values.Perform a third AutoDesign All.

Select the button to scan all members for design failuresManually fix any remaining reinforcement failures as described in section 8.5“Editing Main Beam Reinforcement ”.

Beam/Column LevelsIn multi-storey frames a seventh tab isdisplayed in the Basic Data & Defaults area.Here you set two sets of values for eachcolumn level as follows:Top of beam Structural Level. In theanalysis model all beams on a level aredrawn through their centre lines. While thisis OK for analysis it is not good enough fordetailing. It would cause the columnreinforcement to stop and start at differentlevels for the same node level. See left handsub-frame opposite.

To overcome this, the user should set the “Top of Beams Structural Level” for each nodeheight. A typical level is the node height plus ½ the depth of the deepest beam on that level.This will then detail the columns as shown in the right hand sub-frame above.Column Fcu below this level. This function allows you to define different concrete gradesfor the columns depending on the level of the column. In the above the top 2 lifts are 30 kN,the next 3 are 40 kN and the last 4 are 50 kN.


3.0 Developing Building Structural frame

3.1 The Members Menu

The Members Menu provides options for editing memberinformation including end releases, properties, orientation andloading.

It also provides options for defining new member, re-definingexisting members, deleting, packing, splitting and re-naming (re-numbering) members.

An option for placing plastic hinges (moment re-distribution) isalso provided.

A facility for grouping a number of members together to act as asingle member (Super Member) is available.

For semi-automatic placing of plastic hinges in steel structures,please refer to Multi-Bay Portal Frames.

(a) Member Properties, Orientation and LoadingDefining member section properties, orientation, and applying member loads all use acommon interface known as the member information area.

The Member Information Editing AreaDefining Member Materials and SectionsMember OrientationStructural loading

In the Construction Snap Grid the grid is an irregular grid based on the Coordinates ofexisting nodes in the current plane (X and Y Coordinates for the XY plane) and the depth ofthe plane (the Z value for the XY plane).When a new member starts or ends at a point along an existing member you will be askedwhether you wish to split the existing member to make connection or to leave the newmember free at that point.When you define a member between two points with intermediate nodes, then the newmember is automatically split to make connection to all intermediate nodes.


Activate On Click - Define MembersThis option semi-automates some of the block editing operations eliminating the need to useproceed after each operation.In this case, a new member will be positioned as soon as the Second node is entered. At thesame time, the Start at Mem. is incremented by 1, and the focus moves automatically back tothe First node (if the Polyline button is OFF otherwise the new First node is made equal tothe last node on the polyline) ready for defining the next member in the series.

Polyline - Define MembersThis option allows you to position a series of members as a polyline whereby each newmember starts at the end of the previous member.

(b) Define New MemberThe Define New Member option allowsyou to insert new members into theframe. There are three methods of inputExisting Nodes, Regular Snap Grid andConstruction Snap Grid. The Snap Gridmethods introduce new nodes asrequired.Snap Grids can work in the XY, YZ orXZ planes.The Define New Member option allowsyou to insert new members into theframe. There are three methods of inputExisting Nodes, Regular Snap Grid andConstruction Snap Grid. The Snap Gridmethods introduce new nodes asrequired.

In the Regular Snap Grid You define the grid spacing in the current plane (X and Y spacingfor the XY plane) and the depth of the plane (the Z value for the XY plane).In the Construction Snap Grid the grid is an irregular grid based on the Coordinates ofexisting nodes in the current plane (X and Y Coordinates for the XY plane) and the depth ofthe plane (the Z value for the XY plane).When a new member starts or ends at a point along an existing member you will be askedwhether you wish to split the existing member to make connection or to leave the newmember free at that point.When you define a member between two points with intermediate nodes, then the newmember is automatically split to make connection to all intermediate nodes.

Activate On Click - Define Members


This option semi-automates some of the block editing operations eliminating the need to useproceed after each operation.In this case, a new member will be positioned as soon as the Second node is entered. At thesame time, the Start at Mem. is incremented by 1, and the focus moves automatically back tothe First node (if the Polyline button is OFF otherwise the new First node is made equal tothe last node on the polyline) ready for defining the next member in the series.

Polyline - Define MembersThis option allows you to position a series of members as a polyline whereby each newmember starts at the end of the previous member.


Redefine Ends for an existing memberThe Redefine Member option allowsyou to redefine end nodes for existingmembers.You can redefine a member betweenexisting frame nodes or the nodes of asnap grid. In the latter case new nodesare automatically added to the frame.There are three methods of inputExisting Nodes, Regular Snap Grid andConstruction Snap Grid. The Snap Gridmethods introduce new nodes asrequired.Snap Grids can work in the XY, YZ orXZ planes.

In the Regular Snap Grid You define the grid spacing in the current plane (X and Y spacingfor the XY plane) and the depth of the plane (the Z value for the XY plane).In the Construction Snap Grid the grid is an irregular grid based on the Coordinates ofexisting nodes in the current plane (X and Y Coordinates for the XY plane) and the depth ofthe plane (the Z value for the XY plane).When a new member starts or ends at a point along an existing member, you will be askedwhether you wish to split the existing member to make connection or to leave the newmember free at that point.When you define a member between two points with intermediate nodes, then the newmember is automatically split to make connection to all intermediate nodes.

Activate On Click - Redefine MemberThis option semi-automates some of the block editing operations eliminating the need to useproceed after each operation.In this case, the member is re-positioned as soon as the Second node is entered and the focusmoves automatically back to the Redefine mem (if the Polyline button is OFF). Otherwisethe Redefine mem is incremented by 1, and the new First node is made equal to the last nodeon the polyline) ready for re-defining the next member.

