ROBOT Structural Analysis

Tutorials: Frame 2D Design

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/robot-structural-analysis-products/learn-
explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/Robot/files/GUID-461EDB67-0BA4-448B-9AFF-
6F4C16149886-htm.html

In these tutorials, you learn how to model, analyze, and design a basic 2D steel
structure.
This set of tutorials guides you through the complete process of Frame 2D
design in approximately 40 minutes, but you can also work on each tutorial
independently.
Click here to start the first tutorial.
Topics in this section
Model a 2D frame
In this tutorial, you learn how to model a basic 2D structure in an elevation
view.
Define Loads
In this tutorial, you learn how to define and apply dead loads, including self-
weight and uniform loads, to a 2D structure.
Explore Results and Generate Reports
In this tutorial, you learn how to run a calculation on a structural project.
Verify the Structure (STEEL)
In this tutorial, you learn how to run code checking for steel design.
Parent topic: New User Quick Start

Page 1 of 59
 1 Model a 2D frame
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/robot-structural-analysis-products/learn-
explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/Robot/files/GUID-F0B3CB7C-B357-4B3C-B407-
8387AC54DB3B-htm.html

In this tutorial, you learn how to model a basic 2D structure in an elevation view.
This tutorial should take about 10 minutes.
The final version of the project is shown below.

Click here to start this tutorial.

1.1 Set preferences and structural axes
Learn how to start a new Frame 2D design session and how to set the preferences for regional
settings to Eurocode (Metric). You then learn how to create custom structural axes in the X- and
Y-directions as the basis for your design.

1.2 Set up bar sections and draw bars

Learn how to set up bars with different sections and then how to draw the structure using those
new bars.

1.3 Model brackets

Learn how to reinforce the structure by modeling additional attributes, such as brackets.

1.4 Define supports

Learn how to set a pinned support fixed in the UX- and UZ-directions.

Page 2 of 59
1.5 Summary
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.

Page 3 of 59
 1.1 SET PREFERENCES AND
STRUCTURAL AXES
Jan 12 2015 | In-Product View

Learn how to start a new Frame 2D design session and how to set the preferences for regional
settings to Eurocode (Metric). You then learn how to create custom structural axes in the X-
and Y-directions as the basis for your design. Start Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis
Professional.

1. In the Opening Screen, click (Frame 2D Design) or select File > New Project and click

(Frame 2D Design). First, set the preferences to use the Eurocode Regional settings that are
used throughout this tutorial. Once these preferences have been set they do not change during your
use of the software unless specifically modified.
2. In the Menu Bar, select Tools > (Preferences).
3. In the Preferences dialog box, in the Languages area, set the Regional settings to Eurocode, as shown
below.

Note: These preferences control this copy of the software. Additional project specific settings can be
set in the Job Preference dialog box ( Tools > Job Preferences).
You are in the Structural Model layout and can now start the process of developing your structure.
The first step is to create a structural axis on which you can build your structure. The axis is only a
reference and is not linked to the structural members. It is not always required.

4. In the Menu Bar, select Geometry > (Axis Definition).

5. In the Structural Axis dialog box, type a name for the custom axis, such as My Structural Axis.

Page 4 of 59
6. Three different types of axes can be used: Cartesian, Cylindrical, and Arbitrary. In this case, verify
that Cartesian is selected as the type of axis.
7. On the X tab, set the Position to 0.00, No. of repet. to 2, and Distance to 7.5 as shown below.

Note: If the Distance is not displayed as meters (m), close the dialog box, save and close the project,
and then open it again. The software should now be working in metric.
8. When you press <Enter> after entering the Distance or click Add, the new positions are added to the
list as shown below. Because these distances were an equal distance apart you could set a repeat and
not have to enter each axis position.

Page 5 of 59
9. Switch to the Z tab and set Numbering to Value as shown below.

10. Set the Position to 0.00 and click Add.

11. Add positions for 5 and 5.5 meters. Because these axes are at different distances from each other you
need to enter them individually. Additionally, instead of numbers for the labels, the label equals the
value of the position as shown below.

