MasterKey: Moment and Simple Connections - Overview

The MasterKey: Moment and Simple Connections provides an integrated, interactive steel connection design environment for the simple and moment resisting connections in accordance with the British Standard BS 5950 and Eurocode BS EN 1993-1-8, and in line with the UK best practice guidance as presented in the SCI 'Green Book' publications. The MasteryKey: Moment and Simple Connections module can be used as a standalone module, where the connection geometry and forces can be manually input to create the required connection, or linked to a Masterframe model, in which case the connection geometry and forces input is carried out automatically, based on the Masterframe model and analysis results. For connections based on a Masterframe model, the software provides an option to 'unlink' the connection, so as to allow the user to modify both the connection geometry and forces independently of the Masterframe model.

The design of Simple connections is based on a shear force only design force, due to loading in the member major axis. Simple connection design is available for flexible full and partial depth end plates, fin plate and web angle-cleats for beam-to-beam and beam-to-column connections, column base plate connections. Also included from 2019 are the design of bracing connections.

Moment connections design includes major axis moments, shear due to major axis loading and axial forces (compression and tension). Moments and shears due to minor axis loading are not considered, in line with the design methodology of the SCI Green Books. The Moment Connection design is available for beam-to-column (eaves) connections, beam-to-beam (apex) connections, base plates, beam and column splices and hollow section end-plated splices.

Multiple connections can be set up within a single design file with each connection being treated as a design brief. In general each design file is independent of the other connection designs within the same file. For a file linked to a Masterframe model, it is possible to unlink individual connections while maintaining the Masterframe link for the other connections within the file. For simple connections design using the software as a stand-alone module, it is possible to link the bracing and simple connections to include the effects of any eccentricities in the bracing connection within the simple connection design.

Within the MasterKey: Moment and Simple Connections module, a number of tools are provided to allow for the managing of the outputs of the section design. This includes options to send the output to a printer, to print as a .pdf document or to export the member designs to a Word document.