MasterSeries Blog

Keeping Manufacturer Data Current

Accurate composite beam design depends on the quality and accuracy of the deck profile data used in the design process. As manufacturers continue to develop and refine their products, software tools must evolve alongside them.

To support this, the latest MasterSeries patch includes an expanded and updated library of SMD metal deck profiles within the Composite Design module.

This update introduces revised profile geometry, additional steel grade options, and a new deep deck profile, helping engineers align their designs more closely with current SMD product specifications.

What's New?

Updated Shallow Floor Deck Profiles

The geometry of the existing SMD shallow floor deck profiles has been updated using the latest manufacturer information. The SMD deck profile range is manufactured by Firth Steels Ltd and forms part of SMD's composite flooring solutions.

The following profiles are included:

• R51
• TR60
• TR80

In addition to the standard S350 steel grade, support has now been added for the S450 versions of each profile.

Available profiles now include:

This allows engineers to select the profile and steel grade combination that best reflects the intended construction solution.

New Deep Floor Deck Profile Added

The update also introduces a new profile that was not previously available within MasterSeries:

• TR220 Deep Floor Deck (S350)

The addition of TR220 expands the range of SMD solutions available for composite floor design and provides greater flexibility for projects requiring deeper deck arrangements.

Learn More About SMD Deck Profiles

The profiles included in the latest MasterSeries update are based on SMD's current composite floor decking range, manufactured by Firth Steels Ltd (www.firth-steels.co.uk), including the R51, TR60, TR80 and TR220 systems.

Engineers looking for additional information on profile selection, spanning capabilities and product applications can find further details on the SMD websites: https://smdltd.co.uk/products/...

Benefits for Composite Beam Design

Using manufacturer-specific deck profiles within the design process offers several advantages.

Improved Accuracy
Updated geometry ensures that calculations are based on current product information rather than generic assumptions or outdated profile data.

Greater Design Flexibility
Support for both S350 and S450 variants allows engineers to evaluate alternative solutions using the latest product range.

Streamlined Workflow
Profile selection is fully integrated into the Composite Design module, reducing the need for manual property input and simplifying the design process.

Better Alignment with Project Specifications
Engineers can select the exact deck profile specified for the project, helping maintain consistency between design calculations, supplier information and construction documentation.

Using the Updated Profiles in MasterSeries

The updated and new SMD profiles are available directly within the Composite Design module.

Simply:

1. Create or open your composite beam design
2. Select the required deck profile from the built-in library. Profiles are listed separately for each variant, with the steel grade indicated in the profile name (S350 or S450)
3. Choose the profile that matches the specified decking system for your project
4. Run the design checks as normal

All profile properties are applied automatically within the design calculations.

Try Composite Design with SMD Profiles

The updated SMD deck profile library is available now in the latest MasterSeries patch.

If you are not currently using MasterSeries, you can explore the Composite Design module and the expanded SMD profile library with a free 14-day trial. The trial provides access to the full software, allowing engineers to evaluate the workflow, design capabilities and integrated manufacturer profile libraries using their own projects and design scenarios.

Start Your Free Trial
Request your free 14-day trial today: https://www.masterseries.com/free-trial

Prefer a Personal Demonstration?
If you would like to see the Composite Design module in action before starting your trial, our team can arrange a personalised demonstration focused on composite beam design and steel design workflows.
Book a demo: https://www.masterseries.com/demo

Continuing Collaboration with Industry Manufacturers

MasterSeries continues to work closely with industry manufacturers to ensure engineers have access to current product information within their design software.

The latest SMD update is another step towards providing practical, manufacturer-aligned design tools that improve both efficiency and confidence throughout the structural design process.

The expanded SMD deck profile library is available now through the latest MasterSeries patch.