Page 6 of 59
12. Click Apply and then click Close.
13. The structure axis displays on the grid as shown below.

14. Save the project as My Structural Project.rtd.

Parent topic: Model a 2D frame
Next topic: Set up bar sections and draw bars

Page 7 of 59
 1.2 SET UP BAR SECTIONS AND DRAW
BARS
Learn how to set up bars with different sections and then how to draw the structure using
those new bars.

In the Menu Bar, select Geometry > (Bars).

1. In the Bars dialog box, the default Bar Type is set to Simple bar and the Section is set to IPE 100 as
shown below. For this practice you need to add two other sections.

2. Next to the bar section, click .

3. In the New Section dialog box (as shown below) , you can specify the sections from a variety of
databases and families . At the bottom of the dialog box, note that the Section Type is set to Steel.
This is the default material that is assigned to new sections. It can be changed to a more specific
material later.
4. In the Section selection area, verify that the selected database is Europe and then select IPE in the
Family drop-down menu as shown below.

Page 8 of 59
5. In the Section drop-down menu, select IPE 270 and click Add . Repeat this step and add the IPE 330
section.
6. Click Close .
7. In the Bars dialog box, verify that the Section is IPE 330 , and then go to the graphical pane to start
drawing the posts . Move the dialog box out of the way as needed.

Page 9 of 59
 Note: You can change the Bar type from Simple bar to a specific type, such as Column or Beam at
this point in the design or after the geometry has been defined.
8. To draw each post, click the first and last corresponding nodes on the structural axis that you defined
earlier .

Note: If you are snapping to grid dots rather than to the nodes of the structural axis you can change
the Snap Settings. In the Menu Bar, click Tools > (Snap Settings). In the Snap Settings dialog
box, turn off the Grid option as shown below.

9. Once you have created the posts , return to the Bars dialog box and set the Section to IPE 270.
10. Draw the ties by clicking the nodes that have been predefined by the structural axis as shown below .

Page 10 of 59
11. In the Bars dialog box, click Close.
12. To display a more realistic visualization of the structure, select View > (Display).
13. In the Display dialog box, select Bars from the list of objects , and then select Section - shape from
the list of attributes as shown below.

14. Click OK. The more realistic view displays as shown below.
Note: You can also quickly toggle the section shape using (Section Shapes) on the View Control
Bar.

Page 11 of 59
15. Save the project.
Parent topic: Model a 2D frame
Previous topic: Set preferences and structural axes
Next topic: Model brackets

Page 12 of 59
 1.3MODEL BRACKETS
Learn how to reinforce the structure by modeling additional attributes, such as brackets.

1. In the Menu Bar, select Geometry > Additional Attributes > (Brackets).
2. In the Brackets dialog box, click (New Bracket).
3. In the New Bracket dialog box, type the Name 0.2 x 1.0 x 1.0 and set the new bracket's parameters as
follows and as shown below.
o Length: 0.2
o Height: 1.00
o Width: 1.00
o Thickness (Th 1): 1.00
o Thickness (Th 2): 1.00
o Position: Down.

Note: The bracket's position is set relative to the Z-axis.

4. Click Add and then click Close.

Page 13 of 59
5. The new bracket displays in the list of brackets as shown below.

6. To keep track of which bar you are working with, in the View Status Bar, click (Bar Numbers).
This is an on/off toggle.
7. In the View Control Bar, click (Local Systems) to display the local coordinate system of the bars
(as shown below), so that you can verify the bar origins. Brackets are only added to the beginning
node of a bar when you are assigning it in the dialog box.

8. Move the dialog box as needed and place the first bracket on the left side of the structure using either
of the following methods:
o In the Brackets dialog box, select the Bars edit box and type the bar number where you want the
bracket to be attached (in this case, 3 as shown below) and press <Enter> or click Apply. When you
use this method the bracket is automatically assigned to the beginning node of the bar.
o In the graphical pane, click the left end of the top left bar. When you use this method you can select
either end of the bar.

