MASTER SERIES

Master series is a computer software application used for modeling and designing various
structural elements. As with all the software applications, master series is standardized to
simplify usage and navigation of the various programs. This is done by adopting the windows
interface. Master series structural steel analysis is divided into two major components: Master port - for modeling and designing of portal frames, frames with lean tos, canopies
etc.
Master Frame- for modeling and designing of Trussed Frames, Mezzanines
Procedures for modeling and designing using Master Series
1. Estimation of loading ( Dead, Live, Wind and Dynamic Loads)
2. Analysis of the frames to determine loads individual members
3. Design of the elements and connections.
Step by step process for designing
A Single Span Portal frame
1. Loading Master port by double clicking the master series windows icon

on the

desktop or start Programs- Master series

2. From the Menu bar select Portal Frames, from the drop down menu select Master Port:
Elastic Plastic Analysis and Design of Portal Frames
3. From the Master Port Main menu create a name for the file and press create new button

4. Frame Generation add the required details in the general, span and columns tabs, under
span select 1 span, enter the dimensions for the frame to be designed. In order to optimize
the haunches during design specify lengths of 10% of span and 5% for the eaves and apex
haunches respectively.

After filling up the required details on the general tab click on simplified master port
interface for standard portal frames to switch to master port editor.
5. On the main editor menu select loading from the pull down menu select member loading
define all the wind loads on the various elements of the frame. When adding an extra
loading considering the type of load select the load you want to add and click on the
appropriate load e.g. UDL, PDL etc.

For instance you want to add wind load W3 select W2 then UDLY from below to have
another wind load which can be edited to W3

Still under loading select special loads and check density for self-weight and the
coefficient of thermal expansion.
6. Analyze the resultant frame to change to master port main menu in the title bar
7. Select design in the pull down menu Steel Design. Design the rafter, column and purlin
stays in the generated design briefs. Specify details on the lateral restraints tab and axial
moments before optimizing a section for the structural elements. A blue design brief
represents failure while a white one represents a working design.
8. After design all the elements the output can be exported to word by selecting the power
pad button.

A Multi Span Portal frame

The step by step process for designing a Multi span portal frame is the same as for the single
span portal frame except under the span tab select more than one span
A Mono-Pitch Frame
The step by step process for designing a mono span frame is the same as for the single span
portal except for under span details selecting mono yes (Y).

Ensure that the Global symmetry tab under spans is unchecked to extend the higher column to
roof level.
Definition of haunches is the same as in the single span portal frame
Trussed Frame

Before modeling and designing a trussed frame in master series. A drawing of the intended
design for the trussed frame is made in AutoCAD - Converted to the .dxf format in preparation to
import to master series for design.
1. From the menu bar select frames from the drop down menu import file- import
AutoCAD DXF file to import the drawing to master series

Select objects to extract as members based characteristics of drawing and also all the
layers used in the drawing

Select extract- load master series to display the imported truss.

After which select edit to open the main editor bar select geometry from drop down
menu- change nodal coordinates swap X, Y and Z select the frame on the screen then
swap Y and Z on the dialog box show new frame proceed save and park (P)
From the views Select
to display the frame in XY plane.
2. From the main menu select properties-sections section sizes to define the sections for
all members of the trussed frame.
3. Geometry Renumber nodes and members renumber all nodes and members from
bottom to top. Then check the super members by clicking geometry super members
define all super members.
4. Select loading- member loading and define all the details for the frame elements
members starting from frame spacing and then all the loads on the structure from below.

Under loading select loading cases loading cases titles import cases; import selected
cases from a file with 15 cases and select replace to load cases into the file.
Check under global data density of self-weight and coefficient of thermal expansion of
steel.
5. Restraints - member releases member end releases show new frame then proceed
save. This is done since truss internal members are taken to be pinned in design.
6. Analyze as a plane frame -

7. Design- steel design create briefs for the elements to be designed based on:Top chord strut or tie member lambda limit 180
Bottom Chord strut or tie member lambda limit 350
Internal Strut or tie member lambda limit 180
Column axial member with moments deflection limit 300

Mezzanine
1. From the menu bar select frames from the drop down master frame: analysis design and
drafting create the name for the mezzanine structure. Then from the Frame generation
menu below click on floor plan.

2. On the main editor on the pop up window on the right specify the dimensions of the
mezzanine considering the following
Primary beams spacing between 4 8m if not specified use 6m.
Secondary beams Spacing between 1.0 1.25 if not specified use 1.2
Note: secondary beams span across the primary beams.
3. After specifying the details select show new frame proceed-save-park
4. Select 3D-Model from the main editor from the drop down, add/delete members add
columns run at nodes. Specify fixity and height of the column, and then select add
columns at grid intersection and form super members and save. From the views the
modeled mezzanine can be seen.
5. Select Restraints- Member end releases check East -West and North South show new
frame and proceed. Save and park.
6. Loads
Under loading cases titles import cases; import selected cases from a file with 15 cases
and select replace to load cases into the file.
Check under global data density of self-weight and coefficient of thermal expansion of
steel and use of area loading.

7. Select 3D model- gravity area, line and patch loading- area loading panel groups. Specify
the load based on the usage and material of the mezzanine and the direction of loading.
Then add the members to load
Note: load the secondary beams which will load the primary beams as shown

Primary Beam
Secondary Beam
8. Select on analysis then output view graphical output to confirm the effect of loads on the
members e.g. the bending moments, shear force

Figure 1: bending moment diagram

From the bending moment diagram maximum bending moment should be displayed on
the primary beams.
9. Carry out Steel design for the critical members of the mezzanine considering the
following from integrated design.
Primary and secondary beams beam to beam portion deflection limit 200
Column axial member with moment- deflection limit 300
Note: on the secondary beams lateral restraints, dependent on the material of the deck,
Timber (0.6m for the timber cleats) and Decking Sheet (fully restrained)
10. After designing the members match the section properties of the members with respective
designed members.

Design Project

A warehouse of span 30m, height 9m and length 78m with a mezzanine at 4m measuring 30m by
36m long is proposed to be constructed in Kitui County. Carry out a design for the warehouse
structure. Assume a wind speed of 31m/s and the mezzanine made of timber to be used as an
office space.