Polyline - Redefine MemberThis option allows you to position a series of members as a polyline whereby each newmember starts at the end of the previous member.

(c) Delete Members


The Delete Nodes option allows you to delete a number of selectednodes and all members connecting to them. The remaining nodes andmembers in the frame are renumbered automatically.

(d) Merge Two Members

Merges two members that are arranged in a straight line, i.e. delete theconnecting node and redefine as one member.


(e) Split Members

Split Member (Insert a node)The Split Members option allows you to split selected membersintroducing new node(s) and new member(s). You define the distancein m unit (the length of the first portion in each member) or the Ratioof the length of the first portion to that of the original member. Youcan also specify the number of equal segments to split the memberinto.

(d) Split Two members @ Intersection

The split two members at intersection function enables you to simply selecttwo members to insert a node and connect the members at the intersectionpoint. The intersection point must have similar X,Y and Z co-ordinates with acertain tolerance.

(e) Rename Member (Renumber)

The Rename Members allows you to renumber members in anysequence. To use the rename option effectively we suggest using theActivate on Click Option.

With Activate on Click Option ON, the New Member No isautomatically incremented by 1 to allow you to click on the nextMember to rename.


3.2 The Nodes Menu

The Nodes Menu provides options for editing nodal co-ordinates,copying, inserting, merging, deleting and re-naming (re-numbering)nodes. It also provides options for rotating the frame, or its parts. Anumber of the functions in the nodes menu are also avialble in the QuickMenu.

It is recommended that you have firstly studied section 3.3.2 of thismanual.

(a) Edit Co-ordinates(List)The Nodal Co-ordinates List enables you to edit thenodal co-ordinates X,Y and Z, add or insert newnodes, delete existing nodes and move (shift)nodes.

In the adjacent form, with the shift selected,clicking the OK button will move node 4 from6,3.5 to 3,7.5. If the Shift key is in the up position,then the text box to right of it is not used and theOK button in deactivated.

To change an existing nodal co-ordinate simply position the cursor in the appropriate positionin the nodal co-ordinate list and over type the existing values.

Add. This button will add a new node to end of the current node list with a default XYZ co-ordinate of 0,0,0. This can then be edited as described above.

Del. To delete a node position the cursor at any point on the line of the node you wish toremove. Click the Del button. The node will be deleted along with any members that whereattached to it.

Ins. Adds a new node in the position of the list above the currently selected node, henceincrementing all the existing node numbers below this point by 1.


Change XYZ (Block of Nodes)The Change XYZ option enables you to change the X, Y or ZCo-ordinates for a number of selected nodes to a specified value.In the above example the Y Co-ordinates of nodes 1 to 13 willbe set to 5.77 m.

Reset Origin : All XYZ PositiveThe Make All XYZ Positive option automatically shifts the wholeframe so that all X, Y and Z Co-ordinates are made positive. Thisautomatically done at analysis time, however it may occasionally benecessary during the editing process.

(b) Copy and Shift

The Copy and Shift option repositions selected existing nodes,offsetting them from the Master Node.

In the above example

Node 4 will be repositioned 2 m to the right and 2 m above node 2(the master node),

Node 5 will be repositioned 4 m to the right and 4 m above node 2and so on.


Shift XYZ

The Shift XYZ option adds the specified values in Shift X, Shift Y andShift Z to the X, Y and Z Co-ordinates respectively for the selectednodes.

Enter existing node numbers in the Move Node (n1) and To NodeAND (n2) input. This has the effect of shifting the selected nodes byan amount equal to difference in the X, Y and Z co-ordinates of n1 andn2, i.e. (n2-n1). This is most useful when you wish to move theselected node set by moving a node in the set (n1) to another node inthe structure (n2). This movement is in addition to the Shift X, Y andZ amounts entered.

(c)Multiply XYZ (Re-scale)

The Multiply XYZ option is a scaling function that multiplies theselected nodes by the scale factors.

(d) Delete Nodes

Delete Nodes

The Delete Nodes option enables you to delete a number ofselected nodes and all members connected to them. The remainingnodes and members in the frame are renumbered automatically.

(e) Pack (Delete unused nodes)The Pack nodes option automatically deletes nodes that are notconnected to any member, merges duplicate nodes (nodes with thesame X,Y and Z Co-ordinates) and deletes duplicate members, forexample, members connecting the same two nodes.


(f) Position on Straight Line

The Position on Straight Line option repositions selected existing nodes,onto a straight line defined by the Start Node and End Node. If no startand end nodes are defined then the highest and lowest nodes in thenodes to position selection will be used. (e.g. 1 and 13)

(g)Position on Circle

The Position Nodes on Circle option enables you to place a set ofselected nodes on a complete or part circle defined by its radius,centre, start and increment angles. The Circle can be in XY, XZ orYZ planes.

(h) Position on ArchThe Position Nodes on Arch option enables you to place a set ofselected nodes on an in or out-of-plane arch defined by two nodes andan offset (camber). If no start and end nodes are defined, then thehighest and lowest nodes in the nodes to position selection will be used.( e.g. 1 and 16 ).

Redefine Global Axis (New X Axis)

The New Global X-Axis provides you with a special method for rotatingthe frame, or part of it. You can select the line for the new X axis andthen rotate the frame about the new X axis by the specified angle.


