Structural Modelling
Polyline Column Editor
To create a irregular shape concrete column, you use Polyline Column Editor. After defining a rectangular column at an intersection, this column can be converted into a polyline column by : Select the Column Click "Polyline Column Editor" icon in the ...
Yield Line and FE Load Decomposition with Example
For your best understanding to this topic, it is best to refer and relate to Modelling, Analysis & Design Flowchart before proceeding with this article. There are two methods to calculate concrete slab loads onto supporting reinforced concrete beams ...
Working with Slab Strips
Usage of Slab Strips Slab Strips are used for creating a means for the analysis, design and curtailment of slabs. Slabs along the strip are determined and their analysis is performed along the strip if the moment coefficients method is selected. ...
Working with RC Beams
Defining a New Beam Before inserting a Beam member, its reference axes should be defined. Beams are defined by two axis intersection points (insertion points) defining the start "I" and end "J" of the member. Hence for beams, 3 axes are needed for ...
Working with Steel Frame
The “Frame Member” option enables users to model steel beams, composite beams, girts, purlins, braces and frame groups (to model multiple frames). This allows users flexibility to model steel structures anywhere in the model. Frame member sections ...
Working with Steel Dome
Steel Dome Structure can be easily created using the "Steel Dome" function in the "Modelling" tab. Defining a New Dome To define a steel dome : Go to "Modelling" tab > Steel Dome Select the dome insertion point diagonally (select the diameter of the ...
Load Editor
Member Load Editor A new loading framework is introduced which it is more flexible and provides more freedom in terms of load definitions, load orientations, load case assignments, load reporting, and visualization. The Load Editor of any members can ...
Working with Claddings
In ProtaStructure, claddings can be inserted on purlins or girts. The function of cladding is easily apply area loads, such as roof or wind loads. The boundary of the cladding can be flexibly edited. The area loads will be automatically decomposed as ...
Seismic Forces on Non-Structural Members (EuroCode 8)
Introduction ProtaStructure calculates non-structural member forces according to EC8 Chapter 4.3.5. In the current document, calculations details about non-structural members earthquake force and parameters such as seismic coefficient are explained. ...
Building a Model Guideline
Typical steps for the creation of a building model are outlined below. The forms (dialog) for the first three steps will automatically appear when a new project is defined. The best way to learn how to build a new model is to go through our ...
Modelling, Analysis & Design Flowchart
With reference to the flow chart, click on the links below for details. 1. Build the Model ► Building Model Check 2. Derive Beam Loads using the "Yield Line" (tributary area) approach. 2a. FE Load Decomposition 3. Run the general Building Analysis ► ...
How to model a continuous beams with varying depth
Modelling continuous beams with different depths can be done with reference to this video. The summary of steps are : Model axes to be used as insertion points for the beams. Model separate beams using the e-z (h-top) property to adjust the elevation ...
Working with Steel Truss
Auto-generated steel trusses of any shape (e.g. Pratt, Warren, mono-pitched, duo-pitched truss). The trusses can be easily moved and copied to another location. Defining a New Truss Before inserting a truss, there must have supports created for ...
Working with Brace
Defining a New Brace In order to define new braces follow the below steps: Click on the "Brace" button from "Modelling" ribbon or you can use command line at right bottom corner. Pick two consecutive columns or beams. Brace dialog will be loaded. ...
Working with Purlins
Define a New Purlins Before inserting purlins, trusses/beams/ steel frame members must be defined. To define purlins: Click on the "Purlin" button from toolbar or you can use command line at right bottom corner. Select the first truss or frame member ...
Define Wall/Column Lateral Loads
User-defined varying distributed lateral loads can be applied to the individual column and wall member. The span load applied maybe used to simulate : Soil Pressure on basement wall Hydrostatic load As an alternative to defining wind load (other than ...
How to model a Transfer Beam supporting discontinuous columns and walls
Before proceeding with the modelling of the transfer beam, it is important to understand how the physical model translate to an analytical model when building analysis is performed. The physical model is what you see on the modelling screen where all ...
How to show transfer or discontinuous columns and Walls on Plan view
To show show transfer/ discontinuous columns and walls on plan view of the transfer storey : 1. Click on Visual Interrogation in Review tab 2. Select Column Plan Display 3. Tick Display Transfer Columns and Walls on Plan Example Model The below is a ...
How to model a Transfer Slab
Creating Transfer Slab Model A transfer slab is defined as a slab that is directly supporting discontinuous columns and walls directly, without beams. The steps of modelling a transfer plate is similar to that of modelling a flat slab system : Model ...
How to model slanting / inclined column
A column can only be inserted at the intersection of 2 axes which forms a node or joint. When a column is inserted, the top and bottom of the column will use the same node. To model a slanting or inclined column, an additional node (intersection of ...