Page 14 of 59
9. Repeat this step to create a bracket on the right side of the structure.
10. Close the Brackets dialog box.
11. Save the project.
Parent topic: Model a 2D frame
Previous topic: Set up bar sections and draw bars
Next topic: Define supports

Page 15 of 59
 1.4 DEFINE SUPPORTS
Learn how to set a pinned support fixed in the UX- and UZ-directions.

1. In the Standard toolbar, expand the Layouts drop-down menu and select Supports as shown below or
select Geometry > (Supports).

2. In the Supports dialog box, double-click on Pinned (as shown below) to open the Support Definition
dialog box.

3. In the Support Definition dialog box, on the Rigid tab, verify that the Fixed directions UX and UZ are
selected as shown below.

Page 16 of 59
4. Click Close.
5. In the Supports dialog box, verify that the pinned option is still selected and click the nodes at the
bottom of the structure to apply a pinned support to them as shown below.

Note: Alternatively, you can enter the required nodes numbers in the Current selection field in the
Supports dialog box.
6. Save the project as Structure-Project-Loads.rtd.
Click here to go to the Summary.
Parent topic: Model a 2D frame
Previous topic: Model brackets
Next topic: Summary

Page 17 of 59
 1.5 SUMMARY
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.
In this tutorial, you:
Set the preferences for the language and regional settings of the project.
Created a structural axis as the basis of the structure.
Set up bar sections, and drew bars using the axis created earlier.
Set up and added brackets to the structure.
Defined the supports for the column elements.
Next Steps

You can now move on to the next tutorial: Defining Loads.

To go back to the Quick Start home page, click here.
Parent topic: Model a 2D frame
Previous topic: Define supports

Page 18 of 59
 2 DEFINE LOADS
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/robot-structural-analysis-products/learn-
explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/Robot/files/GUID-74652698-98D7-4559-
A8DA-E421983A73CD-htm.html

In this tutorial, you learn how to define and apply dead loads, including self-weight and
uniform loads, to a 2D structure.
This tutorial guide through the following tasks.
Select the appropriate Design Codes for loads, and apply wind and snow loads to the structure.
Generate automatic load case code combinations.
This tutorial should take about 10 minutes. The final layout of the project is shown below.

Click here to start this tutorial.

Tasks list:
2.1 Apply dead loads
Learn how to define and apply self-weight and uniform loads to the structure.
2.2 Apply special loads
Learn how to select the appropriate Design Codes for loads and then how to apply wind and snow
loads to the structure.
2.3 Generate load case code combinations
Learn how to generate automatic load case code combinations.
2.4 Summary
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial. Parent topic: Tutorials: Frame 2D Design

Page 19 of 59
 2.1 APPLY DEAD LOADS
Learn how to define and apply self-weight and uniform loads to the structure.

Continue working in your project or open the project Structure-Project-Loads.rtd.

Note: The Tutorial files are located in C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Examples\Tutorials.
1. In the Standard toolbar, expand the Layouts drop-down menu and select Loads. The layout of the
screen changes to display the design, the Load Types dialog box, and the Loads Case dialog box as
shown below.

2. In the Load Types dialog box, in the Case description area, set the Nature to dead, and set its Name to
G.
3. Click Add. The case is added to the Load Type dialog box and the Loads Case table. It also displays
in the Section toolbar in the Cases drop-down menu as shown below. The current units display in the
right corner of the bottom comment line.

Page 20 of 59
 Note: The self-weight load for all of the elements is applied automatically.

4. In the Menu Bar, select Loads > (Load Definition).

5. In the Load Definition dialog box, on the Bar tab, click (Uniform load) as shown below.

Page 21 of 59
6. In the Uniform Load dialog box, in the Values area, in the Z field, type (negative) -1.6 and verify that
the Coord. System is set to Global as shown below.

Note: The Z-value corresponds to the total load of the structure (1.6 kN/m). It is set in the global
coordinate system as a negative value because it is a gravity load.
7. Click Add.

Page 22 of 59
8. Apply the loads as shown below by clicking the bars in the graphical pane. Alternatively, in the Load
Definition dialog box, in the Apply to area, enter the bar numbers separated by a space (as shown
below), and click Apply.