(i) Add Nodes on StraightThe Add Nodes on a Straight Line option enables you to insert anumber of nodes and space them equally on any straight line drawnfrom a selected node (Master Node).

The Master Node is the node at which the new nodes will be insertedand its Co-ordinates are used as the origin for the new set of nodes.

Split (Insert a node on a straight)This function enables you to add nodes to the frame, at any pointbetween two other nodes.

If no distance or ratio is specified the node will be placed mid-waybetween the original two nodes chosen.

The distance or ratio refers to the distance from the first node to thenew node along the length of the line between the two nodes.


3.3. PROCEDURES FOR DEVELOPING A STRUCTURAL FRAME

Masterseries design program provides you with the opportunity to generate the model yourbuilding/ structural frame in the program in order to be analyzed and designed in a 3D modelas a full structural frame. Before attempting the development of your structural frame, youshould be able to;

(i) Understand properly the architectural drawing,

(ii) Understanding the supporting mechanisms, gridlines (if any), position of columns andbeams, position of the lift shaft and stair case.

(iii) Translate and visualize the drawings into the real structural frame with all the structuralmechanisms.

Having understood the drawing you should be able to;

(iv) Establish the position and number of gridlines on the floor plan of the architecturaldrawing of the building in both directions ( x and z directions),

(v) Establish the span distance of the grid lines (center to center)

The following are the step by step procedures for developing a model of a building structureusing 3D-modelling

1. The Frames Menu: gives you access toMasterFrame: Space, Grillage and Plane FrameAnalysis (Integrated Design and Drafting).Go to frame menu and choose Analysis DesignDrafting. Define the file name by creating anew file and then choose plane frame option onthe Frame generation menu box appear on yourscreen. The below floor layout shall appear.


2. At the floor layout menu do the following in order to translate the drawing into floor layoutmodel.(i) Define the number of grids on the x and z axis of your drawing as you have established

above as well as their span legth and default span (if they are egually spaced).(ii) Define the legth of each span (if different from default span)(iii) It is recommended that you change the grid spacing of x-axis into 1:1 mode(iv) Choose the type section and material for the building(v) As an option you can reverse the direction of labelling the gridlines.(vi) After each action in this menu click proceed in order to effect and see the change you have

made therein.(vii) Please after all the above steps you must check whether you have defined accurately the grid

lines etc before exit the command otherwise you cant go back and re-do.3. After exit the floor layout menu use the member and node menus to customise the floor planand fit it exactly to your drawing. Delete members (beams) and nodes which are not in thedrawing, add members at the places where you could define the grid lines etc.4. Define the member (beam) section properties (default section is 400x400mm) at mambermenu.


5. Using Multi-storey menu, you canadd/delete column/beams at nodes/offset,move colums, define shear wall etc.(i) Click add column runs at node to open theColumn Runs menu,(ii) define the type of section and material forcolumn member and also their end conditions(fixed/pinned).(iii) Define the height of the column to thefirst floor (if from ground floor/basement)(iii) Add/delete column at nodes byhighlighting nodes or touching each nodewhere you want to position columns6. Use the Multi storey menu to add otherfloors by clicking Add Floor menu in orderto genarate a multi storey frame.(i) define the shift height and number ofrepeats(floors to be added)(ii) Turn the frame into fron view and selectnodes from bottom of the columns to the top.(in this case select nodes of top level only ifyou are adding floors step wise(iii) click proceed to genarate the levels7. Use Multi storey menu to set frame viewsautomatically by clicking Set frame views(automatic)8. Use Multi storey menu to insert loads tothe frame by clicking area loading defaultsmenu.(i) Generate the levels numbers and heights

automatically by clicking the icon

(ii) Turn on area loading by clicking theicon(iii) Enter the defaults loads and slabthickness,


(iv) proceed into the other sub-menus byentering the relevant data according to yourdesign and follow the procedures for areaload generation as explained in section 4below.(v) Check the loads on the frame on this icon

9. Perform the analysis by clicking on theanalyse icon and view the analysis results byclicking the output icon10. Perform the design by clicking theDesign icon.11. Respond to the Basic data and DefaultsMenu by(i) Going through all sub menus axndcustomise various design parameters to suiteyour design;(ii) Save the changes you have made in thismenu and click ok to proceed with the designuntil the program stop to design.12. Click the members to view the designand you can edit the provisions of the design

13. Use this menu to auto design member, toview the calculations, edit reinforcement,adjust the links, redistribute moments, andcheck the members with failure etc.

14.Use the Export menu to export the RCdetails to the Autocad program in the DXFfile format. Note Drawings that will beexported are those on the current view.15. Use Powerpad menu to export thecalculations for the current member or for thewhole structure to a printer, or PDF file orinto a word document file.


Select the members which youwant to print the output calculations


4.0 Using 3D Model Manager

The 3D Model Manager is an umbrella program, dramatically enhancing the capabilities ofMasterFrame, MasterPort and MasterKey Steel Design. It provides you with additionaladvanced modelling tools together with even more sophistication and speed for the integrateddesign of your structure.

The MasterSeries 3D Model Manager gives you the ability to very quickly set up any frameto receive area gravity, wind or snow loading, using the most intelligent and easy to usemethod available.

