Module Interface

The MasterKey:Simple and MasterKey:Moment connection modules can be used as either standalone modules, whereby the connection types, geometry and forces are input manually, or  linked, integrated designers, such that the connection type, geometry and forces are taken from the Masterframe model. The basic operation of the software remains the same for both modes of operation, but there are some differences in the screen layouts, to reflect whether or not there is a linked Masterframe model. In a linked connection design, the Masterframe model will be displayed in one of the panes. The linked connection design will also have some differences in the menu options.

For a standalone connection design, the main display is split into three zones. The left hand pane displays the connection design calculations. The middle pane displays the connection geometry while on the right hand side of the scree is the connection and force input area. A typical standalone connection screen is shown below.

For connections linked to a Masterframe model, the screen layout is modified to also include a pane which displays the Masterframe model. The left and right panes remain the same, with the connection design calculations on the left and the connection inputs on the right. The central area, however, is split between the connection graphic display and the Masterframe display. Atypical screen layout with a linked connection design is shown below. Where the members in the frame display are shown in cyan, no connection design is associated with that member. Members with a connection design are displayed in black, with a black dot indicating the end of the member the connection is associated with. A typical linked connection design screen layout is shown below.

Connection Design pane

The left hand pane displays the connection design information. The calculations are updated dynamically as the connection design information is changed in the right hand pane. The displayed calculation information represents the relevant design checks for the calculation type taken form the SCI Green Books. When all the design checks are deemed to pass, the calculation pane will have a white background. Should any design check fail, then the calculation pane will have a cyan background and a warning note will display, indicating which design checks are not currently passing.

In addition to the full design outputs, the calculation window also contains a summary of the design utilization ratios for the selected calculation. This can be used to quickly check which aspects of the design are passing or failing.

The design output is displayed within the results area in four columns. These columns are:

•Column 1- Description of the design calculation, item or numerical value

•Column 2 - Design data or calculation

•Column 3 - Calculation results or permissible design values

•Column 4 - Design check results or Design Clause note. Design checks are noted as 'OK' if passing or 'Warning' if the design check fails

The design outputs are displayed for the currently selected loadcase. In the case of a standalone design, for simple connections only a single loadcase can be designed. This is because simple connection design is based only n the shear force and so the most onerous design is based on the maximum shear force. For standalone moment connections, additional load cases can be added by clicking on the  at the top left right side of the screen. A user defined load case title can be added in the dialogue box. Once a new loadcase is entered, the loadcase can be selected from the loadcase drop down. The load case input is shown below.

In Integrated design mode, for simple connections, the software automatically picks the maximum shear force from the analysis results. For moment connections, all the ultimate limit state loadcases from the analysis are automatically imported into the connection design. The load case is then selected from the load case drop down. The design calculations for this load case are then displayed.

Connection Geometry Pane

In addition to displaying the input connection geometry, the connection display also indicates whether or not there are any detailing issues with the connection. The Green Book contains various detailing checks which apply to various connection types and these are included in the checks carried out on the input connections. Where all the relevant detailing checks are satisfied, the connection display pane will have a white background. If there are any failures in the dimensional checks, the connection display area will have a cyan background.

To display additional information on any dimensional errors, click on the  icon. This will open an additional window with a summary of any dimensional errors in the current connection.

To assist in reviewing a connection geometry, the graphics can be panned and zoomed using the mouse. Zooming is achieved by rotating the mouse wheel. Pressing the mouse wheel activate the pan mode, which is then controlled by moving the mouse. The graphics display can also be amended using the  icons.

Some adjustment of the position of the graphics can be achieved using the  and  icons - these can be used to adjust the relative spacing of the graphics in the connection display, which may help when adjusting zoom level of the connection geometry graphics.