Note: To display the tags for the loads, in the View Control Bar, click (Load Value Descriptions).

You will now use the same method to add a load to the posts.

9. In the Load Definition dialog box, on the Bar tab, click (Uniform Load).
10. In the Uniform Load dialog box, in the Values area, in the Z field, type (negative) -0.6 and verify that
the Coord. System is set to Global.
11. Click Add.
12. Apply the loads by clicking the posts in the graphical pane. Alternatively, in the Load Definition
dialog box, in the Apply to area, enter the bar numbers separated by a space (in this example, use 1 2),
and then click Apply.
13. The loads are represented on the structure as shown below.

Page 23 of 59
14. Close the Load Definition dialog box.
15. Save the project.
Parent topic: Define Loads
Next topic: Apply special loads

Page 24 of 59
 2.2 APPLY SPECIAL LOADS
Learn how to select the appropriate Design Codes for loads and then how to apply wind and
snow loads to the structure.

Note: For more information on snow and wind loads, please refer to:
EN 1991-1-3 Eurocode: Actions on structures: Part 1-3 Snow loads
EN 1991-1-3 Eurocode: Actions on structures: Part 1-4 Wind loads
1. To verify that adequate loads codes are available, in the Menu Bar, select Tools > (Job
Preferences).
Note: Job Preferences only control the parameters for the current project.
2. In the Job Preferences dialog box, in the left panel, click the + sign to expand the Design Codes area,
and then click Loads. The Code combinations, Snow/wind loads, and Seismic loads for the current
project are displayed as shown below.

3. Expand the drop-down list of Snow/wind loads and end with EN 1991-1-3/4:2005. Click OK to close
the dialog box.
4. To apply the new loads, in the Menu Bar, select Loads > Wind & Snow > Wind and Snow 2D/3D (as

shown below), or in the Bar Loads toolbar (typically on the right side of the screen) click
(Snow/Winds Loads 2D/3D).

Page 25 of 59
5. In the Snow and Wind 2D/3D dialog box, click Auto to select all of the existing nodes, generate an
automatic envelope, and then set the following parameters:
o Total Depth: 30,00 m
o Bay spacing: 5,00 m
o Select Display note after load generation.

Page 26 of 59
6. Click Parameters and note the information in the dialog box. Leave the default parameters
unchanged.
7. Click Generate.
8. In the Structure frame selection dialog box, verify that All is selected. This generates wind loads on
all of the structure frames.
9. In the Load case list, select Wind R/L. This sets the wind direction from the right to the left as shown
below.

10. Click OK.

11. Three windows open containing the various calculation notes for the Wind Loads, Results for the
Wind, and the Structure Dimensions and Wind Data as shown in part below. Calculation notes enable
you to inspect all of the parameters of the loads that have been generated.

Page 27 of 59
12. Close or minimize the notes windows and the Snow and Wind 2D/3D dialog box.
13. All of the loads display in the view window. To display each load case graphically, select a load case
in the Cases drop-down list as shown below, or highlight the Cases in the Loads Case dialog box.

Page 28 of 59
 2.3 GENERATE LOAD CASE CODE
COMBINATIONS
Learn how to generate automatic load case code combinations.

Load case combinations, which are generated automatically, are used to check resistance and
serviceability for real situations in which various loads act simultaneously, as defined by a specific
code. If required, you can define the action combinations manually, one by one.

1. To verify that the Code combination for your project is correct, select Tools > (Job Preferences).
2. In the Job Preferences dialog box, click the + sign to expand Design codes, and click Loads.
3. Select EN 1990:2002 from the Code combination list.
Note: You can click to edit the code combination regulations.
4. Click OK.
5. To generate the code combinations, select Loads > (Automatic Combinations).
6. In the Load case code combinations dialog box, select Full automatic combinations and click
More>.
7. In the Load Case Code Combination EN 1990:2002 dialog box, select the Relations tab.
8. In the Nature drop-down list you can select each type and create relationships between load cases in
specific groups. By default, the Robot software automatically creates these groups and relationships.

9. Keep the default settings, and click Generate.

Note: You will not see anything happening on the screen at this point.

