StructureMaster Training Guide

Training Videos

We have 13 short training videos that complement the sample problems, making it easy to learn the program. Below are the suggested self-training steps:

Step 1: Learn to Use the Continuous Beam Program

Video: #V01: Continuous Beam Calculation (8:06)
User's Manual: quickLook\Beam Calculation

After watching, try solving a continuous beam problem of your own.

Solve a 2D structure DuctCover

Now, let’s move on to frameBuilder. Steps 3 through 7 focus on analyzing a simple 2D problem called DuctCover.
DuctCover consists of 8 joints, 9 members, and 7 load cases. We chose this example because it’s detailed enough to demonstrate the whole process without being overly complex.

Step 2: What is BaseFrame?

Video: #V04: What is BaseFrame (3:02)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\frameBuilder's main menu\#1: New Analysis - Create BaseFrame

Step 3: Create a 4X1 2D BaseFrame

Video: #V05: Create a 4X1 2D BaseFrame (4:32)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\2DF_08J_DuctCover\BaseFrame

Step 4: Expand the BaseFrame into a Full 2D Frame

Video: #V06: Expanding the BaseFrame into a Full 2D Frame (10:42)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\2DF_08J_DuctCover\Geometry

Tag&Act Geometry Options:

(0:45) Load BaseFrame: C:\CAST\StructureMaster\Bin\Data\Samples\Frame\2DF_08J_DUCTCOVER\DuctCover_G0.Frame
Actions: Assign supports, remove members, undo/redo, save, show joint/member numbers, assign properties, beta angle, split/connect members, member releases, check missing joints, what is the starting/ending joint of a member

Step 5: Apply Loadings

Video: #V07: Apply Loading (23:01)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\2DF_08J_DuctCover\Loading - DuctCover

Process:

Opening description (0:00–2:15)
(2:15) Load geometry file: C:\CAST\StructureMaster\Bin\Data\Samples\Frame\2DF_08J_DUCTCOVER\DuctCover_L0.Frame
Define 4 Primary Loads:
- DL (2:50–10:55): Dead load, distributed member load
- LL (10:57–13:45): Apply live load
- EQX (13:55–16:37): 0.45G self-weight in X, joint load
- WindX (16:37–19:10): Distributed member load
Define 3 Load Combinations(19:10-23:01): DL_LL_COMB, DL_EQX_COMB, DL_WDX_COMB

Step 6: Obtain Analysis Results & Validate

Video: #V08: Obtain Analysis Results and Validate (10:52)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\2DF_08J_DuctCover\Report\Validate the Results

(0:22) Load file: C:\CAST\StructureMaster\Bin\Data\Samples\Frame\2DF_08J_DUCTCOVER\DuctCover.Frame
(1:55) Select load casses, set output units
(3:19) Learn Final Report Helper & Final Report Manager
(4:04–5:37) Manage graphic output
(5:46) Use Text Report Viewer TOC for detailed output
(7:26–10:52) Validate analysis results

Step 7: Prepare the Final Report

Video: #V09: Prepare Final Report (4:44)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\2DF_08J_DuctCover\Report\From 'Summary Report' to 'Final Report'

Edit the summary report and insert graphics as needed.

Build Geometry of structure Hallway in 3D

Now, let’s move onto a 3D problem Hallway. The purpose of Hallway is to show how easy it is to enhanse a 2D frame into 3D. Learn how to cut a 2D plane through the 3D space and work on the structural elements on that plane. At the same time, open a 3D view to validate the actions.
Example Hallway completes the definition of 3D geometry with the combined power of Tag&Act from both 2D and 3D graphic editors.

Step 8: Create BaseFrame of Hallway

Video: #V10: Built BaseFrame of Hallway (4:19)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\3DF_42J_HallWay

Step 9: Update the BaseFrame into a Typical Plane

Video: #V11: Enhance BaseFrame to become a Typical Plane (9:18)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\3DF_42J_HallWay\Typical frame

Tag&Act Geometry Options:

(0:40) Load BaseFrame: C:\CAST\StructureMaster\Bin\Data\Samples\Frame\\3DF_42J_HallWay\Hallway_G0.Frame
Actions: Display joint#, member#, assign supports, remove members, undo/redo, save, assign properties, move joint, split members, assign properties, connect members, member releases, check model, save

Step 10: Duplicate Typical Plane to Build a 3D Model

Video: #V12: Duplicate Typical Plane to Build a 3D Model (8:46)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\3DF_42J_HallWay\Typical to target structure

Tag&Act Geometry Options:

(0:20) Load Typical Frame: C:\CAST\StructureMaster\Bin\Data\Samples\Frame\3DF_42J_HallWay\hallway_Typical.Frame
(0:50-2:25) Activate the 3D graphic editor next to the 2D graphic editor, explain how these 2 work as one unit.
(2:25-3:33)Duplicate the typical frame to 4 places
(3:33-end)Clean up the 3D model using 3D and 2D graphic editor

Step 11: Check model geometry

Video: #V13: Check model geometry (8:41)
User's Manual: frameBuilder\Sample problems\3DF_42J_HallWay\Check completeness of the geometry

Tag&Act Geometry Options:

(0:14) Load Hallway Geometry: C:\CAST\StructureMaster\Bin\Data\Samples\Frame\\3DF_42J_HallWay\HallWay_ChkG.Frame
2D Graphic Editor - Display of supports
(1:23) Open Text Report Viewer
(3:20) Open 3D Graphic Editor
(6:05) Check completeness of the structure members
(6:47) Tag only the members w/o material property, then assign