Prota Strucutre
Prota Strucutre
Prota Strucutre
www.protasoftware.com
What’s New in ProtaStructure 2019 – Quick Summary 4
What’s New in ProtaDetails 2019 6
What’s New in ProtaSteel 2019 7
Miscellaneous Enhancement & Fixes 9
1. New Member Design Diagrams 10
2. New ‘Material and Section Effective Stiffness Factors’ 11
3. Ability to Use Cracked Sections for Load Cases 13
4. New Member Type: Coupling Beam 15
5. New Member Type: Basement Wall (Meshed) 16
6. Purlins and Girts with Sag rods 17
7. Section Manager Interface & Enhanced Steel Database 18
8. New Built-Up Steel Type: Cross, T & L Shapes 18
9. New International & Country Specific Code of Practices 19
10. Steel Design Enhancement 21
11. Enhanced Visual Interrogation 22
12. Transit columns/walls are displayed on all relevant plan views 23
13. Automatic Wind Load Calculator 24
14. Enhancements in Revit Integration 28
15. IFC Export 32
16. New RC slab cross sections with reinforcement detailing 34
17. New Global Options Interface 35
18. New Rebar Label Settings 35
19. Enhanced Column & Beam Detailing Settings & Drawings 36
20. Automatic wall opening detailing 37
21. Precision detailing for slanting RC columns, varying column section sizes & slanting RC beams 38
22. New Engineering Utilities for quick engineering design & calculation 39
23. Enhanced Retaining Wall Module 40
24. New Dimension Styles Interface 42
25. Multiple selection of Tables for report generation 42
26. ProtaSteel Introduction 43
27. Intelliconnect for fully automated steel connection design 43
28. Connection Design Reports 48
29. Connection Design Summary Table 49
30. Design Overrides 50
31. Auto Presets 51
32. User-defined Design Capacity Ratios 55
33. Truss Apex Gusset Connection 56
34. Truss End Plate With Gusset Plate 56
➢ Auto Presets
This feature enables the user to create relations between profile types and connection macro
presets. This allows the program to automatically apply a saved “preset” connection to a particular
profile section.
➢ User-defined Design Capacity Ratios
How to Use
➢ Select a beam on plan view → Right-click → Beam Analysis Results Diagram
➢ Alternatively, access the Interactive Beam Design → Pick ‘Diagrams’
Display Detailed
Loads, Diagrams Values
& Deflections
Visualization
Tools
The same new diagrams are used for columns & walls :
➢ Select a column or wall on plan view → Right-click → Column Analysis Results Diagram
➢ Alternatively, access the Interactive Column Design → pick ‘Diagrams’
Note : The analysis post processor (Analysis Model and Results Display) is enhanced to utilize the
new diagram engine. As such, the occasional “RHS Moment Mismatch” warning & failure during
beam design is completely eliminated.
How to Use
➢ The Material & Section Effective Stiffness Factors can be accessed via Building Analysis →
Model Options → Model tab.
Important Notes :
• The stiffnesses table will only be applied for load cases with ‘Used Cracked Sections’ checked in
the respective Load Case Editor, except for seismic load cases where cracked sections are always
assumed.
• Each seismic code has its own set of default values. If an entered value is different than the
default, then editor color will turn to orange to inform the user.
• Building analysis must be repeated each time the effective stiffness factors are changed.
How to Use
➢ In the Wall Properties, go to 3D tab
➢ Wall Model drop down → Pick ‘Basement Wall (Meshed)’
This new wall type enables ProtaStructure to:
• Use different cracked section properties as dictated by different
seismic codes
• Always use FE Shell elements for these members in the building analysis.
• Utilize different design and detailing approach toward these walls
➢ Pick ‘Sab Rods’ → Click Insertion Method drop down & pick the options :
• Auto fit : Enter the number of sagrods and the spacing will be divided equally.
• Manual : Enter irregular spacings separated by comma.
➢ Enter all other parameters with reference to the help diagram at the bottom.
TIPS :
• The right-hand diagram refreshes automatically to show the final setup. Scroll the mouse wheel
to zoom in & out. Right-click and drag to move.
• Although, physical members of the sag rods are placed in an alternated pattern, the analytical
model perfectly connects to column/beam lines and insertion points.