10. In the Menu Bar, select Analysis > (Calculations) or in the Standard toolbar, click
(Calculations).
11. If a warning message displays, click OK to continue the calculation process.

Page 29 of 59
12. To display the Combinations table, in the Menu Bar, select Loads > Combination Table.
13. The Definitions of load combinations dialog box opens as shown below.

14. To change how combinations are displayed in the table, right-click on the combinations table, and
select Table columns.
15. In the Combinations dialog box, change the Combination description to Case label and click OK.
16. The new layout of the table displays as shown below.

17. Save the project as Structure-Project-Analysis.rtd.

Click here to go to the Summary.
Parent topic: Define Loads
Previous topic: Apply special loads
Next topic: Summary

Page 30 of 59
14. When you have finished reviewing the various load cases return to the Load Case G.
15. Save the project.
Parent topic: Define Loads
Previous topic: Apply dead loads
Next topic: Generate load case code combinations

Page 31 of 59
 2.4 SUMMARY
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.
In this tutorial, you:
Selected Design Codes, and applied wind and snow loads to the structure.
Generated automatic load case code combinations.
Next Steps

You can now move on to the next tutorial: Explore Results and Generate Reports.
To go back to the Quick Start home page, click here.
Parent topic: Define Loads
Previous topic: Generate load case code combinations

Page 32 of 59
 3 EXPLORE RESULTS AND GENERATE
REPORTS
In this tutorial, you learn how to run a calculation on a structural project.
This tutorial guide through the following tasks.
Open the Results layout and view the graphical information (diagrams) about the structure. This
includes the impact of the forces, stresses, and reactions.
Modify the Preferences of the diagrams so that the required graphic and labels are displayed.
Display the results in a table form and filter the table to display specific nodes, bars, and/or cases, and
to format the table. All of the tables work according to the same principles.

Note: To fully understand the information described in the diagrams and tables, engineering
experience is essential. The software provides detailed information about the results, but the engineer
is required to judge whether the model was defined properly and whether the element sizes are
adequate for the situation.
This tutorial should take about 10 minutes.
Click here to start this tutorial.

Page 33 of 59
Tasks list:
3.1 Run a calculation
Learn how to run calculations on a structural project.

3.2 Review results graphically

Learn how to open the Results layout and view the graphical information (diagrams) about the
structure, including the impact of forces, stresses, and reactions. You also learn how to modify the
Preferences of the diagrams.

3.3 View results in table form

Learn how to display the results in a table form and how to filter the table to only display some
nodes, bars, and/or cases and to format the table. All tables use the same principles.

3.4 Summary
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.

Parent topic: Tutorials: Frame 2D Design

Page 34 of 59
 3.1 RUN A CALCULATION
Learn how to run calculations on a structural project.

Continue working in your project or open the project Structure-Project-Analysis.rtd.

Note: The Tutorial files are located in C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Examples\Tutorials.

1. In the Standard toolbar, click (Calculations).

2. The process displays in the Calculations dialog box as shown below. The amount of time required
depends on the size of the project being analyzed.

Note: If the model was defined properly there should not be any messages. However, if there are
problems with the analysis, the Calculation Messages dialog box opens as shown below. Warnings
prompt you to check any suspicious elements (no supports, disconnected part in the model, too weak

Page 35 of 59
 elements, too many restrains, etc.). Some of the causes might be intentional and justified, but others
might result from modeling errors and should be corrected before the analysis is run again.

3. Once the calculation has finished you can analyze the results using various dialog boxes, tables, and
graphic views.
4. Save the project.
Parent topic: Explore Results and Generate Reports
Next topic: Review results graphically

Page 36 of 59
 3.2 REVIEW RESULTS GRAPHICALLY
Learn how to open the Results layout and view the graphical information (diagrams) about
the structure, including the impact of forces, stresses, and reactions. You also learn how to
modify the Preferences of the diagrams.

1. In the Standard toolbar, expand the Layouts drop-down menu and select Results and then select
Results again as shown below.

