CONTENTS

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

Contents ..................................................................... 1
Chapter 1.INTRODUCTION .......................................... 5
System and software requirements ................................... 6
Installation..................................................................... 6
Program Structure........................................................... 8
A first contact with working enviroment ............................. 9
General ........................................................................... 9
User interaction.............................................................. 10
The VK Steel entities....................................................... 11
Work Environment presentation ....................................... 12

Looking for Help.............................................................13

VK Steel Help System .................................................... 13
User Manuals ................................................................ 13
On Line Help ................................................................. 13
Personal Support............................................................ 15

CHAPTER 2. AN EXAMPLE ...........................................17

General.........................................................................18
Structure of the Example ................................................19
Looking for Help.............................................................20
Abbreviations ................................................................21
Step 1 Creation of the project folder................................23
Shortcut creation............................................................ 24

Step 2 Preliminary work .................................................26

Step
Step
Step
Step
Step

Introduction................................................................... 26
Preliminary model definition data ..................................... 27

3
4
5
6
7

Defining the project parameters.............................32

Defining the loads and load combinations................39
Structure defining ...............................................42
Diagnostic checks ...............................................53
Members Check ..................................................56

CHAPTER 3. FILE MENU .........................................61

Introduction ..................................................................62
New ...........................................................................63
Open ...........................................................................65
Save ...........................................................................67
Import ..........................................................................68
Essential actions before file insertion ................................ 69
Import ASCII Format Files ............................................... 70
Import DXF Format Files ................................................. 71

Export ..........................................................................73
Export DXF Format Files .................................................. 75
Export ASCII Format Files ............................................... 77
Export Drawing .............................................................. 78

Print ...........................................................................81
Exit ...........................................................................87
Recent Projects..............................................................88

CHAPTER 4. PARAMETERS MENU ...........................89

General.........................................................................90
Material Library..............................................................91
Design codes ................................................................. 94
Section Library............................................................... 98
Material Properties.........................................................101
Connections..................................................................102

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

Foundation Parameters ..................................................103

Load Combinations .......................................................115

Options.......................................................................119
Fonts ...........................................................................119
Colours ........................................................................121
Visible Items.................................................................121
Show tip of the day .......................................................123
Member groups .............................................................124

CHAPTER 5. VIEW MENU .....................................125

General.......................................................................125
Refresh .......................................................................128
View ...........................................................................128
Members List ...............................................................128
Nodes List ...................................................................130
Nodes Loads................................................................131
Members Loads............................................................132
Quantity Estimation......................................................133
Toolbars......................................................................134
Render........................................................................135

CHAPTER 6. EDIT MENU ......................................139

General.......................................................................140
Undo ..........................................................................144
Copy ..........................................................................145
Paste ..........................................................................146
Delete ........................................................................147
Dynamic view ..............................................................147
New Member ...............................................................148
Mirror .........................................................................149
Select Members Window ...............................................152
Select Using Filters.......................................................153
Unselect Members ........................................................155
Select Nodes ...............................................................155
Select Nodes Window ...................................................156
Unselect Nodes ............................................................157
3D Truss .....................................................................160
3D
3D
3D
3D
3D

Truss
Truss
Truss
Truss
Truss

TYPE
TYPE
TYPE
TYPE
TYPE

1............................................................161
2............................................................163
4............................................................165
5............................................................167
6............................................................169

Rotation of the model around axes .................................171

CHAPTER 7. ANALYSIS MENU ..............................173

General.......................................................................174
Topology Check ...........................................................175
Analysis ......................................................................178
Members Check ...........................................................181

CHAPTER 8. COLUMN BASE DESIGN

FOUNDATION DESIGN ......................183
General information......................................................184
Column Base Design.....................................................185
Foundation Design .......................................................191

CHAPTER 9. ELEMENTS PROPERTIES ......................199

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

General information on how to use toolbars.....................200

Member Properties .......................................................202
Project Library ..............................................................203
Constrains ....................................................................203
Euler Angle...................................................................204
Default Member Loads ...................................................205
Section Properties ...................................................................207
Geometry .....................................................................207
Members Loads .............................................................210

Node Properties ...........................................................211

Node Loads...................................................................211
Change Node Coordinates...............................................212
Support........................................................................213

CHAPTER 10. CONNECTION DESIGN TRUSS ........215

The joints programs function ........................................216

Workpanes ...................................................................216
Members set up............................................................216
Welds ..........................................................................216
Flanges ........................................................................216

Rules .........................................................................217
Interventions...............................................................217
Connection Design (Truss) ............................................219
Study by VK Steel ........................................................220
Accept workpanes ........................................................222
Joint Design Weldings ...................................................223
Estimation Files............................................................227

CHAPTER 11. CONNECTION DESIGN FRAME .......229

Project Menu.............................................................230
Information ..................................................................231
Material........................................................................231
Load Combinations ........................................................232
Print Settings ................................................................233
Printout........................................................................234
Save as DXF .................................................................234

Edit Menu .................................................................235

Zoom in .......................................................................235
Previous Zoom ..............................................................235
Select Nodes from to.................................................235
Deselect Nodes .............................................................236

View Menu ................................................................237

Toolbars .......................................................................237
Tools ...........................................................................240
Node............................................................................240
Status bar ....................................................................240
Refresh ........................................................................240

Options ..............................................................241
Window Menu ...........................................................243
Connection Menu .................................................... 244
Select node for Design Process........................................244
Select Members.............................................................244
Select Connection Type ..................................................245

Connection Editor ................................................246

Tools ...........................................................................247

Edit Menu (Holing) ............................................248

Edit Menu (Welding)..........................................252
Theory ........................................................................254
4

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

VK STEEL USERS GUIDE

CHAPTER1
INTRODUCTION

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

The VK STEEL program is designed for systems that are IBM PC
compatible and are operating the following systems:

MS Windows 95/98/98 SE
MS Windows NT SO4/2000
MS Windows ME

Minimum system requirements

For a system operating Windows 95/95B/98/98 SE

1. Processor: Intel Pentium II 400 MHz or higher

2. System Memory: 64 MB RAM or higher
3. Storing space: At least 20 MB free hard disk space fo program
installation and 200 MB for its operation.
4. CD-ROM drive: Speed 16X or higher.
5. Monitor: Resolution at least 800x600.

For a system operating Windows NT 4.0 with SP4/2000

1. Processor: Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or higher

2. System Memory: 128 MB RAM or higher
3. Storing space: At least 20 MB free hard disk space fo program
installation and 200 MB for its operation.
4. CD-ROM drive: Speed 16X or higher.
5. Monitor: Resolution at least 800x600.
INSTALLATION
To install VK STEEL the following are required:
1. The program installation disk
2. The locking device (HASP)

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

3. Optionally, the detailed installation guide that can be found in

the program packaging.
Before you start the installation make sure of the following:

All the requirements of the unit System and Software

requirements are met.

Your system has been booted without problems and the

operating system has been loaded.

No other application is running. If there is one you have to

terminate it.

The virus protection application you are using is does not

forbid system files installation. Those files are installed in the
c:\windows and c:\windows\system directories. (The directory
names may differ, according to the options you had chosen
during Windows installation). The same also applies for
performance checking programs you may have. If it is seems
difficult for you to accordingly modify your settings you can
temporarily disable them and enable them after the installation
of VK STEEL.

The locking device is firmly attached to the parallel port, on

the back of the CPU box.

NOTICE: The locking device installation must be carefully done

and as long as you have made sure that the central unit and the
printer are switched off.
To install the program, follow the instructions:
1. Place the CD on the CD-ROM driver.
2. After a short while, the installation wizard will appear.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

VK STEEL USERS GUIDE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The VK STEEL program comprises of the following parts:

Members
Foundation
Truss Nodes
Frame Nodes
Drawing

MEMBERS
It is the basic part of the program. In the working environment of
MEMBERS you can describe your structure and calculate it. You
can also check the members adequacy. The MEMBERS application
is autonomous, which means that the presence of another
program or another part of VK STEEL is not required. If no other
parts of VK STEEL are installed then structure analysis is confined
up to the members check. In other words it is not possible to
check the nodes, whether it is a truss or a frame structure, or to
produce drawings.
FOUNDATION
The FOUNDATION sub-program takes over the check and design
of the column base as well as the foundation members. The
structure foundation may be done either in individual bases or in a
system of footings and connenecting beams. Although it is an
independent program it is part of MEMBERS.
TRUSS NODES
The Truss Nodes sub-program takes over the check and design of
truss structures nodes. It also provides the possibility to produce
drawings of the structure model. To be able to check and design
the nodes, the truss must be previously described in MEMBERS.
To confirm that the Truss Nodes program has been installed, you
have to look for the Connection Design (Truss) command in the
ANALYSIS menu of the program. If the command is absent or
disabled then the Truss Nodes program is not installed properly, if
at all.
FRAME NODES
The Frame Nodes takes over the check and design of frame
structure nodes. It incorporates the possibility to produce its own
technical report without reference to the one produced by
MEMBERS and connections detail drawings. To confirm that the
Frame Nodes program has been installed, you have to look for the
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

Connection Design (Frame) command in the ANALYSIS menu of

the program. If the command is absent or disabled then the
Frame Nodes program is not installed properly, if at all.
DRAWING
VK STEEL can produce and export most of the drawings that are
required for the completion and validation of a project. The
following table features the sorts of technical drawings that are
available, depending on the programs composition:
DRAWING SORT
STRUCTURE
DRAWING
TRUSS
NODE
CONNECTION
DRAWING
FOUNDATION
DRAWING
COLUMN
()
DRAWING
FRAME
NODE
CONNECTION
DRAWING

VK STEEL PART MEMBERS+

NODE
DRAWIMG
Y
Y
Y

FRAME NODE

Y
Y
Y
Y

Table 1. Drawing creation availability depending on the

composition of VK STEEL (e.g. to produce the Frame Node
Connection you should have MEMBERS and FRAME NODES the
other parts of the program are not essential).
All drawings processing and printing is done in an autonomous
drawing program, which is installed in a separate sub-folder, in
the basic STEEL program folder. To confirm that the DRAWING
part is properly installed, look for the ICAD directory in STEEL.
This drawing platform is based in 4Ms IntelliCAD and has similar
functions with AutoCAD.
A FIRST CONTACT WITH THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
General
The VK STEEL program is based on the object oriented data
processing technology. The formation of the simulation to be
analyzed, the graphic display of the mathematical model, is
reduced to the insertion of the elements and calculation of their
properties.
VK STEEL USERS GUIDE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

Elements, for STEEL, are the nodes and members. Depending on

the element type, the program forms the properties directory.
The node object, for example, is the meeting point of the center
axes of the members, so the properties directory that is formed
for every such element includes geometric features (e.g.
coordinates in the global coordinate system, load values that are
implemented in the node coordinates).
On the contrary, the member object represents an entity with
physical essence (e.g. a steel beam of a defined length) and as it
is obvious, in the properties directory physical features (e.g. steel
quality, weight etc) are included.
The object-oriented term is referred to the complete
independence of each element and the possibility for the user to
alter one of its attributes, without the modification of the
attributes of the neighboring elements or the whole model.
Thanks to this technology, apart from the easy elements input of
elements and modification of their attributes, it is possible to
copy, cut and paste those attributes at any time.
Another important convenience is the possibility to undo an action
or even a whole series of actions that have preceded. As is the
case of most programs created for windows, the directory of the
actions to be undone is refreshed when the file is saved. In other
words, when the Save command has been chosen the possibility
to undo previous actions is no longer available
USER INTERACTION
All work in STEEL is based on user program interaction. The
program, depending on the work stage, prepares the appropriate
choices frame, in which the user should work by choosing the
commands and defining the values of the parameters. Those
choices commit the program in its turn to accordingly prepare for
the next stage.
Information exchange between the user and the program is
structured in various entities, so that the procedure is simplified
and the efficiency improvement.
The entities that are used in STEEL are:
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

NAME
Title Bar
Menu Bar
Tool Bar
Status Bar

Project Window or Graphic

Display Window

Dialog Box

Properties Frame

Message Slide
Pop-up menu

Nature Usefulness
Informational. The name of the
program and information on the
project are included.
Functional. It includes all the
commands of the program,
organized in menus.
Functional. It includes almost all the
commands of the program,
organized in shortcuts (buttons).
Informational - functional. Useful
messages about the work stage in
the Project Window appear there. It
also features some commands.
Informational Functional. It
features the model, in every work
stage, as it is formed and saved,
much information relating to the
changes that are being done in it,
while according to the choice,
access to the most useful
commands is provided, through
accordingly formed pop-up menus.
Functional. The program carries
many different dialog boxes,
different to each other, according to
the functions they are destined for.
It is one of the most essential tools
of the interactive communication
between user and program.
Informational Functional. On the
one hand they feature all the
properties of the object that has
been chosen and on the other hand
they provide the user with the
possibility to modify them.
Informational. It features some of
the useful information on the object
that has been chosen.
Informational. It is the same as all
other menus, only in this case it is
called by right-clicking on the
project window. It includes
shortcuts and their content It is
formed according to the object
choice

Table 2. Table entities and their interpretation.

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VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

WORK ENVIRONMENT PRESENTATION

Title Bar
It includes
the program
logo as well
as
information
on the
number of
the current
project

Graphic
Display
Window
The model is
displayed
here and it is
processed
with the use
of the
graphic
processing
tools.

12

Toolbars
They may be
floating or
permanently
placed along
the sides of
the main
window. They
include all
shortcuts
(buttons) of
the program
commands

Menu Bar
All program
commands are
grouped I one
of the menus
that comprise
the menu bar

Message Slide
According to
the object
choice,
information is
provided e.g.
about the nod
or the
member, their
number and
their
coordinates

Status Bar
Useful
information
about current
program
functions is
provided

Window
operation keys.
They are the
typical
WINDOWS keys
for maximizing,
minimizing and
exiting the basic
window and the
current project
window
Horizontal and
vertical sliding
bars.
Changing their
position also
moves the
model through
the graphic
display window.
Properties
Frame
In this frame
you can search
and modify the
properties of the
members you
have chosen.
The fields of the
frame is
automatically
updated if the
member choice
has changed

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

LOOKING FOR HELP

VK STEEL help system
For faster familiarization of the VK STEEL program and its more
efficient use, a range of aids is provided, the form and content of
which will constantly be updated.
The basic principal that rules the design of the help system is
immediate convenience for the user with the providing of
appropriate suggestions as well as answers to any problems or
queries arise during the use of the program.
In the following paragraphs we cite the help scheme that has been
adopted.
User Manuals. The best way to get acquainted and familiarized
with the program is to read the current detailed user manual
(which you are holding in your hands). Special effort has been
given so that the book is as complete as possible in terms of
content as well as appearance. The goal is the transfer of
information to be achieved through a readable and tasteful text.
Those requirements are covered with the implementation of PDF
(Portable Document Format) technology by the Adobe company in
the formation of all text files of the aforementioned titles. So apart
from the printed user manuals, you also have at your disposal
their files in electronic format. The great advantage of the latter is
the possibility to easily update them through their version
upgrade that can be achieved at any time through the web site of
the 4N-VK company, (www.4m-vk.gr) without having to wait to be
delivered by mail or to repeat an installation. You can get more
information on those new ways (and their availability) from the
site www.4m-vk.gr.
On Line Help. While you are using the program you may have
queries that you would like to answer without having to look the
books. VK STEEL is supplied with help files of the *.chm type.
NOTICE For the electronic help system to function
properly you should have correctly installed Microsoft
INTERNET EXPLORER. This applies to all subsequent
editions of Windows 95 SE (or second edition, English or
Greek). In the original edition of Windows 95, the help
system will not function if Internet explorer is not installed.
Moreover, there is no case for a problem to arise during
VK STEEL USERS GUIDE

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VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

STEEL start, which is due to the absence of essential

system files of Windows. To anticipate it you should install
Internet Explorer 4 or newer.
Access to the ON LINE HELP system can be achieved either
through the appropriate shortcut (command:INDEX) of the HELP
menu, or by pressing the F1 key of the keyboard. You can look for
the subject that interests you with following two ways:
1. looking for a specific article in the subject units where it is
situated
2. using the search engine for words or whole phrases wherever
they can be found in the articles of the help system.
The help files are automatically installed in the program
installation directories. Newer versions can be available without
charge form the company site (www.4m-vk.gr).
Looking for further help on the Internet. The supply of information
and, in general, services through the Internet is a tendency that is
being adopted by most large software companies. The 4M-VK
company, through its web site (www.4m-vk.gr) covers VK STEEL
and its users with a constantly increasing collection of various
companions (small programs and documents). Among others you
can find

The most recent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) file

Independent articles with explanation of select subjects (e.g.

regulations passages, regulation implementation through the
program etc)

Project examples

Presentation of notable projects that were carried out with the

use of VK STEEL

Technical Report examples

Technical Drawing examples

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

The update about the subjects and availability of this stuff will be
done through the pages of the company web site.
PERSONAL SUPPORT If despite all this you still have queries or
problems, the 4M-VK company covers the VK STEEL program with
a full support scheme. You can get more information on the
terms, the way and the cost of personal support by looking at the
details of the annual contracts the company can offer.
Among the services that are included in personal support
communication with local Authorized Dealers for all Greece, or the
Programs Support for Athens for answering any queries and
solving any problems.
4M-VK (Athens Headquarters)
Programs for Civil Engineers
Athens: 9 Mikinon and Makedonias st, Chalandri 15233
Tel 010-6857200
Fax 010-6846237
Internet http://www.4m-vk.gr,
E-MAIL: [email protected] (or the personal email addresses of each
support engineer).
4M VK (AUTHORIZED DEALERS)
Thessaloniki CENTRAL MACEDONIA
SILICON 75 AG DIMITRIOU STH tel. 0310-240077 fax 240077
email [email protected]
& A. Petras tel 0310-323501 email [email protected]
http://www.silicon.gr

VK STEEL USERS GUIDE

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VK STEEL

16

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2
AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

The main goal of the example that follows is the quick

familiarization of the user with the working environment of the VK
STEEL program. For this reason emphasis has been given to the
structure definition procedure (model design), while to avoid an
information overload the validation of the elements calculations is
not extensively commented.
In the example what is explained are the procedure of the design
of a simple frame structure, its calculation, the members
efficiency check according to the requirements of Eurocode 3 as
well as the check and design of on of its nodes.
After the completion of this example you will have

A quick familiarization with the most important commands

and functions of this program
A concise view of the work flow in the program
A project example that you can use in the future, as
reference

Read the next paragraphs of this introduction. Their aim is to

inform you on the project you intend to create, as well as the
ways to look for help about operating matters, that are being
covered in another part of tho user manual, or the on line help
system.
Specifically,

The next paragraph, STRUCTURE OF THE EXAMPLE, presents,

graphically, the main steps that will be explained in the next
chapters.

The LOOKING FOR HELP paragraph guides you so that you can
take advantage as much as possible, of the help system, as
you are working on the example

The ABBREVIATION paragraph includes a table with the

printing conventions of this example. This table is an essential
reference help for the understanding of the abbreviated words
that are used for the sentences.

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CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE We recommend before you go further to take a quick

look to the INTRODUCTION chapter of the official user manual.
Among others you will find a short presentation of the working
environment and the features of the program.
STRUCTURE OF THE EXAMPLE
The procedure is structured in ten steps, organized in two units.
The first unit (steps 1-7) include the actions you can do with the
main part of the VK STEEL program, MEMBERS. This unit
corresponds to the largest part of your work in the program, since
after the completion of step 7, you will have solved the structure
and have secured the efficiency of its members, according always
to the requirements of the selected regulation (in our example we
have selected, as Members Regulation, Eurocode 3 and as
Aseismic Code, NEAK).
The second unit, (steps 8-10) is mainly about nodes design,
foundation check and use of the programs results (Printings and
Drawings).
The program structure is the following:
FIRST UNIT
1. Step 1 Introduction Creating the project folder
2. Step 2 Preliminary work Actions that are required before the
description
3. Step 3 Defining the project parameters
4. Step 4 Defining the loads and the load combinations
5. Step 5 Structure description. Modifications and corrections
6. Step 6 Diagnostic checks and calculation
7. Step 7 Members check
8. SECOND UNIT
9. Step 8 Foundation Design
10. Step 9 Connection Design
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11. Step 10 Results

LOOKING FOR HELP
This example has been designed in such way that it guides the
beginner user, quickly and in a concise way in the completion of a
project. For that end the references to alternative ways to the
same function or more detailed explanations have been omitted.
However, if you need any clarification you will need to read the
printed user manual where the relevant subject is explained in
more detail. For example, in STEP 3 Defining the project
parameters only the parameters determination procedure is
mentioned, which is needed in the project. Details on the rest of
the parameter can be found in paragraph MATERIAL LIBRARY of
chapter THE PARAMETERS MENU.
An other fruitful way to look for more details is through the
electronic online help system that accompanies the program.
For the same subject (the materials and their parameters) look
for details following the next procedures.
Start up the program
Press the [F1] key, or execute the command Help>Index (in other
words select the Index command which you will find in the Help
menu). The electronic help window of VK STEEL will appear. At
the left side of the window you can see the tabs Contents and
Search. At the center the larger window features the texts of each
subject as well as the Hyperlinks between the pages.
1. FIRST WAY Select with left click the Contents tab. The list
with the contents of help will appear, in hierarchical order.
a. Select, with left click the subject THE PARAMETERS
MENU.
b. On the page, at the central window, left lick on the
hyperlink Material Library. In the same way you can
read all the units that comprise the Material Library
subject, by choosing the relevant hyperlink.

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

2. SECOND WAY. Select the Search tab. The word/phrase

search engine will appear, which is part of the help system.
a.

At the field {Type in the keyword to find} type the word

{Materials}

b.

Select with left click the [List Topics] button. All the
page titles that include the word Materials will appear.

c.

To end up in the same page, as in the first way, select

the title Materials and press the button [Display Topics].
Experiment with the other titles.

ABBREVIATIONS
No

Conventions

What it is for

File>New

Program
command

{This Project has not

been saved. Are you
sure?}

Message
Content.
Text you
should type

[CLOSE]

Sign on a
button

<DIN>

Sign on a list
or a field

LC

Left Click

RC

Right Click

Comments
explanations
It means that you
must execute the
New command,
which you will find
under the File
menu of VK STEEL
Usually the
execution of a
command is
followed by the
appearance of a
message
Other examples:
[OK], [CANCEL]
Select one of the
contents of a list,
after you have
opened it, by
clicking on the
word with the left
button of the
mouse
Abbreviation of the
phrase: Click with
the left button of
the mouse
Abbreviation of the

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LDC

Left Double
Click

C:\vk\windows\steel

Place of the
steel folder

C:\vk\windows\steel\Win
steel.exe

10

C:\vk\windows\steel\

Place of the
Winsteel.exe
file
Contents of
the steel
folder

22

phrase: Click with

the right button of
the mouse
Abbreviation of the
phrase: Click twice
with the left button
of the mouse
It means: The steel
folder is in the
windows file, which
is in the VK file of
hard drive c
It means: The
Winsteel.exe file is
in the etc
It means: All the
files and all the
folders that are in
the folder steel,
which is etc

CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

FIRST UNIT
STEP 1 CREATION OF THE PROJECT FOLDER
Working with VK STEEL starts with the creation of a new project
and the appropriate adjustment of the program environment.
In the first step you will start up the program and create a New
Project.
Every
new
project
creates
a
directory
in
C:\vk\windows\steel\meletes\ as well as a first series of
essential files. The place where the program looks for the saved
projects is determined and therefore you should not change it,
until you have fully completed your work. If you move, for any
reason, the project folder to another part of the disk, this project
will not be available anymore, on the PROJECT dialog frame.

Follow the procedure

Flow
Program Start Up

User Actions
Start the STEEL 2001 application
doing one of the following,
1.

Select the WinSTEEL command

from
the
typical
Windows
START>PROGRAMS> WinSTEEL
menu.

2.

LDC the icon that you will find on

Windows desktop. (If this icon
does not exist, read the notice
bellow about the ways to make
an
,
desktop)

on

the

Windows

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VK STEEL

New Project

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

3. Select the command FILE>NEW

or LC the
. The dialog frame
{NEW PROJECT} will appear
4. With LC select the {Steel} tab
and make sure that there is no
other project with the same
number you are about to use.
5. Select again the {New} tab and
LC the {Project} icon. Press
[OK]
6. On the {Steel New Project}
dialog frame type the number
100 on the field {Project}, and
the
text
{Simple
frame
structure} on the Information
field.
7. Press [OK]. The program has
created a directoy named {100}
where all files of the 100 project
will be stored. It has also formed
appropriately the project window
and displays the toolbars and the
program menu bar.
8.

RC on any icon. The TOOL BARS

command will appear. Make sure
that all check boxes will be
checked. If any of them is not
checked, then LC on the check
box to select it.

SHORTCUT CREATION on the Windows desktop.

If a program icon has not been automatically created you can very
easily create it by following the procedure bellow:
1. RC anywhere on the desktop, as long as there is no other
shortcut at this place.

