Concrete Member Design Groups (Pro)

Design groups can be used to :

a)Define a common set of design parameters for a group of members

b)Specify that a group of members is to be designed for the same reinforcement, concrete grade, cover, etc.

Concrete design groups are useful since they allow a more controllable and rational design to be achieved, particularly when allowing the concrete design program to perform an automatic design.

Defining Groups

To define a concrete design group:

1.Go to Design > Concrete Member Design Groups (Pro) on the top menu

2.Select the Global Basic Data option and set the parameters as shown below

3.There are separate groups for beams, columns and pads. Select one and enter a group name in the drop list, for example, Edge Beams

4.Alter the entry to accept or overwrite the various global parameters. If you choose to overwrite any of the parameters, the property grid will expand and you can change the parameters as required. The options under the General heading include making the main bars and shear links the same for the whole group

5.Select the members to be included in this group using the + icon and picking them on the frame. They will be highlighted in red. Note that the section sizes and the member orientation in each group should be the same.

6.Add another group using the + button, give it a title, change the parameters as required and pick the members to be included in this particular group. Add more groups as required

7.Do the same for the columns and pads. Select the pads by clicking on the nodes at the bottom of the columns

Global Basic Data

The Global Basic Data allows you to set global parameters for the whole of the concrete design process. For example, concrete grade, reinforcement grade and type, min and max bar diameters used in auto design, detailing end bars, etc, etc.

You can access the global data by clicking on the Global Basic Data button in the Concrete Beam Design Groups panel.

The General, Common, Beams, Columns and Pads parameters are the same as those described in the MasterKey Concrete Design manual under the Basic Data and Defaults chapter and associated sub-headings. You can use the Search facility in the on-line manual to find explanations on specific topics or items found in the basic data parameters.

The Global options:-

The Beams options:-

Further details on the application of these groups in the concrete design can be found at Member Design Groups in the concrete design manual.