Linked Connections in Integrated Design mode

Linked connections are those connections based an analytic model in Masterframe. Where connections are linked, both the connection geometry and forces are based on the Masterframe model. The analysis loads are automatically imported from the Masterframe analysis.

The linked design is a one-way connection, in that changes in the Masterframe model, either in loads, sections or loadcase, will automatically be updated once the connection module is entered. While in the connection module, it is possible to make modifications to the section sizes and to the connection forces, as well as adding haunches to the connection. However, these changes are not made in the Masterframe model and the original geometry and forces will be loaded from the analysis model once the connection brief is re-loaded. Therefore, to make changes to the connection geometry or forces, it is necessary to exit the connection module and make the necessary changes in Masterframe and re-analyse the model.

The ability to change forces and sections in the connection module is intended as a method to allow some experimentation in the connection to determine what connection geometry is required to be created in Masterframe. However, changes in section sizes will affect the stiffness of the structure which, for continuous construction, is liable to affect the force distribution of the model and so affect the resulting forces on the connection. Therefore, for changes in connection geometry or for changes in the frame loading, these changes are required in the analytic model.