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2. On the pop up menu that will appear select the New

command and LC on the command Shortcut. The CREATE
SHORTCUT dialog frame will appear.
3. Press the button [BROWSE]. The familiar dialog frame for files
browsing will appear. Look for the file Winsteel.exe, in the
program folder. If during set up you didnt change the default
place of the STEEL folder, then you can look for the file at
c:\vk\windows\steel\WinSTEEL.exe
4. Press the [NEXT] button.
5. Press the [FINISH] button.
MOVE COPY COMPRESS A VK STEEL PROJECT. To move a
project of the program from the directory they were saved all you
have to do is move the folder with the name of the project. The
same applies for copying a VK STEEL project. The compression of
the project is a simple procedure as well, although it requires the
existence of a relevant application. Many programs or
compression algorithms allow the compression of files but not of
directories. A VK STEEL project, though, does not comprise of only
one file but of a group of files. This means that for the right
compression you have to create first the compressed file (e.g. if
you use the ZIP algorithm through an application, such as
WinZip, the 100.zip file) and you have to include all the files that
are included in the 100 folder of the VK STEEL project. This can be
achieved with the help of the command Add to archive of the
compression program.

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

STEP 2 PRELIMINARY WORK REQUIRED TASKS BEFORE

THE DESCRIPTION
Before we move on to the structure definition, in the program, we
have to mention some comments about the tasks that are
required to be done first.
INTODUCTION
The VK STEEL program is designed in such way that it allows any
corrections that you may need to do during the model definition
phase. However the best way to start your work is if you have
from the start a concise view of your data and you projects
requirements.

More specifically you should

1. Have a clear view of the geometry of the structure and also of

the section categories that will be used. In other words, you
should bear in mind any architectural or other constraints and
have checked the extent in which the structure you are about
to define meets them or not. In regard to the sections, the
correct choice of category will save much of your precious
time.
2. Have done some kind of preliminary work in regards to the
load. In VK STEEL you can input two sorts of load,
a.

distributed along the member, and

b.
concentrated , forced on the nodes. Both the
distributed and concentrated on the members and nodes
respectively, will have to be given in units that are
according to the regulation that will be used for the
design of the members. If, for example, Eurocode 3 (EC
3) is being used then the distributed load should be given
in kN/m and the concentrated in kN. For the time being
the program is not able to process the loads and
therefore the modification of the load from kN/m2, as they
emerge from the regulations, to kN/m as they have to be
input distributed on the members, will have to be done by
the user.

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CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

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In this unit we will give a description of the problem that we are

about to describe and solve. Some details will be given about the
project data and some drawings and images in which you will be
able to get as reference any time you have a query during the
definition of the structure.
NOTICE The regulations that will be used for the structural
analysis and design of he structure are NEAK and Eurocode
therefore to define the loads the relevant provisions of Eurocode 1
have been taken into account.
PRELIMINARY MODEL DEFINITION DATA OF THE EXAMPLE
Introduction
The structure we are about to define is a simple space frame that
could represent a shed.
Geometry
The structure comprises of two parallel frames that are connected
with secondary beams. Each frame comprises of two columns of
height 4 m and a pair of leaning beams with an 18.43 degrees
angle from the horizontal axis.
The frames are connected by parallel secondary beams that, as it
is conceded, take part in the structural analysis.
To avoid any unwanted relevant distortions, a pair of bracings has
been placed in each leaning plane, comprising of members, which
it is conceded for that they take only tension. Those members will
be hollow beam of rectangular section and be connected to the
main beams through brace struts.
The parallel secondary beams system comprises the main
mechanism of load transfer from the cover (of steel leaves of
trapeze section with expectation in the load of future
insulation), of wind pressure and sub-pressure by snow and
moving loads (temporary load, as is provided by Eurocode 3 for
frames with an angle less than 20 degrees).
The form of the structure can be seen in the series of successive
drawings and images.

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VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

Image 1. Three dimensional model of the structure after its

definition

Image 2. View of the first frame

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CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

Image 3. Ground Plan (These images have been created with the
program VK STEEL through the command Export To> Image,
combined with the RENDER command
Design Codes
The regulations that have been followed are:

For loads: Eurocode 1

Aseismic: NEAK

For the members: Eurocode 3

When it comes to other assumptions from the aseismic code the

followig assumptions have been taken:
1. The structure is in Athens
2. The Importance of the building is 2
3. The soil is class B
4. The building although a frame, will be designed in elastic area
(section class 3) with earthquake behavior factor q = 1.5
5. The foundation coefficient is = 1.0

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

6. = 3.0 %
According to the assumptions above the components of the
earthquake coefficient in the YX plane are Rd(T)/g x-x = Rd(T)/g
= 0.31 while the activity of the vertical component of the
earthquake is considered negligible.
Loads
For the load of the structure the following assumptions have been
made:

30

DEAD Dead load strains the secondary beams as

distributed load. The main beams are being strained due to
dead load only on the secondary beams base points

WIND & SUB-PRESSURE The winds load, for the needs

of the example has been reduced to only one direction with
angle = 0. In other words the vector of the resultant of
the load (that corresponds to wind pressure) has the
direction of the positive Y-axis. Based on this assumption
the value and direction of the distributed load has been
calculated on the columns and secondary beams for the
case of positive pressure (LC 4: Wind +Y) and subpressure (LC 6: Wind Y). Because the frame does not
have any draperies (or other surfaces) on a level that is
vertical to the X-X axis the load of the wind in this direction
has not been taken into account while, to avoid any
complexity, the relevant Eurocode 1 prevision has been
ignored.

SNOW For snow load the simplest case of different load

has been taken, on the left and right leaning surfaces of
the frame. Like in the case of wind, the load strains the
secondary beams as a uniformly distributed along them.
Snow load is being developed in two Load Cases: LC 8:
Snow 1 and LC 9: Snow 2.

LIVE According to Eurocode 1, even in cases of nonpassable roofs, such as the case in this example, the live
load for the case of repair should be taken into account.
This load that will also be known as [] is taken based on
the weight of the workers that will make the maintenance
work.

CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

The resulting load due to frame imperfections has been ignored as

negligible.
Connections
COLUMNS The columns are considered to be fixed on
flexible footing of cube shape, connected with inflexible
beams. The support node is considered
to be fixed and
the assumption that there is a suitable mechanism that
transfers the torsional moment to the foundation system.
To make more strict the overturning check of the footing,
the participation percentage of the beams (their
inflexibility) of torsional moment receipt has been reduced.
In terms of the frames, the nodes that connect beams to
columns are considered fixed.
BEAMS The beams have been considered as fixed in terms
of their connections to the columns as well as each other.
SECONDARY BEAMS The secondary beams have been
considered as pinned in both sides.
ROOF BRACES We have already talked about the
crosswise pairs of roof braces. We should say here that
they will be defined with a buckling length that is twice the
actual one to make sure that the relevant check will
succeed. In practice the pair of roof braces is set up ready
on the frame and consists of four members which are
connected in their meeting point with a brace strut. In the
program we will define those members from the node of
one frame to the one on the diametrical opposite of the
other frame (in other words we will define two members of
each pair with length twice the actual one).

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

STEP 3 DEFINING THE PROJECT PARAMETERS.

On the 3rd step of the project you will select the aseismic code,
the members check code and define all their relevant parameters.
You will also create the Project Library having made the
appropriate choices from the General Section Library that
accompanies the VK STEEL program. The Project Library sections
will be used later during members insertion (STEP 5).
The whole parameters defining procedure will take place through
the PROJECT PARAMETERS dialog box.
Follow the procedure
PROGRAM FLOW
Code Parameters defining

USER ACTIONS
9. Select the command
Parameters>Material Library. The
{PROJECT PARAMETERS} dialog box
will appear, which includes all the
essential code parameters, which
are organized in successive tabs.
10. Pop-up (if it is not already visible)
the {CODES} tab with LC on its
title.
11. On the lists {Design Codes} and
{Aseismic Code} select <Eurocode
(EC3)> and <NEAK>
12. Select the <Equivalent Static
Analysis Eq 3.7> for the lateral
seismic forces distribution
13. On <LC Factor (Live)> type {0,30}
14. On <Termal Loading Value> set to
zero {0}

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CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

15. Make sure that the check box <Set

as Default> is not checked.
On the right side of the tab make the
following changes:
a.

Choose <Zone II> for

seismic risk zone.

b.

Choose <S2> for category

of importance.

c.

Choose <B> for soil class.

d.

Without clicking any of the

{Influence Factor of
Foundation} options, type
<1,5> for the <q> factor
value.

e.

Type <0,15> in the <Tx>

and <Ty> fields

f.

Type <0,15> and <0,6> in

the <T1> and <T2> fields,
respectively

g.

Type <1,5> and <2,5> in

the <Bd(0)>and <Bd(T1)>
fields, respectively

h.

Type <0,375> in the

<Bdmin> field

i.

Type <3> in the

<Damp.Ratio> field

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VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

j.

When you are finished with

all necessary changes the
<Code> tab should look
similar to the one illustrated
in the following figure.

NOTICE Defining Rd(T)/Bd(T), Rd(T)/g X-X and Rd(T)/g Y-Y is

done automatically so it is not necessary to type anything on
those fields.

Image 4 The Design Codes tab after defining the parameters.

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CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

PROGRM FLOW
Sections Selection- Project
Library Creation

USER ACTIONS
16. The next step is to select the
sections that will be used for
the structure members you are
about to define. With LC select
the {Section Lirary} tab. The
tables that comprise your tab
provide you with access to the
General Sections Library, which
will enable you to create the
Project Library, in other words
a list of the sections that will
be used in your project.
17. Activate if it is not already
active the check box next to
<Fe360> and make sure that
all other steel qualities are not
checked. All sections you will
select, from now on, will be of
Fe360 steel quality.
18. Select with LC on the left side
of the dialog box the IPB
sections. The table in the
middle will show the list of all
available IPB sections along
with their properties
19. With LC select the IPB200
section to select it.
20. Without moving your cursor
away from the selected row,
with RC pop-up the menu with
the commands to insert the
selected sections to the Project
Library.
21. With LC select the Insert Selected
Sections command. The IPB 200
section has been added to Project
Library.

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

PROGRM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
22. Repeat process 18 23 for the
following sections,

IPE 80

IPE 180

IPE 220

KT 40x40x2,6 (Square Hollow

Section)

23. The Project Library creating

process has been completed.
Notice that the arrow next to all
section types that have been
selected has turned to black. Make
sure that <Set as Default> (down
on the left) is not checked and
proceed to the next task, in the
{PROJECT PARAMETERS} dialog
box, which is the steel quality
parameters check.

NOTICE It is understandable that the selection of the Sections is

dictated by the nature and function of the structure. As it was
pointed in Step 2 it is essential that you have done some
preliminary calculations, so that you avoid multiple tests for the
selection of the appropriate sections for the structure in question
and its load conditions. For this example we have selected a
IPB200 section for the column which is more suitable for
combined strain in axial load and biaxial pressure, while for the
beams are mainly pressed elements (main and secondary) we
have chosen IPE80, IPE180 and IPE220 sections. Finally, for the
roof braces that act only in tension we have chosen square hollow
sections.

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CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

PROGRAM FLOW
Steel Quality Parameters
Check

USER ACTIONS
24. Chose with LC the {Material
Properties} tab. At this point the
program allows the modification
of the steel quality parameters
25. Without making any changes
move on to the Connections
parameters

Connections Parameter Check

26. Select with LC the

{CONNECTIONS} tab. At this
point the program allows the
modification of the welds and/or
bols that will be later used during
nodes design.
27. Without making any changes
move on to the Foundation
parameters

Defining the Foundation

Parameters

28. Select with LC the { Foundation

PARAMETERS} tab. At this point
the program allows access to the
foundation parameters, which are
organized in sub-groups.
29. Select from this list the <[SOIL]>
sub-group. With two successive
LC in every field you can make
the necessary changes. Make
those changes
a. On <Moduls of Subgrade
Reaction (Ks)> type
{40000}
b. On <Young Moduls of
Soil> type {11000}

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PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
30. Select from the list the
<[MODELING]> sub-group and
make the following changes:
a.

On <Column Perticipation
Percentage> type {20}

b.

On < Perticipation Percentage

in Tie Beam > type {60}

c.

On <Footing type> type {0}

31. Having completed the defining of

the essential parameters and
after you have made sure that
<Set as Default> is not checked,
press [OK]. Your program will
save your selections at the
parameters file of this project.

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CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

STEP 4 DEFINING THE LOADS AND LOAD COMBINATIONS

On the forth step you will fill in the load combinations table that
will be used for the classification of the stress values during the
members efficiency test.
Additionally you will separate the given load into member load and
nodal load.
Follow the procedure
PROGRAM FLOW
Safety factors selection and
Load Combination defining

USER ACTIONS
32. Select with LC the
PARAMETERS>LOAD
COMBINATIONS command. The
Load Combinations table will
open.
33. On this table, the columns
represent the Load Cases while
the rows represent the load
combinations. Each load
combination, to be valid, should
include at least one load case. A
load case takes part in a load
combination if the table cell
where the combination with load
case in question meet has a
value that is not zero. Those
values that correspond to the
Safety Factors are defined each
time by the user depending on
the projects special
requirements. Generally, they are
given by the codes.

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PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
34. We should point here that the
factors values are chosen for this
project only and are not typical.
35. Type the values of the safety
factors, as seen on Table 2
bellow

NOTICE We should point that we fill in the load safety factor

according to the regulations only in the first three and eleventh
columns. In all other cases the title (e.g. Wind + X) is just
indicative and you could use the column for live loads.

Dead
Seismic Wind Wind Wind Wind Snow Snow Other Live
SeismicY
Loads
X
+Y
+X -Y
-X
(1)
(2)
Loads Loads
1 1,35

1,50

2 1,35

1,50

0,90

0,90

3 1,35

0,90

1,50

0,90

4 1,35

1,50 0,90

0,90

5 1,35

0,90 1,50

0,90

6 1,35

1,50

0,90

0,90 0,90

0,90

7 1,35

0,90

1,50

0,90 0,90

0,90

8 1,00

1,00

0,30

0,30

9 1,00

0,30

1,00

0,30

10 1,00

1,00

0,30

1,00

1,00

1,00

11 1,00

0,30

1,00

1,00

1,00

1,00

Image 5 Load combinations form and the values of the safety

factors for the example project.

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CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
36. At this point you should check
the loads in relation to the load
combinations you have just
defined. We recommend you to
compare the table above to all
we have mentioned about load
assumptions at STEP 2 and at the
Loads unit.
37. The loads values that will be
defined as distributed along the
member, have resulted from the
calculation of the weight surface
in each member according to its
position and angle (e.g. Outside
Inside members with an angle
of the axes of the local
coordinates system turned
towards the load implementation
level)
38. LC on [OK], to close the window.

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

STEP 5 STRUCTURE DEFINING MODIFICATIONS AND

CORRECTIONS.
On the fifth step you will define the elements that comprise the
structure and you will modify their properties. The data insertion
process is the most time consuming stage of your work. For this
reason the program has many alternative ways for the most
necessary parts of your work so that the formation of the
structure can be simplified. In our case we have tried to describe
the most possible ways. The more you use the program the more
you will see that depending on the individual requirements of each
structure some of the alternative ways for the same work simplify
the process more than others. In other words, it is not necessary
to repeat to the last word this procedure in your next project.

Follow the procedure,

PROGRAM FLOW

Columns Insertion

USER ACTIONS
39. If you do not see the MEMBERS
PROPERTIES toolbar make it
visible. The toolbar should look
like the on in Image 6

Image 6 MEMBERS PROPERTIES toolbar

40. Select the IPB200(Fe360) section

from the <Project Library> list
41. Select the <Fixed-Fixed> option
from the <Constrains> list
42. Type <90> at the EULER field
43. Select
<column>
in
<Memmers Groups> list

42

CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

the

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
44. LC on the
icon. The
{Elements Loads} dialog box
appears.
a. LC the <Wind +Y> option
b. Select the <Local Z> axis
as load axis
c. Set
<1,5>

the

<Q>

value

to

d. Press [Update] and close

the dialog box by pressing
[OK]
45.RC anywhere in the project
window. On the pop-up menu
select WIZARD. You can select
the same command from the
Edit menu. The {New
Member} dialog box will
appear.
46. In the <Start Node> dialog box,
fill in the bottom node of the
column co-ordinates as follows,
{1,0}, {1,0}, and {1,0}. In the
<End Node> dialog box, fill in
the top node of the column coordinates as follows, {1,0},
{1,0} and {5,0}.
Press the [Add] button and then
press [Close].

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PROGRAM FLOW

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

USER ACTIONS
47. Click on the
icon again. The
{Elements Loads} dialog box
appears again. Before you do
anything
else,
uncheck
the
<Wind + Y> check box.
a.

LC the <Wind -Y> option

b.

Select the <Local Z> axis

c.

Set the <Q> value to <1,0>

d.

Press [Update] and close the

dialog box by pressing [OK]

48.

Select
the
command

EDIT>WIZARD

Like in the previous column, on the

values fields type the following: SN:
{1,0}, {7,0}, {1,0} and EN: {1,0},
{7,0}, {5,0}.
Press the [Add] button and then
press [Close].
Defining Beams

44

49. At the {Members Properties}

toolbar, make the following
changes,
a.

Select the IPE220(Fe360)

section from the <Project
Library> list.

b.

Select the <Fixed-Fixed>

option
from
the
<Constrains> list.

c.

Type <0> at the EULER

field

d.

Select <beam> in the

<Memmbers Groups> list

CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
50. (The beams do not bear any
other load apart from the
secondary beams reaction, so
we will not define any load
during their defining)
Select EDIT>WIZARD, so that
the
members
New
Elementdialog box.
Uncheck the <Wind - Y>
check box.
a. LC to the [Pick] button.
Select node 2 (the upper
node of the left column).
b. RC
anywhere
in
the
drawing window. Select
the
SHOW
DIALOG
command.
c. In the <End Node> fields,
type {1,0}, {4,0}, {6,0}
d. LC on <Number of multiple
members to insert>. In
the field bellow type {3}.
51. Press the [Add] button and
then
press
[Close].
The
program has created a beam
and divided it to three equal
parts.
52. Select EDIT>WIZARD, so that
the New Element dialog box
appears.
a.

Click on the [Pick] button.

Select the nodes indexed 7
and 4.

b.

At the < Number of multiple

members to insert > field
type <3>

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PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
53. Press the [Add] button and
then press [Close].

NOTICE If you cannot see the numbering of members or nodes,

select the command Parameters>Options>Visible. The dialog box
Visible Items will appear. Check the options Member Names,
Node Names. If the nodes themselves are not visible then you can
check the Nodes option
Defining the support
property of the bottom
column nodes

54. You will now set the start

nodes of both columns to
support joints. Select the
command EDIT>SELECT
NODES
55. Press the [Ctrl] key and keep it
pressed. Select with LC the
nodes 1 and 3 (the bottom
nodes of the columns). The
selected nodes will change
their color.
56. Having selected the two nodes
RC and select the SUPPORT
command. The two bottom
nodes of the columns will be
turned into support nodes.
57. Select the command
EDIT>UNSELECT NODES, to
get off the Select Nodes
environment.

Define the second frame

46

58. You have just completed the

definition of the first frame.
The second frame will be
defined by creating a copy of
the first in a distance in the xx direction. The copy apart
from the members and their
geometry will also have all
information relevant to the
loads.
CHAPTER 2 AN EXAMPLE

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
59. Select the EDIT>SELECT
MEMBERS WINDOW command
60. LC somewhere on the left of
above the structure. Release
the button and move the
cursor to the right and
bottom, so that the window
includes the entire structure.
LC again. All structure
members have been selected.

61. Select EDIT>COPY

62. Select EDIT>PASTE. In the
appearing dialog box, type
<3> to the <dx> field. The
Program has copied the first
frame with the loads on a
distance of 3 m and created
the second with its members
parallel to the members of the
first ones.
63. Select the command EDIT>
UNSELECT MEMBERS to get
off the Select Members
environment
Change The Structure View
Point

64. LC on the
icon. LC
anywhere near the top node
of the structure (the beams
meeting point). Release the
button and drag slowly the
cursor to the right and
bottom. Stop when you feel
think that the viewpoint is
satisfactory.

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PROGRAM FLOW
Define Secondary Beams

USER ACTIONS
65. At the {Members Properties}
Toolbar, make the following
changes,
a. Select the IPE 180(Fe360)
section from the <Project
Library> list.
b.

Select the <Fixed-Fixed>

option from the
<Constrains> list.

c.

Type <18,43> at the

EULER field.

d.

Select <secondary beams>

in the <Members Groups>
list.

e.

Loads (LC on the

icon): <Dead>: <Global
Z> with <Q> = {0,250}
kN/m. <Wind + Y>:
<Local Z> with <Q> =
{0,70} kN/m. Check the
<Snow 1>: <Global Z>
with <Q> = {0,05} kN/m.
Uncheck all other options.

66. LC on the
icon. Make
consecutive LC on the
following nodes, {2,11},
{5,14}, {6,15}, {7,16}
Member Load Correction

67. Because the secondary braces

in the middle bear a load that
is greater than the ones in the
sides we will correct the loads.
68. Select the command
EDIT>SELECT MEMBERS.
While keeping the [Ctrl] key
pressed, select members 18,
19, 20.

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PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
69. LC on {MEMBERS LOADS} on
the {SECTION PROPERTIES}
frame (on the right). On the
field <Load Cases> select
<Dead>. Type {0.5} kN/m in
the <Q> field. Select <Wind
+ Y> and type {1.2} kN/m.
Select <Snow 1> and type
{0.1} kN/m.
70. Select the command
EDIT>UNSELECT MEMBERS

Define the rest of the

secondary beams

71. At the {Members Properties}

toolbar type <-18,43> at the
EULER field
72. LC the
icon, to see the
{ELEMENTS LOADS} dialog
frame again. Uncheck all
checked loads. Press [Update]
and [OK].
73. Select again the
icon.
Make consecutive LC on the
following nodes, {8,17},
{9,18}
74. We will define the members
loads with the change
method.
a.

Select the command

EDIT>SELECT
MEMBERS and select
members 21, 22.

b.

In the frame
{SECTION
PROPERTIES} make
the {Members Loads}
tab visible

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PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
c.

d.

e.

Select <Dead> and

type {0.5} kN/m at
<Q> on the <Global
Z> Axis.
Select <Wind Y>
and type {-0.9} Kn/m
at <Q> on the <Local
Z> axis.
Select <Snow 2> and
type {0.120} for <Q>
on the<Global Z>
axis.

75. Select the command EDIT>

UNSELECT MEMBERS
Secondary Beams Load
Correction

76. Select the

icon again.
Make consecutive LC on the
following nodes, {4,13}
77. We will define the members
loads with the change
method.

50

a.

Select the command

EDIT>SELECT MEMBERS and
select members 23.

b.

In the frame {SECTION

PROPERTIES} make the
{Members Loads} tab visible.

c.

Select <Dead> and type

{0.25} kN/m at <Q> on the
<Global Z> Axis.

d.

Select <Wind Y> and type

{-0.45} kN/m at <Q> on the
<Local Z> axis.

e.

Select <Snow 2> and type

{0.06} for <Q> on the<Global
Z> axis.

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PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
78. Select the command
EDIT>UNSELECT MEMBERS

Define loads through filters

79. While the structure definition

has been almost completed
we have not defined any live
loads on the secondary
beams. We will define them
with the Member Selection
through filters method.
80. Select the command
EDIT>SELECT USING
FILTERS. The dialog box of
Image 7 will appear.

Image 7 SELECT USING FILTERS dialog box

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PROGRAM FLOW

USER ACTIONS
81. In the field <According to the
Group> select <Secondary
Beam (Steel)> and press
[OK]. The program will
automatically select all the
members that have been
defined as secondary beams.
82. On the {Members Loads} tab
select <Live> and type {1.0}
kN/m at <Q>.
83. Change this value for the
secondary beams to {0.5}
kN/m in the way that was
described in steps 69/70.

Define Roof Braces

84. At the {Members Properties}

toolbar make the following
changes,
a. Select the <KT
40x40x2,6 (Fe360)>
section from the <Project
Library> list
b. Select the <PinnedPinned> option from the
<Constrains> list.
c. Type <18,43> at the
EULER field.
d. Select <bracing> in the
<Members Groups> list.
85. Followin the procedure at 52
define the members between
the nodes {5,15} and {6,14}
86. At the {Members Properties}
toolbar type <-18,43> at the
EULER field and repeat the
procedure in step 52 for
nodes {8,18} and {9,17}
87. You have just completed the
model definition process..
Select FILE>SAVE to save
your work.

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STEP 6 DIAGNOSTIC CHECKS STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Having completed the structure definition you should check its
integrity and move on to the Space Frame structural analysis. The
VK STEEL program provides a set of diagnostic checks to warn
you about mistakes with a relevant message.
On STEP 6 we will describe those two actions: Diagnostic checks
and Space Frame structural analysis
Follow the procedure
WORK FLOW
Topology Check

USER ACTIONS
88. Select the command
ANALYSIS>TOPOLOGY
CHECK. The frame of Image
8 will appear

Image 8 Integrity Tests dialog box

89.On the dialog box check all

options and press[OK]
90.The should not be any errors.
If there is one then follow
again all steps in STEP 5

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WORK FLOW
Structural Analysis

USER ACTIONS
91. If nothing went wrong in the
Topology Tests then you can
proceed to the Space Frame
structural analysis. Select the
ANALYSIS>STRUCTURAL
ANALYSIS command. After a
few seconds a dialog frame
will appear like the one in
Image 9.

