Introducing Concrete Slab Design (Preview Webinar 2020)

https://help.masterseries.com/knowledge/article/948

The new MasterKey Finite Element (FE) Concrete Slab Design module, introduced in MasterSeries 2020, provides a graphical, user-centric methodology for managing slab and punching shear reinforcement (10:30-10:45).

Core Workflow and Methodology

• Initial Setup & Basic Reinforcement (10:30-13:20): Users start by defining global design defaults for covers, grids, and rebar. The workflow emphasizes applying a basic (background) reinforcement set across the entire slab to establish a baseline design.
• Assessment via Unity Ratios (13:30-15:45): After applying basic reinforcement, the system provides contour output maps that visualize unity ratios. This allows engineers to identify specific regions where the background steel is inadequate.

• Targeted Reinforcement (16:15-30:50): To address areas of high stress (e.g., column heads or wall supports), the module allows for the placement of:

  • Peak Zones: Used over concentrated stress areas (like columns), offering both single or two-zone reinforcement layouts (16:15-22:50).
  • Strip Zones: Used for linear reinforcement runs, typically over walls, providing one-way reinforcement where necessary (26:20-29:20).
• Punching Shear Design (31:40-36:50): The system automates punching shear checks at column heads and wall ends. It supports various layouts—including radial and cruciform—and calculates the required reinforcement based on either codified methods or sampled shear forces from the FE model.
• Reporting and Documentation (36:50-38:05): Once the design is optimized, users can generate detailed design reports and export design intent drawings directly into CAD software for further detailing.