2. The Results layout opens the Diagrams dialog box and a table of Reactions as shown below.

Page 37 of 59
3. In the Selection toolbar, select the type of case that you want to display. Verify that 1:G (the case that
was created earlier) is selected.
4. In the Diagrams dialog box, you can specify the information that you want to display, including the
internal forces (NTM), deformation, stresses, reactions, and reinforcement.
5. In the NTM tab, select Fx Force and click Apply. The view displays the forces as shown below.

Page 38 of 59
 Note: If you want to modify the size of the diagram components, click the + and buttons at the
bottom of the dialog box as shown below. By default, the diagrams remain at a constant scale when
you select different cases. You can also open a new window.

6. Click the + button twice and then click Apply to increase the size of the forces.
7. In the Selection toolbar, change Select Cases to display a different load case diagram.
8. You can check other cases and then return to 1:G for the next steps.
9. The Parameters tab includes settings for the views. In the Diagrams dialog box, hover the cursor over
the arrow near the title to expand the tabs on the side and then select Parameters as shown below.

Page 39 of 59
 Note: Using the side tabs is helpful when you are moving from the beginning to the end of the list
without having to scroll through the tabs.
10. In the Parameters tab, set the Diagram description to labels and the Filling to filled and then click
Apply. The view changes to match these parameters as shown below.

11. Multiple charts can be applied to a view. Open the Stresses tab, select Maximum S max and click
Apply. The forces selected earlier and the stresses display.
12. In the NTM tab, clear FX Force.
13. In the Reactions tab, select FX and FZ and click Apply. The new combined diagram displays as
shown below.

Page 40 of 59
14. If you have time you can display the other combinations.
15. Save the project.
Parent topic: Explore Results and Generate Reports
Previous topic: Run a calculation
Next topic: View results in table form

Page 41 of 59
 3.4 VIEW RESULTS IN TABLE FORM
Learn how to display the results in a table form and how to filter the table to only display
some nodes, bars, and/or cases and to format the table. All tables use the same principles.

1. A large number of tables are included with the software. Because they are so important you can
access them in a variety of ways, including the Results tab in the Menu Bar, the Tables dialog box
(View>Tables), and the Structural Model Toolbar as shown below.

Page 42 of 59
 Note: The table of Reactions automatically displays when you open the Results layout.
2. Click the first several buttons in the toolbar to display the various tables. Note the tools that they
contain and then close all but the Reactions table, which should be at the bottom of the screen.

3. Once a table is open it can be filtered by loads. In the Selection toolbar, expand (Node Selection)
and select Nodes All.
4. Select the nodes and bars that you want to review. In this case, all Nodes (1to7) and all Bars (1to4)
have been selected and Cases has been set to Simple Cases as shown below.

Page 43 of 59
5. To further filter the table information, right-click on the table and select Table Columns
6. In the Nodal value selection dialog box, you can specify the columns that you want to display
according to the type of table. In the Reactions tab you can specify the components whose information
you want to display as shown below.

7. Move the dialog box as needed to display the Reactions table. Note how the order list is by Node/Case
as shown below.

Page 44 of 59
8. Switch to the Load Cases tab. In the Order area, click Case, object.
9. Click OK. The order of the reactions is now listed by Case/Node as shown below.

Note: Once you have set up a table with the required format, you can save the table to a template that
can be used again. In the Menu Bar, select View > Save Table Template. This table view is used the
next time you open the table.
10. In the Diagrams dialog box, clear all of the parameters to only display the structure.
11. Save the project as Structure-Project-Steel.rtd.
Click here to go to the Summary.
Parent topic: Explore Results and Generate Reports
Previous topic: Review results graphically
Next topic: Summary

Page 45 of 59
 3.4 SUMMARY
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.
In this tutorial, you:
Used the Results layout to review the impact of forces, stresses, and reactions of the structure.
Modified the preferences of the diagrams to display the required graphic and labels.
Displayed and filtered results in a table.
Next Steps

You can now move on to the next tutorial: Verify the Structure (STEEL).
To go back to the Quick Start home page, click here.
Parent topic: Explore Results and Generate Reports
Previous topic: View results in table form

Page 46 of 59
 4 VERIFY THE STRUCTURE (STEEL)
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/robot-structural-analysis-products/learn-
explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/Robot/files/GUID-0FAD8DB0-AB28-4271-
A99F-0842CAE16017-htm.html

In this tutorial, you learn how to run code checking for steel design.
The steel design option offers the possibility of a quick and efficient verification of the
sections that are used in the structure.
This tutorial guide through the following tasks.
Change member types.
Run the appropriate calculations, review the outcomes, and make adjustments to the project so the
structural elements are an adequate size for the structure to withstand its loads as shown below.