Image 9 Analisys dialog box

92. Make sure that the Analysis
drive (disk) is the same with
the one you have installed
your program and the value
of <Accidental eccentricity>
is {zero}. Press [OK]
Analysis Report

54

93. When the structural analysis

has been completed the
analysis report will appear on
the screen. It should look like
the one in Image 10

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

Image 10 The Result Test Screen

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STEP 7 MEMBERS CHECK

After the structural analysis the relevant node displacements, and
therefore the member deformations, have been calculated. In
other words we have found all stress magnitude everywhere
where the program will run the checks.
During the checks procedure the procedure the program factorises
the stress values and according to their position (e.g. beams,
columns etc) will run all Eurocode 3 required efficiency tests. In
case of failure the check stops and the relevant failure message
will appear in a dialogue frame, citing the member and failure
type.
For this example we will change a part of a beam so that it fails.
Follow the procedure
WORK FLOW
Section change for a beam
(for this example only)

USER ACTIONS
94. Select the command
EDIT>SELECT MEMBER
95. SELECT beam 3
96. In the Geometry tab of the
{Section Properties} frame
from the Section Type list
select <IPE80(Fe360)> and
click on the field right bellow.
The section of the beam 3
has changed from
<IPE(Fe360)> to
<IPE80(Fe360)>
97. Repeat the procedure we have
described in STEP 6

Members Check

56

98. Select the command

ANALYSIS>MEMBERS CHECK.
The dialogue frame in Image
11 will appear

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Image 11 The Members Design Dialog box

99. Make the following selections,
a. On the Designation
unity select
<Frames> and <Non
Sway>
b. On the Display
Messages unity
select <Show
messages on design
excess> and <New
failure log File>
c. Make sure the
<Check all
members> check box
is checked
100. Press [CONTINUE]
101. After a while the program
will stop and the message of
image 12 will appear

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Image 12 The Stop in Excess window

102. The message says which

member fails, where it failed
the load combination during
which the message appeared
and the reason
103. Press [CONTINUE]
104. This time the message of
Image 13 will appear. Notice
that while we are still on the
same member the failure is
due to another reason.
105. This time select <Overcome
all warning stops for all
remaining members>
106. Press [CONTINUE] again.
The program should not stop
until the end

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Image 13 The {Stop In Excess} window frame. This time the

excess is due to member buckling on the Z-axis, because of
Load Combination 2

107. After having selected the

[CONTINUE] button, the
program will keep on
checking all members.
Because you have selected
<No more interruptions from
all diagnosis in all members>
the Members Check will not
stop even if it meets some
excess. This of course, does
not mean that the checks do
not take place. All excess
messages are collected and
written in a printable format
file, the appearance of which
notifies for the check
procedure end. The excess
message file will look like the
one in Image 14

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Correction

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

108. Press [CONTINUE]. A new

window will appear, the
section modification results
window. The window displays
the contents of the automatic
section change file it should
be blank for you, since you
did not use that method.
Press [CONTINUE] again to
complete the procedure.
109. To restore the beam you
have to reset the original
beam, as we have previously
described and to proceed
again to structural analysis
and members check.

Image 14 The Error Messages file (excess messages) on display

window. You can print the file by selecting the [PRINT] button.

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CHAPTER 3
FILEMENU

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Introduction
The FILE menu is the first from the left menu. The commands
that are included in the FILE menu, along with a short description,
can be seen on the following table.
COMMAND

KEYS

NEW

DESCRIPTION
Creates a new project

OPEN

Ctrl + O

SAVE

Ctrl + S

Opens the projects directory to select

an existing project
Saves your project

IMPORT

Opens the import project from DXF or

TXT files dialogue box

EXPORT TO

EXIT

Opens the dialogue box to export the

project to TXT files, create DXF
drawings and get BMP or JPG form
images
Opens the dialogue box for the
creation of the project printouts
volume.
Exit the program

RECENT
PROJECTS

From the submenu you can quickly

open one of the recent projects.

PRINT

Table 4 The commands that are included in the FILE menu.

If you click on the word File on the menu bar the pop-up
command list will appear, as seen in the following image

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Image 15 The FILE menu and the commands it includes.

An alternative way to access the most usual commands is through
the icons that are included in the FILE toolbar, as seen in the
following image.

Image 16 The FILE toolbar (floating menu)

Each one of the following paragraphs is about a command and
includes user directions as well as general information about their
usefulness and function.
If you need immediate information on a command you can take
advantage of the online help system that come with the program.
To open the help system press the F1 key or select the INDEX
command from the HELP menu.
NEW
This command is for the creation of a new project. Each one of the
projects of VK STEEL is stored in its own directory in
c:\vk\windows\steel\meletes\
where c: the drive where the program is stored. This means that
the NEW command creates a files group and not a single file.
In this directory all necessary files are stored, that are created by
the program during your work on the project in question.

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Additionally VK STEEL prepare the working environment by

activating a new project window (new document) and all the
necessary menus with the program commands.

To create a new project, follow the procedure

1. Start the program

2. Select with LC the File>New command or LC the [icon] icon.
The dialogue box of image 17 will appear.

Image 17 The NEW PROJECT dialogue box

Image 18 The project number insertion box

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3. LC the Project icon

4. LC on [OK] the dialogue box of Image 19 will appear.
5. Type a three-digit number of you choice between 100 and
999, on the Project text field.
6. You have the option to type a short comment to describe the
project on the Project Information text field. This text will
appear when you select the project (see OPEN PROJECT)
7. LC on [OK]. The program will create a new document and
activate all menus.
If in steps 4 or 7 you decide to cancel the process, instead of the
[OK] button chose the [CANCEL] button. The program cancels all
actions you have done so far.
OPEN
This command enables you to open an existing project from the
VK STEEL project directory.
The program looks for the project directory with all relevant files
that are saved in the c:\vk\windows\steel\meletes\sub-folder
and accordingly formats the project window and menu.
To open a saved VK STEEL project, follow the procedure
1. Start the program.
2. Select with LC the File>Open command, or LC the
The dialogue box of image 17 will appear.

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Image 19 The OPEN PROJECT dialogue box

3. LC the STEEL tab. The window of image 19 will appear, with
the icons of the projects that are saved in the directory
\vk\windows\steel\meletes\
4. LC the icon of the project you want. Notice that on the left
window you can see the comment that is included in the
project (if you had typed it during its creation).
5. LC on [OK], or the underlined text Open the project. The
program will open the project in question and all menus.
NOTICE The program can save and restore only the projects you
create in this project directory. This project, like all the directories
that are included in the vk directory, are automatically created
during installation.
NOTICE We recommend you not to move the projects you need
immediately from the project directory of the program. However if
you do it they will not be available in the program. To make them
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available use any copy or move method and restore it in the

project directory. The copying or moving a directory does not alter
their content.
SAVE
As with almost all programs that operate under Windows, the
frequent use of the SAVE command is recommended.
The reasons you have to save your work frequently are many, but
the most practical value of this command is one and simple: it is
the only way that minimizes the possibility to permanently lose
data.

To save your work, follow the procedure.

1. LC the command File>Save or the

icon

NOTICE The command that is equivalent to SAVE is Save and

not Save As. As it has been pointed the program cannot save in
a directory other than the default one.
IMPORTANT Every time you select SAVE the program frees all
memory that it uses to save data and permanently saves them in
the hard drive. In other words this means that you cannot
anymore undo your actions. As with the other Windows programs
the undo command is valid only for data that is stored in the
system memory. The frequency of the use of this command is
therefore relevant to your wish to save your data and to be able
to undo your actions.

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IMPORT
VK STEEL has an integrated graphic environment and an array of
tools that allow the models definition. The modeling of the
structure consists of the consecutive insertion of the members
that comprise it, through the help of appropriate commands. This
is the most usual way to define a structure.
However, under some circumstances, which will be explained in
this paragraph, you have the option to insert the entire structure,
overriding almost the whole members insertion procedure.
The principal of a structure insertion is simple: you import to
STEEL a file that includes all information that is needed for the
defining of a structure. You go on to defining the elements
properties (members and nodes) and the defining of the codes
and load parameters.
The VK STEEL program provides the option to insert two types of
files;
DXF format files

ASCII (TXT) format files

The selection of the insert file is achieved through the dialogue

box of image 20
To start the structure defining procedure form an existing file, you
should do it through the options of the IMPORT dialogue box.
Follow the procedure,
1. Start the program
2. Create a new project, the way it was previously described.
3. Do all actions that are described in the ESSENTIAL ACTIONS
BEFORE FILE INSERTION paragraph
4. Select with LC the File>Import command. The dialogue box of
Image 20 will appear.
5. Depending on the file type you want to import mark on the
check box ASCII Files or DXF Files. Read the detail in the
following paragraphs.
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Image 20 the IMPORT dialogue box.

ESSENTIAL ACTIONS BEFORE FILE INSERTION

Before using the option of the program to import a structure from

a file and for any file you want to use you should start a new
project, as mentioned and do the following in VK STEEL:
1. Fill in he relevant parameters of the seismic code (Old or
NEAK/EAK 2000) and the steel members design code (DIN or
Eurocode 3). For more details on the relevant procedures read
the paragraphs Design Codes, Material Properties and
Foundation Parameters of the PARAMETERS MENU chapter.
2. Fill in the Project Library, the sum of the original sections that
resulted from the first estimation of the structure. For more

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details read the Section Library paragraph of the

PARAMETERS MENU chapter.
3. Fill in the Load Combinations table. For more details read the
Load Combinations paragraph of the PARAMETERS MENU
chapter.

IMPORT ASCII FORMAT FILES

The ASCII format file is the simplest form of a file, since it

includes information in alphanumerical characters that comprise
the text or the tables, without the format parameters the text
editors add, like MS WORD. Many programs that perform
structural analysis on steel structures provide the option to export
file of this type, which include structure members and nodes
geometry parameters in table format. The goal is compatibility
with other programs to the extent that is possible and to avoid
additional work by repeating the time-consuming structure
defining procedure.
The VK STEEL program needs two ASCII format files, to fully
insert he structure geometry. The one should include the
coordinates of all the structure nodes, and the second one the
information on members connection and, optionally, some of their
properties.
CAUTION Those files should strictly follow a certain
composition. You can look for details about the structure
of those files in the VK STEEL help system, on the chapter
FILE IMPORT STRUCTURE. In case you find any
differences in the files structure, you should correct them
using any ASCII files processing program.
Provided that you have those two files and have checked their
structure, follow the procedure,
1.

Follow the instruction that were described in the two

previous paragraphs

2.

Save the two TXT files in the project directory. It is

recommended that you should chose appropriate names so
that you can easily distinguish the nodes file from the
members file.

3.

In the IMPORT DATA dialogue box select with LC the ASCII

FILES check box.

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4.

LC the file open icon, under Members File Name and look
for the members file, in the project directory.

5.

Repeat the procedure for the nodes file.

6.

Press the [OK] button. After a while, you should be able to

see your structure defined in your project window.

7.

Go on to the next steps of the work flow (e.g. change the

members and nodes, define loads on the members and
nodes, structural analysis and members check).
NOTICE The reverse procedure to the one we have just
described is to export ASCII format files, which is described
in detail in the EXPORT TO paragraph later in the same
chapter. The program creates the two ASCII files we have
described and gives you the option to transfer the
geometry elements of the structure to other applications.
Apart from structural analysis programs such as VK STEEL,
the study of steel structures has brought out applications
like MS EXCEL or LOTUS 123 into useful calculations
programs. In those programs you can easily create your
own spreadsheets and import with one go the structure
data form the nodes and members files.

IMPORT DXF FORMAT FILES

The VK STEEL program provides you the option to import DXF

format drawings. This way you can draw your structure in a CAD
application, such as AutoCAD or IntelliCAD and import it ready in
STEEL. STEEL considers that the lines are straight members, with
start and end nodes the relevant points in the lines, while for the
curves there are special parameters, that have to be defined by
the user, for their fragmentation into small straight members. This
action is essential given that the program approximates curves
with polygons.

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NOTICE There are certain restrictions in the creation of the

structure drawing. During import to STEEL only entities that have
been created with the LINE, POLYLINE and ARC can be
recognized.
If you already have a drawing in DXF format, save it in the project
directory and follow the procedure,
1. Follow the instructions that were described in the IMPORT
and Essential Actions Before File Insertion.
2. In the IMPORT dialogue box select with LC the DXF FILES
check box. Notice that the options in the Divide Arcs have
been activated.
3. LC the file open icon, under Dxf File Name and look for the
members file, in the project directory
4. In the Divide Arcs unit select with partitions of same angle
value and type the value on the field that is righjt bellow.
5. When you have finished press the [OK] button. You should be
able to see your structure in the VK STEEL project window.
For circular member fragmentation or in other words to
approximate them with a polygon line the program provides two
options
NUMBER OF MEMBERS In this field you should type an integer that
declare the number of straight parts that will comprise the
polygon.
PARTITIONS OF SAME ANGLE VALUE (DEGREES) In this field you
should type the desired angle of arc to divide the curve part in
elementary straight parts. The number you can type is any
reasonable value. The program will initially try to divide the
curve part in arcs with the angle you have typed and if this is not
possible it will suitably adapt the value of the arc, so that the
result is equal arcs. The approximation of the value is done on the
nearest integer, while if the decimal part is equal to 5 to the
nearest even integer.

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EXPORT
The program provides three options to export files:
1. In (*.dxf) format, the familiar standard for drawing CAD
programs (including (AutoCAD and IntelliCAD).
IMPORTANT the option to export DXF format drawings is available
only if the independent DRAWING program has been installed.
With its installation, a new ICAD directory is created, in the main
STEEL directory of the program.
2. In ASCII format files
3. In BMP or JPG format image files
Generally the file export makes sense if the structural analysis has
already taken place and all members have been defined.
To select any of the file export formats follow the procedure
1. LC the FILE>Export command
2. The dialogue box of image 21 will appear

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Image 21 The EXPORT dialogue box

3. To export DXF files use the first tab combined with the second
one. For ASCII files all options are in the first tab. For image
files the options can be found in the third tab. Select one of
the two available options with LC on the relevant option box.
4. Fill in the necessary parameters and select [OK]. With the
[CANCEL] button you simply return to the state befor the
execution of the EXPORT command.
IMPORTANT The option to save (Export To>*.DXF format
files) (*.DXF) format files makes sense if you have already
made the necessary preparation. To create a drawing file you
should have the sup-programs DRAWING and NODE installed.
In the Export Drawing paragraph, later in the same chapter,
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you can read about the requirements and the way to export
drawing from VK STEEL.
IMPORTANT The field next to the Decimal point index
allows you to select the decimal point that will be used for the
formatting of the exported files. You have two options: the
comma and the point. To decide which on of the two serves
your needs make sure you know how the program you are
about to use for the exported file recognizes the decimal
point. It would be useful, if you do already know, to confirm
which of the two symbols Window itself recognizes as decimal
point, since this setting is used by most of the programs (e.g.
MS EXCELL).
NOTICE More details on the use and parameters of each file
format can be found in the paragraphs (*dxf) format files
and ESCII format files. You can read about drawings in the
EXPORT DRAWING paragraph.

EXPORT (*.DXF) FORMAT FILES

The (*.dxf) file format is in fact a text file and was originally
created for the communication between programs that could
recognize it, with AutoCAD. This communication was and still is
two-way.
The generalization of its use made it the essential means to
exchange data between the standard CAD programs as well as in
general, between all programs that support import export
functions of this type. Most structural analysis programs like VK
STEEL and several graphics and image processing applications are
the most usual examples of programs that are not drawing
programs.
The main use of this file format for an engineer is the option to
process the complex drawings of a STEEL analyzed structure in
AutoCAD.
Apart from this though it is also possible to process your drawing
with any other compatible program.

To be able to create and save the structure levels that you

have recognized with the NODE sub-program, follow the
procedure

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1. Execute the procedure that is described in the EXPORT

DRAWING paragraph (later in the same chapter) and after
you have finished follow the steps bellow:
2. In theExport to File tab of the Export dialogue box select
with LC the DXF option button
3. Type a numerical value in the Font Height text field
4. Select which one of the colors that are available with the lists
to define Text Color and Entities Color.
5. Finally, you have to define a file name and its directory in the
hard drive, or other drive where it will be saved. LC in the
typical file open icon in the right side of the File Name text
field. The typical Browse window from Windows will appear.
Type any name in the File Name text field and define the
directory where the file will be saved. Complete by selecting
[OPEN]. The file has been saved.
6. In the Export dialogue box select [OK]. After a few seconds
the CAD drawing application that comes with STEEL will start,
where you will see the drawing of the level you have created.
NOTICE The CAD program that is installed with STEEL is a full
application, based on IntelliCAD.

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EXPORT ASCII FORMAT FILES

ASCII files are on of the simplest text forms and precisely because
of this they are widely used for data transfer between different
programs.
Given the multitude of data processing programs with exceptional
possibilities (e.g. MS Word) the ASCII format is not used for the
presentation of the text itself, but for woks for which the text is
required but usually not obvious to the user.
An example of such work is the import of the structure nodes coordinates table to another calculations program. The co-ordinates
table should be stored in an ASCII format text.
NOTICE The design and check for certain connection types
that for the time being are not covered by the program, can
be made easier if you have the geometry of the structures
nodes and members. You can take advantage of the option
that is provided by VK STEEL, so that you can easily import
the full nodes and members tables in the program you use
for the connections.

To prepare and save the nodes and members files, follow the
procedure

1. In theExport to File tab of the Export dialogue box select

with LC the ASCII option button. Notice that the parameters
text fields right bellow are activated.
2. Declare with LC on the check box if you wish the members
inertia properties to be included in the Members Table
3. Separately for the Nodes File and the Members File, you have
to define a name and its place in the hard drive or other drive.
LC in the typical file open icon at the left end of the File
Name text field. The typical Windows browse window will
appear. Type a name in the File Name text field and define
where the file will be saved.

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4. Complete by pressing [OPEN]. The file has been saved.

5. In the Export dialogue box select [OK].

EXPORT DRAWING

VK STEEL provides the option to export a series of drawings in a

DXF file. The creation of this file is undertaken by the DRAWING
sub-program, which is not part of MEMBERS. With DRAWING you
can create floor plans, view drawings etc of the whole structure or
detailed drawings of the truss nodes connections.
NOTICE The relevant drawings for frame nodes connections
are produced and exported in DXF form by the FRAME
NODES CONNECTIONS sub-program.
The workpane or workpanes identification through the NODE
program procedure is a condition for the creation of any drawings.
Additionally the identified workpanes will have to be roughly
designed, so that they are created with the commands that we will
describe in this paragraph.
In any case the final processing of the DXF file can take place in
the independent CAD program that comes with VK STEEL.

We are outlining the diagram of the work that is required for

the creation of a DXF drawing of a frame structure.

1. Defining, structural analysis, design (members check) of the

frame structure.
2. Complete the structure workpanes identification and design
procedure for the workpanes you want to create the drawing
of, through the NODE program (for more information read the
CONNECTION DESIGN (TRUSS) chapter)
3. Provided that you have identified and designed at least one of
the structure levels, select the File>Export command and LC
the EXPORT DRAWING tab. The dialogue box of Image 22 will
appear (you can see in the image apart from the linear
structure three identified levels 1, 3 and 5. This means that
the structure has other levels that have not been identified by
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NODE and therefore there is no option to create the relevant

drawings).

Image 22 The EXPORT DRAWING dialogue box.

4. You can see in the dialogue box the list with the structure
workpanes that have been identified. Select the one that
interest you, deselect the rest (in the image we show you
would select Level 1 and deselect the wireframe) and press the
[CREATE DRAWING FILE] button. In the list on the left bottom
make sure that the decimal point is the same with the one in
the previous tab. The program will respond by making the
dialogue box of Image 23 visible.
5. In the CREATE DRAWING dialogue box select again the level
that interests you and press [CONTINUE].
6. If it is not the first time you create the drawing then the
message of image 24 will appear. Press [OK] to continue.

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Image 23 The CREATE DRAWING dialogue box

Image 24 The message box that appears when the program

detects a previous drawing with the same name.
7. In case another message appears press [CONTINUE]. A few
seconds later the drawing will be created.
8. To proceed to saving and processing follow the procedure that
is described in the *.DXF Format Files paragraph, from step 2.

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PRINT
With the PRINT command, provided that you have completed
the project, you can create the printouts volume.
The general logic of the programs printouts is adapted to the
creation and export of an (*.rtf) format file so that further
processing of the text with a text processing program is possible.
However the final formatting of the volume will have do be done
by the text editor where the (*.rtf) file will be loaded.
You can create many templates and save them in the disk. You
can also use more than one templates to format printout sets of
the same project, e.g. a detailed and a short printout.

To create a printout template, modifying an existing one,

follow the procedure

icon. The
1. Select the File>Print command, or the relevant
PRINTOUT WIZARD dialogue box of Image 2.5 will appear.
2. In the first one, in order of appearance, SELECT A TEMPLATE
tab LC in the file open icon. The typical Windows Browse
window will appear. Look for the Templates directory that is
in c:\\vk\windows\steel\steelpar\templates. Select and open
the steel.tpl file you will find in the directory. Notice in the
field at the bottom the template contents will appear. This file
is a ready template that is stored in the templates folder
during program installation. You have the option to use this
template for all your projects or to create your own template
collection and store them at the same point.

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Image 25 The PRINTOUT WIZARD dialogue box first tab.

3.

82

In the same tab and on the right side there are two
options. Selecting INTERNAL EDITOR the printout file
(when its formatting has been completed) will be sent to
the VK STEEL text editor for further processing (e.g. page
formatting, font change etc). The other option SYSTEM
RTF EDITOR will send the printings file either to MS WORD
97/2000, or if WORD is not installed to WORDPAD. (The
latter applies to most systems. If you have another text
processing program, which is set as default, then the
printings file will be sent to you program, provided that it
can read 8.rtf format files).

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NOTICE At this point we should make some clarifications on

the term TEMPLATE. The template is not a printings file
itself, but a collection of information on the formatting of
many other printings files. In other words the template is the
matrix document based on which is the base for the creation
of every other printings document that follows it. The latter
may differ in terms of content, however to have exactly the
same format and include the same units. With this VK STEEL
function you can, if you have two different templates, create
to different printings files of the same project.
4. Select with LC the second in order tab CREATE A TEMPLATE.
The look of the tab can be seen in Image 26. In the field on
the right you can see the contents of the template, which you
saw in the previous tab. On the left there are titles that while
they are available they are not included in the original. Select
with LC the title that interest you in the window on the lef and
LC the first button (the one with the arrow that points to the
right). This title will be transferred to the window on the right,
which means that it will be included in the template contents.
The second arrow bellow transfers all the available titles from
the window on the left to the one on the right.
5. If you want to remove one of the template contents that are in
the window on the right use the buttons with the arrows that
point to the right.

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Image 26 The PRINTOUT WIZARD dialogue box second tab

6. LC the PAGE BREAK check box to select it. Th program will
place at the beginning of each unit a page break.
7. Leave the INCLUDE ZERO VALUES check box unchecked. On
the tables that will be printed the zero values will be omitted.
This will improve the appearance of the printings.
8. Select [SAVE] to save your changes in the template
9. Select the [PAGE LAYOUT] tab. The tab can be seen in Image
27. The commands that are included in the tab are the usual
ones that are met in almost every text processor. Select page
size, font, page orientation, format the borders and add page
numbers. When you have finished select [SAVE].

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Image 27 The PRINTOUT WIZARD dialogue box third tab

10. Select the SYSTEM VARIABLES tab. The tab can be seen in
image 28. System variables mention general information that
will automatically be printed by the program. You can modify
each variables text, by selecting it and correcting the text that
can be seen in the field bellow.
11. Select the LOAD CASES tab. The tab can be seen in image
29. In the two fields of the tab you can select which Load
Cases and Combinations will be included in your Volume. The
selection can be made with LC in the relevant check box.

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Image 28 The PRINTOUT WIZARD dialogue box third tab

Image 29 The PRINTOUT WIZARD dialogue box last tab

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12. Press [OK]. The typical SAVE AS dialogue box will appear.
Type a new name and press SAVE. You have created a
second template, in (*.rtf) format which you can process with
the help of any text processor (e.g. MS WORD), that can open
files of this type. Through the text editor you can send the file
to the printer.
EXIT
With the EXIT command the program is terminated.
If there is an active project, the program examines if there are
any changes to the project, which have not been saved. In case
there are, the message of Image 30 will appear. Reply [YES] so
that all changes are saved or [NO] if you do not want to save
them.

Image 30 The save changes prompt dialogue box

To terminate your work and close the program, follow the
procedure,
1. LC the File>Exit command or the

icon.

2. If there are actions which have not been saved the message of
Image 30 will appear. Reply accordingly, selecting [YES] or
[NO].
3. If you select [YES] the program will save all actions you have
made until that moment and close. If you select [NO] it will go
back to the state it was before you selected the command.

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NOTICE In case you selected EXIT and no non-saved actions are

detected, the program will close without any other warning.
ADVICE It would be useful before you decide to terminate your
work, to have decided if it is worth saving the changes or the
whole work. If you select to change the program without having
saved the changes bear in mind that they will be lost without any
possibility to restore them.
RECENT PROJECTS
An alternative way to open an existing project is through the
selection of its three-digit number, if it is visible in the RECENT
PROJECTS sub-menu.
We should point here that not all available projects appear there
but only the most recent ones.
If the project that interests you is not among the ones that are
seen in RECENT PROJECTS, then you should look for it through
the OPEN command

To open one of the recent projects, follow the procedure

1. LC the File>Recent Projects commands. Hold the mouse cursor

on the phrase. The directory with the recent projects will
appear.
2. LC the three-digit project number that you want to select.
NOTICE The default number of recent projects that appear in the
sub-menu is 10.

