ProtaStructure QSG en

2018
Quick Start Guide
For support & training please contact
Support : [email protected]
Training : [email protected]
www.protasoftware.com
Table of
Contents
1. Introduction 3
2. User Interface 3
3. Starting a new project 6
4. Project Settings 7
5. Selection Methods 8
6. Zoom & Pan Methods 9
7. Modelling Axes 9
8. Axis Tool 9
9. External Reference Drawing 12
10. Orthogonal Axis Generator 13
11. Columns Creation 14
12. Walls Creation 16
13. Beams Creation 17
14. Beams Creation using dynamic snap points 19
15. Slab Creation 21
16. Slab Edge line 23
17. Views Creation 24
18. Inserting Storeys & Defining Building Parameters 25
19. Wall Loads Library & Inserting Brickwall Loads 27
20. Building Analysis 29
21. Materials 30
22. Load Combinations 31
23. Building Analysis Model Options 32
24. Running Analysis 32
25. Axial Load Comparison Report 34
26. Model and Analysis Results Display 35
27. Column & Wall Design 37
28. Beam Design 39
29. Slab Analysis & Design 42
30. Design Status 45
31. Quantity Extraction Tables 46
32. Project Properties 46
33. Report Manager 47
34. Steel Model 49
35. Steel Columns Creation 50
36. Steel Columns Creation 52
37. Steel Truss Creation 54
38. Purlins Creation 56
39. Braces Creation 58
40. Girts Creation 60
41. Column Splice Creation 61
42. Building Analysis 61
43. Steel Design 62
44. Closing Summary 64
ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 2

1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing ProtaStructure. This Quick Start Guide aims to get you up and running quickly.
You should be able to model, analyze and review the results for this simple model in around 1 hour.
2. User Interface
The various components of ProtaStructure user interface are as shown below:
File Edit RC Members Steel Members Analysis & Design Building Setout
Plan View 3D View
View
Structure Tree
Layers
Status bar – reveals required action to proceed Active Storey Level Units Cursor coordinates
The graphical editor supports multiple windows; you can open as many windows as you desire.
Modelling can be done both on the plan view as well as the 3D View.
Note: The 3D View is create by default to reduce the loading time. You can switch on the 3D View by
referring to Section 17.
Member Tools
The user interface groups the concrete & steel members modeling & design separately. You can either
use the top dropdown menu or the member toolbars icons.
c c
Concrete Design
Steel Design
Generally, you create the model by working from left to right of the member toolbar.

Display Settings
choose the color of background and various

Colors
active modelling objects
sets the spacing of the guiding grid system to
Grid allow ease of modelling as objects can snap
to intersection of the grids
Line Type sets the Line Type Scale
choose the various snap options such as
Object Snap Start/End/Corner, Perpendicular or
Orthogonal Grid, etc.
Active Window Settings & Visual Interrogation
color-code members to various criteria such

Visual as design status, material types, beam with
Interrogation wall loads. It is a vital visual tool to check and
verify the inputs and result of the model.
control the graphics of the views and allows
Scene Settings you to switch on/off the guiding Grids &
Coordinate Axis, etc.
Visibility filter to the specific storey, axis or member
Filters type.
Column Plan allows the column wall axial, moment &

Display shear forces to be displayed on the plan view.
allows brick / partition wall label, load value

& height to be color-coded and displayed in
Beam Plan
the plan view. In addition, you can show the
Display
total user defined load (only after the
analysis) & display beam elevation marks.
Slab Plan allows the dead and live load values to be

Display shown on the plan view.
Shows the FE contours exported from the FE
FE Contours
Analysis Post-Processing
Tip: Each modelling window can have separate view settings. For example you might want to color the slab
live loads on the plan view & at the same time color design status in the 3D view.

Tip: In the Scene Settings tab, Grid allows you to switch on/off the grey rectangular grids in the
background. Coordinate Axis allows you to switch on/off the coordinate symbol.
Layers Tools
switch on/off layers and modify the name, color, opacity, line
Layer and color settings
type, line weight, font type and text height.
Axis Layer Group switch on/off the axes layer
Column Layer Group switch on/off the column layer
Wall Layer Group switch on/off the wall layer
Beam Layer Group switch on/off the beam layer
Slab Layer Group switch on/off the slab layer
Ribbed Slab Layer Group switch on/off the ribbed slab layer
Slab Strip Layer Group switch on/off the slab strip layer
Reinforcement Layer switch on/off the slab reinforcement layer
Footing Layer Group switch on/off the footing layer
Slab Load Layer Group switch on/off the slab load layer
Plane Definition Layer switch on/off the plane definition layer
Ghost Axis Layer Group switch on/off the ghost axis layer
Partition Wall Layer switch on/off the partition / brick wall layer
Text Layer (Freeze) switch on/off the text layer

3. Starting a new project
 Start ProtaStructure and the Open Project dialog will appear.
You use this either to select an existing project or to start a new one. If required, you can specify a
different location by clicking on the dropdown and choosing Project Data Folder.
Tip: Check the Project Last Saved Date to quickly locate the latest project.
Previous versions of ProtaStructure (PS) model can be opened directly in PS 2018. If the project is opened
and then saved in latest version, it can no longer be opened in previous versions. If you would like to retain
the previous version model & results, go to File > Save Project As to save the model in latest version with
another name.
 Click New Project and type the project name as shown using the ‘_’ character for spaces.
This creates a folder automatically with the same name within the default Data Folder. The project
folder stores all the data for this model.

4. Project Settings
The Setting Center dialog will appear with preset templates. Templates are used to rapidly establish
default model parameters such as design codes, material properties, member design settings etc.
Alternatively you can choose to duplicate settings from an existing project
 Select Singapore (EuroCode) template and then Import
Tip: You can create your own template & save it
Once you have a project whose settings that you have finalized, you can save it permanently as a template.
Open that project, go to the above Settings Control Panel  Select All the settings  Export  Give the
template a name and will be created & added in the template list. The next time you start a new project,
the template can be re-used.

