MasterSeries 2020 Preview Webinar

Posted on April 29th, 2020 in Webinars

Summary

This webinar introduces the new features of MasterSeries 2020, emphasizing key updates designed to enhance structural engineering workflows. A significant highlight is the MasterKey Finite Element Slab Design module, which offers a graphical approach to placing and designing reinforcement for slabs, including punching shear. The software also boasts a revamped interface for MasterKey Masonry Design, providing a clearer and more organized layout for input and graphical representation. Furthermore, MasterSeries 2020 introduces CAD layers for MasterFrame, enabling users to import CAD drawings and snap to entities for more efficient model creation, and an updated connection design module with a template database library to streamline joint configuration. Finally, the update includes BIM improvements for DWG/DXF import/export, support for curved members, and a new web-based, context-sensitive help system and updated tutorials to better support users.

Key Concepts

• Software Features
• Design Enhancements
• User Interface
• Support Recourses
• Business Continuity

Description

MasterSeries 2020 introduces several significant new features and improvements, with a primary focus on concrete slab design, along with updates to other modules and user experience elements.

Here's a summary of the preview features:

• Master Key Finite Element Slab Design:

    ◦ This is highlighted as the most exciting new module, offering a graphical design methodology for reinforcement and punching shear.

    ◦ It supports a detailed workflow from initial slab creation (or Revit import) to final design.

    ◦ Users define basic reinforcement first.

    ◦ Peak zones (for concentrated stresses over columns) and strip zones (for areas like over walls) are used to add additional reinforcement where basic rebar is insufficient. These can be auto-sized and auto-designed for required steel.

    ◦ The software provides unity ratio contour outputs to clearly show areas of passing and failing reinforcement, helping engineers assess where additional rebar is needed.

    ◦ It includes checks for anchorage and considers axial forces in slab design.

    ◦ Reinforcement zones can be rationalized to standardize bar sizes and spacings across multiple areas.

    ◦ Punching Shear Design is integrated, automatically checking columns and wall ends. It's "clever enough" to understand complex perimeters (e.g., around circular columns or openings near columns).

    ◦ Punching shear reinforcement can be designed with various layouts, including radial, equally spaced, grid, or cruciform patterns. It also offers alternative calculation methods (codified vs. FE shear force sampling).

    ◦ The module generates design reports and design intent drawings (exportable to AutoCAD DXF/DWG).

    ◦ Future development includes detailed cracked section deflection calculations.

• Master Key Masonry Design - New Interface:

    ◦ The module features a new, less cluttered interface with a redesigned top toolbar, replacing older bottom tabs.

    ◦ This layout offers more screen space for input and graphics, with clearer explanations for design parameters.

    ◦ Input areas (wall loads, point loads, lateral loads, wind posts, openings) are now more segregated and easily accessible.

    ◦ PowerPad users gain the ability to perform two-opening design using the traditional sub-panel method.

• MasterFrame CAD Layers:

    ◦ A "really cool new feature" allowing users to import CAD drawings (DWG/DXF) into MasterFrame.

    ◦ Entities within these CAD layers are selectable and snap-able, enabling users to draw over them to create structural models, define grid lines, or apply loads.

    ◦ Supports multiple CAD layers and allows selection of specific layers to display and snap to, improving performance.

• Connection Design Improvements:

    ◦ The Master Key Connection Design module has an updated interface with a new top toolbar, consistent with MasterFrame.

    ◦ A new template database library has been pre-populated with numerous joint configurations for different connection types.

    ◦ Users can extend this library by saving their own custom connections as templates with tags and thumbnails, significantly speeding up the generation of joints.

• BIM and CAD Enhancements:

    ◦ A new engine for DWG/DXF import and export has been implemented across all MasterSeries modules, supporting the latest file versions.

    ◦ MasterFrame now supports curved members created from imported curved lines in DWG/DXF files.

    ◦ Revit integration improvements include import/export of curved members and a new family for web openings.

• Master Key Wind Analysis (Planned Integration):

    ◦ Considerable work was done to integrate with SAI Wind 360, a web-based service for wind analysis using postcode searching and Google Maps.

    ◦ However, this feature is currently delayed due to issues on the SAI side but will be implemented as soon as it's available.

• Web-based Help System and Tutorials:

    ◦ A new searchable HTML web help system (replacing PDF) has been developed, offering an up-to-date interface and content.

    ◦ It features context-sensitive integration, allowing users to press F1 within MasterFrame for direct help on specific areas.

    ◦ Tutorial documents have been extensively updated and extended, and the MasterSeries Learning Center is being populated with new short videos.

MasterSeries also reiterated its commitment to supporting users through remote working arrangements and business interruptions.