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GENERAL
The second menu from the left is the Parameters menu. In the
chart 5 that follows, you can see the commands included in this
menu as well as a short presentation of those.
COMMAND
Material Library

KEYS

DESCRIPTION
Opens the dialogue box
Project Parameters through
which you can specify the
parameters of the regulations
and complete the Project
Library.

Load

Opens the chart of

Combinations

Load

Options

Combinations.

Leads to a sub-menu which

containscontrol commands of
the window of
studyfunctions.

Language
Chart 5. The commands consisted in the PARAMETERS menu.
If you click on the word Parameters the drop-down list of
commands will appear on the menu bar, as shown below:

Figure 31. The PARAMETERS menu and its commands.

The first two parameters are basic steps as far as the flow of the
programme is concerned, whilst the third consists of commands

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relevant to the formation options of the elements appearing on

the window of study.
Each one of the following paragraphs is dedicated to one
command and includes operating instructions as well as general
information for the commands usefulness and its function.
If you need direct information about a command, you can use the
electronic help system that goes along with the programme. To
open the system of help press the F1 key or choose the
command Index off the HELP menu.
Material Library
The command MATERIAL LIBRARY leads to the dialogue box of
Project parameters shown on picture 32.

Picture 32
The dialogue box Project Parameters>Design
Codes.
In the dialogue box four tabs are accommodated, each one
containing a group of parameters. These tabs are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Design Code
Section Library
Material Properties
Connections
Foundation Parameters
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In the Design Codes card, you can choose the regulation of

settlement of the bearing structure, the regulation of control of
the structures members and joints and to properly modify these
parameters.
The Section Library card gives you the ability to choose one or
more segmentations from the segmentation library of the
programme as well as the quality of steel. The segmentations you
have chosen as the projects segmentations, up to that point, (one
or all of these) you are going to use later in the members
insertion.
In the Material Properties card, you can modify, if this is
necessary, the quality parameters of the steel.
In the Foundation Parameters card, all the parameters relevant to
a columns footing and the foundation system, are included. VK
STEEL is capable of framed structures settlements, the columns of
which are founded on a footing system (with or without
connection beams) and also of structures without their foundation.
In the first case it is necessary to set the values for the
parameters of these cards.

NOTE: In case of a structural analysis that will not include

any foundation, it is necessary to define a number of
SUPPORT MEMBERS. These members are auxiliary and
possess inertia of such values so as to be considered
practically stiff. VK STEEL symbolizes them as TYPE O
members.
A member can be defined as a SUPPORT MEMBER during its
description,
( see NEW MEMBERS and MEMBERS
WIZARD), by choosing TYPE O from the PROJECT LIBRARY
(see ELEMENTS PROPERTIES> MEMBER PROPERTIES).
Like the rest of the members, SUPPORT MEMBERS hold a
start node and an end node. One or both of these nodes are
expected to be either PINNED or FIXED ENDS. The inertia of
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the SUPPORT MEMBERS will not change by changing their

length, which is their only modifiable dimension, meaning
they are not subject to any of the sufficiency checks
suggested by VK STEEL.
Do not forget that the SUPPORT MEMBERS are of
theoretical existence and they are only used in order to
simulate the conditions of support.

NOTE: VK STEEL is already equipped with full libraries and

parameters files stored as all other files during the
installation process. (A typical example of a library is the
Section Library table). The parameters values and the
libraries elements are shown on the Text fields and in the
cells of the Project Parameters dialogue box each time a
new project is started. The programme will always save a
copy of the files and the libraries within your project
catalogue in order to present a number of pre-determined
values with every new project even if you modify/erase
these values or add new elements during previous project.
In case it is estimated that the parameters files of a certain
project are corresponding more properly to your needs that
the pre-determined values, you are capable of changing
them by checking the check-box Set as Default before
closing down the Project Parameters dialogue box. The
General Parameters Files of the programme will be replaced
by the proper ones of the current project and will appear
every time you create a new project.

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DESIGN CODES
The codes tab is usually the first one appearing after the
Parameters>Material Library command is executed. The
formation of this tab (in order to combine Eurocode regulations
and NEAK regulations) is shown on figure 33.

Figure 33
NEAK)

PROJECT PARAMETERS DESIGN CODES (EC3-

On the upper zone of the tab you can choose the appropriate
code, under which the members are going to be checked and antiseismic regulation. In other words:
1.
The drop-down list next to Design Codes indication
consists of two choices:
Eurocode (EC3) and DIN. Choose one by taking under
consideration the
requirement for the structures and its members check.
2.
The drop-down list next to Aseismic indication consists of
the choices:

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Old Greek Code , NEAK-Cypus Code and EAK 2000.

Choose after
considering the anti-seismic requirements of the
structural analysis and of the members check.
The codes chosen are not totally independent from each
other. For example, a structural analysis that is taking place at the
moment (November 2002) and considers a building to be
constructed has to be studied according to Eurocode 3
requirements along with the anti-seismic assumptions and
methods of NEAK.
If the structure under analysis was constructed e.g. in the 70s
and it is going to be subject to a sufficiency check, then we have
to select DIN and Old Greek Code.
NOTE: DIN-indication refers to the known German standards
that were officially valid in Greece before being replaced by
Eurocode 3. These regulations-codes are also known as
Method of Allowable Stresses

Figure 34
Geek Code)

PROJECT PARAMETERS-DESIGN CODES (DIN ,Old

IMPORTANT
The contents of the code tab will follow
according to the Anti-seismic code chosen. If your choice is
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DIN Eurocode EC3, no obvious change will take place on the

code tabs, but the contents of Material Properties tab will
change.
CHOICES FOR NEAK-CYPRUS CODE
1.
Choose a method of distributing the horizontal seismic
load. You have the
following options:
a. Equivalent Static Analysis -Equation 3.7(NEAK) or 3.15 (EAK)
b.Equivalent Static Analysis -Equation 3.6(NEAK) or 3.14 (EAK)
c. Response Spectrum Method (Gr.Code)
d. Cyprus Code (Distribution of seismic load according to
equation 4.2.4.1.1, paragraph 4.2.4.1 of the Cyprian Seismic
Code).
3.

LC Factor (Live). It is the factor of the live loads

participation the moment the earthquake is taking place.
This value enters into the seismic factors estimation
as well as into the live loads safety factors but in seismic
loading combination
exclusively. According to NEAK
requirements, at the time of the earthquake, we
should consider that a 30% of the live load is participating.
Therefore, the value usually typed is 0, 3.

4.

Thermal Loading Value (Celsius)Type in the value of the

suggested thermal loading in the form of temperature
difference. The unit in use is Celsius degrees C (e.g.
=30).

On the vertical right side of the tab you will find the antiseismic factor equations parameters.
At this stage, the seismic factors Rd(t)g on the main directions X
and Y are calculated as well as the ratio Rd(t)/Bd(t) which is
irrelevant to the period (see equation 2.1 of
NEAK). These
parameters are analytically explained in NEAKs chapter 2.
5.

96

Zone: the seismically dangerous zone from which factor a

results automatically (factor a: soil acceleration due to
gravity accelogram, see Table 2.2 of NEAK). Factors a

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6.

7.

value in the text field comes in as an automatic

consequence of your choices.
Importance Factor:
From this category, the factor of
importance - accrues automatically (Table 2.3 of NEAK).
The factors value in the text field is calculated considering
your options.
Soil : We set the category of the soil on which the project
is going to be realized (NEAKs Table 2.5).

NOTE: The check box under importance factor - refers to a

multiplying factor of
Eurocode 2. In any case of a structural
analysis by NEAK its value must remain 1.
8.

Seizmic Behaviour Factor : we give the seismic behaviors

factor q-, the MAXIMUM value desirable in our
construction (Table 2.6 of NEAK). The value in s text
field is calculated according to your choices.

9.

Influence Factor of Foundation: We give a value to the

foundations influence factor -. For soils categorized as A
and B type this value is f while for soils of C type or worse
we find the values from Table 2.7 of NEAK. The value in
s text field is calculated according to your choices.

10.

Tx,Ty: characteristic period of the building on the x or y

axis. The maximum value Rd(t) results:

11.

For q2.5, Tx=Ty=0 whereas

12.

q2.5, Tx=Ty=T1

13.

Spectrum T1,T2 : we set values according to the soil

category (Table 2.4 ofNEAK).

14.

Bd(0): we set the value 9/

15.

Bd(T1): the spectral reinforcement factor of NEAK = 2.5

16.

Bd(min): we set the value 0,25 q/

17.
(2/): the value of the superscript of the equation 2.1
for NEAK
18.

Damp ratio: the percentage of critical damp.

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(Table A.1 nnex A of )

The appropriate seismic factors Rdx(T)/g and Rdy/g result from
the above values.
CHOICES FOR THE OLD GREEK CODE
1.

Uniform Distribution .It is chosen when the anti-seismic

check requirements refer to the older anti-seismic code of
`54-`59.

2.

Triangular Distribution. It is chosen when the anti-seismic

check requirements refer to the anti-seismic code of `84.

3.

Seismic Comp X-X. Type straightway the value of the antiseismic factor on the X-X axis.

4.

Seismic Comp Y-Y. Type straightway on the Y-Y axis. This

usually has the same value as the anti-seismic factor X-X.

5.

LC Factor (Live). Type the value 1, because according to

older codes live loads were considered to participate 100%
to the movements caused by the earthquake.

6.

Thermal Loading Value (Celsius). Same as above.

SECTION LIBRARY
The second tab of PROJECT PARAMETERS includes the section
library.
Figure 35.
The second tab Section Library is divided in three parts:
1.

The Section Type Table which is set on the left side of the
screen. This table includes every section category in the
sections library of the programme. You can choose a
category by left clicking on it.

2.

The Sections table which occupys the central and

greatest part of the screen. According to the choice you
made on the last table, the sections table is formed. In
other words, if you choose a particular sections category
on this table you can see every section included in it. You

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can choose a section simply by clicking in one of the tables

cells. If the section you have chosen is the first of the
particular category the grey arrow which is next to the
categorys name in the sections type table, turns black.

Figure 35
3.

PROJECT PARAMETERS-SECTION LIBRARY

The three choices of steel quality, just under the sections

table. This choice is made only by checking the check box
next to the quality indication. You can choose as many of
the qualities as you wish, you can even choose all of the
three qualities at the same time. If you choose all three of
the qualities it means that every section chosen on the
sections table will enter three times, each time with one of
the steel qualities. Generally, we suggest that you choose
only one of the steel qualities each time

At this point we think it is of great significance to appose two

definitions in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

SECTION LIBRARY is the name of the existing file that

contains the standardized sections that VK STEEL holds. A
copy of this file is created in every project folder (see NEW)
in order to allow the user to choose the members that will
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be used (i.e. to allow the PROJECT LIBRARY file to be

created).

PROJECT LIBRARY is the name of the file that contains

all the sections selected to be used in each project. It is
created during the first selection of a section from the
SECTION LIBRARY and it can be enriched later in another
stage of the project. Besides the sections chosen from the
SECTION LIBRARY, the PROJECT LIBRARY includes the
SUPPORT MEMBERS as well. This file is unique for every
project and it has no copy besides the one in the projects
folder.

To choose a section from the Section Library (in this case

we choose IPB 360 (HEB 360) of Fe 430 quality). Follow
this procedure:

1.

On the sections tab and on the list that is set to the left
sided of the tab, search for the IPB sections and click on
it. The contents of the window on the right will be replaced
by the table of the IPB (HEB) profiles.

2.

Make sure the only steel quality that is selected is Fe 430.

3.

Choose IPB 360 and click on any white cell that belongs in
the same line with its denomination. The entire line will
change colour (it will turn blue) which is an indication that
it is selected.

4.

Without moving the mouse, double click. From the fly-out

menu that comes into view choose the command Insert
Selected Sections. The IPB 360 section of Fe 430 quality is
registered in the PROJECTS LIBRARY. Observe the left
window in the IPB registration. You will see that the arrow
on the left has turned black which indicates that the
PROJECT LIBRARY includes at least one section from the
particular category.

In a similar way, by repeating steps 1-4 you can add as many

sections as you want in the PROJECT LIBRARY. Although there is
no limit to the number of sections you can choose, it is better for
your convenience to keep that number as small as possible.

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In step 4, in the fly-out menu, if instead of choosing the usual

command Insert Selected Sections you choose the command
Select all, it is obvious that all the sections of the table will be
added in the PROJECT LIBRARY . (Generally we do not
recommend the use of the particular command).
NOTE: The steel qualities are 3 for the Eurocode EC3 and
two for the allowable stresses (DIN). In other words, the
formation of this part depends on the regulation selected in
the first tab Design Codes.
IMPORTANT It is not feasible to un-choose a section but
this is not a problem because the PROJECT LIBRARY, the file
of the programme where the selected sections are stored,
can take an unlimited number of sections. Despite that, you
should be cautious when choosing section so as to choose for
the PROJECT LIBRARY about as many as you are going to
need for your own convenience. Remember that you can add
new section for the PROJECT LIBRARY any time you return to
that tab.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES
The third tab is the Material Properties one.
The contents of this tab as well, depend directly on the CODE you
have chosen in the Design Code tab. For NEAK, this tab is shown
on figure 36.
We should point out that no change is necessary for the
parameters of the steel quality.
If you still wish to modify a value, in the VALUE column you can
choose the cell of your interest by clicking on it and then click
again to open the cell. The cell accepts the new value if it
becomes white from grey. You can then type the value in the cell.

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Figure 36

The PARAMETERS dialogue box-Mateial Properties

CONNECTIONS
In the connections tab, the programme enables you to choose the
type and the quality of the components (weldings and holings)
that are going to be used later during the check and design of the
connections. The Connections tab is shown on figure 37.

Follow the procedure below.

1.

By clicking on the Connections you are transferred in the

Parameters tab.

2.

In the WELDINGS and BOLTS unities choose the following

off the lists:
a. For weldings, choose a steel quality off the CATEGORY
list. You are informed about the Tensile Strenght, the
Correlation Coefficient and the Weld Safety Coefficient
by the values tables under the list
b. For bolts choose a bolt category from the CATEGORY
list and watch the relevant parameters.

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c. Choose a bolts dimension off the BOLT list and watch

the parameters related to your choice.
d. In the end, click on OK or go over to another tab of
the PROJECT PARAMETERS dialogue box.

Figure 37

The CONNECTIONS TAB

FOUNDATION PARAMETERS
The fifth tab is related to the parameters relevant to the soil and
the foundation elements.
For greater convenience the values are arranged in groups
according to their relation.
More precisely, these groups are

SOIL

.D. 1954

. .O.S.

REINFORCEMENT

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MODELING
To make one of the tabs appear so as to modify its
parameters, follow the procedure below:

1.

To begin, click on the Foundation Parameters to go over to

the Parameters tab.

2.

The top field is a choice list. Click on the arrow on the right
edge of the field to open the list and select one of the
groups by clicking on it. Notice that the Parameters names
are going to change in every other field on the left as well
as in the contents of the values fields on the right.

In the following paragraphs, explanations of all parameters are

given. They are divided in groups according to the sequence they
follow on the list.
SOIL
By choosing this group, the Foundation Parameters tab is modified
as shown in figure 38.

The parameters included in the SOIL group are the following

1.
Soil Allowable Bearing Pressure () in kg/cm2 for DIN or in
N/cm2 for C.E.B.
2.

Moduls of Subgrade Reaction (Ks) in T/m3 for DIN or in

KN/m3 for C.E.B. This value is used by the programme for
the creation of an elastic ground

3.

Young Moduls of Soil in T/m2 (for DIN) or in KN/m2 (for

C.E.B.)

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Figure 38

FOOTING PARAMETERS>SOIL tab

The table below contains indicative values

parameters in relation to the soils quality.
SOIL
Flabby, slack, loose
Moderate
Good, stable, strong
Stone

(KN/m)

K (KN/m)

<100
10.000-15.000
150
15.000-30.000
200-300 30.000-60.000
>400 >100.000

of

the

above

E (KN/m)
3.000
5.000-8.000
10.000-15.000
25.000

Table 6 Indicative values of soil parameters (NEAK, OS)

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SOIL

(T/m)

Flabby, slack, loose

Moderate
Good, stable, strong
Stone

<10
15
20-30
>40

K (T/m)
1.000-1.500
1.500-3.000
3.000-6.000
>10.000

E (T/m)
300
500-800
1.000-1.500
2.500

Table 7 Indicative values of soil parameters (.D.)

4.

Ratio Active Area/ Total Area for Overturning check (e.g. 0,

50). We set the ratio of the active area of footing per its
total area taken under consideration when the footing will
be checked in over-turning. (See paragraph 5.2.3.2 (1) of
NEAK). This check is valid and does not relate to the code.

5.

Dynamic Moduls of Sub Rctn Ks = Coefficient x Static coeff.

Certain soils behave in a different way when supporting
dead loads than when supporting live loads. Therefore it is
possible that the Ks taken under consideration for the
analysis could be a number multiple or sub-multiple of the
appropriate static e.g. saturated clay under dead load
behaves as a compressed coat while in live load as an
incompressible one.

6.

Capacity Coefficient x Mr / Me (e.g. 1, 2). According to

relation 5.2 of the 5.5.2 (2) paragraph of NEAK, this
factors value is 1,2. In the Old Anti-seismic regulation
there is no such factor which means that whatever value
you set for it does not affect the checkings.

.D.

1954

By choosing this group the FOUNDATION PARAMETERS tab is

modified as shown in
figure 39.

1.

106

The parameters contained in this group are the following:

Modular Ratio (n) Steel/Concrete. When the current
concrete regulation is .D. 1954 (DIN), the Ratio equals
15 regardless of the materials quality (concrete and steel).

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2.

Moduls of Elasticity of Concrete in T/m. The concrete

young moduls value is given in T/m.

Figure 39
3.

Footings Parameters tab

> . D. 1954

Allowable Concrete Stress in Compression (b) in

kg/cm. The allowable concrete stress value is given in
kg/cm.

CONCRETE
C16/20
C20/25
C25/30

DIN (kg/cm)
~ 70
~ 90
~110

Table 8
Concretes allowable stress in compression, according to
DIN.
4.

Minimum Concrete Stress in Shear (min) in kg/cm. This

value is given in kg/cm. Shear check of the footing is not
required.

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CONCRETE

DIN (kg/cm)

B160

B225

B300

Table 9
5.

Concretes minimum stress in shear, according to DIN.

Maximum Concrete Stress in Shear (max) in kg/cm. We

set this value, over which we have to change the footings
dimensions, in kg/cm.

CONCRETE

DIN (kg/cm)

B160

16

B225

18

B300

20

Table 10
6.

Concretes maximum stress in shear, according to DIN.

Minimum Concrete Stress in Torsion (min) in kg/cm.

Footings check in tortion is not required.

CONCRETE

DIN (kg/cm)

B160

B225

B300

Table 11
DIN.

108

Concretes minimum stress in tortion, according to

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7.

Maximum Concrete Stress in Torsion (max) in kg/cm.

Above this value, we have to change the footings
dimensions in kg/cm.

8.

Allowable Tensile Stress of Steel (allow) in Kg/cm2

STEEL

DIN (kg/cm)

STI

1400

STIII

2400

Table 12

Steels allowable stress in tension, according to DIN.

. . O.S.
By choosing this group, the FOUNDATION PARAMETERS tab is
modified as shown in figure 40.

Figure 40

FOUNDATION PARAMETERS tab > . .O.S.

The parameters included in . .O.S.. Group are the following

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1.

Young Moduls of Concrete in KN/m. If we have chosen

EC3 regulation, concretes pliancy counter value is given in
KN/m and depends on the concretes quality (Table 2.2
paragraph 2.5.2 . . O .S.)

2.

Young Moduls of Steel in KN/m (e.g. 20000 KN/m). If we

have chosen EC3 regulation, steels pliancy counter value is
given in KN/m. For all steel qualities this value is 200 Gpa
(paragraph 3.1.6.2 of . . . .)

3.

Characteristic Concrete Compressive Strenght (FcK) in Mpa

(e.g. 16) (Table 2.1 of
. . . .)

4.

Characteristic Steel Tensile Strenght (Fyk), in Mpa (e.g.

400) (paragraph 3.1.3 of . . . .)

5.

Characteristic Tensile Strenght of Shear Reinf. (Fywk), in

Mpa (e.g. 400). The value of the steel that the stirrups of
the connecting beams are made of, is given in Mpa.
(paragraph 3.1.3 of . . . .)

6.

Concrete Partial Factor of Safety (c): Fcd=Fck/c. c is

concretes safety factor and for basic combinations or for
combinations unpredictable in earthquakes, cs values
equals 1.5, while for functionality combination, cs value
becomes 1, according to table 6.6 of . . . .
Maximum Concrete Stress= COEFFICIENT x Fcd (e.g. 0,
85). Multiplying factor of concretes maximum resistance.
For basic and unpredictable combinations its value is 0,
85 according to paragraph 10.4.3.1 of . . . . For
functionality combinations, its value becomes 0, 60
according to paragraphs 15.2 and 15.4 of . . . .

7.

8.

Steel Partial Factor of Safety (s): Fyd=Fyk/s. For basic

and unpredictable combinations in earthquakes its value
is 1.15, according to table 6.0 of . . . . For
functionality combinations its value becomes 2.0
according tables 6.6, 15.1 and 15.2 and paragraphs 15.2
and 15.3 of . . . . his value(2.0) is taken out of
tables 15.1 (for max=20) and 15.2 (for maximum
distance between the bars equal to 200mm) when the
class of enviroment is 3 or 4 and the steel quality S400.

9.

Maximum Compression Concrete Strain in Bending (e.g.

0, 0035). Concretes maximum deformation due to

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bending (proper or by axial stress, vertical or oblique) is

set. Its value is set to 0, 002 according to paragraph
10.4.1 of . . . .
10.

Maximum Concrete Strain in axial compession (e.g. 0,

002).
Concretes
maximum
deformation
due
to
compression is set. Its value is set to 0, 002 according to
paragraph 10.4.1 of . . . .

11.

Maximum
Tensile
Steel
Strain
(e.g.
0,
010).
Reinforcements maximum deformation due to tension is
set. Its maximum value according to paragraph 10.4.1
of . . . . is 0,020, but we can also set the value
0,010 that was valid before the regulations were modified
in 1995 as a limit.

REINFORCEMENT
By choosing this group, the FOUNDATION PARAMETERS tab is
modified as shown in figure 41.

Figure 41

Tab: FOUNDATION PARAMETERS > REINFORCEMENT

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Parameters included in group Reinforcement are the following

In the three following parameters we define the diameters (set
in mm) of the bars to be used during the foundations
measuring.
1.

Longitudinal Bar Diameter in bending mm (1st)

2.

Longitudinal Bar Diameter in bending mm (2nd)

3.

Longitudinal Bar Diameter in bending mm (3rd)

4.

Min Bar Spacing of Longitudinal Reinf, in cm.

5.

Max Bar Spacing of Longitudinal Reinf, in cm.

6.

Anchorage Length for Longitudial Reinforcement =

COEFFICIENT x max for bars. We set a factor which
multiplied by the diameter of the principal
reinforcement will result in the anchorages length side.

7.

Side Cover in cm. We set the side topping of the

foundations reinforcement.

8.

Bottom Cover in cm. We set the lower topping of the

foundations reinforcement (see 1Table 5.1 paragraph
5.1 of . . O. S.)

9.

Minimum Longitudial Bar diameter in Tie beams in mm.

We set the minimum diameter of the bar that is going
to be used for the connecting beams dimensions
setting (paragraph 18.6.3 of . . O. S.).

10.

Maximum Longitudial Bar diameter in Tie beams in

mm. We set the maximum diameter of the bar that is
going to be used for the connecting beams dimensions
setting.

11.

Min N of Longitudial Bars in Tie Beams. We set the

minimum number of the connecting beams; bending
bars, e.g. 3 (paragraph 18.6.3 of . . O. S.).

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12.

Minimum Link Bar Diameter in Tie Beams in mm. We

set the minimum diameter of the stirrups, i.e. 10
(paragraph 18.6.3 of . . O. S.).

13.

Maximum Link Bar Diameter in Tie Beams in mm in

mm. We set the maximum diameter of the stirrups, i.e.
12.

14.

Minimum Link Spacing in Tie Beams in cm (i.e. 10).

15.

Maximum Link Spacing in Tie Beams in cm (i.e. 15)

(paragraph 18.6.3 of . . O. S.).

MODELING
By choosing this group, the FOUNDATION PARAMETERS tab is
modified as shown in figure 42.

Figure 42

FOUNDATION PARAMETERS > MODELING TAB

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The parameters included in group .D. 1954 are the following

1.

Footing Cone Hmin/Hmax = 1/ FACTOR (i.e. for = 2). It

is valid for stiff footings. The factor equals the ratio of the
entire height of the footing to the height of the rectangular
part. (Form 18.29 of comments paragraph 18.6.2 of . .
O. S.).

2.

Minimum Height of Cone Base in Conical Footing in cm. We

set the minimum height we wish to the rectangular part of
the foundation (base of the cone).

3.

Maximum Height of Cone Base in Conical Footing in cm We

set the minimum height we wish to the rectangular part of
the foundation (base of the cone).

4.

Footing Min Height cm.

5.