The main modelling area will now show a set of rectangular grids in the background.
These girds spacing are by default 1m with major grid colored darker every 5m. The defaults can be
changed via Display Setting button .
5. Selection Methods
Selection is performed using the selection button in the Member toolbar. Although there is no
entity to select at the moment, the information is important as you work through the model.
 Left-click on the entity to select the entity. Selected entities are also highlighted in the Structure
Tree
 To select multiple entities, hold down CTRL key while you pick them
 You can select entities directly from the Structure Tree
You can drag with the mouse to access further selection options:
 Drag from left to right to create a rectangular box. When you release the mouse button, all
entities completely contained within the box will be selected
 Drag from right to left similarly and all the entities that are contained within the box and which
cross it boundaries will be selected
If you right-click the selected entities, you will see a pop-out context menu which allows you to edit
and perform other task related to that entity, example Properties, Delete etc.
Pressing ESC will deselect all entities.

6. Zoom & Pan Methods
The useful functions are:
Zoom Window CTRL+W  Zoom into the area defined by dragging a rectangle.
Zoom Previous CTRL+O  Zoom to the previous view.
Zoom Extents CTRL+E  zooms to the selected entities. If no entities is selected, then it will
zoom to show all entities.
Zoom Limits CTRL+L  zooms to show the limits of the grids
You will find it easiest to use the mouse wheel to:

Zoom in  scroll your mouse wheel up
Zoom out  scroll mouse wheel down
Pan (move)  hold down the middle mouse wheel and drag
7. Modelling Axes
The very first step to build a model is to define axes. Axes intersections then becomes the nodes at
which members are inserted. Hence it’s critical that axes are created correctly. There are 3 ways to
model axes:
1. Axis toolbar to build axes individually
2. External Reference Drawing to import all axes from dxf drawing file.
3. Orthogonal Axis Generator to build a system of axes quickly
8. Axis Tool
Modelling individual axes is simple using the program’s Dynamic Input System (DIS).
 Click on Axis in the member toolbar
There are several insertion method for axis:
Single Segment allows you to create a straight line axis by clicking

on the start and end point of the axis.
Multi-segment axis enables you create a single axis with multiple

segments of any shape
Curve Axis can be created by specifying the radius
 Ensure Single Segment insertion is selected

 Put the mouse cursor on any of the grey grid intersection & the “Grid Intersection” snap is shown
 Left click (& release) to confirm the start point

A “rubberband” will appear as you move your mouse cursor to specify the end point
During the rubberband operation, the length (L) and local angle will displayed. In addition, the
relative distance ∆x & ∆y with respect to the local UCS will also be shown.
 Press F2 to enable input of the length (L) of axis via Dynamic Input System (DIS)
 Press TAB to cycle to the next input of angle.
 If a value is entered in the textbox, the related

parameter will be locked. You can unlock by
pressing ESC or pressing the lock icon at the right of
the text box.
 If a textbox is locked and F2 or ENTER is pressed
then DIS will be deactivated. However, rubberband
operation now continues with the locked
parameter for ease of use.
The left figure shows the length L is locked, so

you can freely rotate the axis without
changing the length.

 If both of the text boxes are locked then pressing ENTER will accept the operation and candidate
point will automatically be picked.
 In either of the text boxes, you can use shortcut notation Length<Angle or DeltaX, DeltaY
(without the need to switch by TAB.)
Length<Angle DeltaX,DeltaY
 After specifying the length and/or angle, pressing ENTER or left-click will accept the end point
 Try inserting a multi-segment axis by defining points continuously
 Use F2, TAB, ENTER to define destination points as mentioned earlier

 Pressing ESC will cause a smart roll-back. If parameters are locked then first the DIS is unlocked
then operation is cancelled. If a pick-continuous command is active, ESC will unpicked points.
 Right-click to end the operation and insert the axis
 When the axis property dialog shown, you are in axes creation mode. Close it if you would like to
end creation of axis. This applies to all member properties dialog.

9. External Reference Drawing
Note: This section is optional. A DXF drawing is required if you want to try out this feature (but if
you do not, then move on to the next section).
Axis can be imported from dxf drawing using the External Reference Drawing dialog.
 Pick Model/File Import from the File menu > External Reference Drawing
 In the Reference Drawing menu, choose DXF Load
 Click on DXF Import Info to see the

requirements of the import
If required, amend the DXF drawing in a

CAD editor to suit the requirements
before importing it
 Choose a DXF file and click Open

 Choose the appropriate Unit and also check the option to display Text Entities
 Select Close to return to the model screen. The reference drawing will be shown as ghost layer
You can easily proceed to use the axis tool to insert the axis by snapping and “tracing” on the
external reference drawing.
If you would like to import the axes directly from the DXG drawing, then access the External
Reference Drawing menu again.
 Select Import Members
Axes can only be imported if there is currently no axes in the model. Hence, you can only import the
axes once for a new project.

 Select the DXF layers that are associated with Dir 1 (horizontal) and Dir 2 (vertical) axes
If you want to import axis using DXF drawing, and all the axes in the DXF are stored in a single layer,
then in Member Import Options, select the layer under Axis Layer (Dir 1) and select NONE under Axis
Layer (Dir 2). Ensure that Group by Axis Directions is checked.
10. Orthogonal Axis Generator

Let’s now start the new model with creation of the required model axes. We will define multiple axes in
one go using the Orthogonal Axis Generator.
 Select all existing axes that you have created and press Delete (or right click → Delete)
 Right click on Axes in the Structure Tree to expose the context menu
 Select Orthogonal Axis Generator

Refer to the bottom status bar; the displayed text tells you have to proceed
 Pick the intersection of the major grid near the origin (as shown below)
The Orthogonal Axis Generator will appear. Direction 1 axes are placed horizontally with
alphabetic labels (incremented from bottom to top). Direction 2 axes are aligned vertically with
numeric labels (incremented from left to right).