How to model slanting / inclined beam
When a beam is modeled, it is by default created horizontally at the top of the active storey in view. The elevation of the beam can be changed using the del z boxes for each end of the beam in the Beam Properties > 3D tab. Method 1 : Input delZ ...
How to model inclined / sloping slab
To create a sloping slab panel you must first define a Plane to align it to. Once the plane has been defined the slab can simply be moved into the new plane. This method can also be used to model inclined / slanting beams. We will use a simple table ...
How to raise or drop a beam in elevation
By default, the top of the beam is always assumed to be atop of the storey in which the beam is modelled. To change the elevation of the beam, i.e. to lower or raise it from default, there are 2 methods : Use e-z input in the Beam Properties > ...
Measure in Plan View and 3D view
The measure command in ProtaStructure is significantly improved so that you can snap to any 2D and 3D points, including line intersections, solid object vertices, extensions, intelligent element points, axis intersections, and so on, and measure the ...
Working with Flat Slabs
Flat Slab Guidelines The modelling, analysis and design of flat slab is described in detail here : For ProtaStructure 2022/ ProtaStructure 2024: Flat Slab Modelling, Analysis and Design For Flat Slab and Raft Design with Slab Patch Panel: Flat Slab ...
Working with Slab Openings/ Drops
Slab Opening Properties "Slab Opening Properties" will be loaded when the "Slab Opening" option in the "Modelling" ribbon is selected. A new slab opening can be defined by arranging the fields in the form and then by clicking the insertion reference. ...
Working with Ribbed Slabs
Defining/Editing a Ribbed Slab Defining a New Ribbed Slab Before inserting a Ribbed Slab member its reference axes should be defined. To define a new Ribbed Slab member: 1. Display the storey level in the drawing area which will contain the slab. 2. ...
Working with Slabs
Defining a New Slab Before inserting a Slab member its reference axes should be defined. To define a new Slab member: Display the storey level in the drawing area which will contain the slab. Press the “Slab” button located in "Modelling" ribbon. ...
Working with Slab Loads
Slab Load Properties "Slab Load Properties" will be loaded when the "Point, Line and Area Loads" option in the "Loading " ribbon is selected. A new slab load can be defined by arranging the fields in the properties form and then by clicking the ...
Working with Planes
Plane Properties Plane Definition "Plane Properties" will be loaded when the "Plane Definition" option in the "Modelling" ribbon is selected. Planes are used to assist adjusting the levels of the members in Z direction. Plane definition is a ...
Support Types
Support Types Each of the Six Degree of Freedoms (DOF) at the bottom node of the columns can be restrained or unrestrained. Furthermore, each of these DOF can be assigned torsional or axial springs whose spring constants are to be determined by the ...
Slab Additional Loads Library
The “Slab Additional Loads Library” is used to create/edit the additional dead loads selectable from the drop down menu on the “Slab Properties” dialog. "Slab Additional Loads Library" will be loaded when this option in the "Building Setout" pulldown ...
Beam Wall Loads Library
The “Beam Wall Loads Library ” is used to create/edit the standard wall loads selectable from the drop down menu on the “Edit Beam Wall Load” dialog. "Beam Wall Loads Library" will be loaded when "Partition Wall Loads " in the "Loading" pulldown is ...
Thermal Loads
Define Thermal Load User-defined temperature differences can be assigned to individual, or multiple columns, walls and beams in the model. An “Axial” temperature load causes the entire member to change in temperature by the specified amount. A ...
Working with Slab/Column Edge
Curved, Circle & Multi-segment Sketch Line Creating irregular shaped slabs and columns has never been easier with "Slab/Column Edge" tool. The "Slab/Column Edge" is accessible from "Modelling" ribbon. Slab/Column Edge (Polyline) To define ...
Working with Walls
Defining a New Wall Before inserting a wall member its reference axes must be defined. Walls are defined by two axis intersection points (insertion points) defining the start "I" and end "J" of the member. Hence for wall, 3 axes are needed for create ...
Working with Columns
Defining a New Column Before inserting a column member its reference axes must be defined. Column can only be inserted on insertion point defined by intersection of 2 axes. To define a new column member (Concrete/Steel): Display the storey level in ...
Working with Axes
Axis Properties "Axis Properties” will be loaded by selecting the "Grid" icon in the "Modelling" ribbon or by choosing the "Properties" option in the shortcut menu (displayed by right-clicking the mouse) after the selection of an existing axis. A new ...
Structural Modelling Overview
Techniques for member creation and loading are described in this section. Also described here are those other modelling related functions contained on the “Member” pulldown. Additional modelling related topics can be found in the preceding Graphic ...