How To Use:
➢ Section Manager is accessible from various places of member creation :
• Beam & Column properties → Section Manager icon
• Select a column or beam → Right-click → Edit Section / Material
• Steel Truss / Purlin / Girt / Brace creation dialog
➢ In the Database tab, choose the material → Concrete / Steel
➢ Concrete : Pick the concrete Shape → Input the dimensions
➢ Steel : Pick the Country Database → Pick the Steel Type & Sections
User decides on the ‘Risk Category’ of the User decides on the Occupancy Category.
building and selects the appropriate values on Importance Factor is automatically fetched from
the UI. the code.
If a selected ‘Structural System Type’ is not If a selected ‘Structural System Type’ is not
permitted for the current Design Category and permitted for a given Seismic Zone and Building
Building Height, then ProtaStructure will warn Height, then ProtaStructure will warn the user
the user with a message. with a message.
c c
Concrete Design
Steel Design
How to Use
➢ Go to Steel Design (top menu) → Brace / Purlin / Girt Design
➢ Alternatively, select a brace, purlin on girt → Right-click → Steel Member Design
The design dialog lists down all the members of the group (as shown below) :
How to Use
Step 1: Define wind load combinations:
➢ Go to Building Analysis dialog via Analysis top drop down menu
➢ In Pre-Analysis tab, click Loading combinations button
➢ In Load Combination Editor, click Loading Generator button
➢ In Automatic Loading Editor, go to Horizontal Load Combinations tab > Check Wind
Loading as shown below
Note : Check “Define Separate Negative Load Cases” if the wind acting from left to right & right to
left is expected to be different, e.g. irregular shaped building. Additional wind load cases Wx+, Wx-,
Wy+ & Wy+ will be created.
➢ Click OK to close Automatic Loading Editor dialog
➢ Click OK to close Load Combination Editor dialog
Note: The apply wind loads are editable, you may click & edit the applied wind load
➢ Click OK to close Storey Parameters and Loads dialog
Step 3: Run building analysis and review the results in Post-Analysis Result Display
➢ Go to Building Analysis tab, click Start to perform building analysis
➢ Go to Post-Analysis tab, click Model and Analysis Results Display
➢ Go to Elements tab, make sure the Loads and Diaphragms in the Nodal Points button group
are activated (as shown below)
The applied wind loads will be shown as nodal point loads that are automatically distributed to the
center of every floor diaphragm and isolated member(s) where applicable. Mz is the twisting
moment due the wind load & is automatically calculated based on the eccentricity of the center of
diaphragm & center of rotation multiplied by magnitude of the wind load case.
Assumptions & Limitations
1. Irregular buildings on plan (such as C shape, U shape) will be converted to an equivalent
rectangle.
2. Wind loads will only be calculated for windward and leeward faces to obtain the net wind
pressures/loads on each elevation.
3. This wind load will not, at this stage, support wind calculations of low rise industrial buildings
where side and roof wind pressure calculations are required.
4. The number, distance and dimensions of adjacent buildings in different wind directions will be
taken as an average input and shall be manually calculated by the user.
5. For building height exceeding 150m to 200m, the calculated wind loads might not be applicable.
Please refer to the respective code of practice as requirements are different. A wind tunnel test
should be conducted if necessary.
Round-tripping between Revit to Protostructure is further enhanced. When the Revit model is
changed & re-imported back into Protostructure, the import dialog box allows you to decide
whether to automatically remove the deleted members in the Revit model. The Integration Status
will color-code which members are new, changed, unchanged or deleted.
How to Use
1. Import a new ProtaStructure to Revit
➢ In Revit, start a new project using ProtaStructure_Metric_2019.rte template
➢ Browse & select the ProtaStructure model file with extension .Prota
Note : ‘First Time Import’ will be checked and will be the only option if it is first import to Revit.
Check the option Import slabs by interior points will avoid slab trimming and overlapping with other
member issues.
➢ Pick Import options as desired → Next → Close
A model import summary will be shown with a successful import.
➢ Select the same ProtaStructure project in Open Project dialog (as item 1).
A “RevitData” sub-folder will be created under selected project folder with new project files
incorporating the changes.
➢ Launch ProtaStructure or bring it to front if it is already loaded.
➢ Ensure the same project is opened (project name should not be changed)
➢ Go to File Menu → Mode/File import → pick Import From Revit Structure
➢ In Import dialog, choose the desired options → Pick Import
Note : ‘Update existing model’ will be automatically checked. Check the option ‘Delete if not found’
if you want members that are deleted in Revit to be completly removed in ProtaStructure.
➢ Building Model Check will be triggered. Take note of any errors & Close
The view will automatically switch to a 3D view with the Integration Status color coding showing
whether member(s) is new, changed, deleted & unchanged.