Footing Type (1=Cone Ftng 0=Rectangular Ftng). We set

the type of footing. Cone-based footings are considered
stiff, while box-based footings are considered flexible.

6.

Column Perticipation Percentage (0-100%). We set the

percentage of a footings moment of torsion that a column
is taking-up.

7.

Column Top (1=Fixed

0=Pinned ). We define the
columns top as a fixed end or a pinned end.

8.

Tie Beams
(1=Top 0=Bottom) We determine the
connecting beams position. They are set on the neck or on
the ground.

9.

= COEFFICIENT x Vcd , COEFFICIENT (i.e. 2,50). Factor

is necessary to overcome certain practical problems. By .
. . ., concretes resistance in shear is very decreased
compared to concretes resistance according to the
allowable stresses regulation. (I.e. for C16 the allowable
stress value is Vcd = 2,2 kg/cm while for B225 Vcd = 8
kg/cm. This can be surpassed by increasing Vcd with a
multiplying factor .

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10.

Max acd. We set the magnification capacity factors (acd)

maximum value that we want to join in the calculation. The
programme will consider in its calculations the smaller
values between the behaviour factor q which is given on
the calculations box of the anti-seismic factor and the
maximum value of the acd that you are going to give in the
foundation model parameters group.

11.

Participation Percentage ly Tie Beam (0-100%). Set the

percentage of the connecting beams torsional inertia which
serves to prevent footings from overturning.

LOAD COMBINATIONS
The command leads to the load combinations definition
table. The programme will check the members sufficiency
based on these combinations.

For the load combinations table to emerge, follow the

procedure below:

1.

By clicking on the Parameters > Load combinations

command, the table shown on figure 43 will appear.

Figure 43

LOAD COMBINATIONS dialogue box

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The LOAD COMBINATION window is basically a large table divided

in two parts.
The tables lines constitute the loading combinations and the
columns constitute the loading cases.
In the upper part of the table that has a white background, you
can determine the loading combinations by simply typing the
safety factors in the appropriate cells.
As you will notice certain factors are already filled in. The
programme offers the basic loading combinations which are
required in the majority of projects as by definition values.
If you find it necessary it is possible to correct the safety factors
values or even add more factors to the existing ones. Start from
the first free line of the table and add values in the appropriate
cells.
In the lower part of the table that has a green background, the
programme presents the additional loading combinations that are
performed automatically. It is not feasible for the user to interfere
with those cells contents.
The lines of this table which represent the loading combinations
are numerated by serial numbers, each of these numbers
characterizing particular combination.
The columns of the table which represent the loading cases are
characterized by the name written on the columns nameplate.

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More specifically, the 12 loading cases accepted by the

programme are the following:+ Seismic Vertical Component
S.N. (Serial No)

TYPE

INTERPRETATION

DEAD LOADS

Static loading due to dead loads.

It will also be used to automatically
estimate the seismic loads.

SEISMIC Y

Seismic loading parallel to the Y

axis

SEISMIC X

Seismic loading parallel to the X

axis

WIND + Y

Wind-loading parallel to the Y axis of

the general system on the positive
direction.

WIND +X

Wind-loading parallel to the X axis

of the general system on the
positive direction.

WIND - Y

Wind-loading parallel to the Y axis of

the general system with a negative
direction

WIND X

Wind-loading parallel to the X axis

of the general system with a
negative direction

SNOW (1)

Loading due to snow (1st case)

SNOW (2)

Loading due to snow (2nd case)

10

OTHER LOADS

Loading of non specified name

subject to use according to the
projects needs.

11

LIVE LOADS

Loading due to live loads. It is going

to be used for the automatic
calculations of the seismic loads.

12

THERMAL

Thermal-loading (automatic
calculation)

Table 13

STEELS loading cases

The participation rule for every loading case in a loading is very

simple: if the value within the appropriate cell is zero, the
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corresponding loading case does not participate. If the value

within the cell is other than zero, the loading case it refers to will
participate to the loading combination.
ATTENTION According to the regulation, the value of the
safety factor for each loading case is always different
NOTE (For the Allowable stresses regulation). Each
combination is characterized as H- or HZ- in the last
column (H=0, HZ=1).
Dead
Seismic Wind Wind Wind Wind Snow Snow Other Live
SeismicY
Loads
X
+Y
+X -Y
-X
(1)
(2)
Loads Loads
1 1,35

1,50

2 1,35

1,50

0,90

0,90

3 1,35

0,90

1,50

0,90

4 1,35

1,50 0,90

0,90

5 1,35

0,90 1,50

0,90

6 1,35

1,50

0,90

0,90 0,90

0,90

7 1,35

0,90

1,50

0,90 0,90

0,90

8 1,00

1,00

0,30

0,30

9 1,00

0,30

1,00

0,30

10 1,00

1,00

0,30

1,00

1,00

1,00

11 1,00

0,30

1,00

1,00

1,00

1,00

Table 14: Load combinations table. Note that the value of the
safety factors varies, according to the bearing structure. On the
table the loading case 12 does not appear since it does not
participate in any loading combination.

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INDICATION If you wish to add a loading combination on

the table above, you have to start from line 10 (which is not
obvious on this table but only on the corresponding one of
the programme). In addition, in case you leave a vacant line
a line on which all safety factors values in all the cells that
belong to this line are zero- then all the loading combinations
below this line will not be considered during the dimension
set performed by the programme.
OPTIONS
The command OPTIONS leads to a sub-menu where the
following commands are found:
1.

Fonts

2.

Colours

3.

Visible Items

4.

Show Tip of the Day

5.

Member Groups

6.

Toolbars

Each one of these leads to a dialogue box consisting of a number

of options.
All of the above commands refer to auxiliary functions and relate
to the development of the text or even of the whole programme
and they are not considered as an essential step of the
programmes flow.
In the following paragraphs you can find information for each one
of these commands and their function.
FONTS

To change the type of lettering used by the programme to

create a text, follow this procedure:
1. Choose the Parameters > Options >Fonts command. The
dialogue box shown in figure 44 will appear.
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Figure 44

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

The FONTS dialogue box

The appearing dialogue box is the windows typical one.

Choose OK to confirm a choice or CANCEL to return to your
previous settings.

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COLOURS

To change the colours of the elements (e.g. joints,

members etc.) on your screen follow this procedure:

1.

Choose Parameters > Options >Colours command. The

dialogue box shown on figure 45 will appear.

Figure 45 COLOURS dialogue box

There is a drop-down list related to each one of the indications
(i.e. Members, Chosen
Members etc.). Open one by left clicking on its arrow and simply
choose the colour
you prefer.
VISIBLE ITEMS
This option is probably the most useful one because it is related to
whether several
elements of the bearing structure will appear on the screen or not.
The ability to hide
information will be very useful in cases of complex or large
structures.

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To choose which of all the elements will stay visible, follow

the procedure:

1.

Choose Parameters > Options> Visible Items command.

The dialogue box shown in figure 46 will appear.

Figure 46

VISIBLE ITEMS dialogue box

On the upper part of the dialogue box you can choose whether all
the members of the structure will be visible or only the ones
selected. You can select members by using one of VK STEELS
appropriate commands which are analytically presented in the
chapter EDIT MENU.
On the left middle part you can choose which one of the elements
categories you wish to remain visible by checking on the
appropriate check-boxes.
On the right middle part you can choose the schematic diagram of
the loading case you wish to be shown. But it is necessary that
you first check on the check-box Members(Nodes) Loads. If this

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check-box is not chosen, then no schematic diagram of any

loading case will be shown.
On the lower part of the dialogue box there are two parameter
options related to the way the programme makes the bearing
structure appear when deformed. You can modify the Multiplicaton
factor or the Maximum displacement to attain a better view of the
structure and then check the result on you screen. As before,
these fields are activated if the option Deformed Frame on the
left middle window is checked. Otherwise, the schematic depiction
of the deformed bearing structure will not be visible.
Show Tip of the Day
By choosing the Parameters > Options >Show Tip of the Day
command, the dialogue box shown on figure 47 appears on your
screen.

Figure 47 Tip of the Day dialogue box

This dialogue box appears each time you start the programme and
contains a number of useful advice. It consists part of the
programmes helping facilities.
If you wish that the Tip of the Day dialogue box does not appear
each time the programme starts, check on the check-box Dont
show tips at start up.

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MEMBER GROUPS
Each group takes its name according to the position its members
have within the structure. By using this command you are able to
modify the by definition- names used by the programme and
replace them by the ones you choose.

To replace the by definition names of the groups, follow the

procedure:
1.

Choose Parameters > Options > Member Groups names

command. The dialogue box shown on figure 48 will
appear.

2.

Replace the name of each group by typing the one you

prefer on the appropriate line.

3.

Choose OK- or CANCEL- to confirm or cancel your

actions.

Figure 48 Member Groups dialogue box

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V I E W M EN U

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General
The View menu is the third from the left on the .
The commands that this menu contains as well as a short
description of those are shown on Table 15 below.
COMMAND
REFRESH

KEYS
Ctrl + R

VIEW

MEMBERS LIST

NODES LIST

NODES LOAD

DESCRIPTION
Refreshes the contents of
the study window. It is
usually used after
corrections.
It allows the user to
choose one of the
structures pre-selected
view- points.
Informative. It shows in
the form of a table the
properties of the
sections already
described
Informative. It shows
in the form of a table the
properties of the joints
already described.
Informative. It shows in
the form of a table the
load taken by the
sections which have
already being described

MEMBERS LOADS
QUANTITY ESTIMATION
MOVE
TOOLBARS

Shows a pre-calculation
of the materials table.

It allows the adaptation

of the workspace.

RENDER

It shows the geometry

of the section of a
certain member of a
group of members

Table 15 The VIEW menu and its commands

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If you click on VIEW the drop-down list of the commands will

appear on the menu bar, as shown below

Figure 49

The VIEW menu and the commands it contains

An alternative way to access the most useful commands is

through the icons of the EDIT toolbar shown below.

Figure 50 Some of the commands consisting the VIEW menu

are included in the EDIT toolbar.
Each one of the following paragraphs is dedicated to one
command and contains operation instructions as well as general
information for its usefulness and its function.
If you need direct information about a command you can take
advantage of the electronic help system provided with the
programme. To access this system, press F1 or choose the INDEX
command from the HELP menu.

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REFRESH
This command redraws the content of your workspace. It is of the
same use as the REFRESH command of the WINDOWS or the
REDRAW and REGEN commands of AutoCAD.
Use this command in case you think that certain elements are not
shown properly on the screen.
VIEW
The VIEW command leads to a sub-menu which contains the
following commands:
1. XY
2. XZ
3. YZ
These commands show the bearing structure from a view-point
corresponding to the chosen plane.
IMPORTANT The plane that appears with the start of the
programme (the by-definition plane) is YZ. The semi-axis Z
takes positive values upwards and the semi-axis Y takes
positive values towards the left. X-axis takes its positive
values directed towards the screen, opposite to the user.

To watch the structure in one of the XY, XZ and YZ planes

follow the procedure:

1.

Click on the SHOW > NEW > XY (or XZ, YZ) command or the
appropriate icons. The corresponding aspect of the structure
will appear on the screen.

MEMBERS LIST
An important facility provided by VK STEEL is the appearance of
the elements of the
members that have been described in the form of a table.

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This table though, is of properly informative use.

By using this table you are able to find a members (or several
members) identity very quickly since these are arranged next to
their serial number on a table.

To make the table appear follow the procedure:

1.

Choose Members List command.

2.

Use the sliding bar if the table is large. When ready, click OK
to close the window.

An indicative picture of the table is shown on figure 51.

Figure 51

MEMBERS LIST

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NODES LIST
As in members list, the NODES LIST command presents joints
elements arranged on a table.
To make the NODES LIST show up follow the procedure:
3. Choose NODES LIST command.
4.

If the table is too large use the sliding bar. When you finish
click on OK to close the window.

The NODES LIST is shown on figure 52.

Figure 52 NODES LIST

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NODES LOAD
The NODES LOAD command presents the load taken by the joints
arranged on a table. This table, as every table in VIEW MENU is of
informative character. No change made on the table will be taken
under consideration by the programme. You can change the loads
taken by the joints only through the procedure of their description
(see ELEMENTS PROPERTIES paragraph NODE PROPERTIES).

To make the NODES LOAD appear on the screen follow the

procedure

1.

Choose View > NODES LOAD command.

2.

If the table is too large use the sliding bar. When you finish
click on OK to close the window.

The NODES LOAD table is shown on figure 53.

Figure 53 NODES LOAD table

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MEMBERS LOADS
The MEMBERS LOADS command presents the data of the load
taken by the members of the structure in the form of a table. The
description of these loads takes place either during the description
of each particular load or after this description, through the
procedure of changing the members properties (see chapter
ELEMENTS PROPERTIES paragraph Member Properties).

To make the MEMBERS LOADS table appear on the screen,

follow the procedure

1.

Choose View > Members Loads command.

2.

If the table is too large use the sliding bar. When finished
click on OK to close the window.

The Members Loads table shown on figure 54.

Figure 54 MEMBERS LOADS table

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QUANTITY ESTIMATION
VK STEEL provides you with the ability to quickly pre-calculate the
quantity of the materials to be used for the structures members,
described up to the moment you choose the command. Always
keep in mind that these calculations are approximate and in case
you need greater precision you must search for the pre-calculation
tables resulting from the dimensions set of the structures
members.
To make the Quantity Estimation table appear on the screen,
follow the procedure
3. Choose View> Quantity Estimation command.
4. If the table is too large use the sliding bar. When finished, click
on OK to close the window.
Quantity Estimation table is shown on figure 55.

Figure 55 QUANTITY ESTIMATION table

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TOOLBARS
Show Toolbars command allows you to choose which toolbars (or
fly-out menus) will constantly appear on the screen while working
on the programme.
To show or hide toolbars follow these steps
1.

Right click on View > Toolbars command. The dialogue box

shown on figure 56 will appear.

Figure 56 TOOLBARS DIALOGUE BOX

TOOLBARS dialogue box consists of a number of choices equal to
the number of the independent toolbars. If the check-box next to
each toolbars name is checked, the particular toolbar will show on
your screen in its position or in the position it was left the last
time the programme was used. If its check-box is not checked,
the toolbar will not show.
NOTE: These toolbars by definition position is below the menu
bar. Alternative positions are the left and right side margins of the
study window. You can move a toolbar by keeping the left key of
the mouse pressed over the double vertical bar of the toolbar and
then move it towards the left or right margin of the study window.
When you have found the position you wish, stop pressing the key
of the mouse. If you do that while in the study window, the
toolbar becomes a fly-out menu. Its title is shown on the top of
the toolbar. To remove a fly-out menu, follow the same steps with
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the only difference that the mouses indicator should be over the
menus title zone.
By clicking on OK, you confirm the changes you have made.
RENDER
It is extremely important for the correct structural analysis of a
model as well as for the code check of the members and the
connections to precisely define the rotation angle of the profiles
axis around the length axis. This angle is widely known as EULER
angle, an appellation adapted by VK STEEL while in the
international bibliography it is referred to as BETA or GAMMA
angle.
NOTE: You can find out more about the EULER angle in the
paragraph name by the angle of the Members Properties
unity of the ELEMENTS PROPERTIES chapter. It is
necessary for the user to understand this concept thus we
recommend that you spend some time on it for your
facilitation.
The RENDER command is used for the repousse representation of
the members morphology which is not possible through the entire
procedure of members description.
NOTE: The 3-D representation of values and surfaces is
generally one of the most demanding operations for the
processor and the graphics accelerator. Even todays PCs
are testing their limits in cases of complex solids which
require high quality of representation.
By presenting members in that way you can easily verify EULER
angles value for a member or a group of members. In other
words, by using this command, you can attain a satisfying
representation of the arrangement of the members within a part
of the structure and, if necessary, to modify the value of the
angle.

To check the EULER angle of a member or a group of

members follow the procedure

1.

By using the Edit > Select Members command, pick

member or group of members you are interested in. the
picked members will appear in a different colour.
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2.

Choose View > Render command. By clicking on Render

you will notice that it stays pressed which indicates the
Render situation. In the study window you will also notice
that the chosen members appear with their section set on
an angle equal to the one you have inserted during their
description.

3.

Continue to select members. For each one you choose, its

profiles position in space will appear on the screen. You
can also use the appropriate commands to change
viewpoint in combination with the screen Refresh command
until you achieve the most satisfying result.

4.

To escape the RENDER situation you only have to re-click

on RENDER through the View menu.
NOTE: RENDER is basically used to check and correct the
EULER angle. In case you wish to correct this angle while
you are still in rendering, you have to choose View > Refresh
or press ctrl + r to see the new, corrected position of the
member. The programme will refresh all the contents of the
study window including the EULER angle which is modified.

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EXAMPLE In the following figures 57 and 58 you can see a group

of members before and after rendering.

Figure 57 The chosen group of members before rendering

Figure 58 The same group after rendering.

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E D I T M E N U

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General
The EDIT menu is the third from the left on the menu bar. It
contains all the commands of description and EDIT of the
structure.
Generally, you can access these commands either through the
title bar or through the menu bar or even through the pop-up
menu which becomes active after you right click anywhere outside
the study window.
The commands included in EDIT menu as well as a short
description of those are presented on the following table 16.

COMMAND
UNDO

KEYS
Ctrl+Z

DESCRIPTION
Cancels the previous
command. It is also
working even if the
previous command was a
members insertion

COPY

Ctrl+C

Creates copies of
selected entities or of the
entire content of the
workspace into clipboard.

PASTE

Ctrl+V

Transfers the contents of

clipboard within your
workspace.

DELETE

Ctrl+Del

Deletes the selected

entities.

SPLIT
REBUILD DATABASE
DYNAMIC VIEW

Check the models

rotation.

NEW MEMBER

Displays New Member

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dialogue box
MIRROR

SELECT

Uses a selected plane as

a mirror to create the
reflection of a chosen
entity
(or
even
a
number of entities).
MEMBERS

Allows the user to

choose an entity
or a group of entities.

SELECT MEMBERS

Allows you to choose

entities by WINDOW
using a window.

SELECT

Allows you to select

entities according to
attributes determined
by the user.

USING FILTERS
UNSELECT MEMBERS

Cancels the selection of

entities
you have
previously selected.

SELECT NODES

Allows you to choose

joints.

SELECT NODES
WINDOW

Allows you to select

joints by using a
window.

UNSELECT NODES

Cancels you previous

selection of joints.

WIZARD

Insert members
using the wizard.

3D Truss

Displays the wizard for

inserting
space
structures.

Table 16

by

EDIT menu and its contents.

If you click on EDIT, a drop-down list of the commands reported

above will emerge from the menu bar.

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EDIT menu and its commands

You can access these commands directly through the icons which
consist the EDIT, EDIT II and WIZARD toolbars (see below).

Figure 60 EDIT toolbar and its consisting commands. Some of

the commands belong to VIEW menu while other ones (like Zoom
In and Zoom Out) are not included in any of the menus.

Figure 61
142

EDIT II toolbar and the commands it contains.

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Figure 62

WIZARD toolbar and the commands it contains.

A simpler way to access a command of the EDIT MENU, is through

the two pop-up menus that will appear on your screen if you right
click inside the study window.
By right clicking anywhere but on a joint, the pop-up menu shown
below will appear on the screen.

Figure 63 EDIT pop-up menu

In case you right click on a joint or a group of joints, the pop-up
menu shown in figure 64 will appear.
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Figure 64

NODES PROPERTIES pop-up menu

Each one of the following paragraphs refers to a certain command

and includes instructions as well as general information about the
commands function and usefulness.
If you need direct information about a command you might as well
take advantage of the electronic help system that goes along with
the programme. To access the help system you have to either
press the F1 key or choose the command INDEX off the HELP
menu.
UNDO
The undo command is one of the most useful commands of the
programme.
It is very simple to use it.
1.

Select the command Edit > Undo or the appropriate icon

. The programme will then cancel every change you
have made on your work since it was last saved.

Although the Undo command is very simple and easy to use, there
are certain details connected to its use which require the users
attention.
In VK STEEL, action is considered to be the result of a commands
single use. For example, if you copy the Members by using COPY
command three times, one for each member, it constitutes three
actions, whereas, if you copy all three members at once, it
constitutes one action.
Entities of the structure are its joints and its members. In every
action you take, the results of the Edit and Edit II commands
related to the structures entities, are included. Contrariwise, the
results of the commands related to the structures properties
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modification (e.g. loads, section types) and the results of the

commands related to the structures appearance (e.g. 200mm)
are not included.
The programme can undo up to ten (10) actions.
You should keep in mind that every time you save your work you
miss the chance to undo your latest actions. The same will happen
in case you close the programme and save the changes. When
you will restart the programme and open the particular study, you
will not be able to undo your previous actions.
IMPORTANT The programme does not provide you with the
ability to undo the undo command itself (REDO).

COPY

The copy command uses the clipboard as a temporary storage

space of certain chosen elements (i.e. a group of joints and
members along with their properties) in order for you to be able
to put them in a different place within the study window.
The copy command goes along with Paste command, alternatively
its use would have no meaning.
Follow the procedure
1. Select, by using any method, the elements you wish to copy.
2.

Select Edit > Copy. Alternatively, you can choose the

or press Ctrl + C. the chosen
appropriate icon
elements are copied into the clipboard.
NOTE: Each time you choose entities to copy the
programme will replace al of clipboards previous contents
with the new ones.
Clipboard is used by every Windows programme.
Consequently, its contents will be replaced if you use the
copy command even through a programme other than
STEEL.
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NOTE: If you use the command COPY without choosing an

entity, the programme will copy the entire structure as it is
formed up to that moment.

PASTE
Paste command is used in combination with the Copy command.
Follow the procedure
1.

Select and copy the joints and members you wish and then
choose Edit > Paste. Alternatively, you can choose the
appropriate icon

Figure 65

2.

146

or press Ctrl + V.

Members Offset (PASTE MEMBERS) dialogue box

Within the dialogue box (figure 65) that will appear, type
the desirable values of any change of distance in the dx, dy
and dz text-fields (either in one or in all of them). The
programme will create a copy of the selected group of
entities on a new workpane and in distance from the copypoint defined by the values in the dx, dy and dz text-fields.

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DELETE
By using this command you can erase selected elements or even
the entire structure.

Follow the procedure

1.

Select the entity or group of entities you wish to delete.

2.

Choose the command Edit > Delete. Alternatively, you can

choose the appropriate icon

or press Ctrl + Del.

You can recall the deletion of entities by using the command

undo.

DYNAMIC VIEW

Automatic rotation allows you to quickly rotate the structure by

simply moving the mouse.
This way, you can achieve the best possible viewing angle,
particularly important for three-dimensional structures.

Follow the procedure

1. Select Edit > Dynamic View or the appropriate icon

2.

Left-click on any random point within the study window

near the structure. Move the mouse until you have the
viewing angle that serves you best.
ADVICE Use one of the view commands XY, XZ, YZ to
restore the view of the structure.

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NEW MEMBER
The New Member command constitutes the principal means that
VK STEEL holds for inserting new members. But it is not the only
one. Other commands, such as MEMBERS WIZARD can also do
the same thing and probably in a better way. It is on you to
decide which one can adapt better in your way of working.
Initially, the programme will perceive the new member as a linear
element that connects two points in space: the start node and the
end node.
In other words, to insert a new member, before everything else,
you need to know its start and end nodes coordinates.
As far as the rest of a members properties are concerned you can
define them before or after the members insertion.
To insert a new member, follow the procedure
1.

Choose

the

command

appropriate icon
appear.

148

Edit

>

New

Member

or

the

. The dialogue box on figure 66 will

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Figure 66 NEW MEMBER dialogue box

2.

On
the
the
the

the top text-fields, type-in the coordinates values for

start-node and in
following text-fields, type-in the coordinates values of
end-node.

3. Press OK to confirm
Both nodes are set automatically along with the member itself.
Thus, when deleting a member, its nodes are deleted with it.
If two members have a common node and you choose to delete
one of them, the common node will not be deleted.
In any case you can use the UNDO command to cancel a
members insertion.

MIRROR
This is a very useful command during the structures description
process.
By using the mirror command you can reduplicate a selected
group of members or even the entire structure in relation to a
certain plane. This plane is defined by choosing three points. As
the name of the command denotes, the reduplicated entities are
set specular-like in relation to the defined plane.
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The MIRROR command enables the user to create a complex

structure that presents symmetry towards a certain plane very
quickly.
Follow the procedure
1. Select the group of members or even the entire structure.
2.

Choose Edit > Mirror or the appropriate icon

dialogue box shown in figure 67 will appear.

. The

Figure 67 DEFINE PLANE dialogue box.

3. The coordinates of the three points that determine the
plane of symmetry will appear in the dialogue box.
a. Type-in the coordinates values.
b. If the points that will form the plane of symmetry
coincide with any of the existing joints, instead of typingin the coordinates values into the text-fields, you can
select these joints by using the mouse. To do this, you
have to just click on PICK. The dialogue box will
temporarily disappear to allow you to select the joints.
Left-click on three non-lineal joints, when you complete
that, the dialogue box will reappear.

4.

150

Press OK and note that a copy of the selected entities is set

specular-like in relation to the original ones.
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NOTE: Under any circumstances you can recall this action by

using the UNDO command.

