MasterBeam: Steel Beam Designer 101 - 2019

Posted on June 27th, 2019 in Getting Started

Summary

The following is a summary of the steps demonstrated in the provided excerpts for using the Master Series Simple Steel Beam Designer, including initial setup, beam modeling, load application, design iteration, and output generation.

Initial Setup and Default Configuration

The process begins by starting Master Series 2019 and accessing the Beam Designer via "Steel Beams, Beam Designers". A new file, initially called "demo 101," is created.

The default settings are then modified:

1. Layout Adjustment: The layout of the software is changed from three stacked images to four, spread apart for more room.

2. Support Conditions: The upper columns are removed, the lower columns are set to zero, and the supports are defined as pinned (rather than fixed), resulting in a pinned continuous beam.

3. Beam Properties: The material is set to grid 355. The default section chosen is 406 14039 UB.

4. Spans and Code: The configuration is simplified to one span. The design code is changed from the BS (British Standard) to the Euro code and UK national annex.

5. Saving Defaults: These established settings are then saved as the default for any new beam.

Modeling and Loading the New Beam (Demo 102)

A new beam, "Demo 102," is then started, which incorporates the previously saved default settings, including the Eurocode.

The geometry is set:

• The main beam length is set to 2.95 metres.

• A cantilever length of 1.8 metres is added.

Loads are applied:

• Dead load is set to 18, and the live load is set to 7 1/2.

• The dead load on the cantilever is specifically changed to 10, while the live load remains at 7 1/2.

• The design includes a serviceability live load only check and uses alternate load patterns to determine maximum and minimum values.

• The last span is designated as a cantilever in the supports section, which generates a fixed hugging moment. Different load combinations are observed, showing maximum and minimum moments, including cases that result in uplift.

• A point load is added on span one, consisting of a dead load of 10 kilonewtons at 1 meter long.

Design Iteration and Optimization

Initially, the beam is prepared for design by confirming that serviceability is enabled and that both beams are set to use one section size. The analysis confirms that the initial default beam (406 section) works.

A major modification is then made:

1. Length Change: The beam length is increased from 2.95 metres to 3.95 metres.

2. Point Load Relocation: The point load is moved from 1 metre in to 2 metres in, placing it closer to the centre.

The design analysis is re-entered.

Restraint and Checks:

• The first span is designated as fully restrained and not a cantilever.

• The second span (the cantilever) is designated as unrestrained, which is noted to correspond to 1.5 L for a cantilever.

• It is observed that the initial section (the 39) is not working well on the first member.

Section Sizing:

• A smaller section (127) fails to work.

• The 152, 89 by 16 section works for the cantilever.

• Since the 16 section fails on the main span, it is increased.

• The 203, 102 by 23 section is found to work.

• Ultimately, the user opts for a slightly wider section (A 133), which works for both the main span and the cantilever.

• The possibility of an Appendix BB check is noted, but deemed unnecessary due to the lack of restraints.

• Using the automatic sizing tool, the program suggests the 16 and then the 23.

• By sorting the suggestions by weight order, the program suggests an even lighter 254 section, but the user prefers the 25 kilogram section for both spans.

Output and Documentation

After finalizing the beam size, the user proceeds to print the results.

1. Frame Graphics: The frame graphics are printed to a PDF creator.

2. All Output: All analysis output is printed, which includes diagrams and loading cases on the ultimate and service values.

3. Design Checks: The program provides four design checks (three standard checks plus an appendix G check).

4. Summary and Detail: The user selects to print a summary of all checks and the detailed checks for the two critical items.

5. Final Document: The closing session loads the final PDF file, consisting of 7 pages. This document contains the loading information, analysis results, summary of checks, and the critical detailed checks printed in full.

Summary with Timestamps

The following table provides a summary of the steps taken within the Master Series Simple Steel Beam Designer, including corresponding timestamps and citations from the sources.