How to Use
➢ Go to File → Model/File Export → Export IFC File” menu.
ProtaSteel is also capable of creating IFC files. IFC files created by ProtaSteel includes all the
connections create. An example screenshot of ProtaSteel IFC imported into Revit is shown below.
➢ Generate the Form Plan drawing ensuring options to Show Rebars are checked
Tip : More slab detailing options are available tin the Options 2 tab.
➢ Go to Detail Library (top menu) → Pick Plan Sections
A A
Section A- A
Tip : Click (orthogonal) icon right at the bottom to ensure the line is exactly
horizontal/vertical.
You can navigate from the left side panel by drilling down to each setting. Further, you can quickly
search for any specific settings by typing in the “Search Settings…” text box. The navigation panel
will be filtered out for the results as you type.
The beam elevation detail is also enhanced significantly. Cantilever top rebar extension lengths can
be adjusted based on a user-defined factor multiplied by the cantilever length. This feature is
implemented to cater for some user’s preference for this manner of cantilever beam detailing.
This feature accessible via Settings (top menu dropdown) → Beam Settings → Steel Bars tab.
Note : A minimum length of Inner & External support will be applied if the resultant cantilever
support length is less than the former.
Important Notes :
• The column & beam detailing settings are directly inherited from ProtaStructure where the
exact same settings exist.
• Any changes to the settings in ProtaDetails will only affect new details; existing beam details
remains unchanged.
• Changes in settings in ProtaDetails cannot be saved; it will be discarded when ProtaDetails is
closed.
• If you want to save changes, please update the same settings in ProtaStructure.
• We strongly recommend you review these settings before producing any drawings.
The reinforcement detailing around the opening are only suggested rebars; no actual design is
performed by the program.
➢ The details can easily be amended by selecting any rebar → the Rebar dialog will appear
where changes to size, length & shape can be done.
➢ Ensure to tick “General Column Through Storeys” in Options tab of the Column Elevation
dialog box.
There is significant enhancement in slanting beam detailing; details are more precise and accurate in
beam elevation drawings.
The following is the complete list of the modules and their functions :
❖ Cover and Anchorage Calculator
➢ Calculates concrete cover, anchorage and lap lengths
❖ Hook Length Calculator
➢ Calculates rebar bending, extension & total hook length
❖ Rebar Area Calculator
➢ Calculates provided steel area per meter (e.g. 10H16 @ 100mm spacing) based on required
steal area
❖ Unit Conversion
➢ Converts common engineering units, eg. Pascal (Pa) → Kilopound Per Square Inch (ksi)
❖ Simple Beam Analysis
➢ Calculates maximum shear, moment & deflection for single span beam with various support
condition such as simple, cantilever & fixed end
❖ Uniform Flow Depth (Hydraulics)
➢ Solves for discharge, flow depth, channel width or channel slope for rectangular, trapezoidal
or circular channels under ‘uniform flow depth’ condition
❖ Gradually Varied Flow (Hydraulics)
➢ Solves for discharge, flow depth, channel width or channel slope for rectangular, trapezoidal
or circular channels under ‘gradually varied flow’ condition
❖ Effect of shelves on lateral earth pressure and fill weights are now applied and is shown in
detailed loading scheme
❖ Two different approaches to total failure are introduced; namely Fellenius and Bishop’s methods
➢ Go to Total Failure → Analysis Method → Select Fellenius / Bishop’s Method
❖ New option to have multiple layers of rebars at base plate
➢ Go to Design Settings → Number of Top Rebar Layers at Base Plate → Select 1/2/3
❖ New Detailing interface allows easy visualization and edit of rebars interactively.
➢ Go to Stem / Base Plate → Pick a Reinforcement → Edit number / diameter / spacing
How To Use:
➢ Select a table or multiple select tables (hold down
CTRL)
➢ Right-click → Add to Report
➢ Give it a title → OK
➢ The report will be created
This particular report will also be added in the report
repository Report Manager in ProtaStructure (under
Other Structural Members)
How To Use :
➢ Model, analyze & design the steel structure in ProtaStruture
➢ Go to Steel Design (top menu) → Load ProtaSteel
Please refer to the Quick Start Guide in ProtaSteel for further guidance.
While this feature of “Rule based joints” is beneficial in simple cases where the main and the
secondary (incoming profile) are the only two profiles present at a joint (see Figure 1 above), it fails
to deliver for complex joints when more than two elements meet at the same joint (see Figure 2) :
❖ For complex joints, applying a blind “Rule based joint” would create a huge number of clashes,
resulting in wasted & unproductive time in manual amendments.