This tutorial should take about 10 minutes. Click here to start this tutorial.
Tasks list:
4.1 Modify member types
Learn how modify member types to prepare a model for verification.
4.2 Run calculations and review the results
Learn how to run calculations and review the outcome of the steel verification process.
4.3 Modify bar types
Learn how to change member types and how to create a new member type.
4.4 Test the changes and add materials
Learn how to modify the materials of bars and change the bar size of existing members.
4.5 Summary
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.
Parent topic: Tutorials: Frame 2D Design

Page 47 of 59
 4.1 MODIFY MEMBER TYPES
Learn how modify member types to prepare a model for verification.
1. Continue working in your project or open the project Structure-Project-Steel.rtd.
Note: The Tutorial files are located in C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Examples\Tutorials.
2. In the Standard toolbar, in the Layout drop-down menu, select Steel Design and then select
Steel/Aluminum Design as shown below.

3. The layout of the screen resets (as shown below) to display dialog boxes for the Definitions and
Calculations that are related to the selected code. Having these already open makes the rest of the
process of structural verification much easier.

Parent topic: Verify the Structure (STEEL) Next topic: Run calculations and review the results

Page 48 of 59
 4.2 RUN CALCULATIONS AND REVIEW
THE RESULTS
Learn how to run calculations and review the outcome of the steel verification process.

1. In the Calculations dialog box, set the Member verification to 1to4.

2. In the Limit states group of options, verify that Limit states is set to ULS, and then click List on the
same line.
3. In the Load Case Selection dialog box, click None to clear the existing selection.
4. At the bottom of the dialog box, select the Combin. tab and select all of the combinations. (Hold down
<Shift> and select the top and bottom of the list.)
5. Click . The load case combinations are added to the Case list as shown below.

6. Click Close.
7. In the Limit states group of options select SLS.

Page 49 of 59
 Note: Selecting both ULS and SLS will set the calculations to recognize the correct type of
combination and apply the correct checking condition (serviceability or ultimate design).
8. In the Calculations dialog box, click Calculations.
9. The Member Verification dialog box opens displaying the most significant information about the
sections. The Messages tab (as shown below), contains important information for the engineer to
consider when taking the next steps in the design.

Note: The Tapered member message is there to remind the engineer that the code does not explain
how to apply verification formulas to tapered members and that the method used by the software
might not agree with the expected outcome.
10. The Results tab includes a results interpretation symbol for each section (or section group). In the case
shown below, two of the members passed the test while two of them did not.

Page 50 of 59
11. In the Ratio area, click Analysis to open the Global Analysis Bars dialog box to review a graphic
presentation of the ratio for the verified members.

12. Close the dialog box.

Page 51 of 59
13. In the Member Verification dialog box, click one of the yellow exclamation marks . The Results
dialog box opens indicating that there is Instability in the member, as shown in part below.

Note: You can also generate a printable note including the information by clicking Calc Note in the
dialog box. Calculation Notes can be saved and printed.
14. Click OK to close the Results dialog box.
15. In the Member Verification dialog box, click Close. You do not need an archive of this attempt.
16. Click Cancel when the Calculation Result Archiving dialog box opens.
Note: The next steps can take engineers hours (or days) to find the right solution depending on the
complexity of the problem. Some solutions would be to use a tougher steel, to increase the section
diameters, or to change the frame geometry by slightly increasing the beam slope or reducing the
frame distance.
17. Save the project.
Parent topic: Verify the Structure (STEEL)
Previous topic: Modify member types
Next topic: Modify bar types

Page 52 of 59
 4.3 MODIFY BAR TYPES
Learn how to change member types and how to create a new member type.

