StructureTool2D © Read Me

StructureTool2D © is a structural analysis and learning application for beams, frames, and trusses. The current web interface is organized into three top tabs, A: Structure Data /Geometry, B-C: Stiffness/Slope Deflection, and D-E: Unit Load/Force Method. The program uses Excel-based input templates, performs analysis, and produces plots, tables, reports, and instructional output files.

Main Interface Overview

Tab A: Structure Data /Geometry

Tab A is the starting point for the workflow. It is used to select the structure workbook, define the default analysis-results filename, open the template, and preview the input structure geometry.

• Load Structure Data Template downloads the Excel template for preparing the input workbook.
• Select File loads the user workbook into the web app.
• Quick Reference opens the structural analysis quick-reference HTML document.
• Training opens the StructureTool2D training video in a new browser tab.
• Read Me opens this HTML help page.
• Structure Geometry displays a large preview image for the loaded model.

The geometry preview is not limited to beam or frame workbooks. It is intended to show the geometry of any supported structure type, including trusses, beams, and frames, with a padded display area for clearer viewing.

Tab B-C: Stiffness/Slope Deflection

B1: Analysis Parameters

Section B1 contains the main analysis settings for stiffness-based analysis and plotting.

• No. Elements/Member (NE), used for beam and frame discretization where needed.
• Deflected Shape Magnification Factor.
• Scaling Factor M, N, V Plots.
• Structure is a Truss checkbox.
• Show Node Numbers checkbox.
• M on tension side checkbox for moment sign display.
• M, N, V tick options for diagram plotting.
• Reset Analysis clears the current analysis state.

B2: Analysis and Plotting

Section B2 contains the main action buttons for analysis and graphical output.

1. Open Structure Data File
2. Plot Structure Geometry
3. Analyze Structure
4. Display Analysis Results
5. Display Deflected Shape
6. Display Truss Axial Forces
7. Plot M, N, V Diagrams
8. Plot Geometry, Loads & Reactions

For truss analysis, use the truss checkbox only for valid truss workbooks and keep NE = 1.

C: Slope Deflection Method (Beam/Frame)

Section C provides a dedicated Slope Deflection Method workflow for eligible beam and frame workbooks. It summarizes the classification, active unknowns, sidesway condition, solved unknowns, and maximum absolute end moment.

The current SDM implementation is intended for continuous beams and rectangular frames, with a maximum of one degree of sidesway and inextensible members.

• Use Run Slope Deflection Method to execute the SDM workflow.
• Open Method Output opens the detailed SDM output package.
• Generate Report (.docx) can be selected before running the method.
• The analysis and summary report buttons become available when the corresponding files are produced.

Tab D-E: Unit Load/Force Method

D: Unit Load Method/Force Method (Truss)

Section D computes truss displacement or redundant support reaction using the Unit Load Method or the Force Method. The user selects the target node and direction, then runs the desired method. Report generation is available.

E: Unit Load Method/Force Method (Beam/Frame)

Section E provides the same style of instructional workflow for beam and frame workbooks. In this section, the target direction may be x, y, or rz.

Both Sections D and E use the workbook selected earlier in Tab A.

Typical Workflow

1. Download the structure data template from Tab A.
2. Prepare the Excel workbook with geometry, supports, member data, and loads.
3. Select the workbook in Tab A.
4. Confirm the default analysis-results filename.
5. Review the structure geometry preview in Tab A.
6. Go to Tab B-C for stiffness analysis, plotting, or slope-deflection work.
7. Go to Tab D-E for unit-load or force-method instructional calculations.
8. Open the generated result windows, plots, and reports as needed.

Outputs Available in the Current Web App

• structure geometry plots
• loads and reaction plots
• deflected shape plots
• axial force, shear force, and bending moment diagrams
• truss axial-force display
• analysis results tables
• unit-load and force-method instructional outputs
• slope-deflection method outputs and optional report files
• quick-reference HTML document
• read-me information page

Important Notes

• The workbook selected in Tab A drives the other workflows in the interface.
• Use the truss checkbox only when the selected workbook is a truss model.
• For truss analysis in Section B, keep NE = 1.
• Section C applies only to supported beam and frame SDM cases.
• Section D is for truss ULM and FM. Section E is for beam/frame ULM and FM.
• Plots that use magnification or scaling factors should always be interpreted with care.
• Always verify units, support conditions, member properties, node numbering, and applied loads before relying on the output.

User Responsibility and Caution

Users are expected to exercise sound engineering judgment and independent verification when preparing input data, interpreting analysis results, and drawing conclusions from the software output. Results should always be checked for consistency and reasonableness.

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