Figure 4
IntelliConnect is an advanced technology which attempts to address these issues in certain cases
which are common in building detailing. These includes “simple cases”, e.g. where there are only 2
primary elements and “complex cases” where more elements meet at the same node.
As far as limitations on profile types and connection types are concerned, the same limitations given
in the simple cases apply.
How to use
The following is the summary of how to Intelliconnect :
❖ The user will first select a single or multiple nodes which holds the information of all elements
meeting at a single point.
❖ After which the user simply right clicks and goes into the IntelliConnect context sensitive menu
and select the type of connections to create.
❖ For some IntelliConnect connections however the user needs to select frames and not nodes
(e.g. simple cases 9 and 10 stated previously)
❖ Intelliconnect will its “internal classifying algorithm” to connect as many of the nodes selected
by the user as possible.
❖ After the process is finished the user can browse through these partially connected or
unconnected nodes and connect/correct them manually.
❖ User can browse through these nodes one by one through a navigator.
Purlin Example
➢ Select the nodes (joints) of the steel structure where you wish to create connection
Joints are shown as blue dots at the end of the member. For simplicity, you can click and drag a box
to select all members which will then also select the nodes.
For illustration purpose, we will create the purlin connections based on the Quick Start Guide Steel
model.
➢ Select all the truss members and purlins by left-click a drag a box around them
➢ Pick the connection types to consider → Adjust the priority using up/down arrow → Next
The relevant bracing shifting, bracing connection & haunch connecting settings will appear next
➢ Make desired adjustment → Run → Connection will be created
The reports can be created on demand in rich text format (RTF) and can be added to
ProtaStructure’s report manager for compilation into final design documentation. Design Status
colors can be seen on model view before report creation.
How To Use
To show the utilization ratio of the connection visually:
➢ Go to View (top menu) → Connection Design Ratio Coloring
The connection will color coded : Yellow = Not checked/designed; Green = Pass; Red = Fail.
➢ Right-Click → Connection Design Reports (or Go to Drawings & Report (top menu) → Connection
Reports) → Select the desired report :
• Show Connection Report → Show connection report of selected macro (s)
• Default Connection Report → Create connection report according to project preference
• EC3 / BS5950 / AISC_LFRD /AISC_ASD Connection Report → Create connection report for the
selected code
How To Use
The design overrides are defined in text files in the preference folder :
➢ Click on ‘Open Preferences Folder’ (top menu)
➢ Open the file “Simple Beam Connections Design Overrides.txt”
The structure of this file is as shown below.
➢ Modify & Save this text file to force the program to use “higher” values of selected design
parameters than those suggested by the design formulas.
The program will only use these values if they are “higher” than the that proposed by the code
calculations.
The Database Editor can also be used to edit the text file in ProtaSteel :
1
3
2
1. Database Files
➢ Select the file to view or edit → ‘Simple Beam Connection Design Overrides’
2. Content
➢ Select the row to edit
➢ To add new row, pick the sign / To delete a row, pick the sign
3. Key / Value
➢ View or change the values of the key
➢ Saves Changes or Discard & Refresh
4. File Comments
➢ Read the notes to understand key abbreviations & how to use it
Hinged Fixed
Note : This connection macro does not perform any design – it’s is entirely up to the user to set up
this connection.
The intention is this macro connection will be automatically used for column with this UB profile and
hinged at base.
➢ Right-Click on ‘Column Base Plate Macro Without Design’ → Input / change as shown
The above means that whenever there is a UB200x150x30, use macro preset “UB200_Fix” if the
base is fixed and use “UB200_Hinge” if the base is hinged.
➢ Go back the 3D view → Double-click on one of the column base joint
➢ Click ‘Column Base Plate Macro Without Design’ → Select the column above
The hinge column base connection will be created.
This macro supports connection with 1 to 3 secondary profiles. These secondary profiles can be
welded or bolted, and their profiles and orientations can be different. However, profile type and
orientation of top chord elements need to be the same. Selection order of secondary profiles is also
important such that it determines which elements are pulled back and in what order.
Cases Covered
Apex Truss Gusset Connection Macro supports to cases that connected by several apex and
secondary profile types. For secondary trusses; L, U, square tube, round tube and twin profiles are
supported. For Main apex trusses; in addition to secondary profile types I profile is supported.