Free Learning Resources and CPD
CPD Workshop Level 1: Introduction to MasterFrame & Integrated Analysis and Design Modules
This live training workshop, provides an introduction to MasterFrame - the core structural analysis engine in MasterSeries, and demonstrates how it integrates seamlessly with design and detail modules for steel, concrete, connections, and foundations.
1. Interface & Software Navigation [00:00:05]
Main Dashboard: Overview of the main menu, Standalone vs. Integrated modules (21+ design modules), utility setup, user-defined sections, and built-in help resources [00:01:54].
Remote Support & Tutorials: Where to access built-in PDF tutorials (e.g., Tutorial 2) and video guides [00:02:39].
2. Modeling a 2D Steel Goalpost Frame [00:06:08]
Snap Grid Pre-Processor: Setting up nodes, columns, and beams using CAD-style snap grid inputs [00:07:34].
Design Groups: Grouping members into specific sets (Columns and Beams) to synchronize section sizing and report titles across identical structural elements [00:12:38].
Haunched Beam Definition: Modifying standard UB steel sections to include double haunches at beam ends [00:17:42].
3. Loading, Restraints & Combinations [00:20:40]
Applying Loads: Adding dead/live uniformly distributed loads (UDLs), point loads, and lateral nodal wind forces [00:21:28].
Interactive Frame Loads View: Toggling real-time visual checks to verify direction, magnitudes, and distributions [00:23:01].
Auto-Generating Load Combinations: Configuring Eurocode (BS EN) load combination sets (ultimate limit state 6.10, serviceability cases, and wind direction groups) [00:31:49].
Supports: Applying pinned base restraints [00:36:07].
4. Frame Analysis & Exporting Reports [00:37:08]
Graphical Results: Reviewing axial force envelopes, bending moment diagrams, deflections, and reaction values [00:38:07].
Dynamic MS Word Export: Exporting diagrams and tables straight into a live Microsoft Word calculation document [00:39:24].
5. Integrated Design Modules [00:42:21]
Steel Member Design: Checking moment-buckling capacities, adding top/bottom flange lateral restraints, and running auto-sizing [00:43:51].
Steel Connection Design: Designing rigid eaves joints and column base plates, including dimensional clearance checks for bolt fitting [00:47:54].
Concrete Pad Foundations: Sizing reinforced/mass concrete pads using soil bearing capacities and reaction forces from MasterFrame [00:51:18].
6. Expanding into a 3D Box Structure [00:52:47]
3D Extrapolation & Bracing: Copying the 2D frame, adding reinforced concrete ground beams, vertical X-bracing, and multi-member property editing [00:55:08].
FE Slab & Surface Setup: Defining a 250mm concrete finite-element (FE) ground slab with attached supporting beams [00:57:42].
Wind Loading with Google Maps Integration: Setting up automatic 3D wind panels with site topographic data pulled from Google Maps via postcodes [01:02:34].
FE Meshing & Concrete Reinforcement: Running 3D static FE analysis and determining required top/bottom slab reinforcement grids [01:06:01].
Introduction to MasterFrame CPD Quiz
CPD Workshop Level 2: Design a Multi-Storey Concrete Building with MasterSeries FE Analysis & Concrete Design
This CPD training workshop, demonstrates a end-to-end workflow for modeling, analyzing, and designing a multi-storey reinforced concrete building using MasterFrame, FE Analysis, and the Concrete Slab & Wall Design module.
1. 3D Concrete Structure Setup [00:01:22]
Multi-Storey Frame Pre-Processor: Generating a 3-span, 3-storey initial frame grid [00:01:29].
Geometry Adjustments: Copying frames across Z-axis, deleting ground beams/internals, and defining reinforced concrete ground beams (450 x 600 mm) using the polyline tool [00:01:58].
Grid Lines & Levels: Setting up X/Z grid axes and defining storey height levels (Ground, First, Second, Roof) [00:03:48].
2. Finite Element (FE) Surfaces & Loading [00:04:50]
Floor Slabs & Concrete Shear Walls: Defining 250 mm codified concrete FE slabs (ground, first, second, roof) and shear wall cores [00:05:03].
Surface Openings: Adding dummy members to model slab stairwell openings and door cutouts in shear walls [00:11:20].
Loads & Alternate Patterning: Applying area dead/live loads, perimeter masonry line loads, and setting up 4-strip alternate live load pattern sets for critical moment combinations [00:07:24].
Automatic Load Combination Generator: Configuring 79 Eurocode load cases (Set B, Eq. 6.10), including leading wind and pattern loading sets [00:19:50].
3. FE Meshing & Structural Analysis [00:23:51]
Stiff Region Meshing: Aligning mesh nodes with column heads and shear wall intersections while applying a span/10 mesh density [00:24:16].
Analyzing Results: Reviewing axial/moment diagrams, 3D deflected shapes, shell displacement contours, and verifying mesh accuracy via max percentage error checks [00:26:29].
4. Concrete Slab Reinforcement Design [00:29:54]
Basic Rebar Setup: Setting base top/bottom mesh grids (e.g., H12 @ 200 mm) across the slab layout [00:31:49].
Peak & Strip Reinforcement: Auto-sizing localized top rebar peak zones over column heads to resist hogging moments, and adding strip reinforcement over shear walls [00:35:48].
Punching Shear Checks: Performing automated punching shear checks around internal/corner columns using the FE shear force method [00:44:18].
5. Concrete Shear Wall & Coupling Beam Design [00:45:58]
Wall Pier Zones: Checking axial force, shear, and moment capacities along 1-meter equal strip widths on RC shear walls [00:46:49].
Coupling Beams & Auto-Generation: Automatically partitioning piers and deep coupling beams over door openings to generate design calculations and rebar intent output [00:49:04].