This manual has been carefully designed to make you aware of the additional tools the 3Dmodel manager provides and also explain in great detail the operation of these. The currentmain features of the 3D Model Manager are,

Advanced 3D frame generation utilities (Multi-Storey menu)Gravity area loading one-way or two-way spanningGeneral Patch loadingGeneral panel line loadsWind loads normal to any surfaceGrid LinesIntegrated Composite Beam designAutomatic Steel design by member design groups

4.1 The 3D Model Menu

To use the tools of the 3D Model Manager you must firstly generate a 3D structural model inthe normal fashion using either MasterFrame for general frames or MasterPort for 3D portalframes. In MasterFrame the 3D Model Manager provides a collection of advanced tools forgenerating 3D structures more easily (Multi-Storey menu). The tools of the 3D ModelManager can be found in the Edit> 3D Model menu of either of these programs. For thepurposes of clarity in this manual, from this point on we will assume only to be using the 3DModel Manager from the more general MasterFrame.


4.2 The Multi Storey Menu

The multi-storey menu contains a collection of tools,which assist in the generation of any 3D structure,however there are several functions that becomemore beneficial in multi-story type frames. One ofthe main purposes of this menu is to collect all thetools needed for the generation of multi-storeystructure and place then in an order that provides anapproximate guide to the recommended steps ingenerating a multi-storey structure. For many multi-storey frames this menu can be entirely sufficient forthe complete generation of a structural model. Hencemany items found in the Mutli-Storey menu are alsoavailable in other menus. Also many of the tools areexclusive to this menu specifically for multi-storeyframe generation purposes. All these tools can beused in conjunction with the standard MasterFramefacilites.

The methodology of the menu in relation to the generation of an example multi-storeystructure is as follows.

1.New Floor Plan (Replace Frame). This option will allow thegeneration of rectilinear arrangement of beams, i.e. a floor plate.The beams can also be referenced with grid lines.

2.Even though your beam arrangement is not rectangular it isrecommend to use this option to produce a skeleton, then deletethe unnecessary elements. An example of this is shown below.


When starting a new file the Floor Plan generator is available from the frame wizardoptions, therefore avoiding the need to initially use this option from the menu.

An initial section property type for the beams can be chosen here, avoiding the need toassign section sizes in the standard MasterFrame area.

The next four options in the menu can then be used to achieve the desired arrangement. Theorder in which the Add Columns…, Add Beams…, Move Columns… and Delete Membersoptions are used in is not important.

1. Here we may decide to Add some Beamsas the next step.

These are shown highlighted.

2. Next we might use the Delete Membersoption

3. Going back to Add Beams…

4. Using Delete Members and MoveColumns…

Tip! In this example the points at the ends ofthe radial beams could also be located usingthe general MasterFrame Nodes> PositionNodes on a Circle command.

5. Finally we Add Beams… using the snapgrid approach


6. Having achieved the beam arrangement we may Add/Delete Column Runs. A columncan be placed at any location where there is a node point. By firstly adding all the beamsin this case we have obtained nodes at all points where we have columns. If this is notthe case it is necessary to add the node at the column location using standardMasterFrame methods.

First select the column section type (and grade if appropriate). Then enter the beta angle(orientation), columns height and base support condition. A column is added with thespecified data by click on the node point. A set of nodes can also be windowed formultiple selections. You can also remove a column by clicking on the node.

7. Super members can now be automatically generated by detected beams spanningbetween columns and supporting beams. A Super member has the effect of gluing twoor more member together, forming one structural member. This is necessary for thedesign processes and most convenient for the management of the model. Supermembers can be automatically generated from the Add/Delete Columns area, howeverthis can also be done from the specific Super Member option in the menu, which has theadvantage of providing more graphical super member information. Always generate asAnalysis Super Members.

In this example some supermember have already beengenerated. This is because in theAdd Beams… function the optionto ‘Keep as Super member’ waschecked for any members thatwhere split in the process ofadding members. Many of thesesuper members are incorrecttherefore it is recommended todelete these before attempting toautomatically generate all thesuper members.

To automatically generate the super members, firstlyenter the maximum beam span in the structure. This


prevents long beam runs, which do not span betweencolumns, being defined as super members.

Then click on the lightening bolt button to generate all super members inthe current view. The additional two icons (pressed down) indicate thatthis process is being carried out for all beams in the east-west and north-south direction.

8. Stiff Deck End Releases (Simple Construction). This option allows you to automaticallyand/or manually apply pinned ends and diaphragm floor action (stiff deck) to members.When using the automatic application method it will apply to all members is the currentview. After entering this option from the Multi-Storey menu the option areautomatically configured for pinned ends in the major axis with stiff-deck. Toautomatically apply these simply click on Proceed.

The blue highlightingrepresents stiff-deck, whilethe symbols drawn at theends of the beam representpinned ends. In theautomatic method an endrelease is applied to theends of all members / supermembers in the currentview.

Any unwanted end releases can be removed by clicking on the individual release on thatmember. Such would be the case for cantilever members.

9. Area Loading. The application or gravity area loading, line loading and patch loading isrecommended at this stage. This topic is discussed in detail in section 14.3, 14.5 and14.6 of this manual.


10. Add Floor. This function will copy a floor or part off to create further levels in thestructure. In doing so all columns and bracing, area loading, line loading and patchloading are also copied between levels. Therefore it is most convenient to carry out asmuch common work as possible on the first floor before using the Add Floor facility. Touse this function simply select the nodes on the floor, enter the level height and thenumber of additional levels required. Click on ShowNewFrame and then Proceed toactivate the change.

11. Column Splices. This area allows you to consider columns splice locations by specifywhich columns on a column run will be the same section size. This is done by definingDrafting Super Members. A drafting super member allows independent design checks tobe added to the individual members, however the sections size of all parts of the draftingsuper members are made the same in the MasterKey Steel Design program. Also duringany automatic design in the most critical member in the drafting super member isselected and determines the section size for all other parts of the drafting super member.