 Accept all the default values in the inputs and click OK
For horizontal and vertical axes with spacing of 5m will be created.
11. Columns Creation

 Pick RC Column icon
 Use the default size b1 & b2 and eccentricity e2 & e2 is as shown below
e2
e1
e1 & e2 is measure from the centroid of the column
Section Manager icon allows you to access other sections types such as circle, “L”, “T”.
Column End Condition : Columns ends are fixed by default. You can apply hinges to top and/or
bottom by clicking successively on this icon.

 Insert columns by clicking on the intersection of axes
 Multiple columns can be inserting by drag a box around the intersection of axes
Using the 2 methods, create 10 nos. of columns at position shown below.
 Close the column properties.
TIP : Always close member properties when you finish member creation.

12. Walls Creation
 Click on the Wall icon & the wall properties will appear
 Use the default wall thickness b = 250 mm & e = 0 mm
The parameters are explained in the diagram below
e is measured from the centerline of the wall to its centroid. e = 0 means that centerline of the wall
coincides with the centroid of the wall.
 Insert the 3 nos of wall by simply clicking on the start and then end of the wall.

13. Beams Creation
 Click on the Beam icon & the beam properties will appear
e is measured from the centerline of the beam to its sectional area centroid. e = 0 means that
centerline of the beam coincides its area centroid.
Beam End Condition : Beam ends are fixed by default. You can apply hinges to left and/or right by
clicking successively on this icon.
 In the beam properties, use the defaults values b = 250 mm & h-Bot = 500 mm (as shown above)
 To create beam click on the intersection of axes for the start & then end of the beam
Notice that you can continue to create the beams from the previous beam continuously.
 Right-click to end the beam insertion after inserting the 2 beams shown above
Multiple beams can also be inserted by dragging a box enclosing the area you want to insert beams.
Beams will automatically be created between columns and walls.

 Click and drag box enclosing the columns & walls shown above.
Seven (7) new beams will be created.
 Insert the rest of the beams by any method as shown below
Check the folder Beams in the Structure Tree to ensure you have inserted a total of 18 beams.
We will now insert a curve beam in the lower right corner of the model.
 Click on the curve beam insertion icon in the Beam Properties dialog
 Click on the intersection of axes A/3 and then intersection of axes B/4 (ie. start & end of the beam)

You define the radius of the curve by simply moving the mouse cursor and the preview of curve
beam in grey will show automatically.
 Press F2 to define the radius of the exactly to -1500 mm & press ENTER
A curve beam will be inserted (segments are automatically created). Check the Structure Tree that
you have modelled a total of 19 beams.
14. Beams Creation using dynamic snap points

Note : This section is optional and it not part of the final model but you might want to try it anyway.
Secondary beams can easily be inserted using the dynamic snap points (without having to create axes).
 Click Beam icon & place the cursor on the edge of primary beam
Notice that snap points on 0.25L, 0.33L, 0.5L, 0.67L, 0.75L will be shown when the cursor is placed on
the beam.
 Click on 0.67L as the start point of the secondary beam.
 Place the cursor on the destination beam

Notice that 0.25L, 0.33L, 0.5L, 0.67L, 0.75L & perpendicular point will appear
 Select the desired point as end point of the secondary beam & a new beam will be created
Pressing F2 while the cursor is at any of the snap points will allow input the exact distance from the start
of the beam
Pressing CTRL key while the cursor is placed on the primary beam will expose distance of increment
100mm. Left click to select the desired distance (while still holding down the CTRL key).
Handy Tip to adjust the position of columns and beams

You can adjust the position (eccentricity) of the column and beam by simply selecting it & then pressing
keyboard arrow keys to move in the direction you want.
 Select column GC1
 Press right arrow key  to move the

column to the right
The step by which the member is moved can be set in Settings → General Settings → View → Member
Section Eccentricity Step (by default 25mm).

15. Slab Creation
 Click on the Slab icon and the slab properties dialog will appear
 Click on the Type box
All the possible Slab Types will appear in pop up

menu as shown:
The slab type relates to table 3.14 in the BS 8110 and is

used to obtain correct reinforcement values, based on
the coefficient method.
 Select Slab Type as 1
For ease in creating this model we will initially leave Slab Type as 1 for all slabs. Once they have been
created, there is a function to automatically set the correct type for each slab in Section 29.
 Enter the slab thickness h = 200 mm and concrete cover = 30 mm
 In the Loads tab, enter Service Dead Load = 1.2 kN/m2 and Imposed Load = 3 kN/m2
Different types of server dead load can be defined via Members → Slab Additional Loads library.
Label icons activates the slab label plus control the position of the slab label.
 To create a slab, position the cursor in the region bounded by beams and left click.
The first slab will be inserted with the yield

line for slab load distribution.
If the slab does not appear, click the

Insertion icon and choose Beam Region

 Create 7 more slabs to give the layout shown below
Tip: Multiple slabs can be inserted in one go by these steps :
 Multiple select any beams that will form the support of the slabs
Example : You only need to choose an internal beam to insert 2 slabs on each side of the beam.
 Click on Slab Properties icon & input the required data
 Member (top menu)  Insert Slabs Automatically
Multiple slabs will be inserted adjacent to all the selected beams.
Select these
2 beams

16. Slab Edge line
Note : This section is optional and it not part of the final model.
The slab edge line can be used to create irregular slab shapes
 Click Slab/Column Edge Lines icon
 Click continuously to define the edge of the cantilever slab.
The method to draw the edge lines are similar to multi-segment axis.
 At the last point, right click & pick Finish to end the insertion. The slab edge lines will be drawn
 Click on the Slab icon  Ensure Type = 1 is selected

 In the Insertion Option, ensure that Beam Region is selected.
 Click anywhere within the slab edge line and a new slab will be created.
Note : For regular cantilever slab, it is recommended to use Type 12 in slab properties (instead of slab
edge lines)
TIP : The slab edge line has been enhanced in the latest version to include arc & circle and also the
ability to convert to a column. These options are available from the slab edge line drop down menu.

