StructureTool2D © Read Me

Current app version: StructureTool2D v3.0

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 download the structure data template, select or create the structure workbook, define the analysis-results filename, and preview the input structure.

• Load Structure Data Template downloads the Excel template for preparing the input workbook manually.
• Select Structure Data File loads a completed 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 Preview displays a large preview image for the loaded or default model.
• Launch Interactive Builder opens the optional visual input Builder.

The structure preview is intended to show the geometry of any supported structure type, including trusses, beams, and frames.

Optional Interactive Builder

The Builder supports frame, beam, and truss models. It can create nodes, members, supports, member-end hinges, nodal loads, member loads, dimension lines, label positions, display colors, and node label styles. The model can then be exported by using Save & Load Structure.

Builder display items such as dimension lines, manual label positions, colors, and letter-based node labels are visual aids. They do not change the standard analysis data stored in the exported workbook.

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 Method to execute the SDM workflow.
• Open Method Output opens the detailed SDM output package.
• Generate Report (.docx) is checked by default. Clear it before running if only the on-screen method output is required.
• The Analysis Report and Summary Report buttons become available when the corresponding DOCX 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, target directions may be x, y, or rz. Positive x is to the right, positive y is upward, and positive z/rz support moment or rotation follows the beam/frame solver convention, clockwise positive.

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

Typical Workflow

1. Go to Tab B-C for stiffness analysis, plotting, or slope-deflection work.
2. Go to Tab D-E for unit-load or force-method instructional calculations.
3. Open the generated result windows, plots, and reports as needed.

Outputs Available in the Current Web App

• structure preview and 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 SDM analysis/summary DOCX report files when report generation is selected
• Builder-generated Excel data workbook
• Builder PNG image export
• quick-reference HTML document
• read-me information page

Important Notes

• The workbook selected or created 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.
• When using the Interactive Builder, verify the exported workbook after loading it into Tab A, especially units, member-end hinges, support conditions, and load signs.

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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