HOW TO SELECT MEMBERS

VK STEEL provides you with three methods which you can use to
select members.
The first one is SELECT MEMBERS, the second one is SELECT
MEMBERS by WINDOW and the third one is SELECT USING
FILTERS.
When using the first one, you can choose one member at a time.
By continuously pressing the Ctrl key you can add more members
to your initial choice.
Follow the procedure
1. Choose Edit > Select Members or the appropriate icon

a. If you plan to choose a single member, just click on it.

b. If you plan to choose more than one members, repeat step
(a) for each member you wish to select while pressing the Ctrl
key. Stop pressing the Ctrl key when you complete your
selection.
NOTE: the colour of the selected members has changed.
Selected members are presented blue on your work-space.
For more information in relation to colours seek for
COLOURS command (Parameters > Options > Colours).
You cannot undo the SELECT MEMBERS command. To cancel any
selection of members you have made, use the command
UNSELECT MEMBERS.

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SELECT MEMBERS WINDOW

The second method for selecting members is more useful in case
you wish to choose a group of members.
When you wish to select members by using a window, it is
absolutely necessary that both joints of every member you choose
are enclosed within the window. If a members joint is excluded
from the window, then the member itself will be excluded from
the selected group.
Follow the procedure
1.

Choose Edit > Select members window or the appropriate

icon

. Notice that the mouse indicator has changed.

2.

Click on a random point on the left side and above the

member that sets left at the top of the group of members
you wish to choose.

3.

Click on a random point below and on the right side of the

member that sets right at the bottom of the group of
members you wish to choose.

4.

All the members included in the window have been

selected (they turned blue).
NOTE: The colour of the chosen members has changed into
blue which is the by definition colour of selected members.
For more information in relation to colours seek for
COLOURS command (Parameters > Options> Colours).

You cannot undo the Select members window command. To

cancel any selection of members you have made use the
command UNSELECT MEMBERS.

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SELECT USING FILTERS

This command enables you to choose a number of members that
satisfy certain criteria you introduce.
The usefulness of this command is more obvious in cases of
structures which contain numerous members of a great variety of
properties, one of which you wish to modify.
To choose members with the use of filters, follow the procedure
1.

Choose the command Edit > Select using filters or the

appropriate icon
will appear.

2.

. The dialogue box shown in figure 68

Determine the criteria within the SELECT MEMBERS

dialogue box by making the appropriate choices through
the four drop-down lists. The criteria you have chosen are
displayed on the lower part of the dialogue box. If no
indication is displayed there, then no criteria are selected.
The four criteria you can select are:
a. According to section type. The list includes all the
section types included in the projects library. When you
choose one of them, all the members of that type will be
selected.

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Figure 68 Select using filters dialogue box.

b. According to constrain settings. The list includes all four
bearing conditions. Choose one of them.
c. According to the Load type. The list includes all loading cases.
Choose one of them.
d. According to the group name. The list includes all groups of
members. Choose one of them.
3. When you finish with the criteria chose OK to confirm your
choices.
NOTE: The colour of the chosen members has changed into
blue which is the by definition colour of selected members.
For more information in relation to colours seek for
COLOURS command (Parameters > Options> Colours).
You cannot undo the Select using filters command. To cancel any
selection of members you have made use the command
UNSELECT MEMBERS.
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UNSELECT MEMBERS
You can use the command Unselect Members to repeal the action
of selecting members.
Follow the procedure
1.

Since you have already chosen a member or a group of

members, choose the command Edit > Unselect Members
. The members are going to be
or the appropriate icon
de-selected. You can confirm that by checking the
difference in their colour.

SELECT NODES
To choose any joint follow this procedure:
1.

Choose

the

command

appropriate icon
2.

Edit

>

Select

Nodes

or

the

Left-click on the joint you wish to choose. If you wish to

add more joints to your selection, you can continue
choosing the joints by clicking on them while you
constantly press the Ctrl key.

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NOTE: The colour of the chosen joints has changed into pink
which is the by definition colour of the selected joints. For
more information in relation to colours, search for Colours
command (Parameters > Options > Colours).
You cannot Undo the Select Nodes command. To cancel any
selection of nodes you have made, use the command UNSELECT
NODES.
SELECT NODES WINDOW
This command enables you to select one or more joints by
enclosing them into a window.
Follow the procedure
1.

Choose the command Edit > Select Nodes window or the

appropriate icon

2.

Click on a random point, on the left and above the top left
joint of the group of joints you wish to choose. You can
now notice that the outline of the window has been formed
by dashed lines.

3.

Click on a random point, on the right and below the bottom

right joint of the group of joints you wish to choose.

4.

All the joints that have been enclosed by the window are
selected(they became pink).

NOTE: The colour of the chosen joints has changed into pink
which is the by definition colour of the selected joints. For
more information in relation to colours, search for Colours
command (Parameters > Options > Colours).

You cannot Undo the Select Nodes window command. To cancel

any selection of joints you have made, use the command
UNSELECT NODES.

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UNSELECT NODES
Uses this command to de-select joints irrespective of the method
you have used to select them.
Follow the procedure
1.

Choose the command Edit > Unselect Nodes or the

to de-select the joints you have
appropriate icon
previously selected. You can confirm the change by
checking the joints colour.

WIZARD
The simplest way to describe members is by using the members
wizard. Members Wizard is a dialogue box which appears through
the command WIZARD.
The Members Wizard is an advantageous method compared to
other ones because it enables the user to define a number of
members at the same time with two different ways, either
graphically or by typing in their coordinates and by two different
criteria, either by specifying the number of members or by
defining the length of each member.

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Follow the procedure

1.

Choose the command Edit > Wizard or the appropriate icon

. The dialogue box shown in figure 69 will appear.

Figure 69 Members Wizard

a. METHOD A: Description of a member by inserting its
coordinates.
i. Choose the Number of multiple members to insert
check-box and type-in the number 1.
ii. Type the coordinates in the text-fields START
NODE and END NODE.
iii. Press ADD.
b. METHOD B: Graphical description of a member. In this
method it is necessary that the joints have already been
described.
i. Choose the Number of multiple members to insert
check-box and type-in the number 1.
ii. Press PICK. The dialogue box will temporarily
disappear.
iii. Select the start node and the end node of the new
member by double clicking on them. The new member
must not coincide with an already existing one.
c. METHOD C: Graphical description of many members by
determining their number and their length.
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i. Same as in Method A with the only difference that

into the check-box Number of multiple members to
insert, you type the desired number and as joints
coordinates, you type-in the coordinates of the first
members start node and the last members end
node.
d. METHOD D: Graphical description of many members by
determining their number and their length.
i. Press PICK. The dialogue box will temporarily
disappear.
ii. Choose two existing joints by consecutively
clicking on them.
iii. Activate the Number of multiple members to
insert check box and type-in the number of
members.
iv. Activate the Length of multiple members to
insert (m) check-box. Type in the length of each
member.
v. Press ADD. The programme will insert the
members starting from the start node of the first
member moving toward its end node. The length of
each member will be the one you have determined.
If the overall length of the inserted members is
smaller, the distance between the two joints you
have selected, the end node of the last member will
not concur with the second joint.
2. When you complete, press CLOSE to close the dialogue box.
NOTE: You can always cancel up to ten insertions of
members by using the UNDO command.
REMINDER: The start node and end node that have their
coordinates determined through the NEW MEMBER
dialogue box, are inserted automatically at the same time
that the member is inserted.
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In addition, during a members deletion, its joints are deleted as

well, unless one of them is connected to another member.
This means that if you delete a member that has a common joint
with another one and a free joint, only the free joint will be
deleted with the member.
3D TRUSS
This command leads to the 3D trusses creation wizard.
The 3D TRUSS command allows the user to quickly and easily
create complex 3D trusses by multiplying the characteristic values
of the parameters which relate to a certain model, selected from
the programmes library.

The dialogue box that encloses the standard 3D trusses of

the library, appears with the following procedure

1.

Choose the command Edit > 3D TRUSS or the appropriate

icon

2.

160

. The dialogue box shown in figure 70 will appear.

Each one of the TYPE labels displays the special tab of

the standard 3D TRUSSES. Choose each one of them to
view the librarys contents.

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Figure 70 3D TRUSSES Wizard TYPE 1.

Most types of 3D TRUSSES can be created by repeatedly
arranging their rudamentary part along one of their axis. The
creation of a 3D TRUSS through one of VK STEELS wizards takes
place by choosing the most appropriate rudamentary part and by
defining its repetition parameters. The last step you have to take
is to set the coordinates of the parts insertion point. If a part of
the structure has already been described, you have to choose the
point where the 3D TRUSS will be connected to the existing
structure. The general procedure remains the same, irrespective
of the type of 3D TRUSS. The parameters of repetition, though,
vary according to the type.

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3D TRUSS TYPE 1
This type of 3D truss is shown in figure 70.
To create a TYPE 1 3D TRUSS, follow this procedure
1.

While the dialogue box 3D TRUSS WIZARD is open, click

on the TYPE 1 label. The table shown in figure 70 will
appear.

2. Type the values of the repetition parameters in the text-fields:

a. n1: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated
along the x-x axis.
b. n2: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the y-y axis.
c. l1: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the y-y axis.
d. l2: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the z-z axis.
3.

Type the coordinates of the 3D trusses insertion point in

the x, y, z text-fields. On the draft, the insertion point is
pointed out by the red square. The truss will be inserted in
the study window exactly the way it is presented on the
draft.
ADVICE: It is preferred that the axis shown in the draft will
coincide with the axis shown in the study window (global
coordinates system).

As in every dialogue box, by clicking on OK you can confirm the

changes you have made and by clicking on CANCEL you can
return to the previous situation.

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3D TRUSS TYPE 2
This type of 3D truss is shown in figure 71.

Figure 71 3D TRUSSES WIZARD TYPE 2

To create a TYPE 2 3D TRUSS, follow this procedure
1.

While the dialogue box 3D TRUSS WIZARD is open, click

on the TYPE 2 label. The table shown in figure 71 will
appear.

2. Type the values of the repetition parameters in the text-fields:

a. n1: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the z-z axis.
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b. n2: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the y-y axis.
c. l1: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the y-y axis.
d. l2: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the x-x axis.
e. K: The trusses leaning percentage (%).
3.

Type the coordinates of the trusses insertion point in the x,

y, z text-fields. On the draft, the insertion point is pointed
out by the red square. The truss will be inserted in the
study window exactly the way it is presented on the draft.
ADVICE: It is preferred that the axis shown in the draft will
coincide with the axis shown in the study window (global
coordinates system).

As in every dialogue box, by clicking on OK you can confirm the

changes you have made and by clicking on CANCEL you can
return to the previous situation.

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3D TRUSS TYPE 4
This type of 3D truss is shown in figure 72.

Figure 72 3D TRUSSES WIZARD TYPE 4

To create a TYPE 4 3D TRUSS, follow this procedure
1.

While the dialogue box 3D TRUSS WIZARD is open, click

on the TYPE 4 label. The table shown in figure 72 will
appear.

2. Type the values of the repetition parameters in the text-fields:

a. n1: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the x-x axis.

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b. n2: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the y-y axis.
c. l1: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the y-y axis.
d. l2: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the z-z axis.
3.

Type the coordinates of the 3D trusses insertion point in

the x, y, z text-fields. On the draft, the insertion point is
pointed out by the red square. The truss will be inserted in
the study window exactly the way it is presented on the
draft.
ADVICE: It is preferred that the axis shown in the draft will
coincide with the axis shown in the study window (global
coordinates system).

As in every dialogue box, by clicking on OK you can confirm the

changes you have made and by clicking on CANCEL you can
return to the previous situation.

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3D TRUSS TYPE 5
This type of 3D truss is shown in figure 73.

Figure 73 3D TRUSSES WIZARD TYPE 5

To create a TYPE 5 3D TRUSS, follow this procedure
1.

While the dialogue box 3D TRUSS WIZARD is open, click

on the TYPE 5 label. The table shown in figure 73 will
appear.

2. Type the values of the repetition parameters in the text-fields:

a. n1: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the x-x axis.
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b. n2: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the y-y axis.
c. l1: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the x-x axis.
d. l2: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the z-z axis.
e. R: the radius of the diagonal member.
3.

Type the coordinates of the trusses insertion point in the x,

y, z text-fields. On the draft, the insertion point is pointed
out by the red square. The truss will be inserted in the
study window exactly the way it is presented on the draft.
ADVICE: It is preferred that the axis shown in the draft will
coincide with the axis shown in the study window (global
coordinates system).

As in every dialogue box, by clicking on OK you can confirm the

changes you have made and by clicking on CANCEL you can
return to the previous situation.

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3D TRUSS TYPE 6
This type of 3D truss is shown in figure 74.

Figure 72 3D TRUSSES WIZARD TYPE 6

To create a TYPE 6 3D TRUSS, follow this procedure
1.

While the dialogue box 3D TRUSS WIZARD is open, click

on the TYPE 6 label. The table shown in figure 74 will
appear.

2. Type the values of the repetition parameters in the text-fields:

a. n1: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the x-x axis.

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b. n2: Its value equals the times that the rudamentary part
has been repeated along the y-y axis.
c. l1: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the y-y axis.
d. l2: The length of the rudamentary parts side that is
parallel to the z-z axis.
3.

Type the coordinates of the 3D trusses insertion point in

the x, y, z text-fields. On the draft, the insertion point is
pointed out by the red square. The truss will be inserted in
the study window exactly the way it is presented on the
draft.
ADVICE: It is preferred that the axis shown in the draft will
coincide with the axis shown in the study window (global
coordinates system).

As in every dialogue box, by clicking on OK you can confirm the

changes you have made and by clicking on CANCEL you can
return to the previous situation.

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ROTATION OF THE MODEL AROUND AN AXIS

You can access the ROTATION commands only through the EDIT
toolbar.

To rotate the model, as shown in the study window, around

an axis, follow this procedure:

1.

with the indication X (or Y) of the

Left-click on the icon
EDIT toolbar. Select the rotation axis off the list that will
appear by clicking on it.

2.

Click one or more times on one of the two icons

or

. Notice that the model will slightly rotate each time

you click on those.
NOTE: Use the command VIEW to return to one of the
models main views.

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CHAPTER 6 EDIT Menu

CHAPTER 7
A N A L Y S I S M E N U

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

General
The ANALYSIS menu is the last one of the programmes main
menus (except the HELP menu) which allows the user to access
VK STEELS help system. The commands that are included in the
ANALYSIS menu as well as their short description are shown on
the following table 17.
COMMAND
TOPOLOGY CHECK

KEYS
Ctrl + R

DESCRIPTION
Activates the structural
integritys
diagnostic
checks.

FRAME CLASSIFICATION
ANALYSIS

The structural analysis

takes place in space.

MEMBERS CHECK

It starts the procedure

of
designing
and
checking the structures
members.

COLUMN BASE DESIGN

FOUNDATION DESIGN

The foundation system

is starting to be designed and

checked.
CONNECTION DESIGN(Truss)

Joints of trusses are

starting
to
be
designed and checked.

CONNECTION DESIGN(Frame)

Connections of frames
are
starting
to
be
designed and checked.

Table 17 The ANALYSIS menu and the commands it contains.

If you click on the word Analysis on the menu bar, the dropdown list that contains the commands will appear:

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Figure 75 The ANALYSIS menu and the commands it contains.

The user can also access the most common commands through
the icons on the ANALYSIS toolbar which is shown below.

Figure 76 The icons of the ANALYSIS toolbar.

Each one of the following paragraphs refers to a certain command
and includes instructions as well as general information about the
commands function and usefulness.
If you need direct information about a command press F1 or
choose the command CONTENTS off the HELP menu to gain
access to the programmes help system.
TOPOLOGY CHECK
The command TOPOLOGY CHECK serves as a final integrity
check of the structures description, when and if this has been
completed. Thus, it should be used before any other command of
the ANALYSIS menu is chosen.
This command allows the user to ascertain any problem that the
connections might have and to correct them before the structural
analysis takes place so as to save his or her time and labor.
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If the programme meets any problems while checking, it will show

the appropriate messages on your screen and it will also create a
diagnostics file.
Before any of the checks begin the programme will present to you
a dialogue box with which you are able to choose which checks
you wish to take place.
Follow this procedure
1.

Choose the command Analysis > Topology Check or the

appropriate icon
appear.

. The dialogue box of figure 77 will

Figure 77 Topology Check dialogue box.

2.

In this dialogue box check the boxes of any pre-check that

you wish to take place. Here, you can also determine if you
wish to see any messages in case of a problem by checking
the Show Messages check-box. The programme will
interrupt the checking procedure each time and it will
present the appropriate message on your screen. If you
decide not to check the check box, all checks will finish
uninterrupted and the messages will be saved in the
diagnostics file.

3.

When all checks are finished, the message Would you like
to read the diagnostics file? will appear on the screen, if
you choose OK, a text box which contains the messages of
the diagnostic checks will show up.

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1.

The integrity checks that the programme is going to carry

out when you choose the Topology Check command, are
the following:
MEMBERS DEFINITION. The programme will attempt to
trace a sub-carrier. As sub-carrier we define the part of the
structure that is not connected through a member to the
rest of the structure. Usually sub-carriers are formed when
we delete members. When a sub-carrier is traced, the user
must either erase it or determine at least one member that
will connect the disconnected carrier to the rest of the
structure.

2.

SUPPORTS DEFINITION. The programme will search for

joints that are defined as support. VK STEEL needs at least
one support so as to do the structural analysis. The
appropriate number of supports depends upon the form
and the dimensions of the structure, as well as from the
static laws. The demand of the programme for at least one
support relates more to the programmes ability to do the
analysis than to the sufficiency and integrity of the
particular structures support. If the relevant message
appears on your screen, you will have to determine the
supports on certain joints where from no more than 1
members run through. If there are no such joints,
theoretical members of support must be designated.

3.

CHECK FOR ZERO VALUES. The programme checks its

records for possible zero values .The programme is unable
to do the structural analysis if it traces a zero value. The
value has to change either by changing the member or by
changing the members load.

4.

CHECK FOR MEMBERS LENGTH LIMITS. The programme

checks the structure for possible exceedingly long or short
members.

5.

CHECK FOR MATRIX INTEGRITY STRUCTURE(fast or

extended). There are three kinds of structures: static,
over-static and mechanisms. Mechanisms cannot be
analysed by Statics. As a result, the programme is unable
to do their structural analysis. Consequently, the part of
the structure that constitutes a mechanism must be traced
and then the bearing conditions of its consisting members

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must be reconsidered. A mechanism is usually formed as

part of a structure that includes hinges.

ANALYSIS
This command starts the procedure of the structures analysis.
The structure is treated as a frame within space so as for the
stress values on its members and its joints to be determined.
These values are going to be used in every following part of the
study, for example during Members Check ,Connection Design
etc.
NOTE: In case you are interested in more information on the
Structural Analysis method used by the programme, search
for APPENDIX A in the end of this book.

Before you start the structural analysis you should keep the
following advice in mind

The description of you structure must be as error-free as

possible. Thus it is important to know the structure you are
going to describe and not to discover it during the
description. It is also expected that you have an idea about
how the structure is going to behave when loads are
applied, before you determine these loads. You can always
correct any errors through VK STEELS appropriate
commands. This does not mean that the advice given above
should be ignored.

Great attention should also be paid to the members

conditions of support. Wrong evaluations in defining the
conditions of support, (constrains) usually leads to the
appearance of mechanisms (unstable sub-structures) and
results to an erroneous structural analysis. A very common
example is the two-dimensional frame (lattice, 2D frame)
which does not hold any ties on the direction vertical to its
plane. In this case, although the conditions of support are
correctly determined for the structures members, during the
structural analysis the entire structure will be considered a
mechanism on the direction vertical to its plane because of
the absence of ties on this direction. The effect of
mechanisms on the structural analysis is traced at once by
the structural analysis TEST which will show up after the
programme has finished its calculations. But mechanisms are

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also traced during the special diagnostic check off the

TOPOLOGY CHECK which take place before the structural
analysis.

Another procedure during which we should be very cautious

is loadings designation. The most usual error in this
procedure is that of invalid loading. But errors are also
noticed in relation to the type and value of load. As far as
the type of load is concerned, the user has to read carefully
the relevant paragraph in this book, where the process of
describing loads is analysed as well as the Loading
Combinations paragraph. The loads value has to be realistic
and to correspond to the units imposed by the regulations
you have selected and to the units you have previously used,
during the members or other types of loading description.

Especially difficult is to correctly define the EULER angle.

Read carefully the paragraphs RENDER (VIEW menu) and
EULER ANGLE (ELEMENTS PROPERTIES chapter).

The user has to carry out the diagnostic checks of

TOPOLOGY CHECK before the structural analysis takes place.

Follow the procedure

1. Choose

the

command

Analysis

>Analysis

or

the

. After a few seconds, during which you

appropriate icon
are going to watch indications of the calculation that are
taking place, the dialogue box of figure 78 will appear.

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Figure 78 ANALYSIS dialogue box.

a. Select the disk in which you wish the structural analysis
files to be saved. The most appropriate one is usually the
disk that the programme is installed in. before we reach this
stage, we must make sure that all requirements for available
space within the disk, which are refered to in paragraph
SYSTEM DEMANDS, are fulfilled.
NOTE: A structural analysis by VK STEEL does not lead to
swap files creation. Since all requirements, that we have
previously refered to, are fulfilled, the user is unlikely to
meet any problems related to the systems function. In case
of a problem, the user is adviced to consult an expertise.
b. (This choice is not available through every VK STEEL
edition). If you have the option of a dynamic analysis and
you have chosen the Response Spectrum Method (from
Parameters > Material Library>Design Codes), you have to
set the number of modes. Type this number in the
Response Modes text-field.
c. In the ACCIDENTAL ECCENTRICITY field make sure that
the value remains zero for the great majority of models.
2. Press OK to start the structural analysis.
When the analysis is complete, the analysis TEST will appear.
An example of the TEST is shown on figure 79.

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Figure 79 The analysis TEST window.

MEMBERS CHECK
This command makes it possible for the user to check each
members competence.

Figure 80 Members Check dialogue box.

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Follow the procedure

1.

Choose the command Analysis > Members Check or the

. If it is the first time you ever use this
appropriate icon
command for the particular structure the dialogue box of
figure 80 will show up. If you have used the command
before, a relevant message will appear. You have to
answer accordingly in order to continue. This message will
appear on the screen every time you use the command
MEMBERS CHECK and the previous command used not the
ANALYSIS one. Answer YES to continue.

2.

MEMBERS CHECK dialogue box, through which the

programme presents to you the checking parameters, will
appear on your screen. Fill-in the parameters and press
CONTINUE. After a while (the time depends upon the
number of members and the speed of your PC) the
BENDING FACTORS Table will show up.

3.

In the BENDING FACTORS Table, you can check and

modify the factors. Press CONTINUE to move on.

4.

The programme will then start checking the members and

at every excess it may meet, it will stop the checking to
present you with the appropriate message. The messages
dialogue box disposes six setting options. Choose the one
that serves you best by left-clicking in its check-box. To
continue the checks press CONTINUE.

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CHAPTER 8
COLUMN BASE DESIGN
FOUNDATION DESIGN

VK STEEL

DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT FOUNDATION CHECK

With the COLUMN BASE DESIGN and FOUNDATION DESIGN
commands, the programme carries out a columns support joints
competence check and sets the dimensions of the joints by using
real profiles, meaning that it is not possible to set the dimensions
of joints which belong to support members.
These two
CHECK.

commands

constitute

VK

STEELS

FOUNDATION

The programme can carry out the COLUMN BASE DESIGN only
when the structure is framed with columns that end up in support
joints.
A support joint is formed when the column is welded on a
rectangular flange, stabilized on a reinforced concrete footing by
anchorage bolts. In addition, there is the possibility to connect the
footings to the columns so as to prevent the foundation systems
members from overturning or sliding.
As you have probably realized by reading the description of the
support (foundation) joint given in the previous paragraph, there
are limits in the number of calculations that the programme can
do, compared to the great variety of formations we meet in
reality. For example, the programme cannot consider in the
calculations the effects of stiffeners we often use on a columns
base.
NOTE: Another point that requires the users attention is the
definition of the moments transfer mechanism to the
footing. The usual choice of two fixed ends as a boundary
condition of support is rarely the best solution and
sometimes it doesnt correspond to reality at all. The
definition of a support joint as fixed or pinned is of great
importance since it will give different results for the rest of
the joints of the Space Frame.
VK STEEL carries out the following checks so as to successfully
complete the support joints check:
COLUMN BASE DESIGN. At this stage the programme will carry
out the calculations related to the column-footing connecting slab,

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the required anchorage bolts which connect the slab to the

reinforced concrete footing as well as the welding of the column
on the slab.
FOUNDATION DESIGN. At this stage the programme will carry
out the description of the steel structures columns foundation
and it will also set the foundations dimensions.
COLUMN BASE DESIGN
To check the base of a column, follow this procedure
1.

Choose the command Analysis > COLUMN BASE DESIGN.

The central window of the sub-programme that is
responsible for the Column Base Design will appear on your
screen (figure 81).

Figure 81 The window of the sub-programme that carries out the

end plates competence checks and sets its dimensions.
2.

At the top left part of the window choose which one of the
support joints you wish to check. When the checking and

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dimensions setting is complete you have to return to the

same point to choose the next joint.
You will find more information and instructions on how to modify
the lay-out of your work space as well as on the available
commands in the following paragraphs.