When the Column Splicesoption is selected from themenu the programautomatically turns on thevertical member filter andplaces the structure in frontelevation. At this point theentire column lifts in wholestructure that are the samesection can be windowed asshown.

This produces individual draftingsuper members from each of thestraight runs of members includedin the selection.

Drafting super members can beindividually edited and amended inthe same way as other supermembers.

12. Grid Lines. If the structure has originated from the Floor Plate generator as illustrated instep 1, then gird line referencing may already be in place. Any existing gird lines can beredefined, renamed or deleted, while new grid lines can be added. Specific levels canalso be names in this area, which has a major influence on the application of the defaultarea loading intensities

13. Set Frame Views (Automatic). By simply selecting this option from the menu theprogram will generate plan views of all levels and section views on all gird lines. Theseare then accessible from the frame view drop list on the top tool bar. Frame views arethe most convenient means of navigating your way around a large 3D Structure.


4.3 Area Loading Defaults

The area loading defaults allows you to define the blanket default dead and live gravityloading applied to each floor and roof of the structure. The program can also automaticallycalculate a slab self weight based (dead load) on the slab thickness and density. T

Use Area Loading This option must beturned on to activate all loading applied to thestructure using the 3D Model Manager

Level applied to… Live Load kN/m2 Dead Load kN/m2 Slab Dead LoadkN/m2

Roof Plan 1.5 5.25 0.2 x 24 = 4.8

1st level down from roof 5 5 0.2 x 24 = 4.8

2nd level down fromroof

5 4 0.2 x 24 = 4.8

The list of default gravity dead and live loads are inserted as shown in the above example.The gravity loads for each level are separated by semi-colons and start from the roof plandown through the various levels of the structure.

4.4 Local Area Loading Values

When setting up the panel load distribution groups the user has the opportunity to entervalues of dead and live loading. These values can either Replace the load intensities definedin the default area or Add to them, depending on which of the above options are selected.

To exit the Area Loading Defaults click on the ‘X’ button on the top right of the dialog box.

14.4 Working with Member Groups

Many of the 3D model manager functions operate bydefining groups of members to which information is applied.This will become obvious in the following sections of thismanual. The methods for defining and managing thesemember groups are common for many areas.

Drop list of all member groups. You can use this to move from onegroup to another. The item in the drop list is the current group.


You may type a title for the group in the text box of the drop list.Spin button to move up and down through the list of member groups.Apply To mode. When this button is pressed down the Apply To mode is turned ON.While you are in Apply To mode any member you click on in the structure geometryarea will be added to the current member group. You can also add a range ofmembers to a group by clicking and dragging a cross window around them. Memberscan be removed from a group by clicking on the member again.Search mode. When this button is pressed down the Search mode is turned ON. Whenyou click on a member while in search mode the member group to which the memberis assigned (if any) will become the current group.Add a new member group. The new group will be blank of all members andinformation until specified by the user.Clear all members from the current member group. The group itself and theinformation it holds will remain.Clear all members from all member groups of this typeDelete the current member group.Delete all member groups of this typeExit the 3D Model Manager tools

Also at the bottom on the screen there are further tools that assist in the editing of memberarea loading groups.

Copy the current member group information to clipboardPaste the member group information from the clipboard to the current group

(a) Gravity Area LoadingThe Gravity Area Loading tool is accessed from the 3D-Model menu and is used to definewhich members in the structure receive gravity area loading and also the load distributioncharacteristics associated with each member. Members that receive gravity area loading areassigned to member area loading groups. In each group the user defines a single set ofinformation, which applies to all members in that group. In each group the user can basicallydefine;

1. If the member receives area loading from the panel to the upper side of the member

2. If the member receives area loading from the panel to the lower side of the member

3. The load distribution characteristics i.e. one way or two way spanning, of the arealoaded panel to the upper side of the member

4. The load distribution characteristics i.e. one way or two way spanning, of the arealoaded panel to the lower side of the member

Shortcut icons are provided at the top right of the screen for quick access to the variousgravity loading tools.

Definition of Bracing Members (See below)


Automatic Generation of Gravity Area Loading. See section 14.6Defining general Member Area Loading GroupsAlternate loading. See section 14.9Line Loading. See section 14.7Patch Area Loading. See section 14.8Mixed Construction. See section 14.14.3Area loading Defaults. See section 14.3

(b) Bracing members

When you access the member arealoading a specialist area loading grouptitled ‘Bracing Members’ has been addedautomatically. You should assign themembers to this group that do notinterfere with load distribution in a panel,i.e do not receive gravity area loading.In most situations this will be the verticaland horizontal bracing, as shown in theexample below. Vertical members areautomatically ignored in gravity arealoading calculations.

To add members to any area loading group simply click on the individual members or crosswindow a series of members to select them in the structural geometry area.

(c) Setting up an Area Loading Group

After defining the bracing members the user should click on to add a new general arealoading group. You should give the group a name to which you can easily identify by typingin the drop list text box of area loading groups.

Current Area Loading Group. You can edit the group titleby typing in this drop list text box.

Clicking on turns ON the application of area loadingto the upper side of the members in this group. You canthen set the load distribution characteristics of the panel tothe upper side of the member.

Replacement or Additional loads to the default loading onthe panel to the upper side of the member.

