Multiframe News June 1999

After a major development project, we are now shipping a new version of Multiframe for Windows. Multiframe version 6 adds geometrically non-linear (second order) analysis capabilities to the Multiframe solver. This will allow users to optionally turn on second order analysis in addition to the usual linear analysis options. The version 6 release also integrates the Steel Designer module within Multiframe.

Analysis Options

When analysing with version 6 of Multiframe 4D for Windows, a new option is available in the analysis dialog which allows you to specify whether to run a linear and/or non-linear second order analysis.

If the non-linear option is turned on, an additional Analysis dialog is displayed allowing the user to fully specify the second order effects to be considered and the convergence criteria to be applied. Analysis options in the new release will include P-Delta, p-delta, tension-only and compression-only capabilities. User controls are provided for all aspects of analysis including optional specification of convergence and load step settings, and selective second order analysis on a load case by load case basis.

In Multiframe 2D or 3D, a new menu option for non-linear analysis has been added to the Case menu, which displays the Non-linear analysis dialog before proceeding with the analysis of the structure.

P-Delta effects takes into account the increase or decrease in moment and deflection due to movement of the ends of a member away from their original position. p-delta effects account for the increase or decrease in moment and deflection due to the bowing of the member away from its original axis. These effects can be selectively turned on and off on a load case by load case basis.

Tension/Compression Only Members

The side benefit from the new iterative solver is the capability to specify a member as either tension only or compression only. This is useful for modelling structures containing ties or cables and also for simulating lift-off problems where supports can resist compression but not tension.

Second Order Displays

Multiframe's typical graphical display of analysis results extends to the new second order option, providing a simple capability to switch between linear and second order results.

In addition to the Second Order analysis options, the version 6 release will also integrate the Steel Designer module within the Multiframe program. This will allow the user to run steel design checks at any time and to interactively modify the structure and re-check design. It also has the benefit of retaining the design data along with the analysis data, even if members are added deleted or changed.

Multiframe version 6 for Windows will be available in the second quarter of 1999. The upgrade will be free of charge to all users with current maintenance.

Since 1996 Structural Design Inc has used a number of installations of Multiframe on a wide variety of design projects. One of their most interesting recent examples is a stadium upgrade for the University of Michigan. In response to increased demand for stadium seating in the fall of 1997, they embarked on a plan to add 5000 seats to their stadium, as well as new scoreboards, in time for use during the 1998 fall season.

As originally designed in 1926, the stadium was a fully below grade, cast-in-place concrete bowl. Over the years, steel bleacher additions, most notably in 1949, added a ring of above grade seating around the bowl. The challenges presented to the architect were: first, to extend that ring of steel in a way that would visually unify the stadium perimeter and conform to modern codes, and second, to envision the project in such a way that it could be both designed and constructed in just ten months.

A steel perimeter truss was designed to serve several purposes: support gravity loads of the new seating above, resist dynamic lateral loads prescribed by modern codes for stadium seating, accommodate the complex geometry and circulation patterns already developed by previous expansions, and finally to provide a rich visual background for the bold graphic facade treatment designed to wrap the stadium perimeter.

The structural portion of the upgrade was modelled and analysed using Multiframe and Steel Designer was used to assist with the steel design checking. Section Maker was also used to model and calculate the section properties of the numerous custom shapes used in the structure.

All users of the Macintosh versions of Multiframe will have recently received advice from us about our plans to only add major new features to the Windows version of Multiframe. The Macintosh version will be restricted to maintenance updates to keep it compatible with Mac OS and hardware.

If you are a Mac user and you are considering adding Windows machines to your Macintosh network, you will be pleased to know that all of our Windows products are data compatible with the current Macintosh versions. This means that it is easy to move your existing design files and sections libraries from Mac to Windows. The user interface of our programs running on Windows is exactly the same as that on Macintosh and in fact now offers some useful additions like toolbar shortcuts, tool tips improved table handling and on-line help.

If you are adding Windows machines to your Mac network, we recommend you consider running a Windows NT Server which provides both file and printer sharing for Macintosh as well as Windows.

We continue to offer a low cost cross-grade option should you wish to change to a Windows license or purchase a Windows license in addition to your Macintosh version. Many of our Mac customers have now taken advantage of this to add Windows compatibility to their design offices.

The Windows versions of Multiframe, Section Maker and Steel Designer now provide a comprehensive on-line help facility. In fact, with the release of the CD based suite of Multiframe for Windows, all programs now offer this option.

The on-line help contains everything which is in the recently updated user manual and in addition provides a search facility and an index .

New users of the program will also find the tutorial at the start of each manual useful in getting started with the system.

We will be exhibiting at the Engineering Computing Hardware and Software Show, to be held in Melbourne from the 13th - 14th of October 1999.

Visit us at stand number 7 and see the latest version of Multiframe, talk to the developers and receive special discounts on Multiframe Software.

For more information please contact us on:

Telephone: +61 8 9335 1522

Fax: +61 8 9335 1526