Version 6.1: Release notes

Release notes MatrixFrame® version 6.1-SP5

Processed in version 6.1-SP5 (September 2024)

This service pack updates MatrixFrame, MxTools, and MxFloor, fixing issues for better performance.

Bug Fixes

MatrixFrame

  • Job info Dialog: Resolved an issue where newly entered data in the Job Info dialog was reset to previous content when switching project types.
  • Section dialog size and position: Fixed an issue with retaining the size and position of the Cross Section Definition dialog window.
  • Unity Check Reporting:  Added an option to include Unity Check and Unity Check diagrams in the report.
  • Default Installation Settings: The default setting for load representation layer in reports is now set to "On" during the initial installation.
  • Additional Export Feature: Technosoft XML file import is now available through the Import->TSXML menu and should be used instead of RTF file import.
  • Project Conversion: Implemented web service project file conversion when projects are opened via association.
  • Rib Cross-Section Check: Rib plate cross-section checks are now disabled; the parametric section can only be used for analysis calculations.
  • Generative Loading: Fixed problem while creating generative qC load under 1DBeam package.
  • Loads Definition: The fixed problem appears when the member/node list of the applied load is imploded/exploded (double-clicking on the column header).
  • Load Calculation: Solved load representation/recalculation problem appears when the load is manually inputted using a reference to the load calculation table item.
  • Stress calculation: Fixed a problem with stress calculation for T-shaped profiles.
  • Joint Connection Tooltips: Resolved an issue where additional text was not needed in the joint connection tooltip.
  • Bar placement: Fixed issues with shifting bending moment diagrams and the graphical presentation of bar placements.
  • Timber check UI drawing: Labels that don't fit along the structural member length are now split into multiple lines.
  • Lateral Support Definition: Fixed issues applying the load attachment position from the lateral support dialog in Timber checks.
  • Report Picture Size: Introduced the "Scale Structure Fixed" option for report images. When enabled, the image area is fixed to fit the maximum number of objects. When disabled, the image area scales flexibly to best fit the image content.
  • Load Case Report Images: Added isometric load case images for the entire structure and individual elements in the report setup, with a "+ Full" option.
  • Cross-Check Results Reporting: Implemented filtering of member check results for UC chart images in reports.
  • FEM Plate Load Case Images: Fixed an issue where load case images were missing from FEM plate reports.

 

MatrixTools

  • Column Calculation + Fire: Implemented rule CB2 p.378. M0Ed+M2 = max{M0e+M2; M02; M01+0.5M2}.
  • Column Calculation + Fire Projects: Resolved issues with appending projects for "Column calculation + fire."
  • Column Base Plate JC:  Anchorage length is no longer calculated if anchors have no tension force.
  • Connection Drawings: Resolved issues with web plate information in connection drawings; both report pictures and toolbox-generated drawings are now correct.
  • Geotechnics: Fixed an issue with rejected GEF file imports due to a missing ground-level parameter. A notification has been added, and the default ground level is set to 0.

 

MatrixFloor

  • Concrete Summary Report: The concrete summary report has been updated and the crash issue during report previewing has been resolved.
  • Optional Minimal Cross-Section Width:  Users can now optionally define the minimal breadth/width of cross-sections in one of three ways: 

1. Custom ProductTable value from the advanced data set tab (parameter "Width of the web bw[mm]").

2. Breadth/width at the center of gravity, defined in the Concrete options parameter “Concrete options -> Beam/Slabs -> Shear bw at the center of gravity -> Yes”; 

3. Minimal breadth/width as defined by the "No" preset of the Concrete options parameter.

For more details, visit: https://knowledge-base.matrix-software.com/help/matrix-floor/codecheck-concrete/minimal-width-of-the-cross-section

 

 

Release notes MatrixFrame® version 6.1-SP4

Processed in version 6.1-SP4 (June 2024)

This service pack updates MatrixFrame, MxTools, and MxFloor, fixing issues for better performance.