The following keys are activated on this screen

1. CURRENT,
2. ALL,
3. EDIT,
4. AXIS and
5. PARAMETERS
More analytically

AXIS. By activating this key, a model of the global axis

system will appear on the top left part of the screen. If you
do not wish for it to remain visible press AXIS again.
PARAMETERS:

1.

Fixed = 1 Pinned = 0
We define whether the steel column we will analyse is fixed
or pinned on the footing through the end plate or not.

2.

Allowable stress of concrete (Mpa)

We set the value of the stress that the footings concrete is
designed to take. In this value we also have to include the
Safety Factor c as well as the factor 0, 85 which is related
to the concretes decreasing resistance in compression due
to the long-standing and repeated effect of loads. (par.
10.4.3.1. of ...). For example, if the quality of the
concrete is C16/20, the value we set is going to be 0, 85 x
(16/1,5) = 9.07 Mpa.

3.

Allowable stress of steel (Mpa)

We set the value of the stress that the steel of the
columns base end plate and the anchorage bolts are

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designed to take. In this value we have to include the

safety factor s. For example if the quality of the steel is
s400, the value we set is going to be 400/1, 15 = 347, 83
Mpa.
4.

Sides ratio a:b

We set the ratio of a vertical steel elements base end
plates sides. Side a is parallel to the members local Y axis
and side b is parallel to the members local Z axis. This
ratio is usually 1:1 to 2:3 and very rarely 1:2.

5.

Minimum thickness of plate (cm)

We set the end plates minimum thickness (construction
requirement). The suggested minimum thickness is
t=12mm.

6.

Maximum thickness of plate (cm)

We set the end plates maximum allowable thickness. The
suggested maximum width is t=25-30 mm (40mm in very
rare occasion).
Same value for plate thickness for all suports 1=Yes,
0=No
If we wish for the end plate to have the same thickness
for all elements of support-the maximum thickness that
will result from the calculations- we type in 1. By typing in
0, the required thickness of each elements end plate will
be recorded as it results from the calculations.

7.

8.

Net Cantilever length along a direction (cm).

We enter the desirable length of the end plates cantilever,
on the direction of the a dimension the distance between
section and the plates side.

9.

Net Cantilever length along b direction (cm).

We enter the desirable length of the end plates cantilever,
on the direction of the b dimension the distance between
section and the plates side.

10.

Min thickness of welding (mm)

We enter the minimum thickness of the weld between the
column and its end plate in mm.

11.

Max thickness of welding (mm)

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We enter the maximum width of the weld between the

column and its end plate in mm
12.

Allowable stress of welding w (Mpa)

We set the allowable stress of the weld between the
column and its end plate in Mpa.

13.

Allowable shear stress of welding w (Mpa)

We set the allowable stress of the weld, between the
column and its end plate, in shear, in Mpa.

14.

Allowable equivalent stress of welding vw (Mpa)

15.

Allowable stress of anchorage bolts (Mpa)

We enter the anchorage bolts, which hold the plate on the
reinforced concrete footing, allowable stress in Mpa.

16.

Anchorage bolts diameter (mm)

We set the anchorage bolts desirable diameter (a bolts
diameter is equal to its bores diameter 20 mm suggested
minimum diameter.

17.

Area of Anchorage bolt section (cm)

Set the anchorage bolts core section area

18.

Minimum distance of anchorage bolt from the edge

L= k x danch k =
Set the anchorage bolts minimum distance from the edge
of the plate which equals the K factor multiplied by the
anchorage bolts diameter. Set K factors value.

19.

Minimum distance between anchorage bolts a = k x d

anch k=
Set the minimum distance between bolts. This distance is
equal to the K factor multiplied by the anchorage bolts
diameter. Set K factors value.

20.

Maximum number of anchorage bolts.

Set the maximum number of anchorage bolts that you wish
to place on the plate. The programme can take up to 50
anchorage bolts.

21.

Allowable stress of concrete steel interrelation

(Mpa)

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Set the concrete steel allowable stress interrelation (see

17.3 and 17.4 Tables off . . . , 17.5 paragraph)
22.

Length factor for anchorage

Anchorage bolts insertion depths reduction factor.

The anchorage lengths a value a depends on the type of the

anchorage bolts which connect the metal plate to the footing.
According to Scheme 17.1 of . . O. S. the factors value for
hooks is 0, 70 while for rectilinear anchorage this value becomes
1.
If you have selected DIN off in the MATERIAL LIBRARY> DESIGN
CODES tab, some of the above parameters are modified as shown
below:
1.

Allowable stress of concrete (Tn/cm)

Set the allowable stresss value for the footings concrete,
in Tn/cm.

2.

Allowable stress of steel (Tn/cm)

Set the allowable stresss value for the plate and the
anchorage bolts, in
Tn/cm.

3.

Allowable stress of welding w (kg/ cm)

Set the allowable stress of the weld between the column
and its end plate, in shear (in kg/cm).

4.

Allowable shear stress of welding w (kg/cm)

Set the allowable stress of the weld between the column
and its end plate, in shear (in kg/cm).

5.

Allowable stress of anchorage bolts (kg/cm)

We set the anchorage bolts, which hold the end plate on
the reinforced concrete footing, allowable stress in kg/cm.

6.

CURRENT
By pressing this key, you can set the plates dimensions
and also have the calculations for the anchorage bolts of a
particular column, recorded on the top left list.

7.

ALL
By pressing this key, you can set the plates dimensions
and also have the calculations for the anchorage bolts of all
the structures columns done. In case of an excess, the

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programme will stop the calculations to display a message

informing the user of which column is incompetent and
why.
When the dimensions setting procedure is complete,
programme will return to the first columns results.

the

The results of the dimensions set are the following:

END PLATES
DIMENSIONS

=....(cm)

WELD

width=(mm)

STRESSES

ANCHOR. BOLTS

x=...

anchor. bolts number=

=(cm)

y=

dbolt=(mm)

width=(cm)

z=

anchor. length=(cm)

vw=
L.C. =

TABLE 18 The table containing the results from the dimensions

setting and the column bases end plates check.
Where
w: Column-plate main weld stress
y: Shear weld stress along the columns Y axis
z: Shear weld stress along the Z axis
vw: Equivalent weld stress (vw=(2 + 32 ) )
L. C.: The loading combination off which the previous values
resulted
NOTE: If we have chosen the Allowable Stresses regulation
off the MATERIAL LIBRARY > DESIGN CODES tab, stresses
are calculated in kg/cm, while for selecting EC3, the unit is
Mpa.

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EDIT. This key enables you to reset both values and

particular columns dimensions.

NOTE: If you have a member Type 0 connected to the plate,

it will appear nothing.You can put desirable plate dimensions
using the EDIT command .After that you can continue with
footing design.
NOTE: By right-clicking or pressing Esc after changing any
of the above values, the following message will appear on
your screen: Do you want to resume calculation with the
DATA you provided ? . if you reply with YES, the
programme will recalculate the end plate of the columns
base considering the changes you have made to the
parameters.

FOUNDATION DESIGN
At this stage, the programme carries out the description and
dimensions set of the steel framed structures columns.
It is necessary to complete the column base design and set its
dimensions in order to move on to the foundation design.
To do the foundation design, follow this procedure:
1.

Choose the Analysis > Foundation Design command. The

window of figure 82 will appear on the screen.

2.

Choose which joint you wish to be checked by left-clicking

on the FOOTING indication that you see on the top left
part of the window. When the joints check is complete and
its dimensions are set, you have to return to the same area
of the window in order to choose another one.

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Figure 82 The window of the sub-programme that performs the

footings code check and sets its dimensions.
S. N. : The footings serial number. At this stage, the structures
list opens up. Choose the support connected to the footing the
dimensions of which you wish to set.
DIMENSIONS
1. Ly: the footings dimension along the global Y axis in cm.
2. Lx: the footings dimension along the global X axis in cm.
3. Keep in mind that the footings local axis system concurs with
its global axis system.
4. Angle: the footings rotation angle in degrees.

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You are able to describe the footing by using any of the 3

following methods:
FIXED POINT
1.

cx: the distance between the footings mass center and the
columns mass center along the X axis (in m).

2.

cy: the distance between the footings mass center and the
columns mass center along the X axis (in m).

When we rotate the footing, its local axis system rotates too. As a
result, the cx value changes causing the Ym.c. value (given in the
global system) along cx to change as well. This happens because
of the local axis systems rotation which by causing a change of
the cx affects the Ym.c.s coordinates.
DISTANCE BETWEEN SIDES
1. Point: Select the footings side or sides (no more than two) of
which we are going to set the distance from the end plates
corresponding sides. Thus, if we have chosen the footings side 1
and the end plates side 2, the number we enter is 12. the end
plates sides are numbered as shown below:
2. 0 angle:

90 angle:

-90 angle:

3. x: the first sides distance from the end plates corresponding

side in m.
4. y: the second sides
corresponding side in m.

distance

from

the

end

plates

MASS CENTER
1. Ym.c.: the Y coordinate of the footings mass center in m.
2. Xm.c.: the X coordinate of the footings mass center in m.
ADDITIONAL LOADS
By using the editor we can move into N, MY and MZ areas and
type-in the additional stress values

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1.

N: Additional axial load (vertical) in T according to DIN or

in KN according to . . O.S. (C. E. B.).

2.

MY: Additional moment along the Y axis in TM according to

DIN or in KNm according to . . O.S.

3.

MZ: Additional moment along the Z axis in TM according to

DIN or in KNm according to . . O.S.
ATTENTION: The new stress values are algebraically added
to the initial stress values.

CONNECTING BEAMS
Again, we can move into side B, D and L areas, by using the
editors and type-in the connecting beams data.
1. Side: The footings side which is connected to the connecting
beam.
2. B: Connecting beams width in cm.
3. D: Connecting beams height in cm.
4. L: Connecting beams length in m.
ATTENTION: The programme will consider all stress values
(axial, intersecting moments) during setting the footings
dimensions. Therefore, in some cases the connecting beams
intersecting one (if described) can relieve the footing.
On the footings dimensions set screen we can see an indicative
draft of how the footings sides and angles are numbered.
Connecting beams are placed as shown in the draft. More
analytically:
1.

The connecting beam that has been described on side 1 is

always considered by the programme to be parallel to the
global X axis.

2.

The connecting beam that has been described on side 2 is

always considered by the programme to be parallel to the
global Y axis.

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3.

The connecting beam that has been described on side 3 is

always considered by the programme to be parallel to the
global -X axis.

4.

The connecting beam that has been described on side 4 is

always considered by the programme to be parallel to the
global -Y axis, irrespective of the members angle and Lx,
Ly dimensions rotation.

VERIFICATION
When all data has been introduced, the footings analysis
can start by activating the Verification function key. The
programme will stop the calculations to display the
appropriate message on your screen in case of an excess in
relation to a loading combination.

1.

By choosing YES, the programme will return to the initial

screen situation where we can set the footings new
dimensions or change any of the already set elements and
re-analyse it by pressing Verification again.

2.

By choosing NO, the programme will pass by the particular

check to move on to the next one. In case of an excess,
the programme will stop the calculations again to display
the appropriate message.

3.

By choosing END, the programme will stop the calculations

to return to the initial menu.

When the footings analysis is complete, a second screen where

we can see the footings and connecting beams dimensions set
results as shown in figure 83.

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Figure 83 The window showing the dimensions settings second

phase where the end plate and the footing with its reinforcement
are developed.
Indications
1.
Fey: Footings reinforcement along the Y axis, in cm.
2.

Fex: Footings reinforcement along the X axis, in cm.

3.

M: Moment along the X / Y axis in TM according to DIN or

in KNm according to . .O.S. (C. E. B.).

4.

b: The maximum stress that the footings concrete can

take along the X or Y axis, in kg/cm according to DIN or in
N/cm according to . .O.S.

5.

L. C.: The loading combination off which the moments and

concretes stresses have resulted.

6.

T: Stress in shear, in kg/cm according to DIN or in

N/cm according to
. .O.S.

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7.

T: Stress in punching shear, in kg/cm according to DIN

or in N/cm according to . .O.S.

8.

Fe: Reinforcement against punching shear stress in cm.

MAX stress at soil,

1.

: Even soil stress in kg/cm according to DIN or in

N/cm according to
. .O.S.

2.

1: Extreme soil stress in kg/cm according to DIN or in

N/cm according to
. .O.S.

3.

N: Vertical load in T according to DIN or in KN according to

. .O.S.

4.

MY: Moment along the Y axis in TM according to DIN or in

KNm according to . .O.S.

5.

MZ: Moment along the Z axis in TM according to DIN or in

KNm according to . .O.S.

CHANGES
The user is able to change various calculations and measurement
the programme has made. For example, we can change the
footings height as well as its reinforcement along the X or Y axis.
1.

If you choose NO, the new value will be set but no

calculations are going to take place.

2.

If you choose YES, you have to define you wish the

programme to consider, if necessary, reinforcement in
compression
during
the
new
calculations.
The
reinforcement will not be printed.

Similar changes can be made to connecting beams reinforcement

either in shear or in bending.
CONNECTING BEAMS
1. Fe: The connecting beams required reinforcement in bending,
in cm.

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2.

b: Concretes stress on section in kg/cm according to

DIN or in KN according to . .O.S.

3.

M: Moment in T according to DIN or in KN according to .

.O.S.

4.

L. C.: The loading combination off which the concrete

stresss and the moments value resulted.

SHOW STRESSES
By selecting this option, the user can view the list of the loading
combinations given in PARAMETERS > LOAD COMBINATIONS.
By choosing any of the loading combinations, we can view their
corresponding stresses graphic representation in the central part
of the screen (for the allowable stresses method values are given
in kg/cm while for the ultimate resistance method values are
given in N/cm).
The following function keys appear on the bottom right part of
the window.
1. RESULTS
2. VERIFICATION
3. EXIT
RETURN
By activating the RETURN key on the second scrren of
dimensions set, the programme will return to the footings
analysis initial screen. On the first screen of dimensions
set, the following keys are activated:
RESULTS
After the footings dimensions are set, the RESULTS
function key is activated. By pressing it, we can view the
results of the dimensions setting again on the second
screen.
VERIFICATION
All the information given above is still valid. If you make
any changes to the footings dimensions, if you add more
loads for example, you can use this function key to reanalyse and re-set the footings dimensions.

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CHAPTER 9
ELEMENTS PROPERTIES

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DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS

VK STEEL recognizes two types of elements

1. Nodes and
2. Members
Every element of the programme holds a number of properties.
Loads for example constitute a nodes property as much as a
members one. On the contrary, inertia is an example of a
members property, while support is exclusively related to joints.
An essential step in the structures
determination of its elements properties.

description

is

the

This chapter refers to all commands leading to the structures

elements properties.
These commands are included in the following toolbars:
1. MEMBER PROPERTIES
2. SECTION PROPERTIES
3. NODE PROPERTIES
GENERAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO USE THE TOOLBARS
Toolbars usual position is below the menu bar.
VK STEELS toolbars are the following:
1.

FILE

2.

EDIT

3.

EDIT II

5.

WIZARDS

6.

MEMBER PROPERTIES

7.

SECTION PROPERTIES

8.

ANALYSIS

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NOTE: In some cases we may refer to SECTION

PROPERTIES toolbar to see the properties of selected
members.
To either view or hide one or more toolbars, follow this
procedure:
1.

Choose the View > Toolbars command. The dialogue box

shown in figure 84 will appear. You may also right-click on
the grey margin of the toolbars.

Figure 84 The Toolbars dialogue box.

2.

Choose which toolbars you wish to view on the screen, by

checking the appropriate check boxes. To hide a toolbar,
de-check the appropriate dialogue box.

The toolbars can also be placed on the left or right-side margins of

the study window or even turn them into fly-out menus and place
them anywhere within the study window.
To move any of the toolbars, follow this procedure:
1. Choose the toolbar that you wish to move by clicking on the
vertical bar, found on every toolbars left side.
2.

Move the toolbar by keeping the left key of the mouse

constantly pressed. You can place it:
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a. On the study windows left or right-side margin,

by quitting the key of the mouse when you have
approached enough.
b. Within the study window just by quitting the key
of the mouse on the point you wish the toolbar to
be placed.
The SECTION PROPERTIES toolbar holds a special check box,
titled Docked. If this is activated and you check it, the SECTION
PROPERTIES toolbar will be placed on the study windows rightside margin automatically.
NOTE: To find out which command corresponds to each icon
or toolbar, leave the mouse indicator swing over it for a few
seconds. The commands designation will appear in a yellow
box (TOOL TIP).
MEMBER PROPERTIES

Figure 85 The MEMBER PROPERTIES toolbar consisting of two

drop-down lists, a field and an icon.
The MEMBER PROPERTIES toolbar consist of:
1. The PROJECT LIBRARY drop-down list
2. The CONSTRAINS drop-down list
3. The EULER ANGLE field
4. The DEFAULT MEMBER LOADS icon

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PROJECT LBRARY
This list includes the sections you have selected through the
Parameters > Material Library> Section Library dialogue box . You
have to choose the appropriate section off the available ones,
before inserting the new member.
Follow this procedure
1.

You can view the contents of the project library by clicking

on the arrow that sets on the lists right side.

2.

Click on the most appropriate section.

3.

Select one of the members insertion method to describe

the new member.
NOTE: During the description of the member, the user is
able to enrich the projects library: First of all, you must
return to Parameters > Material Library > Section Library
dialogue box, in order to follow the selection procedure. The
sections you have selected will be included in the Project
Library list.

CONSTRAINS
The particular list consists of the four types of a members support
conditions.
Fixed Fixed
Fixed Pinned
Pinned Pinned
Pinned Fixed
The list support condition of the above pairs, refers to the start
node and the second one refers to the end node. Thus, if you
choose Fixed Pinned, the new member will have its start node
Fixed and its end node Pinned.
Follow this procedure

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1.

By clicking on the lists arrow, you will view the contents of

the CONSTRAINTS toolbar.

2.

Click on the most appropriate condition.

3.

Use one of the members insertion methods to describe the

new member.

EULER ANGLE
The Euler Angle is defined as the amount of the diverging from a
members sections mass center axis rotation around the
members axis of length.
We consider the anti-clockwise rotation of the above system of
axis to take values, above zero. The angle is measured in
degrees.

Figure 86 Schematic representation of the EULER ANGLES

definition. In this figure the x x axis is vertical to the plane
defined by the paper with direction towards the reader.

To insert the Euler Angles value, follow the procedure

1. Type the value of the angle in the EULER ANGLE field.
2. Choose one of the members introduction method to describe a
member.
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NOTE: For more information about the angle, search for

INDEX A: EULER ANGLE at the backpages of the book.

DEFAULT MEMBER LOADS

Through the Member loads icon the user is able to designate each
members load before this is described.
Follow the procedure
1. Click on the icon
appear.

. The dialogue box shown in figure 87 will

Figure 87 The members load designation dialogue box.

2.

On the left side of the dialogue box all the loading

possibilities a member as well as their check-boxes through
which you can activate a loading option. Check the box
that corresponds to DEAD LOADS.

3.

Type the distributed dead loads value in the Q field (kN/m

or t/m). remember that the sections weight is
automatically calculated by the program.
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4.

In the P field (kN or t) type the value of the concentrated

dead load (i.e. a roof-support beams load in case you are
not going to describe roof-support beams). In the field
(m) type the measurement of the distance between the
members start node and the loads application Point.

5.

Choose the loads axis, if it has not yet been chosen (this
axis is usually the global 2 axis).

6.

Press [UPDATE].

7.

Follow steps 1-7 for other loading cases except for L case 2
: Earthquake Y and the L case 3 : Earthquake X which the
programme will automatically calculate, considering all
information given in Parameters >Load Combinations.

8.

Press OK to close the dialogue box.

IMPORTANT Units must agree with the members
dimensions set chose regulation. Therefore, if we have chose
EC3 (EUROCODE) all loads must be introduced in kN while
for DIN (Allowable Stresses Regulation) loads must be
introduced either in kg or in t.

COMMENTS For a load to be applied, the user must firstly

determine the appropriate loading combinations and then
check the Loading case cell for non-zero safety factor. If, for
example, there are no seismic loading combinations (the 2nd
and 3rd loading combinations to which the loading cases 2
and 3 are participating along with their corresponding safety
factors) the seismic loads are not taken under consideration.
Notice the difference between the global and the local
system of axis. For example, a columns x x axis of the
local system concurs with its length axis and it is vertical to
the global x x axis. Consequently, the load that will be
applied on the local x x axis of the column will be axial.
NOTE: Through the SECTION PROPERTIES tool bar you can
check the loading applications integrity after members are
introduced. Through the same toolbar you are also able to
modify them.
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NOTE: Loads cannot be un-designated through the UNDO

command.
SECTION PROPERTIES
The SECTION PROPERTIES box appears on the right margin of
the study window.

Figure 88 The SECTION PROPERTIES box.

Its most basic function is to allow the user to find quickly the
selected members properties and to modify those.
We find two tabs in the SECTION PROPERTIES box:
1. The GEOMETRY tabs
2. The MEMBERS LOADS tab.
The first one is divided in two columns. The left one consists of
the properties names while the right one contains the properties
value or the available options.
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Each fields Properties and characteristics are presented in the

following table.
S.N.

PROPERTY

Profile

Section Type

DESCRIPTION

The members serial

number.
Type of section.

TYPE OF
FIELD

CHANGES
ALLOWED?

Indication
List

NO
YES

Iz (cm4)

Static inertia moment

along the z axis.

Field of values

YES

Iy (cm4)

Static inertia moment

along the y axis.

Field of values

YES

5 Ix (cm4)

Static inertia moment

along the x axis.

Field of values

YES

6 Area(cm2)

The sections area

Field of values

YES

Field of values

YES

7 Gamma Angle

Gamma Angle

8 Young Moduls

Field of values

9 Sy

Shear effective area factor

along the y axis.

Field of values

10 Sz

Shear effective area factor

along the z axis.

Field of values

YES

11 Se

Shear factor.

Field of values

YES

12 Thermal
expansion

The members thermal

conductivity

YES
YES

YES

13 Wy (cm3)

Resistance moment
along the y axis.

Field of values

YES

14 Wz (cm3)

Resistance moment
along the z axis.

Field of values

YES

15 Weight (kg/m)

208

The sections weight in kg/m.

Field of values

YES

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16 Steel grade

The quality of the steel that

the section is made of.

17 Constrains

The members support

conditions.
18 Member Group The group which the member
belongs to.

Field of values

YES

List

YES

List

YES

Table 19 The contents of the GEOMETRY tab

Properties 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 and 16 of the above
table are affected by the selection you have made in the sections
type list. Thus, if you change a selected members type of section
by choosing another one off the list, the above fields will be
automatically informed.
This will not happen with the Gamma Angle and the boundary
conditions. There are not affected by the members type of
section. In other words, you are able to change the Gamma
(Euler) angles value as well as the members support conditions
without changing the type of the section. You are also able to
change the steel quality and keep the same type of section.
NOTE: If a change has been made in any of the sections
properties, the UPDATE key will be activated. When all
changes are made, press this key to save them.

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MEMBERS LOADS
The second tab of the SECTION
MEMBERS LOADS.

PROPERTIES BOX is that of

Figure 89 The MEMBERS LOADS tab.

Here, as in the GEOMETY tab, the members loading elements are
introduced, after the member has already been selected.
To view and modify, if necessary, a members loading, choose
this procedure
1. Use one of the selection methods to choose a member.

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2.Click on the LOAD CASES field, in the MEMBERS LOADS tab of

the SECTION PROPERTIES box.
3. Click again on the arrow. The LOAD CASES list should appear.
Choose one of them.
4. Check and correct, if necessary, the particular loadings
application axis.
5. Check the values of the Q, P and . You can modify those
after you click on the fields to activate them.
NODE PROPERTIES
The user is able to access the joints properties through the popup menu that will appear by clicking after a joint has been
selected.
This menu includes the following commands.
1. NODE LOADS
2. CHANGE NODE COORDINATES
3. SUPPORT
NODE LOADS
This command allows the user to insert loads that will be applied
on joints. These loads may be stresses along the system of
coordinates axis and moments parallel to these axis.
To insert loads that will be applied on joints
1. Choose the joint, by using any of the known methods, on which
the loads are going to be applied. The chosen joints colour
becomes pink.
2. Double click on the joint. The following pop-up menu will
appear.

Figure 90 The pop-up menu which presents the joints properties

changing options.
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Figure 91 The NODE LOADS dialogue box.

3.

Click on the NODE LOADS command. The dialogue box

of figure 91 will appear.

4.

Choose the appropriate loading case from the LOAD CASES

list.

5.
6.

Type the loads values in the fields of the Fx, Fy and Fz

forces values as well as in the fields of the Mx, My and Mz
moments values.
Repeat steps 3-5 for other loading cases.

7.

Press OK.

CHANGE NODE COORDINATES

This command allows the user to move a selected joint according
to the variation of the selected coordinates values.
To move a joint, follow this procedure
1.

Select the joint on which the loads are going to be applied.

The joints colour becomes pink.

2.

Click on the joint. The pop-up menu of figure 92 will

appear.

Figure 92 The pop-up menu which presents the joints properties

changing options.
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3.

Click on the CHANGE NODE COORDINATES command.

The dialogue box of figure 93 will appear.

Figure 93 CHANGE NODE COORDINATES.

4.

Type the values in the NEW COORDINATES fields of the

CHANGE NODES COORDINATES dialogue box.

5. Press OK.
NOTE: By moving a joint, all members connected with it are
going to move too.
SUPPORT
This command allows you to define a selected joint as support.
1.