Load distribution characteristics of the panel to the lowerside of the member.


Replacement or Additional loads to the default loading onthe panel to the lower side of the member.

Value of line load on all members in the current group

Move forward and back through the list of Area LoadingGroups.

Members to which the information in this group applies.While Apply to mode is ON you can add members to thisgroup by clicking on them or cross windowing to selectthem.

Automatic selection of members and selection filteringtools

The Slab Depth entry is used in the integrated composite beam design (see section 14.11) andin the MasterFrame Flat Slab program.

The application of area loading is activated for the upper side and lower side of the membersin the group independently using the and ON/OFF switches. The upper and lowerside of the member is determined by the node numbering as shown below, where n1 is thelower node number and n2 is the higher node number.

When the area loading is turned on (button is pressed down) a further set of icons appear thatallow you to define how the loads from the panels are being distributed onto the members inthe group. The distribution methods are a follows.

One Way spanning. The 3D Model Manager will identify the panel dimensions anddistribute the appropriate magnitude of load to the member.Two Way spanning. The 3D Model Manager will identify the panel dimensions anddistribute the appropriate magnitude and profile of load to the member.Define a linear projection (m) of loaded area normal to the member. This is mostuseful in perimeter members where the loaded area extends beyond the centre line ofthe memberFor some more complex panels the automatic calculation of area loading distributedto the member is not possible. In these instances you may use the user definedtrapezoidal load distribution by defining 4 projections normal to the member (start ofmember, 1st intermediate point, 2nd intermediate point and end) and two distancesalong the member to locate the 1st and 2nd intermediate projections. An example ofthis is shown below.


We shall take the previous example we considered for the bracing members and apply oneway spanning area loading to one of the bays.

To set up a new one way spanning group,

1. Click on to add a new general area loading group

2. Click on the button to define a new area loading group

3. Give the group a title ‘North-South Spanning’ by typing in the group drop list

4. Click on the and buttons (white background) to activate area loading toboth the upper and lower side of the member.

5. Click on the one way spanning button (yellow background) for both the upperand lower side.

6. Ensure that the group is in Apply To mode, i.e. the button is pressed down, thenclick on the members which have one way spanning load coming onto them fromboth the upper and lower panels. The member numbers will be added to whitewindow as shown below. Note that although the edge beams are in the this group ofone way spanning on both sides of the member, no area loading is calculated for thefree edge since the program has not detected a panel to one side of the edge beammembers

7. To visualise the colours on the area loading click on the button


We can follow the same procedure for setting up a two way spanning load distribution.Again using the same example if we where to make the middle bay two way spanning itwould require three Area Loading Groups as listed below,

Middle bay 1- Two way Spanning to theupper side and no area loading to the lowerside, applied to members 8, 9 and 10

Middle bay 1


Middle bay 2 – Two way spanning to bothsides, applied to member 30, 33, 36 and 39.

Middle bay 3 – Two way spanning to the lower side and no area loading to the upper side,applied to members 15, 16 and 17.

Finally to complete this example we shall illustrate the procedure for applying one wayspanning area loading to the third bay, but this time with the direction of span orthogonal tothe first bay. This would require members 15, 16 and 17 to have one way spanning to theirupper side and members 22, 23 and 24 to have one way spanning to their lower side.

At first thought you might think to create a further two area loading groups with thesespecifications, however this would be incorrect. Since member 15, 16 and 17 are alreadyassigned to an existing group ‘Middle bay 3’ they cannot belong to any other group. This isone of the fundamental rules of area loading. To achieve one way spanning to the upper sideof these members we must modify the group ‘Middle bay3’ as shown below. Then we onlyneed to add one further group ‘Third bay 1’ to include members 22, 23 and 24 with one wayspanning to the lower side.

Middle bay 2

Middle bay 3 Show all groups


Hint: In a multi-storey structure members from different levels can be assigned to the samearea loading group. The button at the bottom of the member area loading screen willautomatically add members to the current group that have the same position in plan as theexisting members in the group, therefore copying the area loading of the current group toother levels of the structure.

4.5.0 The Basic Rules of Member Area Loading1. Non area loaded members such as horizontal and vertical bracing should be assigned

to the ‘Bracing Members’ group

2. Gravity area loading can be applied to any non-vertical panel. The load is appliedvertically and is calculated for the horizontally projected area (plan area) of the panel.

3. A member can only be assigned to one member area load group. If you add amember to a group (say G1) that is already assigned to another group (G2) then themember will be removed from G2 and added to G1.

4. Only a member which receives area loading should be assigned to an area load group

5. A panel must have three or four straight sides. A straight side of a panel can be madeup of any number of individual elements.

6. A panel must be a closed panel, i.e. no open sided ‘U’ shaped panels.

7. All gravity area loads are assigned to the D1 (dead) and L1 (live) load groups bydefault unless other wise specified in the Alternate Loading Groups section.

(a) Using the Automatic Selection ToolsOf course the above example (although useful for getting to grips with area loading) isperhaps over complicated for practical situations. If the area loading on the above examplewere simple one way spanning in the west-east direction on the whole floor, then theapplication of area loading would be very simple. In fact it might only require a single areaload group with one way spanning to the upper and lower side.

Third bay 1


Taking the example we have been using (removing all existing area load groups, leaving onlythe bracing members group), we may add such a group. By individually clicking on eachmember in the North-South direction they are added to the group, therefore creating West-East spanning area loading. A more convenient alternative to selecting individual membersmay be to use the automatic selection tools. The automatic selection works along with theselection filter options. For example in this case,

1. Click on the north-south member

selection filter button

2. Click on the automatic selection

button to add all north-southmembers in the current view to thecurrent area loading group.