Bug Fixes

MatrixFrame

  • Report Preview Crash: The issue causing the program to crash when creating a report preview has been resolved.
  • Structure Image Scaling: The scale of structure images in reports has been adjusted to prevent reduction.
  • Page Numbering Prefix: Restored the ability to set a prefix in the page numbering dialog.
  • Generative Load Case Envelope: Added an envelope for generative load cases to the support reactions report under the name "Imposed Envelope."
  • Image Path Symbols: Resolved the issue where images disappeared from reports when special symbols were present in the file path.
  • Truss Displacement Differences: Fixed unexpected large displacement differences between the top and bottom chords of the truss during deflection check or non-linear element collection.
  • Concrete Dialog Visibility: Restored visibility of supports, releases, and other objects in the concrete dialog.
  • NEN-EN1993 Table 6.6 Tolerances: Implemented tolerances to determine if a diagram is linear or parabolic and to select the correct kc factor.
  • Stirrups Scaling in Reports: Corrected the scale of stirrups in report images.
  • Wind Load Placement: Corrected the placement of wind loads on column elements when part of the column is below ground level.
  • Industrial Load Categories: Enabled selection of all industrial use load categories E2 for both short-term and long-term actions based on user choice.
  • Creep Calculation Input: Improved creep calculation input by changing "Inf" to "50y"; accepting age input beyond 50 years (e.g., 100y); and denoting years with "y" (e.g., "30y").

 

MatrixTools

  • Punching Calculation Warnings: When punching calculation results are correct, plate geometry problem warnings are now displayed in blue instead of red. Report header text changes based on the type of structural member (wall/column).
  • Strut & Tie Column Base Position: The position of the column base plate in the strut&tie model has been corrected to always remain centered in the foundation.
  • Unity Check Results: Unity check results for bending and shear are now included in the report.

 

MatrixFloor

  • Concrete Check Displacements: The issue with large displacements in the concrete check has been resolved by increasing the tolerance for intersection positions.

 

Release notes MatrixFrame® version 6.1-SP3

Processed in version 6.1-SP3 (March 2024)

 

This service pack updates MatrixFrame, MxTools, and MxFloor, fixing issues and introducing features for better performance.

New Features and Improvements

  • Geometry and Load Position Checks: Implemented a check on geometry for loads with fixed positions near member intersections, advising the use of member intersection references for setting load positions.
  • Fire Exposure Reinforcement Handling: Addressed an issue with reinforcement exposed to fire when \(h_{red} < d\). Reinforcement is now considered according to NEN-EN 1992-1-2 #B.1.2.
  • Load Database Update: Updated the load's database to align imposed load categories of NEN8700 with NEN-EN 1991-1-1, ensuring previous project conversions retain the same categories.
  • Soil Pressure Report Images Configuration: Extended the capability to configure a set of soil pressure report images.
  • CSS Fonts in Reports: Introduced an option to disable CSS fonts override in report setup, ensuring consistent use of CSS-specified fonts.

Bug Fixes

  • FEM Package Decimal Presets: Resolved an issue where decimal presets for global fonts visibility options were inactive for forces, support reactions, and deflections. Adjustments now reflect in the visualized values.
  • AVB Sections Processing: Fixed the inability to process AVB sections using MatrixTools within MatrixFrame.
  • Command Line Advanced Analysis: Enhanced command line API for running advanced analyses with output options for nodal forces in JSON format.
  • Structural Member Influences: Corrected an issue where changes in releases and section support for one structural member affected reinforcements in others.
  • FEM Concrete Code Check: Fixed an incorrect application of \(A_{s,min}\) in tension reinforcement according to NEN-EN1992-1-1#9.2.1.1(1).
  • Tolerance in Calculations: Improved calculation accuracy for NEN-EN 1993-1-1+C2+A1#(NB.74) and NEN-EN 1993-1-1+C2+A1#(NB.75) with a tolerance of 1N for equality of calculated values.

MxTools

  • Deq/deq Calculation Fix: Corrected the Deq/deq calculation in accordance with NEN-EN 1997-1+C1+A1:2016/NB:2019#1.5.2.106.

MxFloor

  • Shear Check bw Value Definition: Improved the definition of the \(b_w\) value for shear check according to NEN-EN 1992-1-1#6.2. The \(b_w\) value is now taken from the cross-section DB or used as the minimal width of the cross-section if not defined in DB.

 

Release notes MatrixFrame® version 6.1-SP2

Processed in version 6.1-SP2 (February 2024)

In this update, we have addressed and resolved multiple bugs to further enhance the stability and functionality of MatrixFloor.