Choose the joint that is going to carry the loads. The

selected joints colour will turn pink.

2.
Click on the joint. The pop-up menu of figure 94 will
appear.

Figure 94 The pop-up menu which presents the joints properties

changing options.
3.

Click on the SUPPORT command. The support symbol will

be added to the selected joint.

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NOTE: We remind you that it is not possible to have more

than one member diverging from the same joint. If this
happens, you have to add a new member and ignore its
dimensions.

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THE JOINT PROGRAMS FUNCTIONS

WORKPANES
The programmes primary function is the verification of the
workpanes (=sub-structures) for which the joints are going to be
designed.
Sub-structures have already been partly described during the data
insertion (they are verified as main workpanes).
MEMBERS SET-UP
The programme will automatically arrange the members diverging
from each joint of every sub-structure.
The programme will also verify the successive bars that may exist,
considering the parameters you have previously set it will also
distinguish the ones that are closer to the theoretical joint.

WELDS
The required welds evaluation (measurement of length and
definition of position) will follow. The programme will carry-out the
regulations check and use the allowable stresses introduced in the
Material Library folder to go through this evaluation. Parameters
will also be considered.
FLANGES
The programme will consider the assembly (number and type of
members that concur from the joint, the dimensions of which are
going to be set), the geometry and the parameters determined by
the user.

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Based on these information, the programme will determine the

flanges best geometry as well as their width that will satisfy the
selected Regulations check best.
The JOINT will place and check the members on both workpanes
of the flange.
RULES
At this stage we are going to refer to the JOINT programmes few
rules. This will help you to avoid inaccurate results during the
joints dimensions set.
The following rules are important for the programmes function
1. Main workpanes must be successively numbered, starting from
1.
2. A workpanes
workpane.

joints

must

geometrically

belong

to

this

3.

Only the workpanes that have been worked-out under this

code will produce estimate of quantities and design data.
JOINTS functions must keep their compulsive sequence.
Each one of these functions eliminates the following ones
folders:

4.

A workpanes re-verification will cause the elimination of all

data related to members, welds and flanges that belong to
the particular workpane. The new members set-up results
in the elimination of the data referring to the welds and
flanges connected to these members.

INTERVENTIONS
The JOINT programme functions automatically. The users
intervention is not requested in any situation apart from the
workpanes acceptance or non-acceptance and the parameters
definition. However, inaccuracies in the structures description and
in a joints formation may occur and must be corrected.

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In any case, the programme will attempt to arrange each member

in such a way, so as to offer the members largest side for
welding. However, certain erroneous arrangements may result
after the application.
We are going to refer to these cases in the following paragraphs.
The first case results from a mistake made during the description
In the following scheme, the programme recognized member 1 to
be in Front of the flangeFront

Back

Member 1

Member 2

it is trying to weld the larger side because the members

Euler angle is wrongly determined for this joints geometry,
thus the flange cannot be welded.

The programme has chosen to retain the Euler angles value- it

has accepted the angles value to be correct . It welds member 1
at the Front and member 2 at the Back.
If you wish the member 1 to be welded at the Back of the flange
(b shape), you can only achieve it by changing the assembly
(reverse the end joint with the start joint). Consequently, the
workpanes verification, the members set-up, the welds
measurements and the flanges placement for the entire structure
must be done one more time.

218

The second case is related to sections of double symmetry

that have their sides equal in area. In that case, the
programme will arbitrarily place the member on the flange,
which you are able to change on the spot by using the
POSITION dialogue box.The program will put the flange
between the parts of the member.

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CONNECTION DESIGN (TRUSS)

The flow of the programme is very simple:

1. VK STEEL analysis must be successful.

2. Choice of proceedings through the Connection Design (truss)
3. Workpanes verification
4. Selection of workpane and automatic dimensions set of the
joints that belong to this workpane.
5. Estimation of the materials qualities (estimation files).
The fourth step is further analysed to the following:
1. Members
2. Welding or holing.
3. Flanges
4. Position

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STUDY BY VK STEEL
In order to start the JOINT calculations, it is necessary that a
structure has already been studied, described and analysed by VK
STEEL without any problems occurring.
To continue with checking a truss joints, follow the procedure:
1.

Choose Connection Design (Truss) from the ANALYSIS

menu (Analysis > Connection Design (Truss) or left-click
on the appropriate icon. The JOINTS DESIGN WIZARD
will appear (figure 95)).

Figure 95 The Joints Design Wizard dialogue box.

2.

In the Joints Design Wizard dialogue box check the

option you wish off the workpanes unity. In the
connections unity choose whether workpanes joints are
going to be welded or bolted.

3.

When all selections have been made, click on Continue.

The next thing to do is WORKPANE VERIFICATION.

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The available options are:

Verify additional workpanes
In case you wish for additional workpanes to be verified you check
the appropriate check box. The programme will then ask you to
verify those workpanes.
Repeat verification process on selected workpanes
After you have modified certain workpanes and have changed the
inserted data, you may not want to loose all workpanes joints
data (only the ones you are going to verify this time). If you check
this command, the programme will ask you which workpanes you
wish to recreate.
If for example you wish workpanes 2, 7 and 11 to be recreated,
you must enter: 2,7,11 (no blanks, only comma between the
numbers).
Verify all workpanes
By checking this option, the previous ones are canceled. If you
choose to check it you must verify all workpanes including the
Main ones. At the lower part of the screen you can choose
CONTINUE or EXIT. The first option allows you to verify
workpanes. The EXIT OPTION will return you to VK STEELS main
menu.
VERIFY WORKPANES
If one of the previous options is checked, the 3D structure will
appear on your screen drawn in dotted lines. Workpanes that have
been verified by the programme we are excluded.
The ACCEPT option allows you to create a workpanes aqwe_ym.
Either you choose ACCEPT or DELETE, the verification of the next
workpane will continue until it completes or until you choose END.
NOTE: You cannot cancel a Main workpane but it is possible
to ignore it during the design procedure.

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ACCEPT WORKPANES
The JOINT programmes first important function is the verification
/ confirmation of workpanes sub-structures for which the joints
are designed.

The structures workpanes (or sub-structures) verification

(or rejection) procedure is the following.

1.

After choosing CONTINUE in the JOINTS DESIGN

WIZARD dialogue box, the WORKPANE VERIFICATION
screen will appear (figure 96). A perspective draft of the
structure that presents all members which do not belong to
the first workpane suggested for verification in yellow will
appear in the window. The members that constitute the
workpane to be recognized are represented in white colour.

2.

To accept one of the workpanes suggested

programme, click on ACCEPT.

3.

To reject the under verification workpane, click on DELETE

4.

To stop the workpanes verification procedure, click on

END.

by the

Figure 96 The workpanes verification central window.

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JOINTS DESIGN WELDINGS

After the workpanes verification and confirmation has completed,
you will enter the JOINTS main programme. This programmes
central window is shown in figure 97.

Figure 97 JOINT PROGRAMMES central window.

The second field from the toolbars left represents the workpanes
numbers (it shows the first workpane in this case). Through this
field you can choose an already recognized workpane (by opening
the list) to set its connections dimensions.
The second field, next to the workpanes list, shows the joints
number. By clicking on the list you can view the catalogue of the
joints that belong to the chosen workpane. In the sub-structures
detail scheme, the window of which occupies the central
windows right part, you can view the joint with its concurring
members.
The central drawing shows the joints detail, if this has been
worked out (the first time it will show nothing).

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NOTE: If no sub-structure drawing is shown, none of the

workpanes has been recognized.
The user is able to design joints with flanges as well as joints with
frontal welding by choosing the appropriate command from EDIT
menu.
MEMBERS POSITION
Choose the POSITION command to relocate an allowed member
(see INTERVENTIONS). The dialogue box shown in figure 98 will
appear.

Figure 98 The dialogue box that will appear if you choose the
POSITION command.
There are three possible situations (Front, Back, Double) as you
can see in the dialogue box.
Change the selection and the members form in the drawings will
automatically change (dotted if back, normal if front).
SET-UP MEMBERS
You can define the members order when their POSITION is
correct.
This is feasible by choosing the toolbars second icon. The
programme will apply the selected order to all joints which belong
to the workpane.
Alternatively, by choosing the first icon from the left, the
programme will apply the selected order to the chosen joint. The

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joint that is edited by the programme will be designed on the

screen.
NOTE: If this order has been re-used, the programme will
warn you that the rest of the data is going to be lost. The
final outcome depends to a great extent, on the parameters
that the user controls.
MEMBERS PARAMETERS
By choosing the PARAMETERS command off the Project menu, you
can change the following values.
1. Minimum angle for continuous bars () 5
2. Minimum distance between members and ideal node (mm) 10.
3. Minimum distance between members (mm) 30.
Consequently, if two members of the same kind have the same
Euler angle and concur from a joint with their axis diverging no
more than the angle given here, they are considered to be one
continuous bar.
When a member is given the priority to approach the notional
joint (and it does not constitute another members part), it will be
kept in a distance of x mm, determined in the second parameter.
The third parameter is the minimum allowable distance between
two members (except the composing members of a continuous
one). This distance should be kept not only between the members
axis but also between their ends.
The fourth parameter appears only if we have asked for frontal
welding (without flanges). We set the sections cut in joints from
which three or more members concur. See 1,2 scheme.
The ZOOM IN and ZOOM OUT keys are active during the joints
design procedure. Their function is the typical one.
WELDINGS
The command you must choose next is WELDINGS off the EDIT
menu.

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By choosing the first icon of the toolbar you can set the selected
joints dimensions.
If you wish to set the dimensions of a workpanes joints at once,
select the second icon.
WELDINGS PARAMETERS
The parameters related to weldings design are the following:
1. Minimum welding thickness (mm) 7
2. Maximum welding thickness (mm) 20
3. Minimum length of continious welding (mm) 100
4. Maximum length of continious welding (mm) 500
5. Distance from members start (mm) 5
6. Unit length of intermittent welding (mm) 50
7. Distance between parts in an intermittent welding (mm) 30
8. Minimum number of parts in an intermittent welding 2
9. Maximum number of parts in an intermittent welding 16
10. Continuous = 1
11. Slot Weld = 1

intermittent = 01
Fillet Weld = 0

12. Quality Fe360=1 Fe430=2

Fe510=3

(user defined) = 4

13. Uniform weld thickness at joint (1=YES, 0=No)

14. Uniform weld thickness at sub-model (1=YES, 0=No)
When we have asked for a frontal welding the 1,2,11,13 and 14
are the only parameters that are going to appear.
NOTE: The programme will make the calculations and check
the weldings based on the minimum and maximum width we
have set in the parameters and not on any regulations
boundaries.
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FLANGES
JOINTS last function is to adapt flanges on any joint and in any
way that the user indicates.
You can set the dimensions of the select joint on which flanges are
applied by choosing the first icon of the toolbar.
If you wish to set the dimensions of a workpanes joints at once,
select the second icon.
FLANGES PARAMETERS
The parameters that control the flanges application are the
following:
1. Flange Thickness (mm) 6
2. Minimum distance between flange and the members side (mm)
20
3. Minimum distance between members on a flange (mm) 100
4. Distance between flange and welding edge (mm) 30
5. Distance between flange and edges (mm) 6
6. Rectangular = 1 max

max cut offs = 2

min cut offs = 3 2

7. Max cut offs angle () 85

The programme recognizes the perimetrical members and it can
only apply the fifth parameter on the workpanes external
perimeter.
ESTIMATION FILES
When joints editing has been completed you are able to create
estimation files.
ATTENTION: Estimation files are created for every
workpane separately but the programme will save them as
one. To prepare these files for a workpane it is necessary
that the MEMBERS edit stage has been passed for all the
joints of the workpane.
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To prepare the estimation files ,it is nessesary for the program to

calculate first members , welds (bolds) and flanges. In other case
no estimation files will be prepared.

When your operation is complete the following message will

appear:

Should the estimation files be prepared? Yes or No.

If you choose Yes, the previous estimation file of the structure will
be deleted (if existing) and a new one will be created. By choosing
No, you return to the main menu without any creation or
replacement of the estimation file taking place.

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PROJECT Menu
The first one of the programmes menus consists of all operating
commands of the projects files, including printing commands.
PROJECTS menu position and development is shown in figure
99.

Figure 99 PROJECTS menu.

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INFORMATION
This command allows you to view condensed information on your
project.

Figure 101 INFORMATION dialogue box.

MATERIAL
You are provided with information on MEMBERS WELDINGS and
HOLINGS materials.
When you choose the MATERIAL command, the central window
is formed as shown in figure 102.

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Figure 102 The MATERIAL Table window.

LOAD COMBINATIONS
Click on this command to view the load combinations table. The
combinations have been defined in the main programmes
Parameters menu >Load Combinations

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Figure 103 Load Combinations table.

In the above table you can view all load combinations including
seismic ones (+ - in both directions) as well as the consequent
combinations due to accidental eccentricity. If you havent asked
for these last combinations to be considered during the analysis,
the stress values related to those will be zero.
Click on OK to close the table.

PRINT SETTINGS
Allows you to view and correct printer settings.

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Figure 104 PRINT SETTINGS dialogue box.

Click on change to choose a printer, determine the maximum
number of lines to be printed per page, size of letters (if you
change this parameter the programme will automatically
determine the number of lines that each page can take). You also
have to define from and to which joint you wish to print the
results.
PRINTOUT
The printings of the calculated joints are loaded on screen. Click
on the Printer key to print the results or click on RTF to save
printing in RTF files which you can view through Microsoft Word,
WordPad or any other programme created to read such files.
Click on Return to close Printings.
SAVE AS DXF
You can create the analysed joints .dxf files (irrespective of
whether connections are competent or not). Enter the .dxf files
name in the screen that opens and then select joints in the next
one. You can choose more than one joints by either pressing shift
and left click if the joints are continuous or by pressing ctrl and
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left click when they are not. Click on Exit to close down the
connections calculations programme. The numbers you will see
under the Exit option denote VK STEELS last four projects that
have been opened through the current programme.

EDIT Menu
ZOOM IN
Click on this command to replace the pointer of the mouse with a
magnifying glass which you can use to enclose the area you wish
to zoom into within a window.
Use the mouse to click on the first end of the windows diagonal
and drag it to the diagonals other end where you can free the
key.
PREVIOUS ZOOM
The previous zoom replaces the one on the screen
SELECT NODES FROMTO
Click on this command to open a window through which you can
determine from which and to which joint you wish to select (figure
105).

Figure 105 The SELECT NODES dialogue box.

An alternative way to choose joints is by click on SELECT, on the
Tools right window. This is the most appropriate way if you wish
to choose a particular part of the structure.
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If you wish to view a particular part of the structure follow the

procedure below
1. Select the joints numbers.
2.

Click on Layer Management. Mark the Draw Selected Part

option in the window that opens.

The part of the drawing between the selected joints will appear on
your screen.
DESELECT NODES
Use this command to open the window through which you can
define from which and to which joint you wish to deselect joints.
An alternative way to achieve this is by clicking on DESELECT in
the Tools right window.

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VIEW Menu
Choose the elements that you wish to view on your screen. Figure
106 shows the position and development of the VIEW menu.

Figure 106 The VIEW menu.

TOOLBARS
Use this option to make Toolbar, visible or not visible.

Figure 107 The Toolbar

Most of the Toolbars keys already exist in a menu.
If you let the mouse indicator to rest on one of these keys, the
tool tip which designates each keys operation will appear.

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INFORMATION ON PROJECT
Provides you with information on the Project, as described in
Projects Information menu.
PRINT
See Projects> Print Settings

ZOOM IN, PREVIOUS ZOOM

As described in the Edit > Zoom In menu.
ROTATION ANGLE
Define the structures rotation angle by typing its value in the
ROTATION ANGLE dialogue box (figure 108), in degrees and
integral values.

Figure 108 The ROTATION ANGLE dialogue box.

CHOOSE AXIS OF ROTATION:

Choose the axis around which you wish to rotate the structure,
from the list that opens.

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ROTATE AT + ANGLE, ROTATE AT ANGLE:

Click on these keys to rotate the structure once for every click you
make at a pre-determined angle and around a pre-determined
axis. As positive angle of rotation we determine the anti-clockwise
one. Thus, the clockwise rotation is taken as negative.
INITIAL POSITION
Click on this key to change the structures position to its initial
one.
LARGER CHARACTERS, SMALLER CHARACTERS:
By clicking on one of these keys you can change a letters height
(click once to enlarge or minimize the letter). This command is
very useful in case you are dealing with a dense drawing,
consisting of numerous joints and members. It enables you to
reduce the letters size so as to gain a better view of the structure
even when you zoom in.
OPTIONS
SELECT JOINTS WINDOW
Click on this key to make your selection graphically. Simply
determine the window in which you wish to enclose the joints.
This procedure is very useful if you wish to view particular
members on your screen and it does operate along with the Layer
Management command.
DESELECT JOINTS
Click on this key to determine the window in which you wish to
enclose the joints.

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HELP
On line help on how to operate the programme.
TOOLS
View or Hide the Tools window on the right part of the screen.
NODE
Use this option only if you have already chosen a joint to check.
You can view the 3D representation of the members connected on
the selected joint.
The programme will design the joints axonometric view so as to
clearly present you with the exact members position on the joint.
STATUS BAR
Choose whether you wish this bar to appear on the lower part of
your screen, over the windows taskbar, or not. This bar will
provide you with certain information, related to the task you are
currently operating. You will find out about its function and utility
later, in connections.
REFRESH
Redraws the structure on screen.

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OPTIONS
Click on OPTIONS to view the following three tabs (figure 109,
110 and 111).

Figure 109 The OPTIONS > DRAWING dialogue box.

Figure 110 The OPTIONS > CONNECTION dialogue box.

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Figure 111 The OPTIONS > CHECK dialogue box.

OPTIONS >DRAWING:

Everything that the book refers to in Layer Management is valid

here as well. You can choose by window the elements that you
wish to view on screen (members and joints numbers, selected
parts etc).

OPTIONS >CONNECTION

Enter the distance from the top edge of the plate that you wish
the section to be welded, in mm.

OPTIONS >CHECK

Ask the programme to save these error messages in a file or to

display those on screen and save them in a file in case you wish to
check them out another time.

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Failure report file:Each time calculations are taking place (even in

case of a failure) you can ask the programme either to create a
new diagnostics file or to retain one diagnostics file where it will
record every additional failure.
WINDOWS Menu
This menus options are related to the management of the
windows that are simultaneously open.

Figure 112 The WINDOWS menu.

You are able to open numerous windows and view them at the
same time.
Cascade: Arrange the windows one behind the other.
Tiled - Horizontal: Arrange the windows horizontally
Tiled - Vertical: Arrange the windows vertically.

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CONNECTIONS Menu
This menus options are related to the calculations of each joints
connection.

Figure 113 The CONNECTIONS menu.

SELECT NODE FOR DESIGN PROCESS
Use the mouse to select the joint that you wish to calculate. The
joint is marked by a yellow square.
If you wish to un-select the joint, recall the same command and
select the joint you wish.
SELECT MEMBERS
Use the mouse to select the members that concur from the joint
and that you wish to connect.
It can be very useful to rotate the structure, or to zoom-in so as
to gain a better view and select the correct members.

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Note that the connections library includes three types of

connection, each one consisting of two members.
SELECT CONNECTION TYPE

Figure 114
connection.

The

Tools

library,

consisting

of

the

types

of

The three types of connection are the following:

Column-beam edge connection
Column-beam intermediate connection
Column-beam intermediate connection when members present
different gradients.
Click on a type to select it. When the type of connection is
selected, the menu related to the connections management and
calculation will open.
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Figure 115 The CONNECTIONS options dialogue box.

The connection plate and the section of the beam take form in the
central screen. Calculations are also going to take place in the
same screen.
You have to insert the necessary data about the plate
(connection) the bolts and the weldings as shown in the tools
right window.
CONNECTION EDITOR- dialog box
The number of the joint of which the connection we calculate is
recorded.

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1. TOOLS
PLATE: Check if you wish the beam to be welded onto
the plate. If you wish the beam to be welded directly on the
columns , do not check the box. The programme will then
un-check the holing as this cannot exist without an end plate.
Thickness, Width, Height (mm): The end plates
geometric characteristics.
Steel: Select the quality of steel for the end plate from
the list that opens.
HOLING: Mark the check box to describe the bolts
used for the connection of the plate to the column. If there is no
plate and the beam is directly welded on the column there is no
point in marking this check box
REINFORCEMENT: If you wish to reinforce
connection, insert the reinforcements data in this position.

the

Height: The height of the sections part that is going to

be welded for reinforcement.
Angle: The programme cannot estimate how you are
going to cut the section in order to reinforce the joint but it will
consider the data inserted for reinforcement to be valid and
applicable. The angle we refer to at this stage is the angle formed
by the horizontal and the bottom edge of the reinforcement.
.
You can use the Edit, View, Windows and Help options through the
menu that will appear.
2. EDIT Menu
The Edit menu consists of the commands that you can see in
figure 116.

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Figure 116 The EDIT menus commands.

Zoom in, Previous Zoom: As reported before.
Connection type Parameters: The window that displays the
connection data appears on the screen the Plates Thickness (in
mm), dimensions (in mm) and the quality of the plates steel. If
the beam is directly welded on the column, un-mark the related
check-box as well as the weldings one. You can access the same
data through the connection tab in the Tools window.
HOLING>
>Select Bolts: It is activated only if bolts have been
previously described. Click on each bolt to select it. You can
also use the arrow of the toolbar.
>Insert Bolts: Start by defining the bolts type (the quality
from the relevant list) and its diameter through the Tools tab:
Bolts. You can also use the second from the left key of the
toolbar.
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By using the mouse: Click on the selected position. This will

open a window that displays the coordinates of the selected
point (the bolts mass center) in mm. Click on the numbers to
correct them. The plates top left corner has zero coordinates.
Click on OK to insert the bolt on the particular position.

Figure 117 The INSERT BOLT dialogue box.

By using a wizard: Activate the Bolts Wizard key either
through the toolbar or through the Edit > Holing > Wizard menu.
Determine the dimensions that are shown on the draft and click
on Next. Set the number of bolts for each row as well as the
number of rows. Click again on Next to complete the procedure.

Figure 118 The BOLTS WIZARD.

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By using the editor: Go to Tools > Bolts and type in the

coordinates of the bolts mass centers in mm considering
the plates top left edge as your reference point.

Figure 119 The Bolts tab of Tools dialogue box that includes the
commands related to the bolts coordinates.
ATTENTION: Bolts must be inserted in even numbers and in
a row (at least one row that includes two bolts). The bolts
that belong to the same row must have the same coordinate
along the Y axis.
>Move Bolts: Select the bolts that you wish to move. Click on
Move and left-click on a point onto the slab where you wish to
put the selected bolt/s. Move the mouse to watch the change of
coordinates in relation to the mass center of the group of bolts.
Click on the desirable position to view the following window
through which you can correct the change in coordinates.

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Figure 120 The MOVE BOLTS dialogue box.

>Delete Bolts: Select the bolts that you wish to erase. The
programme will automatically erase the bolts and then exit.
>Cancel Action: In the the lower part of the screen is displayed
the operation that is taking place at that time. Choose cancel to
stop the proceeding.

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WELDING>
Insert the welding (of the beam on the plate or on the column).
Set the weldings thickness in mm. Follow the procedure below to
describe the welding (figure 121).

Figure 121 The Welding tab of Tools dialogue box that consists
of the commands related to a weldings insertion.
Click on the desirable position (select a line off the sections
perimeter). Notice that the welding is designed (as a rectangular)
and each parts dimensions are filled in the tools right window.
1.

X1 (in mm), Y1 (in mm): The coordinates of the weldings

parallelograms top left corner.

2.

X2 (in mm), Y2 (in mm): The coordinates of the weldings

parallelograms lower right corner.

3.

Thickness (in mm): The weldings thickness.

NOTE: The top left corner of the plate is the coordinates
systems starting point.

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Click anywhere on the screen to open the weldings management

menu (figure 122).

Figure 122 The weldings management menu.

>Select welds: Click on the welding/s that you wish to select.

>Insert welding: As described earlier in this chapter.
>Delete welds: Erases the selected weldings.
>Cancel Action: As described earlier in this chapter.
You can also insert a welding through the Edit > Welding menu.
Calculate Connection
When all connections, weldings and bolts data are inserted, go
to Calculate Connection. You can also ask for the calculation by
clicking on the key-computer of the connections toolbar.
The connections check takes place. All information given on the
plate, the holing and the welding are taken under consideration.
Recalculate connection
All data related to the joints calculation is deleted (including bolts,
weldings, reinforcement etc). Thus, you can insert the new data
and ask for a re-calculation.
If you return to the programmes original window and change the
distance between the member and the plates end, for example,
from 30 mm to 15 mm through View > Options > Connection and
then go to connections calculation, you must ask to Redraw Joint
in order to have the old data replaced by the new one.
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BACK. Click on Return to go back to a previous situation where

you can draw the next joint.
If the connections calculation procedure is already complete and
you wish to make some changes, use the connection editor to
open the programme of the connections calculation again.

THEORY
Bibliography:
Chapter 6, Eurocode 3 about Connections. Appendix J
Bolts resistance (in tension, compression, shear)
Weldings resistance in shear stress, tension and compression
Columns resistance in shear stress, tension and compression
Beams resistance in tension and compression
Plates resistance in bending
Stiff or semi-stiff links check
Note that connections cannot be covered by angles

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