Getting Started with MasterKey Concrete Design

MasterKey Concrete Beams, Columns and Pads 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. 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.
MasterKey Concrete Design Methodology

MasterKey Concrete can only be accessed inside MasterFrame. The procedure for using
MasterKey Concrete is as follows;
1. Generate frame in MasterFrame defining appropriate concrete section properties.
2. Analyse frame.
3. Load MasterKey Concrete from the Design menu.
4. Set default Options for grades, bars, methods etc.
5. Close the Basic Data & Defaults window.
6. Select to automatically design all members.
7. View and modify member designs as required.
8. Print out results.
9. Export drawings.
!Important Note

The direction of members is critical. All members are displayed with the lower node number on
the left-hand side of the screen. It is advisable to ensure that all nodes are numbered as follows.
1. X-Axis: Left to Right
2. Y-Axis: Bottom to Top
3. Z-Axis: Front to Back
Beams must be horizontal and loaded in the major, vertical axis. i.e. no bi-axial bending
Common Features

User friendly

Short learning curve

Intuitive operation

Excellent editing facilities

Quick automatic design to user defined bar sizes, numbers and pitches

Freedom to change and refine automatically designed structures

Interactive design of complete frames

Recta-parabolic stress block

Dimensional checks on percentages, gaps and covers

Customised bar labelling method for use in different countries

Screen optimised for all resolutions from 640x480 upwards

Detailed design calculations

2-6 main reinforcement zones per beam

2 layers of reinforcement for each zone

2 groups of bars per layer

Up to 7 shear reinforcement zones

Shear design with or without shear enhancement

Automatic curtailment of bars

Simplified and exact method of curtailment with an option for two stage curtailment

Several elements may be combined into a single super (structural) member for design and
detailing Drag and Drop curtailment of bars

Cranked and U bars

Automatic matching of main reinforcement at supports