MasterSeries Blog

The MasterSeries 2024 update brings a significant overhaul to the Integrated Steel Member Design module, making it one of the major developments of the last year. This upgrade not only prepares for the upcoming second-generation Eurocode implementation but also introduces several enhancements that will improve the overall user experience. From a redesigned interface to more intuitive checks and flexible design options, here's a breakdown of the key improvements.

System-Wide Rewrite for Future-Proofing

The most notable change is the holistic system rewrite of the Steel Design module. This major internal revamp was primarily carried out in preparation for the second-generation Eurocode. Although this rewrite was essential for future compliance, it has also brought immediate benefits to the 2024 version, most notably in terms of usability and functionality.

Steel Section Selector Update: A Sleeker, More Intuitive Interface

In MasterSeries 2024, we’ve given one of our core tools - the Steel Section Selector - a complete overhaul to streamline its usability and modernize the interface. For those familiar with previous versions, the old Steel Section Selector was functional but often felt a bit cluttered, making it challenging to navigate efficiently.

The new Steel Section Selector design is much cleaner, replacing the three rows of densely packed controls with a more organized layout. All the essential features, including haunches, casing, secondary sections, plated sections, cellular sections, and discrete openings, are still present but arranged more logically. This makes it easier to locate and activate each function when working on your designs.

While the capabilities of the Steel Section Selector remain consistent with MasterSeries 2023, the real improvement is in how much easier it is to work with. The updated interface allows for faster adjustments, a more logical workflow, and a more visually streamlined experience. The end result? A tool that significantly reduces friction, allowing you to focus on your design rather than navigating a complex system.

MasterSeries 2024 is all about enhancing the user experience, and the updated Steel Section Selector is just one example of how we've refined core features to make your job easier.

Redesigned Steel & Composite Member Design Group Interface

The Steel and Composite Design Group interface has been completely reworked to make it more user-friendly and organised. 

Key improvements include:

• Clearer categorisation of design parameters, with subsets for detailed settings such as bolt holes and Eurocode pressure factors.
• A drop-down list for deflection limit sets, showing actual span values when no deflection limit is specified.
• An automatic migration of existing design groups to the new format, so no additional setup is needed for pre-existing models.

This updated interface makes it easier to navigate and ensures that crucial design elements are easier to manage and less likely to be overlooked.

Modernised Steel Design Interface

The new steel design interface in MasterSeries 2024 is a significant visual improvement on the old interface, with modern iconography and elements grouped into more intuitive boxes.

This clean layout simplifies navigating through the steel design process, whether you're working on axial with moment designs or lateral restraints.

Additionally, the interface now includes flyout panels for less commonly used inputs, making better use of screen real estate while keeping the focus on the most essential design elements. This attention to detail creates a much smoother and faster design workflow.

Unified Checks: Axial + Moment and Unrestrained Compression Flange

One of the most welcome enhancements in the 2024 version is the merging of the axial with moment check and the unrestrained compression flange check (previously referred to as Appendix G or Annex BB checks). Previously, these two checks were separate, which could lead to confusion

Now, these checks have been combined into a single process, simplifying the design of unrestrained compression flanges and making it more intuitive for users. This merger ensures that all relevant checks are done in one step, reducing complexity.

The Axial with Moment Tab Design Parameters interface has also been updated, again with entries for each set of parameters rearranged and grouped into more intuitive boxes.

Lateral Restraint Tab: Enhanced Functionality

The Lateral Restraint Tab has undergone significant improvements, allowing for better control over restraint placement. 

The previous nine-portion restriction has been lifted, giving you complete flexibility in defining the number and spacing of restraints. You can now set variable lengths for portions of a member, starting from either end, and adjust as needed for specific designs.

These improvements make it easier to define restraints for complex structures and ensure that designs are as accurate and efficient as possible.

Flexible Handling and Improved Control of Load Cases and Case Sets

A significant enhancement in the new version is better control over service and ultimate load cases on a per-design basis. In earlier versions, this required manual input through specific design briefs, which could be cumbersome. MasterSeries 2024 introduces a more user-friendly approach by allowing you to specify which load cases are considered for service and ultimate checks directly from the design interface.

The improvements allow for more explicit control over which load cases are considered for different design checks. Users can now create and manage multiple case sets, specifying which load cases apply to each set. This feature replaces the previous method of slotting in design deflection cases manually and gives you much more flexibility and control over the design process.

For example, you can now easily exclude certain load cases from specific design checks, which is especially useful when dealing with complex models and multiple loading conditions.

Automatic Migration of Existing Data

One of the most convenient features of this update is that all existing Steel Design data will automatically migrate to the new format. If you’ve been using MasterFrame with steel design capabilities, there’s no need to worry about data compatibility. Your files will be seamlessly updated and ready to use in MasterSeries 2024, thanks to the internal changes in how data is stored and handled.

Conclusion

The 2024 update to the Steel Design module represents a major step forward in usability, flexibility, and compliance preparation. The merging of axial and moment checks, enhanced lateral restraint controls, redesigned interfaces, and better handling of load cases are just a few of the ways this update improves the overall experience. Whether you're working with complex steel structures or preparing for future Eurocode compliance, MasterSeries 2024 offers the tools you need for a more streamlined and accurate design process.

Be sure to explore these new features and see how they can enhance your workflow in MasterSeries 2024!

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Find Out More

Read more on our Blog Post: Introducing the MasterSeries 2024