17. Views Creation
The graphical editor supports multiple windows; this allows you to create different views in separate
windows.
 Right click on Views in the Structure Tree and pick 3D View
This will create a separate window showing the 3D view.
 Go to Windows (top menu) → Tile Vertical

This will open up the 3D view and plan view in 2 windows. The most recent active view will be on the
left hand side.
You can select & modify existing members or model new members in the 3D view in the same way
as the plan view.
 Select the curve beam in the 3D view. Notice the same member will be selected in the plan view.
 Right click (to access the context menu) → Properties
 Change the depth of the beam h-bot to 600 mm
 Click Update and Close the beam properties

18. Inserting Storeys & Defining Building Parameters
The final model will be a 4 storey building. We will now insert the other floors.
 Right click on Storey and pick Insert Storey
 Input Total No. of Storeys = 4  OK
 When prompted to confirm  Pick Yes

This automatically inserts storey 2, 3 & 4. We will now edit the information of the storeys.
 Right click on Storey and pick Edit Storey
 Hold CTRL key and multiple select Storey 1, 2 & 3. Then click “Define selected storeys as similar”

This means that storey 1, 2 & 3 will now be identical. Since we have already inserted members in storey
1, these members will be automatically copied to storey 2 and 3. In addition, changes to a particular similar
storey will be applied automatically to all similar storeys.
For storeys to be identical, they must also have same storey height. In a real project, ST01 is the ground
floor & will have a shorter storey height & hence should not be made similar.
 Click OK and notice that the 3D view now shows storey 1, 2 & 3 with identical members.
Storey 4 (Roof) has no members so we will generate (copy) members to this storey.
 Under Labels column, change member label to as shown above, eg. “G” for ST01, “R” for ST04.
This means that ST01 members will be labelled GB1, GC1, etc.
 Right click on Storey in the Structure Tree and pick Generate Storey
Tip: If you get a message “Only populated storeys can be

defined as source of generation…” it is because the active
current view cannot be empty storey, i.e. no members :
 Go to plan view & left-click on it to make it active.

 Double-click on non empty storey in the Structure
Tree to make it the current view
 Generate again
 Under Source Storey, pick Storey 1 & then pick Storey 4 as Target Storey
 Click OK and members will be copied from ground floor to roof
 Click Close and check that members are indeed created in storey 4
 Switch to show storey 4 in the plan view by double-clicking on storey 4 in the structure tree
 Create a new slab over the lift core since this is the roof level
 Press ESC to deselect all previously selected members
 Right click anywhere on the plan view to expose the context menu
 Select Member Tables → Slab Table
The slab table allows you to change the parameters of the slabs in a group

 Click on the header q (live load) and the entire columns will be highlighted
 Click Columnwise Edit icon at the top
 Enter 0.75 kN/m2 → press ENTER (all the slabs live load values will be changed)
 Close the Slab Table
19. Wall Loads Library & Inserting Brickwall Loads

You can set up pre-defined all loads and then apply them using dropdown list when adding the wall
loads.
 Go to Main Menu and pick Building Setout  Wall Types Library
Defaults wall types are automatically setup but you can add any new user-defined wall type.
 Choose Cancel to exit

We will now insert brickwall loading on the beams in ST01
 Make the plan view active by clicking on it

 Double click on ST01 in the structure tree to make it active
 Select a perimeter Beam → Right-click  Edit Beam Wall Load

Tips
Partial wall can be entered by checking “Define
Wall Length Manually” :
 Enter Wall Length

 Enter “Reference X” for position of start of
the wall load
Wall Opening, eg. of windows & doors can be
inserted by click “Edit Openings”.
 Choose 100 Brick Wall – Singapore

 Enter Wall Height = 3.00 m & OK
Examine the 3D view and note that the wall load is also copied to ST02 & ST03 as they are similar. We
will now copy the brick wall load to all the perimeter beams.
 Ensure the beam with wall load is selected → right-click → Copy Beam Wall Load
 Multiple select all the perimeter beams by holding down the CTRL while selecting the beams. You can
also drag a box to select the perimeter beams (it does not matter if columns are selected).
 Right-click → Paste Copied Beam Loads
 Choose Yes to copy the loads
 Examine the 3D view to ensure all wall loads are inserted correctly. The model is now complete and
we are ready to run the analysis.

20. Building Analysis
 Pick Analysis → Building Analysis → Pre-Analysis tab
The Pre-Analysis settings is where main assumptions of the analysis can be defined :
 Parameters : review or modify the analysis parameters such as the design code and notional
horizontal load
 Load Combination : add or modify any load combination sets.
 Storey Loads and Parameters : review or input any lateral load values such as wind load.
Automatically generated lateral loads such as the notional horizontal loads will only be calculated
and shown after the analysis.
 Edit Materials : review, add or change the concrete and steel material of the building.

21. Materials
We will now define the materials for this project via Building Analysis > Pre-Analysis dialog.
 Pick Edit Materials
The materials and reinforcement steel grades are shown for all member type. Default Material is used
for super-structure floors. A separate Foundation Floor category is automatically created for foundation
members only.
If there is different material for a particular storey, a separate material settings can be added by picking
the icon. Steel reinforcement grades and diameters are also defined here.
 Pick Column Concrete Grade → select C30/37 → Apply to all member in this Storey → OK
 Pick Steel Grade and ensure that Grade 500 (Type 2) is selected and applied to all member types
 Pick Diameter and select the desired rebar diameter to be used in the member design
 Pick OK to return to the Building Analysis dialog

22. Load Combinations
We will now auto-generate the load cases and load combination.
 Pick Loading Combination
You can add new load cases manually and then load combinations. However, it’s easiest just to use the
Loading Generator to automatically set up load cases and combinations.
 Pick the options as shown below and click OK
All the load cases and combination will automatically be generated as shown below.
You can choose which combination is used for concrete & steel design separately.

