Building Design from Concept to Construction - Webinar 2019

Posted on March 12th, 2019 in Webinars

Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the key features, applications, and processes of the Master Series Building Design Suite (BDS), drawn directly from the webinar excerpts.

1. Master Series Product Overview

The Master Series comprises three product ranges, with the Building Design Suite (BDS) being the product aimed at designing large and medium buildings, although it is still usable for smaller structures. For users focused primarily on small work or elemental tasks, the PowerPad system is available. Alternatively, highly specialized users can choose systems tailored for specific tasks, such as masonry or steel design, rather than purchasing the full suite.

The BDS is designed to be flexible and modular. It bundles together core programs, which include frame analysis, wind analysis, BIM capabilities, and exporting tools. Users then add only the components they require, such as seismic analysis or timber design.

In contrast, the PowerPad system is a bundle that includes analysis and design in very simple terms. It has limits on usage, such as a cap of up to 100 member design, and users cannot choose specific modules within it. Both the PowerPad and the Building Design Suite technically do not exist as separate entries within the software itself; they are conceptual ways of bundling modules.

2. Applications and Project Examples

The Master Series and Building Design Suite are capable of handling a vast range of structures. Examples mentioned include:

• The Titanic signature building in Belfast, which is about 6 to 8 storeys high.

• Multi-storey buildings.

• Simple and complicated structures, such as a small portalized frame with secondary beams.

• Schools.

• Office blocks (including one with an extension and another with canopies).

• A lovely structure with a curved facade.

• An expensive house featuring inset floors, balconies, and canopies.

• Apartment blocks.

• Trusses or portals within the frame designs.

• A small grandstand (believed to be for Lifford Greyhound Stadium).

3. Model Generation, Import, and BIM Integration

Frames can be created in three ways: from scratch, importing from DXF, or importing from BIM formats like IFC and Revit.

Model Import (BIM Compliance)

The software has a link manager for Revit integration, which is highly BIM compliant. This tool links the Revit structural model (which is centerlined) with Master Series. The process involves submitting data (including columns, materials, and floors) from Revit to an intermediate repository, which the Master Series then connects to and imports.

The software supports a round trip integration . If changes are made in the Master Series (e.g., moving members or changing section sizes), the analysis model can submit those changes back to the link for updating the Revit model, even if Revit is running on another computer or in a different location.

Importing from IFC (used by systems like Tekla) is handled similarly and is one of the two latest, most BIM-compliant import facilities. DXF imports are also possible but only bring in wireframes.

Frame Creation from Scratch

The software provides generation options such as grid lines, snap grids, and multi-story functions. Grid lines can be created orthogonally, off-kilter (between two points), or as curved lines. Columns can be quickly generated at all grid line intersections.

Tools are available for adding beams and a dedicated function called "members in the panel" allows quick insertion of secondary members (e.g., at 1.5 metre centres) based on proximity to perimeter members. The projection feature is also useful for creating members in plan or at specified angles and heights.

4. Loading and Analysis

Gravity and Wind Loading

Floor loads are managed by defining the slab, superimposed dead load, and live load for different levels . Load application is highly flexible; floor panels can be set for one-way or two-way spanning, and specific panels can override default loads, such as using a heavier slab or live load intensity . Line loads are used for items like internal walls or precast staircases .

For wind analysis, the system can use the internal data for the UK and Ireland or allow users outside these regions to input user-defined Q values (basic dynamic pressure, e.g., 1.2 kN/m²) . The software then automatically calculates all necessary coefficients (CPE/CPI) based on the shape of the building, including values for edges and leading edges . In the UK, the building location can be pinpointed using a map or the national grid reference (the six-digit reference is recommended) . Wind panels are applied to surfaces, and the spanning direction (vertical/horizontal) is specified .

Loading Cases and Analysis Checks

The system can automatically generate loading cases. For Eurocode applications, it can create 88 loading cases, complete with load factors, including the necessary switching between leading (e.g., 1.5) and following (e.g., 1) items .

Analysis includes checking the deflected shape of the structure to ensure stability . Bending moment diagrams are available and can be filtered by level and view .

The model can incorporate complex elements:

• Shear Cores/Walls: These can be modeled as rigid link members or as physical finite element (FE) shear cores .

• Transfer Structures: FE flat slabs can act as transfer structures, managing loads from columns coming down off-centre .

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

FEA results can be viewed in 3D, showing the meshing . Users can view moments (MX, MY) or utilize the more realistic Wood and Armer moments (MRX, MRY) . Peak smoothing can be applied to improve the visual distribution of stresses by reducing peaks around columns .

For FEA on concrete slabs, the Young's modulus can be lowered for serviceability checks. An option is available to define that all service cases use a cracked section, cracked section with short-term creep, or long-term creep, which effectively reduces the Young's modulus to a fraction (e.g., 1/4) of its normal value, helping to calculate realistic deflections . Additionally, for improved accuracy around columns in FEA, there is an option to mesh column wall stiff regions .

5. Design Processes and Options

Before design, members are assigned to Design Groups to set consistent parameters (such as deflection limits, restraint conditions—fully restrained or unrestrained—and slenderness) for multiple members, ensuring they all maintain the same section size . Column runs can also be separated into lifts to manage section size reduction .

Member Design

The design module allows users to filter the view by material (steel, composite, timber, concrete) . When designing, users can choose whether to size sections automatically by depth (serial size) or by weight to seek the most economical solution .

• Steel Design: The design checks capacity and deflection criteria . If a member fails deflection limits (e.g., 1/200), the user can quickly adjust the section size to a deeper profile that meets the criteria . The program can auto-design all steel members . The software also checks for problems related to openings (e.g., if they are too close to the edges) .

• Composite Design: The system supports various elements like composite deck, self-form beams (such as Weststock), which can be analyzed and designed as composite or non-composite .

• Encased Steel: For steel columns encased in concrete, the software automatically incorporates the concrete into the analysis, accounting for the axial load contribution and calculating an improved radius of gyration, as required by the code of practice .

• Built-up Sections and Openings: Users can define custom built-up sections (e.g., with specific flange widths) . Discrete openings can be added to beams, and the software can calculate the design check for these .

• Concrete Design: Concrete beams and columns can be designed. The feature allows adjacent member segments (like ground beams) to be "glued" together into one long member for sensible reinforcement sizing .

6. Exporting Drawings and Results

Design outputs for all designs can be printed . Frames can be exported to AutoCAD as wireframes via DXF .

The Mastercad GA drawings feature allows 2D export directly to AutoCAD . Users can specify plans and elevations, choose between stick outline or full profile representation, and set the drawing scale (e.g., 1:100) .

Crucially, users can also output forces onto the drawings. By specifying a minimum load limit (e.g., 25 kilonewtons), the system labels the ends of beams with values for shear forces, axial forces, and moments, rounded to the nearest specified increment (e.g., 5 kilonewtons) .

For finding specific elements, the software includes a search function to zoom directly to a selected member or node number .

For users who wish to try the software, they can start a free trial via the website masterseries.com .

Summary with Timestamps

The following table provides a comprehensive summary of the Master Series Building Design Suite (BDS) webinar excerpts, categorized by topic, and including the corresponding timestamps.