The selection filter buttons are describedbelow.

Selection filter for East and South face edge beams. This is useful if you wish addan area load projection to the lower side of these members.

Selection filter for West and North face edge beams. Again an area load projectioncan be added to the upper side of these members.

Selection filter for all internal beams. Useful for two way spanning area loads.

Selection filter for North-South direction beams. Produces one way spanning in theeast west direction.

Selection filter for West-East direction beams. Produces one way spanning in thenorth-south direction.

Selection filter for vertical members (columns)

Automatically add to the current area load group the member types of the activeselection filters.

Hint: You can use more than one type of selection filter simultaneously.

The definition of north-south and east-west members is shown in the diagram below.


(a) Area Loading Display ToolsThere are several ways in which area loading can be displayed. While you are viewing anarea loading group the controls at the bottom of the screen allow you to,

ON - View the area load in multi-colour shading. The area loads being distributed toa single member are shown in the same colour. OFF – The load distribution lines areshown in grey with no coloured shading.ON – Show all the area load groups simultaneously. OFF – Only show the area loaddistribution diagram of the current groupON – View the area loading per coloured coded intensity. The option must alsobe turned on. A coloured load intensity key is also displayed. This is most usefulwhen used along with the Show All groups option.

There are also several display tools on the top tool bar, which can be used at any stage insideMasterFrame.

The area load display options on the top tool bar are not activated until this button is setto ON (pressed down)Display all gravity member area loadingDraw the member area loading in shaded colour

ON – View the area loading per coloured coded intensity. The option must also beturned on. A coloured load intensity key is also displayed. This is most useful whenused along with the Show All groups option.


(b) Using the Edit Panel Option

The edit panel option can be used to quickly make changes to a singleselected panel. Changes can be made to the panel span characteristics,slab depth, as well as the dead and live loading. This is a mostconvenient way to either increase or reduce the area loading intensityin a localised area.

To use the edit panel,

1. Click on the button, which is found in the Member AreaLoading Groups.

2. Click inside a panel in the bottom right quadrant to select it. The memberssurrounding the panel will be highlighted in red and any existing area loading will bedisplayed.

3. Using the buttons you can alter or apply the area loading as north-south, east-west or two way spanning.

4. The button can be used to clear any existing area load from the panel, creating avoid. Four text boxes also appear on each side of the yellow rectangle, whichfacilitate the projection of the slab from the centre line of the beam to the edge of anopening.


5. To change the slab depth, dead or live loading, simply enter the values. The loadingentered will either be additional to the default or will replace the default depending onthe option selected in the Area loading Defaults (see section14.3)

While in edit panel mode the gravity area loading will only be displayed for the currentlyselected panel.

All characterises from one panel can be copied to other panels using the button, which isa Copy To mode. Once this button is turned on the current information is copied each panelselected as in step 2 above. The Copy to operate on a panel-by-panel basis. It is is important

that when the copying is complete that the Copy To mode is turned off by clicking on thebutton again.

To exit the edit panel mode click on the button to return to theMember Area Loading Groups.

(c) Automatic Generation of Area Loading

For some structures the methods already discussed concerning the application of gravity arealoading can be automated.

The ‘Automatic Generation of Area Loading’ option will set up the member area loadinggroups for the entire structure, applying area loading as one way spanning (North-South), oneway spanning (West-East), or two way spanning.

The automatic generation tools also allow you to very quickly define a line load and areaprojection on the North, South, East or West facing perimeters.

To access the ‘Automatic Generationof Area Loading’ select 3D Model>Gravity Loading, then click on theicon at the top right of the screen.

Clicking on this button will perform the automatic area loading generation based on theinformation provided in the following options and inputsOption to make all automatic area loading generation two way spanning


Option to make all automatic area loading generation one way spanning in the north-south directionOption to make all automatic area loading generation one way spanning in the directionwest-east(Grey box) Line load value (kN/m) on the area perimeter. Specified for each orientationof face(Yellow box) Area projection (m) normal to the perimeter members.Copy the north face line load and projection to the east, south and west facesDelete all Area Loading GroupClose the automatic area loading generation and return to the editing of member arealoading groups

The procedure for using the Automatic Generation of Area Loading is as follows.

1. From the 3D-Model menu select the ‘Automatic Generation of Area Loading’

2. The Bracing Members group is active, therefore add all non vertical members whichdo not influence the distribution of load to this group.

3. Select the appropriate load distribution method

4. Define any line load or projection on each perimeter orientation.

5. Click on to generate the various member area loading groups

6. If you wish to reset this generation and choose different options click on the

button, repeat step 2 and 3, then click on the button again.

7. To exit the Automatic Generation of Area Loading click on the button inside theactual yellow frame.

The user can then make modifications if necessary, since the assumptions made by theautomatic generation of area loading may not be correct for every single structure.

The automatic generation creates 5 member area loading groups as follows.

Group 002 – Internal members. For two way spanning this is all internal members with twoway spanning area loading on the upper and lower side of the member. For north-southspanning the group includes all east-west direction internal members with one way spanningto the upper and lower sides. For west-east spanning the group includes all north-southdirection internal members with one way spanning to the upper and lower sides.

Group 003 – North face members. These are east-west direction members that do not have aclosing panel to their upper side.

Group 004 – South face members. These are east-west direction members that do not have aclosing panel to their lower side.