23. Building Analysis Model Options
 Go to the Model Options → Model tab  Stiffnesses and review the assumption as shown below
Note: To prevent large torsional forces in primary beams due to secondary beams, the Torsional Stiffness
Factor is by default set to 0.01 (1%) in the Stiffnesses settings. Stiffnesses of individual members can be
changed by selecting a member  Right-click  Edit Section/Material  Properties tab.
24. Running Analysis

 Go to the Analysis tab
Before running the analysis, it’s always recommended that we check the validity of the model.
 Click Building Model Check & pick All Storeys & click Start

The building model check will pick up the most obvious modelling errors as indicated. You should review
any errors and correct the model before proceeding to perform analysis.
 Click Cancel to exit the check

The building analysis can now be performed.
 Check the box Building Analysis
Eigenvalues analysis can be done to obtain the

natural frequencies and mode shapes of the
structure.
The Analysis Tab also allows you to perform the

design of column/wall and beams automatically
after the analysis. We suggest that this should
only be done if you are confident that the result
is correct after due checking of analysis results.
 Check Column/Wall Reinforcement Design
 Check Beam Reinforcement Design
 Pick Start to analyze the model
The analysis will also check for instability and

large deformations; there will warning messages
if any are found.

25. Axial Load Comparison Report
An important check on the validity of the analysis is the Axial Load Comparison Report. This report sums
all of the dead and live load applied at each storey and displays the axial forces in the columns and shear
walls. These values need to agree with each other within a tolerance limit (5% by default). If they do not
the reason for the discrepancy should be investigated.
 Select Axial Load Comparison Report (in the Analysis tab)
Table 1 : TOTAL LOADS (Based on Slab) is sum of dead and live loads of all members with the slab load
not yet decomposed or calculated on the beam. You can take this as the input weight of the structure.
Table 2 : TOTAL LOADS (Decomposition to Beams) takes into account the decomposition of the slab
load onto the beams based on either yield-line or FE Decomposition. The beam load now includes the
slab loads (and hence zero values are shown under the slab column).
Table 3 : BUILDING ANALYSIS COLUMNS AND WALL AXIAL LOADS sums up the actual column and wall
axial loads after building analysis.
Firstly, check Table 1 total values are similar to Table 2. This ensures that all slab loads are accurately
captured by beams, i.e. no slab loads are lost.
Then verify Table 2 total values are similar to Table 3. This ensures that all the superstructure weight are
completely captured by the columns and walls down to the foundation.

26. Model and Analysis Results Display
The Model and Analysis Results Display enable you to review the results of the analysis graphically.
 Go to the Post-Analysis tab

 Pick Model and Analysis Results Display
By default, the deflected shape is shown in red. The un-deformed shape is in blue. Load cases and
combinations can be selected on the right hand pane.
 Go to Results tab and click on the Displacements button to turn off the displacement display
If too much information is displayed the screen can appear cluttered. However, by making use of the
various filter buttons and the view settings, you can create a more meaningful display view.
 In the General tab, you can click on the Filters button to filter the display by Storeys, Axes and Member
Type.
 Click the Elements tab

This is where you can show node labels, rigid diaphragms, element labels and slab loads.

 Click Loads icons to show slab loads calculated or decomposed on the beams (& then turn it off)
 Click on the Results tab
By default the Displacement of the structure is activated. There is function to Increase and Reduce the
scale of the deformation plot.
 Click on the various directional displacement values by selecting R (Resultant), x (horizontal plan), y
(vertical plan), z (along the storey)
 Click Animation to visualise the deformation of the structure
 Switch off Displacements display and click on Diagrams button.
 Click on Axial force N icon to display the Axial Force diagram (for G Load Case).
Diagrams Legend
N - Axial forces
V2 – Major shear force of beams

and walls. Shear of column along
dir 1
V3 – Minor shear force of beams

and walls. Shear of column along
dir 2
M2 – Minor moment of beams

and walls. Moment of column
along dir 1
M3 – Major moment of beams

and walls. Moment of column
along dir 2
T - Torsion
 Experiment with the various effects of the diagrams

 Exit Analysis Model and Results window
 Close the Building Analysis dialog
It is essential that you interrogate the Model and Analysis Results for the validity of the model as that is
the true analytical model from which the design forces will be based on.

27. Column & Wall Design
 Go to Concrete Design (top menu) → Column Section Design
Since we have selected to run column reinforcement design as part of Building Analysis, all the columns
and walls are already designed as indicated by green tick.
If they are not designed, you can choose Column Design (Batch Mode) to design all columns at one go.
 Choose Design Report

The columns to be included in the report are marked by a tick in the Print column. Columns can be added
or removed from the report by checking or unchecking the Print checkbox. Further, there are icons Mark
All Columns and Remove Print Marks that can be applied to all columns.
To obtain the most concise report check only

“Include Column/Wall Sections in the
Report”
 Pick OK to generate the report
All reports can be exported as PDF, MS Word,
image or webpage (html) format.

 Exit & this report will automatically be saved & made available for compilation in Report Manager
The Interactive Column Design allows you to examine & alter individual column design in more detail.
 Double click on 1C1 in the list of columns in the Column Design screen
Section Dimension shows the

parameters of the column such as
size, height & concrete cover
Steel Bars shows the number and

layout of the rebar.
Load Combination table list down

all the load combination. The most
critical is highlighted in red.
Required & Supplied As are

calculated from the critical load
combination.
Slenderness tab shows the bracing

assumption & calculated effective
lengths.
If there are changes in assumption of this column, you can click Interactive Design button to re-perform
the reinforcement design.
 Click Cancel to exit the Interactive Column Design dialog and Close the Column Design screen

28. Beam Design
 Go to Concrete Design (top menu) → Beam Section Design and Detailing > Storey Beams
Since we have selected to run beam reinforcement design as part of Building Analysis, all the beams are
already designed as indicated by green ticks.
If they are not designed, you can choose Beam Design (Batch Mode) to design all beams at one go.
The beams to be included in the report are marked by a tick in the Print column. Beams can be added or
removed from the report by checking or unchecking the Print checkbox.
 Choose Remove Print Marks to exclude all beams in the report

 Check/tick the checkbox under Print for the first row beam axis A only
 Choose Design Report
The Beam Design Report is in rich text format.