1. In the Definitions dialog box, note that Number 1 is selected and that it is set to the Member type:
Simple Bar.
2. Expand the Member type drop-down list and select Column. Change the Name to Column_1 as
shown below. Click Save.

3. In the Definitions dialog box, change the Number to 2, Name it Column_2, and change the Member
type to Column. Click Save. The beams need to be changed as well, but the standard Beam Member
type definition is not appropriate for this situation.

4. In the Structure Definition toolbar, click (Steel/Aluminum Member Type).

5. In the Member Type dialog box, highlight Beam and click (New steel member type definition).
Note: Highlight the Member Type that is most similar to the new type that you want to create so that
some of the basic properties are automatically applied.
6. In the Member Definition dialog box, in the Member type text box, type Beam_Roof.
7. In the Lateral buckling parameters area, select Lateral buckling.
8. Click Upper flange.

9. In the Lateral Buckling Length Coefficient dialog box, click (Beam) and set the Lcr to 0.2 lo as
shown below. Click OK.

Page 53 of 59
10. Repeat this process for Lower flange.
11. The information in the Member Definition dialog box should now look like the example shown
below. Click Save and then click Close.

12. The new Member Type is now listed in the Member Type dialog box. Ensure that it is selected, type 3
4 in the Lines/Bars field as shown below, and click Apply.

Page 54 of 59
13. Close the Member Type dialog box.
14. In the Definitions dialog box, set Number to 3. The Member type is already set to Beam_Roof. Verify
that the Name is set to Beam_Roof_1 and click Save.

15. Change the Name of Member 4 to Beam_Roof_2 if needed, and click Save.
16. Save the project.
Note: Another way to check and modify member names and types is by using the Start Layout. Select
the bars and then change the properties as shown below.

Page 55 of 59
17. Save the project.
Parent topic: Verify the Structure (STEEL)
Previous topic: Run calculations and review the results
Next topic: Test the changes and add materials

Page 56 of 59
 4.4 TEST THE CHANGES AND ADD
MATERIALS
Learn how to modify the materials of bars and change the bar size of existing members.

1. In the Standard toolbar, click (Calculations).

Note: You made changes to the bars and need to run the main calculations again.
2. In the Calculations dialog box, click Calculations to run the steel specific calculations. While the
previous steps clarified the types of members, the roof beams are still not strong enough as shown
below.

You will now make them stronger in two ways. First you will set the material for a section to
a higher steel grade and then you will change the size of the section used by the roof beams.

3. In the Structural Definition toolbar, click (Materials) or in the Menu Bar, click Geometry >

(Materials).
4. In the Materials dialog box, expand the Material drop-down list and select S 450.
5. Select IPE 330 (the existing size of the columns) and click Apply. Click Yes when the alert box
displays a message saying that you will need to run the calculations again after making this change.
The material is replaced as shown below.

Page 57 of 59
6. Close the Materials dialog box.

7. In the Structure Definition toolbar, click (Bar Sections).

8. In the Sections dialog box, select IPE 330.
9. In the Lines/Bars area, type 3 4 and click Apply.The beams change in size.

10. In the Standard toolbar, click (Calculations).

11. Once the main calculations are done, in the Calculations dialog box, select Calculations to run the
Member Verification process again.
12. In the Member Verification dialog box, the structural members now indicate that they are of adequate
size for the structure to withstand its loads.

13. Save and close the project.

Click here to go to the Summary.
Parent topic: Verify the Structure (STEEL)
Previous topic: Modify bar types
Next topic: Summary

Page 58 of 59
 4.5 SUMMARY
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.
In this tutorial, you:
Changed member types.
Ran calculations.
Reviewed calculation results and made the necessary adjustments in order to allow the structure to
withstand its loads.
Next Steps

Try another set of tutorials, or click here to go back to the Quick Start home page.
Parent topic: Verify the Structure (STEEL)
Previous topic: Test the changes and add materials

Page 59 of 59