Getting Started with MasterKey Concrete Design

The MasterSeries Concrete Design programs enable the Engineer to detail as part of the design process, thus integrating the analysis, design, detailing and drafting processes into a single operation. 

As the element is detailed the program automatically checks the proposed cage of reinforcement against the design requirements of BS 8110 or EC2.  Non-compliance is graphically highlighted on the screen enabling the engineer to change the reinforcement accordingly.

Using the automatic design options, a multi-storey plane or space frame with alternate loading can be set up, analysed, designed and detailed in a few minutes.  There are automated options for design, lapping and curtailment as well as an option to match the reinforcement over column heads.

The programs are easy to use, extremely reliable, very flexible and will lead to considerable savings in a busy design office.

Programs covered in this chapter

1.MasterKey Concrete Beams and Slabs

2.MasterKey Concrete Columns

3.MasterKey Concrete Pad Foundations

4.MasterBeam Concrete Beam Designer

Notes:

1.This version of the manual is written for version 2019.06 of the MasterSeries.  Any subsequent versions of the MasterSeries will have additional features but the general procedure will be the same.

2.All Code of Practice References shall be made to the British Standard and Euro Codes.

3.Should you feel any area needs clarification or is missing then please email [email protected]m with your comments, suggestions or prose stating the sub section in the manual.  

4.Last Updated 28/06/2019

MasterKey Concrete versus MasterBeam Concrete Beam Designer

MasterKey Concrete Beam Design is a general concrete beam design program. It is one of 3 concrete design programs that interface with MasterFrame, MasterPort and MasterFrame Flat Slab Construction. These programs are namely Beams (and slabs), Columns and Pad Foundations. These frames may be multi-storey, grillage, portal or 3 dimensional in nature.

MasterBeam Concrete Beam Designer is an entry level integrated suite that Analyses, Designs, Drafts and Schedules beams. It can only do continuous and single span beams. The input method is simpler, but less flexible, than using MasterFrame.      

The use of the Concrete design part of the MasterBeam Concrete Beam designer is identical to MasterKey Concrete Beam Design.  In this manual no distinction shall be made between the two programs as the interface and use are the same (excepted where specifically noted).