The underlying aim in Masterframe is to create a mathematical representation of the structure to be analysed and designed by creating a model which reflects the geometry, members, support conditions and loading on the actual structure. The first stage in this process is to create the overall geometry of the model by combining members to form the basic structural shape of the structure being considered.
Within Masterframe, the creation of the model geometry and defining the structural members is done through the Create and Modify Geometry menus. Both these menus provide tools which allow the structural model to be built up by positioning the structural members and combining them to create a representation of the structure.
In general, the create menu provides tools for adding structural elements, either by adding individual members, or by copying earlier added members and replicating elements to create new structure. The Create menu also provides tools for creating grid lines and defining floor levels. Grid lines assist in the creation of the frame by helping to define the position of the structure. Grid lines are also used in other areas of the software to identify the position of members, and can be used in the outputs. Levels are used in conjunction with the area loading panels to define loading and construction type for floor levels, which assists in quickly setting up area loads per floor level. For details of the use of these tools, refer to the relevant section of the Manual.