Currently this does not include the various
force diagrams.
If you would like the diagrams to be printed

out, pick ‘Load Legacy Beam Design Report’.
 Pick OK to generate the report

 Exit & this report will automatically be saved & made available for compilation in Report Manager
The Interactive Beam Design allows you to examine individual beam design in more detail
 Double click on any of the beam axis in the list of beams in the Beam Design dialog
Reinforcement Data window shows the

details of the beam design.
Required As is shown in blue as is based

on design envelope of all load
combination.
Extra As shows the additional or surplus

area of steel based on selected steel.
Rebars designed are shown in the various

rows including shear links. These can be
manually changed if desired.
s-Bar (Top)/(Bot) shows the clear spacing

of the rebars at the outmost layer.
Defl. Check shows the actual vs allowable

span/effective depth. The modification
factor is automatically applied.
Any figures in red indicate a failure to meet the design criteria and should be investigated.
 Click on the Diagrams button to see the loading and design forces

Below are example of the Load, Shear and Moment diagrams for the Design Envelope.
Place the cursor anywhere along the beam span and the respective values will be shown in the table
below the diagrams.
 Exit the diagrams & Close the beam design dialog

29. Slab Analysis & Design
For beam/slab models, slab reinforcement can be obtained by inserting slab strips in the X direction
(horizontal plan) & Y direction (vertical plan). This process uses moment coefficient method from the
tables in BS8110. This is independent of the general building analysis and can therefore be carried out
before or after the general building analysis.
To use the moment coefficient method, it is important to set all of the Slab Types correctly in accordance
with the tables in BS8110. This can be done automatically in a batch mode by right clicking on the slab
icon in the structure tree and choosing Set Slab Types Automatically.
 From the Structure Tree double click on Storey: St01 to return to the 1st Storey plan view
 Right click on Slab → Set Slab Types Automatically → OK
 Click on the Slab Strip icon

The Slab Strip Properties will be displayed:
 Slab Strip Type : Analytical Strip is used for design based on the Code
Method. FE Strip is used for design based on FE Floor Analysis results.
 When drawing the strips it is essential that the correct At Start and At
End conditions are specified. The three options being:
Slab - The strip starts or ends inside a slab. The bottom steel for
the slab in question is not designed, but the span of the slab can be
defined and this value is used in determining the support steel.
Bob - The strip starts or ends beyond an edge beam or wall. The
support steel at the edge is bent down into the beam/wall.
Cantilever - The strip starts or ends beyond a cantilever slab.

 Set the Dir: to X
 Set the No: to ‘1’ so that the strip label is X1
 Set Type to Analytical Strip
 Set the At Start condition to Bob
 Set also the At End condition to Bob
 Position your cursor between Axes A and B, but to the left of Axis 1 (so that it is outside of the plan),
then click to confirm the start of the strip
 Hold down on CTRL key and then click the end of strip to the right of Axis 4
 Draw another similar slab strip X2 to obtain the design for the slabs between Axis B-C/1-2
 Draw similar slab strip X3 to obtain the design for the slabs between Axis B-C/3-4
 Draw slab strip X4 to obtain the design for the slabs between Axis C-D/1-4

Now draw the vertical strips to design Y-direction rebar for the slabs.
 Change the Dir to Y

 Reset the No: to 1 again so that the strip label is Y1
 Keep Type as Analytical Strip
 Keep the At Start condition as Bob
 Also keep the At End condition as Bob
 Draw 4 nos. of vertical strip through all of the slabs
The final layout of strips & slab reinforcements should be as shown below
We can now re-check the strips as a batch and create a slab analysis & design report
 Go to Concrete Design top menu → choose Slab Analysis and Design → Design

The Slab Reinforcement Design report is displayed. Options are available to configure and then print it.
Any failure in the design will be highlighted in the Notifications pane at the left.
 Review the report and then Exit
30. Design Status

The design status can be displayed graphically for in plan and/or 3D window
 Click on the 3D view to make it active

 Click Active Window & Visual Interrogation → pick Design Status → OK
The design status of each member is also indicated in the Structure Tree view.

31. Quantity Extraction Tables
The concrete and reinforcement quantity reports can be produced.
 From the File menu choose Quantity Extraction Tables
 Choose Concrete Quantity Extractions Table and then click Create Report
This produces a concrete quantity report with member type and storey breakdown as shown below.
32. Project Properties

The Project Properties dialog allows you to enter the details of the project model.
 From the File menu choose Project Properties
Title Information tab
- allows you to enter the project title, model creator,

project no, revision no, project date etc. These
information will be displayed in the various reports.
Revision Notes tab
- You can enter additional information on this revision

such as changes from previous revision, etc.
Project Statistics tab
- Show graphical chart of key model information such

as total number of members, members types, grids &
storeys. In addition, it shows the number and types of
foundation, beam & column end releases.
 Key in the various information in the Title Information tab

33. Report Manager
The Report Manager is the central report manager where all analysis and design reports can be
accessed and managed.
 From the File menu choose Report Manager
Report Sets Reports Repository

Notifications
 Report Sets (left) : This shows the constituent reports which will be complied & combined into a
single final report
 Reports Repository (middle) : These are all the individual reports that are generated and available
to be included as a Report Set.
 Notifications (right) : Important notes and warnings form the analysis of the model is shown for
easy reference
You can expand or collapse the main folder by clicking on topic icons. To create a combine report :
 Select New in the Report Sets ribbon and give the new report set a name
 Select Add All Available reports in the Reports window in include only reports that are available
and generated in the report repository
Alternatively, click and drag a report from the Reports Repository into the Report Sets pane
 Choose to insert Table of Contents and Summary Report using icons just below the Report Sets
ribbon.
 Select View to generate and view the report set

Other available functions include loading of company logo (Load Logo ), inserting QR Code &
inserting external reports (New Report from File ).

