🎥 Tutorial 2b - 3D Braced / Portal Frame with FE Surface Attached Ground Beams
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Tutorial 2b - 3D Braced / Portal Frame with FE Surface Attached Ground Beams

This tutorial demonstrates how to convert a 2D goalpost steel frame into a 3D structural model in MasterSeries. It covers copying and extending the frame geometry, adding beams and bracing, defining member properties, creating a suspended concrete floor with finite element surfaces, and connecting beams to the slab for composite analysis.


Creating a 3D Steel Frame in MasterSeries

This tutorial continues from Tutorial 2a: 2D Simple Steel Frame Design to Eurocode 3. The existing 2D goalpost frame is expanded into a complete 3D structural model with floor beams, bracing and a suspended concrete slab.

The completed model can then be used for three-dimensional loading, analysis and design.


What Does the Tutorial Cover?

The tutorial explains how to:

  • Convert an existing 2D frame into a 3D model
  • Extend or replicate the frame geometry
  • Add longitudinal beams
  • Add ground or floor beams
  • Create vertical and horizontal bracing
  • Edit member sections and properties
  • Define the perimeter of a suspended floor
  • Create a concrete slab using finite element surfaces
  • Connect supporting beams to the slab
  • Define composite beam behaviour
  • Prepare the completed model for loading and analysis


Before Starting

Complete the 2D steel frame from Tutorial 2a or open the model supplied with this tutorial.

Before expanding the model, check:

  • Frame dimensions
  • Member connectivity
  • Steel sections and material grades
  • Support conditions
  • Member orientation
  • Local member axes

Checking the original frame first helps prevent modelling errors from being repeated across the 3D structure.


Step 1: Open the 2D Frame

Open the completed 2D goalpost frame created in Tutorial 2a.


Step 2: Extend the Frame Geometry

Copy or generate additional goalpost frames at the required spacing to create the length of the building.


Step 3: Connect the Frames

Create the longitudinal members that connect the individual frames.

These may include:

  • Floor beams
  • Eaves members
  • Roof members
  • Edge beams
  • Other secondary members


Step 4: Add the Bracing

Create the required vertical and horizontal bracing systems.


Step 5: Assign Member Properties

Assign the appropriate section, material and design properties to each new member.

Review member orientation where the section’s major and minor axes affect its structural behaviour.


Step 6: Define the Floor Perimeter

Create the boundary members or geometry required to define the suspended floor area.

Check that the floor boundary forms a complete and properly connected perimeter before generating the finite element surface.


Step 7: Create the Concrete Floor Slab

Generate an FE surface within the floor boundary and assign the required slab properties.

The article should record:

  • Slab thickness
  • Concrete grade
  • FE element type
  • Mesh settings
  • Any applied offsets
  • Assumed floor behaviour


Step 8: Connect the Beams and Slab

Define the relationship between the supporting beams and the concrete slab.


Step 9: Review the 3D Model

Inspect the completed model in three dimensions and check:

  • Member connectivity
  • Duplicate members
  • Member orientation
  • Supports and releases
  • Bracing arrangement
  • Slab boundaries
  • FE mesh connectivity
  • Beam-to-slab relationships

The model is then ready for the application of loads, three-dimensional analysis and design.


FAQs

How do I convert a 2D frame into a 3D model in MasterSeries?

The 2D frame can be copied or extended at the required spacing, after which longitudinal beams, floor members and bracing are added to connect the frames.

Can MasterSeries model concrete floor slabs?

Yes. Concrete slabs can be represented using finite element surfaces with the required material, thickness and mesh properties.

Can steel beams and concrete slabs be analysed compositely?

MasterSeries can model composite beam behaviour where the required composite properties and beam-to-slab relationships have been defined.

Why is bracing required in the 3D model?

Bracing contributes to the stability of the building and provides a load path for actions acting along the length of the structure. Its precise function depends on the structural arrangement.

What should be checked after copying a 2D frame?

Check member connectivity, node positions, section orientation, supports, releases and duplicate members before continuing with loading and analysis.

Does this tutorial include loading and design?

The current summary states that the completed model is prepared for advanced loading, analysis and design. If these stages are covered in another tutorial, link to that tutorial directly.