Integrated structural steel design using MasterFrame 2019
Posted on September 12th, 2019 in Webinars
Summary
This webinar introduces MasterFrame 2019, a modular software suite designed for integrated structural steel design. The core purpose is to demonstrate the software's capabilities, from setting up complex structural models in Revit and applying various loading conditions (dead, live, wind, and seismic) to performing intricate structural analysis. A key focus is the use of design groups to efficiently manage and optimise steel member design and connections, allowing for rapid iteration and identification of critical areas for adjustment. Ultimately, the software aims to streamline the entire design process, from initial analysis and design checks, including second-order P-Delta analysis, to generating comprehensive reports and seamlessly integrating with other design platforms like Revit for model revision and output.
Key Points
- Steel Design Process
- Loading and Analysis
- Design Groups
- Revit Integration
- Connection Design
Description
The webinar transcript provides a comprehensive overview of integrated structural steel design using MasterFrame 2019, covering the software's capabilities, a detailed design workflow, and integration features.
Here's a summary of the key aspects:
• MasterSeries Product Range: MasterSeries offers a modular system for frame analysis, portal frames, and simple beams, with optional advanced analysis functions like wind, dynamic, and seismic analysis. For design, it supports steel, concrete, composite, connections, and timber. Standalone modules include masonry, retaining walls, pile caps, and RC detailing. The product range is organised into three main suites: the Building Design Suite, PowerPad Plus, and MasterPort for specialist portal frames, though users can also build their own custom suites. The webinar specifically focuses on steel design within the Building Design Suite and PowerPad Plus, noting that the basic 50-member version is not suitable, and Pro features would be utilised.
• Model Setup and Loading:
◦ The demonstration begins with a model imported from Revit, featuring basic section sizes, beams, columns, bracing, trimmers, and haunched members.
◦ Gravity area loading is introduced, including dead and live loads, with slab self-weight considered separately. Slab thicknesses of 175mm and 225mm are mentioned.
◦ Line loads are applied for partitioning, blockwork, and to mimic staircases.
◦ Patch loading is also added to some floors to make the frame more complex.
◦ Bracing is included around stairs, at roof level, in cantilevers, and on two sides and ends of the structure.
◦ Semi-rigid stiff decks are used to transmit loads to hard bracing points at the first and second floors.
◦ Beam connections are predominantly pinned, with some continuous beams serving as primary, secondary, and tertiary elements.
◦ Wind loading is applied from four principal directions, with varying CP values for different surfaces.
• Analysis and Design Workflow:
◦ The software generates numerous loading cases (e.g., 41 in the example), considering dead, live, wind, and equivalent horizontal notional forces as per Eurocode.
◦ A static analysis is performed, followed by checks on deflections to ensure frame stability.
◦ Initially, steel member design can be a slow, laborious process when done member by member. The webinar highlights that manually applying design checks and trying different sections for each member is inefficient, especially for large frames.
◦ Design Groups are introduced as a powerful tool to group similar members (e.g., inner/outer columns, transverse beams) and apply consistent design conditions, such as full restraint, axial with moment checks, or Appendix G checks for hogging moments and lateral restraints. Different bracing types (flat, CHS) and their specific design considerations (e.g., web holes for net area, gross section for CHS) are also managed via design groups.
◦ Auto-sizing is a key feature, allowing the software to quickly determine appropriate section sizes, often prioritising by weight.
◦ The design process is iterative: after initial sizing, the frame is reanalyzed with new section sizes, as changes in stiffness can lead to redistribution of forces and potential failures. The software can then auto-size only the failing members, repeating the process until a satisfactory design is achieved.
◦ Dealing with deflection failures, particularly for cantilevers, often requires manual intervention or adjusting deflection limits. Cantilever deflection can be significantly influenced by the rotation of supporting members.
◦ Second-order (P-Delta) analysis using the Newton-Raphson method is applied to all ultimate cases to account for amplification factors and ensure elastic critical load factors are satisfactory, leading to a more rigorous analysis.
◦ Specific checks like Appendix G/Appendix BB are used for unrestrained lengths in rafters, considering purlin spacing and requiring intermediate restraints where necessary.
◦ Bracing members are checked for tension, considering the net area if holes are present, and the use of lower-stress steel (S275) is suggested for flats to manage elongation and overall frame movement.
• Integration and Output:
◦ Steel connection design groups are available, similar to member design groups, for efficient design of base connections, rafter connections, and other joints, considering multiple loading cases.
◦ The software offers Revit integration, allowing the updated and designed section sizes to be exported back to the Revit model, streamlining the design-to-detailing workflow.
◦ Users can easily create haunched and tapered members by defining depths at specific points along the member.
◦ Comprehensive printed output is available, including plan views with unity values (critical or for all members), summaries of physical member data, and detailed design checks for critical members.
The webinar concludes by making sample files available on the MasterSeries website for users to explore.