34. Steel Model
We will now start a new steel model. This section will cover steel members, trusses modelling, analysis
& design. The below is the screenshot of the completed model which can also be found in the default
Project Data folder.
 Click New Project and type the project name as shown using the ‘_’ character for spaces.
 In Settings Control Center  Select Singapore (EuroCode) template and then Import
 Right click on Axes in the Structure Tree to expose the context menu
 Select Orthogonal Axis Generator
 Pick the intersection of the major grid near the origin (5000,5000 coordinates)
 In Orthogonal Axis Generator, change Dir-2 Axis Spacing to 5000*2 & click OK

 Right click on Storey and pick Insert Storey
 Input Total No. of Storeys = 2  OK

 When prompted to confirm  Pick Yes  The plan view will now change focus to Storey 2
35. Steel Columns Creation

 Click on Steel Column icon
 In Column Properties, change Len (Storey) to 2

This means the column will span 2 storeys with effective length of 2
storey height. Thus, we do not need to model any column in ST01.
 Change the Angle of rotation to 90 degrees
This will rotate the steel section 90 degrees on plan view.
 Pick Section Manager icon
This will launch the Section Manager dialog which allows us to pick
a section profile.
Column End Condition : Columns ends are fixed by default. You can apply hinges to top and/or
bottom by clicking successively on this icon.

 In Section Manager dialog, pick Singapore flag
This will access to Singapore Steel Profiles
(Continental)
 Pick UB 200x150x30  Select
 Pick OK to close the dialog
 Enter 8 nos of columns along Axis 1/A-D & 3/A-D
 Right click on Views in the Structure Tree and pick 3D View
This will create a separate window showing the 3D view.
 Go to Windows (top menu) → Tile Vertical

This will arrange the 3D view and plan view in 2 windows. The most recent active view will be on the
left-hand side.
 Click on the Plan view to make it active (the active view bordor will be darker)
 Double-click on Storey 1 in the Structure Tree to switch focus to Storey 1

 Click on Steel Column icon
 Change Len (Storey) to 1 in Column Properties
This means the column will only span one storey.
You will not see column len = 2 in ST01 plan view because
they were inserted in ST02. However, these columns will
be shown in the 3D view.
 Ensure the Angle of rotation is 90 degrees
 Pick Section Manager icon
 Ensure that UB 200x150x30 is selected
 Insert 3 nos. of column along GL2/B to D
36. Steel Columns Creation

 Click on Steel Beam icon
 Click on Section Manager in Beam Properties

This will access to Singapore Steel Profiles
(Continental)
 Create 6 nos. of beams in the region bounded by GL B,D,2 & 3 (as shown below)
1 1


 Create 5 nos. of beams in the region bounded by GL B,D,2 & 3 (as shown below)
Use smart points @ 0.33 &

0.67 to create these beams
Tip : Use Visual Interrogation to show beams of different sizes by color  Select “Beam Sections” for
“Criteria for recoloring”. Assign colors to members in Section Manager dialog  Material Color
 In Section Manager dialog, pick Singapore

flag
 Pick Equal Angle  L 50x50x3  Select
 Hinge both ends by clicking on the Beam End Condition icon (Since these will act as brace).
 Create 3 nos. of beams in the region bounded by GL B,C,2,3 (as shown below).

37. Steel Truss Creation
We will now insert roof trusses. Trusses are best inserted using the 3D view.
 Go to the 3D view  Double-click on ST02 in Structure Tree to make it active

 Click on Truss button
 Pick grid intersections A/1 to define the start

of the truss
A dynamic rubberband will appear with the
default truss type if no truss is defined
before.
 Pick grid intersections A/3 to define the end
of the truss
After you pick the second point, the truss
generator dialog will appear.

 In Geometry, pick Duo-Pitched truss  Change Truss Support Placement to Top Chord
 Change Apex height to 1500mm, Left & Right Heel height to 800mm
 Click on the Members tab
 Change the truss member sections to the following by click on the section name :
 Top & bottom chord = RHS 150x75x3 (Singapore)
 Diagonal & Vertical = SHS 75x75x3 (Singapore)
 Click Delete First & Last Verticals
This will ensure the end verticals are not overlapping with the column as truss bottom & top chord
connects directly to the column.

 Click OK to exit the Truss Generator dialog.
The truss will be inserted, and Copy mode will be auto-activated.
 Insert 3 nos. of similar trusses by clicking grid

intersection B/1, C/1 & D/1
 Press ESC or Right-Click to end the copy
operation
Tip : Copying/Moving an existing Truss:
 Select the truss  Pick Copy or Move command.
 Select the base-point  Select the destination
point.
 The COPY mode will continue until you press ESC or
Right-click
38. Purlins Creation

We will now insert purlins on the roof trusses. Purlins are best inserted using the 3D view.
 Click on Purlin toolbar button
 Select the first truss @ GL A  Select the last truss @ GL D (Intermediate trusses will be
automatically found)
 On Purlin Dialog, you can specify the following:
 Profile / Section of the for the purlin

 Section Alignment: On the Section / Under the Section / Center etc.

 Choose section UPN100 (under Steel  European sections  UPN)
 In the Loads dialog, you can apply loads to purlins :
1
3
6
2
4
5
1 Select the Load Case to insert the loading

2 Click Add Load  Load Label L1 will be created
You can continue adding load as required, eg. the last end-span purlin will have lesser load
3 Input the loads Coordinate System, Direction & Value
4 Assign the loads by picking on Assigned Loads for All Purlins or invidividual Purlin (P1, P2,
etc)
5 Pick the Load Label to assign  OK
You may find it easier to first assign the most common load to all the purlins & then
change specific purlins later.
6 Check the diagram to ensure the loads are applied correctly (zoom in using mouse wheel)
 Following the above steps, add a direction Z load of -2.00 kN/m for G Load Case
 Assign it too all purlins  OK to close the Purlin Dialog  Purlins will be inserted on top of all the
trusses

39. Braces Creation
We will now insert some bracings between steel columns.
 Click on the Brace toolbar icon
 Pick two adjacent columns at A/1 & B/1  Brace Dialog will appear
 In Brace dialog, you can specify the

following:
 Profile / Section of the for the purlin
 Brace Type (Diagonal, X Brace, Y
Brace or K Brace), etc.
 Accept all defaults & click OK
 Insert the same bracing between
columns A/3 & B/3
 Check the braces are correctly inserted as
shown below