 

Key Bug Fixes

1. Improved Project Conversion: Fixed an issue where projects from version 5.5 or 6.0 were not converted without the API module in the license. Conversion now occurs directly via the service.
2. Correction in Limit Deflection Value Calculation: Error in the display of user-defined limit value Wmax for deflection has been corrected.
3. Correction in Table Values for Loads: Fixed a display error in the summation of loads in tables. This involved incorrect total values for individual members, where now only relevant loads are shown.
4. Correction with Only One Reinforcement Bar: Fixed an error where the minimum distance between bars (Smin) was incorrectly checked when only one reinforcement bar (top or bottom) was provided. Now, only the covering requirements are checked, in accordance with #8.2.
5. Solution for Crash When Loading Properties in MxFrame FEM: A problem that caused a crash when loading project properties has been resolved.
6. Correction in Bar Placement for Additional Reinforcement: Fixed an error in the function for combining and splitting additional reinforcement, where the Mu line was incorrectly displayed.
7. Resolution of Shutdown When Opening Reinforcement Table: Fixed an issue where MatrixFloor unexpectedly shut down after clicking on the reinforcement in the 'reinforcement table'.

 

Release notes MatrixFrame® version 6.1-SP1

Processed in version 6.1-SP1 (January2024)


Introduction to MatrixFrame 6.1 SP1

In this update of MatrixFrame, we have focused on improving the software by addressing several critical bugs.
This has led to enhancements in functionality and user experience.

 

Key Bug Fixes

1. Image Sizes in Reports: The issue with varying image sizes in reports for 'Geometry' and 'Geometry + Steel' has been resolved. Images now consistently utilize the full page width.
    
2. Class 4 in Reports: A mistake where Class 3 was shown while the section was actually Class 4 has been corrected. Now, when Class 4 is detected with the application of Class 3 rules, it is clearly indicated in the report: "Class 4 / Class 3 rules applied".
    
3. MatrixFloor - Prestress with gaps: Problems with handling prestress in elements with gaps in MatrixFloor have been fixed, addressing inconsistencies in force distribution. Additional start and end values for prestress in gaps are now correctly applied.
    
4. FEM Results - Support Reactions: The issue where 'support reactions' were incorrectly displayed as "N/A [n/a]" in the FEM results tab has been resolved. The correct text is now appropriately displayed.
    
5. Full Screen Toggle Bug: The bug where pressing 'Esc' in MatrixFrame inadvertently toggled full-screen mode has been fixed.

 

Release notes MatrixFrame® version 6.1

Processed in versie 6.1 (December 2023)


New:

Relationele objecten

Relational objects in MatrixFrame and MatrixFloor are elements that are interconnected, allowing changes in one object to be automatically applied to all related objects. This significantly enhances efficiency in your design process. For example, if you adjust a support point in a structure, all dependent elements like loads or beams will automatically be updated. This concept enables you to effectively manage and maintain complex relationships between different parts of a model. For more info, see Version 6.1: Hightlights | Matrix Knowledge Base (matrix-software.com).

 

MatrixTools

The "Strut and Tie" module in MatrixTools offers a powerful tool for analyzing concrete structures in complex areas. It translates intricate stresses into a simplified truss model, utilizing struts (compression elements), ties (tension bars), and nodes. For more info, see Version 6.1: Hightlights | Matrix Knowledge Base (matrix-software.com).

 

MatrixFrame Reports

In MatrixFrame, you have the option to use custom Word templates for your reports. This offers flexibility in formatting and presenting your documents. By utilizing header shifting and other Word features, you can tailor the layout to meet your specific needs and preferences, ensuring your reports are both professional and styled to your liking. This functionality supports the creation of clear, personalized reports that are both accurate and visually appealing

 

New and Improved Features

1. 64-bits Ondersteuning: Version 6.1 is now exclusively available in 64-bit. This ensures improved performance and enables users to handle larger and more complex Finite Element Models.
    
2. Automatic Copy: When opening a 5.5 project in version 6.1, an automatic copy of the file is created. The original file remains unchanged, while the copied file is converted to the new version..
    
3. Multicore Calculation for MxFloor: The new version utilizes multicore processing for MxFloor calculations, resulting in faster computation times.