🎥 Tutorial 2a - 2D Simple Steel Goal Post Frame with Concrete Pad Foundations
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Tutorial 2a - 2D Simple Steel Goal Post Frame with Concrete Pad Foundations

This tutorial demonstrates how to model, analyse and design a simple 2D goalpost steel frame in MasterSeries using Eurocode 3. It covers frame geometry, steel sections, supports, loading, load combinations, structural analysis, member optimisation, steel connections, pad foundations and calculation reports.

2D Steel Frame Design to Eurocode 3

This tutorial demonstrates the complete analysis and design workflow for a simple 2D goalpost steel frame in MasterSeries.

The example follows the model from its initial geometry through to steel member design, connection design, foundation design and production of the final calculations.

What Does the Tutorial Cover?

The tutorial explains how to:

  • Create a simple 2D goalpost frame
  • Assign steel sections and material properties
  • Define supports and member restraints
  • Apply permanent, variable and other relevant actions
  • Generate design load combinations
  • Analyse the structural frame
  • Review forces, moments and deflections
  • Design steel members to Eurocode 3
  • Optimise sections using Auto Size
  • Design beam-to-column connections
  • Design column base plates
  • Design reinforced concrete pad foundations
  • Produce calculation reports and drawings

Design Standards

The steel members are designed using Eurocode 3.

The page should state the precise standards and National Annex used in the tutorial. For example, if applicable:

  • BS EN 1993-1-1 for steel member design
  • BS EN 1993-1-8 for steel connection design
  • The selected UK National Annex
  • Relevant concrete and geotechnical standards for the pad foundations

Only include standards that are confirmed within the model and software settings.

Tutorial Workflow

Step 1: Create the Frame Geometry

Create the geometry of the 2D goalpost frame by defining the columns and connecting beam.


Step 2: Assign Steel Sections

Assign the initial steel sections and material grade to the frame members.


Step 3: Define Supports and Restraints

Apply the required supports at the bases of the columns.


Step 4: Apply Loads

Create the required load cases and apply the design actions to the frame. 


Step 5: Generate Load Combinations

Use the automatic load-case generator to produce the required Ultimate Limit State and Serviceability Limit State combinations.


Step 6: Analyse the Frame

Run the structural analysis and review the frame behaviour.

Check the analysis results for:

  • Bending moments
  • Shear forces
  • Axial forces
  • Deflections
  • Support reactions


Step 7: Design the Steel Members

Open the steel design module and check the columns and beam using the selected Eurocode 3 design settings.


Step 8: Optimise the Sections

Use Auto Size to identify suitable sections for the frame members.

After changing the section sizes, rerun the analysis and design checks because changes in member stiffness can alter the force distribution and frame deflections.


Step 9: Design the Connections

Use the appropriate MasterSeries connection-design modules to design the beam-to-column connections and column base plates.


Step 10: Design the Pad Foundations

Transfer the column reactions into the foundation-design workflow and design the reinforced concrete pad foundations.


Step 11: Produce the Reports

Generate the required calculation reports and drawings for the frame, members, connections and foundations.

Review the selected report contents before exporting the final design documentation.


FAQs

Can MasterSeries design a complete 2D steel frame?

Yes. MasterSeries can be used to model and analyse the frame, design the steel members, check connections, design pad foundations and produce calculation reports.

Which design standard is used in this tutorial?

The steel-frame design uses Eurocode 3. The page should also identify the precise Eurocode parts and National Annex selected in the example.

What is a goalpost steel frame?

A goalpost frame is a simple structural arrangement consisting of two columns connected by a horizontal beam. Depending on its connections and restraints, it may behave as a rigid or braced frame.

What does Auto Size do?

Auto Size searches the available section range for a suitable member size based on the selected design criteria. The resulting frame should be reanalysed and checked after sections are changed.

Does the tutorial include connection design?

Yes. It demonstrates beam-to-column connection and column base-plate design.

Does the tutorial include foundation design?

Yes. The workflow extends to the design of concrete pad foundations using the reactions obtained from the frame analysis.

Can calculation reports be exported?

Yes. The tutorial demonstrates how to generate calculation reports and drawings for design documentation.