 Insert new brace between columns C/3 &
D/3
 Change Brace Type to Diagonal
 Input Bot Let Vertical Offset = 3000 mm
 Tick Apply Bottom To Analysis
This will ensure the analysis frame will
consider this offset.
 Click OK  Diagonal Brace will be
inserted
 Insert another new brace between same

columns C/3 & D/3
 Ensure Brace Type = Diagonal
 Tick Invert  this will invert the diagonal
 Input Top Let Vertical Offset = 3000 mm
 Tick Apply Top To Analysis
This will ensure the analysis frame will
consider this offset.
 Click OK  A new diagonal Brace will be
inserted
 Check the braces are correctly inserted as
shown below

Remodel as Brace
The diagonal “L” angle horizontal beams in ST01 can also be modelled as brace elements.
 Try deleting & remodeling the above-mentioned 3 nos of beams as braces in ST01.

40. Girts Creation
We will now insert some girts between steel columns.
 Click on Girt toolbar button
 Select the first column at grid A/1  Select the last column at grid C/1.
Intermediate columns will be automatically found.
 On Girt dialog, you can specify the following:
 Profile / Section of the girt

 Section Alignment : Under The Section / On The Section
 Spacing, Delete Bottom / Top Member, Left / Right Cantilever, Offsets
 Choose section UPN100 (under Steel  European sections  UPN)
 Change Section Alignment to Under The Section  OK  Girts will be inserted
 Insert similar girts between columns A/3 & C/3 but Section Alignment = On the Section
 Check the girts are inserted correctly at both sides of the buildig as shown below

41. Column Splice Creation
 Select the corner column at GL D/3

 Right-click  Steel Column/Beam Splice Location
Definition
 Pick Add New Splice in Splice Location Definitions
 In Member Splice Definition
 Reference Strorey
 Splice Distance (from floor level)
 Splice width
 Accept the default  OK
The splice will be created & listed in Splice Location
Definitions.
42. Building Analysis

 Pick Run → Building Analysis → Pre-Analysis tab
 Pick Edit Materials
The global materials grade of the truss, purlins, girts & brace members are shown & can be changed.
Steel columns & beam materials are shown in the respective Section Manager dialog.
We will now auto-generate the load cases and load combination.
 Pick Loading Combination

 Pick Loading Generator  Pick the options as shown below  click OK
All the load cases and combination will be generated automatically.
 Go to Analysis tab  Tick Building Analysis  Start

 Go to Post-Analysis tab  Model and Analysis Results Display
 Review the results to your satisfaction as outlined in the previous section
43. Steel Design

Steel member design can be accessed via top menu Steel Design or Steel Design icon dropdown.
To check the design of a particular member, select the member, right-click  Steel Member Design.
 Go to Analysis tab  Tick Building Analysis  Start

 Go to Steel Column Design  Pick Check all  this will batch check all the columns

 Double-click on any column to review the detail design checks
 Click on the triangle next to the title check to drill down to more details
 Check Design  Re-check the design of this column
 Change Section  Allow you to pick another section  New section will be checked automatically for
pass / fail.
 Design Report  Prepare the design report
 Show Design Forces  List out all the design forces of all load combinations
You may want to check the design of the rest of the steel members such as steel beams & truss. The
design interface is similar to that of the column design.

44. Closing Summary
Congratulations! You have created your first model in ProtaStructure.
In this Quick Start Guide, we have created, analyzed and designed a simple small model. This will give you
the necessary knowledge to proceed to a real project.
For more help and guidance, please refer to ProtaStructure help reference accessible from Help menu.
We recommend you read the What’s New document for details of new features & enhancements.
Alternatively, you can attend our training courses to obtain a more in-depth knowledge of the usage of
the software. Please visit our website www.protasoftware.com for more information.
The detail drawings of all the members and the general arrangement drawings can be automatically
produced and managed in ProtaDetails (concrete) & ProtaSteel (steel). We recommend you proceed to
read the ProtaDetails & ProtaSteel Quick Start Guide as the next step.

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2018

Quick Start Guide

For support & training please contact

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 2

Plan View 3D View

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 3

choose the color of background and various

Active Window Settings & Visual Interrogation

color-code members to various criteria such

Column Plan allows the column wall axial, moment &

allows brick / partition wall label, load value

Slab Plan allows the dead and live load values to be

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 4

Column Layer Group switch on/off the column layer

Wall Layer Group switch on/off the wall layer

Beam Layer Group switch on/off the beam layer

Slab Layer Group switch on/off the slab layer

Reinforcement Layer switch on/off the slab reinforcement layer

Footing Layer Group switch on/off the footing layer

Plane Definition Layer switch on/off the plane definition layer

Text Layer (Freeze) switch on/off the text layer

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 5

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 6

 Select Singapore (EuroCode) template and then Import

Tip: You can create your own template & save it

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 7

Pressing ESC will deselect all entities.

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 8

You will find it easiest to use the mouse wheel to:

There are several insertion method for axis:

Single Segment allows you to create a straight line axis by clicking

Multi-segment axis enables you create a single axis with multiple

Curve Axis can be created by specifying the radius

 Ensure Single Segment insertion is selected

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 9

 Left click (& release) to confirm the start point

 If a value is entered in the textbox, the related

The left figure shows the length L is locked, so

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 10

 Use F2, TAB, ENTER to define destination points as mentioned earlier

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 11

 Click on DXF Import Info to see the

If required, amend the DXF drawing in a

 Choose a DXF file and click Open

 Select Import Members

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 12

10. Orthogonal Axis Generator

 Select Orthogonal Axis Generator

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 13

For horizontal and vertical axes with spacing of 5m will be created.

11. Columns Creation

e1 & e2 is measure from the centroid of the column

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 14

Using the 2 methods, create 10 nos. of columns at position shown below.

 Close the column properties.

ProtaStructure 2018 - Quick Start Guide 15

 Use the default wall thickness b = 250 mm & e = 0 mm

The parameters are explained in the diagram below