Group 005 – West face members. These are north-south direction members that do not havea closing panel to their upper side.


Group 006– East face members. These are north-south direction members that do not have aclosing panel to their lower side.

The default area load intensity is applied in these groups.

Note: If you perform automatic area loading generation where there are existing memberarea loading groups, these existing groups will not be disturbed.

Hint: You can also access the automatic generation of area loading via the buttonwhich appears at the bottom right of the screen in the member area loading groups.

Hint: Any members you individually select while in the Automatic Area Loading generationare add/removed from the Bracing Member group.

(d) Line Loads

The 3D Model Manager also enables the application of general gravity line loads to a panelin which gravity area loading has been applied. A general line load can be applied to a panelor over a range of panels and its location is simply measured relative to a member, which actsas a datum. The line load will be distributed according to the span characteristics of thepanel, i.e. one way or two way spanning.

Each definition of line load is stored in a line load member group. The information held bythe group relates to the position and dimensions of the line load relative to a member and alsothe magnitude of dead and live loading in kN/m.

To access the 3D Model Manager Line Loads, select 3D Model> Gravity Loading, then clickthe icon at the top right of the screen.The line load groups are managed in exactly the same way as the member area loadinggroups in terms of adding members to the group, adding groups, clearing groups and deletinggroups. This is described in the previous section ‘Working with Member Area LoadingGroups’.

As the example below shows, the line load may project ontopanels beyond the member from which the line load isdimensioned. A line load group may also contain more than onemember, whereby a single line load with the specifieddimensions and magnitude is applied relative to each member inthe group.


Hint: In a line load group if all the dimensions are zero then the line load is applied over thefull length of the member. Also when both distances of the line load perpendicular to themember are zero, the line load is applied on the actual member and not on the area loadedpanel.

The display buttons have the same meaning here as in the member area loadinggroups.

The line loads may be displayed at any stage inside MasterFrame by pressing down thebutton in conjunction with the button, which are found on the top tool bar.

(e) Patch LoadsThe 3D Model Manager also enables the application of general gravity patch loads to an areain which gravity area loading has been applied. A general patch load can be applied to apanel or over a range of panels and its location is simply measured relative to a member,which acts as a datum. The distribution of the patch load to the members is controlled by thepanel area loading distribution characteristics, as with the line loads.

To access the 3D Model Manager Patch Loading, select 3D Model> Gravity Loading, thenclick the icon at the top right of the screen.The 3D Model Manager Patch Loads are controlled in exactly the same way as the line loads,with each definition of patch load held in the patch load member group.

The patch load groups are managed in exactly the same way asthe member area loading groups, as described in the previoussection ‘Working with Member Area Loading Groups’.

The patch load must be recto-linear in shape and also orthogonalto the orientation of the member from which it is measured.

The patch load magnitude is specified in the Dead and Live textboxes in kN/m2 units. The value of loading entered here isalways additional to the loading defined in the member arealoading section.


A patch load group may also contain more than one member, whereby a single patch loadwith the specified dimensions and magnitude is applied relative to each member in the groupas the example above shows.

Note: Patch loads are not designed to act as whole panel loads, and therefore should not beused to apply an area load to a whole panel or over a number of panel which define a largerarea.

The display buttons have the same meaning here as in the member area loadinggroups.

The line loads may be displayed at any stage inside MasterFrame by pressing down thebutton in conjunction with the button, which are found on the top tool bar.


(f) Alternating Load GroupsThe loads calculated by the 3D Model Manager are applied to the structure in exactly thesame format as standard MasterFrame member loading. Therefore the 3D Model Managerloads must also belong to a load group. The distinction is made between dead and live loadsin the member area loads, line loads and patch loads when specifying their values. In manyinstances, it is necessary not only to distinguish between dead and live loading but alsobetween various types in each category. MasterFrame enables you to do this using a set oflabels as shown below.

Dead D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9Live L0 L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 L8 L9

The reason for defining loads in this way is discussed in detail in the following section of thismanual.

The following loading cases should then be set up to generate the patterned loading.

LoadingCase

Loading Case Title Loading Combination

01 All Spans Loaded 1.4 D1 + 1.6 L1 + 1.4 D2 + 1.6 L2 + 1.0 UT02 Alternate Spans Loaded I 1.4 D1 + 1.6 L1 + 1.0 D2 + 0.0 L2 + 1.0 UT03 Alternate Spans Loaded II 1.0 D1 + 0.0 L1 + 1.4 D2 + 1.6 L2 + 1.0 UT

(g) Loading Cases Menu

When the load cases are generated the Frame load diagram can be used to view thepatterned loading arrangements.


5.0 Roof Trussesa) Fink TrussThis option generates an eight panel fink truss for the inputspan and height automatically calculating the internal co-ordinates to ensure perpendicular members to the top chord.Internal members may be pinned or fixed.

Tip! If you require a fink truss with a smaller number ininternal panel then simply allow this frame wizard to generatethe eight internal panels, then delete the member that are notneeded using the MasterFrame editing tools.

b) N and V LatticeThese frame wizards generate variable height N, V and Vierendeel lattice trusses.Internal members may be pinned or fixed. A camber may be included, panel sizes canbe automatically calculated and the truss may be made into a triangular space truss.Options are also available to generate plane frame X and V towers.

c) Space Roof TrussThis option generates a traditional large span space trussconsisting of upper and lower boom square/rectangular gridsconnected by internal diagonals.

masterseries updated-notes 0ctober 2008

Documents