In the main menu the user chooses a window by clicking on a suitable menu text. This either leads to the opening of the window or makes a sub-menu visible.
There can be several levels of sub-menus. By clicking on a sub-menu choice, the window will eventually be opened.

Some menu options can be marked in grey. This indicates that the given input data has made it unsuitable to open the window, and in order to prevent this the menu option is marked in grey.

Some sub-menu options are marked with a tick, which indicates that the activity is on.

The tools in the toolbar can sometimes be used for a quicker choice of windows.

The appearance of the main menu will change depending on what program modeis active. The Frame Analysis program contains three different sections: Input geometry, Input loads and Results. If any of the programs Steel Module, Timber Module or Concrete Module have been installed, also the Design mode will be available (as seen below):

Input geometry

File

Contains commands for different functions such as open saved information, save new information and print. Several of the File options are identical to other Windows programs.

New

Starts a new calculation. The shortcut is Ctrl+N.

Open

Retrieves input data from an earlier calculation. A list on saved input data files (files that end with *.fra) is shown. The shortcut is Ctrl+O.

Open Auto Save

Retrieves input data that has been saved automatically (in the TEMP folder). This function is normally not needed.

Close

Closes current activity.

Save

Saves input data for current calculations in the file with the current file name. Save is not to be used until after having used Save as. The shortcut is Ctrl+S.

Save as

Saves input data for current calculations in a file with a filename different from the current.

Printout option

Used to choose input data and the result that will be printed.

Print

Used to print the current document. The shortcut is Ctrl+P.

Preview

Makes it possible to, on the screen, study the exact outcome of the chosen printout.

Printer settings

This function is used to specify the printout when it comes to type of printer, paper width and so on.

Exit

Ends Frame Analysis.

Edit

Contains editing tools like undo and redo.

Undo

This option is used to cancel a command or an action. It can be repeated several times. The shortcut is Ctrl+Z.

Redo

This option is used to reverse the effects of the command Undo. It can be repeated several times. The shortcut is Ctrl+Y.

View

This function is used for controlling the graphic drawing of the frame on the screen. It also makes it possible to show/hide different fields/tools, and to switch from one program mode to another.

Zoom all

Presents the frame drawn in a maximum use of the window.

Zoom window

A specified area of the frame can be enlarged.

Previous view

Makes it possible to revert to the previous zoom view.

Toolbar

Makes it possible to hide and restore the tool palette.

Status bar

Makes it possible to hide and restore the status bar.

Message field

Makes it possible to hide and restore the message field.

Geometry tools

Makes it possible to hide and restore the geometry tools.

Pan/zoom tools

Makes it possible to hide and restore the zoom functions.

Input geometry

This function is used to activate the geometry mode.

Input loads

This function is used to activate the load mode.

Results

This function is used to activate the result mode, if it has been calculated.

Design

This function is used to activate the design mode, if valid analysis and design results has been calculated.

This option will be marked in grey if none of the Steel-, Timber or Concrete Modules are accessible.

Input

This menu option helps the user to define the problem in a numerical way. Note that the problems often can be defined graphically by using the graphical menu Geometry tools. The user can also mix numerical input data with graphical input data.

Title

This function is used to write general information on the current calculation.

Code

Switches between a code independent and a Code adequate analysis depending on the number of codes available. The latter option is needed if a design is to be executed.

Wizards

The user can choose from several pre-defined trusses and frames. See File > Wizards for a more thorough description.

Convert code version

With this option the user can convert between different country annexes for EuroCode or between different versions of a code for a country.

Geometry

Current geometric data is defined numerically.

Section

This function is used to define and edit sections as well as the direction of the sections.

Material

This function is used to define and allocate material to sections.

Hinge

Members hinges (moment equals zero) are shown.

Member type

Displays types of members (Normal, Purlin, Gerber beam).

Preview drawing

AutoCad

Exports current drawing as a AutoCAD dwg-file

Timber attributes

Steel attributes

Concrete input

If a codedependent calculation is chosen and concrete members are included then material values for concrete and reinforcement are definded under this option.

Initial bow imperfection

With this option initial bow imperfection can be defined chosen members. (Only if Steel, Timber or Concrete Module is available).

Calculation adjustments

With this option necessary calculation accuracy for concrete members can be defined.

Tension element

With this option arbitrary members can be declared as tension members meaning members that only resist tension but not compression.

Lists

Either shows the different sections that have been chosen, the number of members using the section, the total length, weight and area, or the members section, length, weight and area.

The menu option shows a dialogue box with three tabs: Member list, Section list, Section specification, see below:

Member list

Contains a list on member numbers associated section, length, weight and surface.

Section list

This function contains a list on used sections considering quantity, length, weight and surface.

Section specification

This function contains a list where each member with the same section/material and length has been added.

Costs/Costs estimate

This function makes it possible to estimate work and material for the members in the model.

Calculate

The calculations are being made with the Calculate option. When this option has been activated the following dialogue box will be shown on the screen.

The user must state if the frame will be calculated according to the second order theory and which loadcases are to be analysed. It is, in most cases, wise to use the conditions given as standard. If not all defined loadcases are to be calculated this box will be cleared, and the user can choose what loadcases are to be calculated.

Without a second order analysis a possible design will be performed with consideration to user defined buckling lengths.

When the calculation is completed the result window will be activated, and the Result mode will then be activated in the status field. See Results.

Options

Contains functions to initiate the drawing area in a way that is suited for the current problem.

Coordinates

This function shows/ hides the current coordinates of the cursor.

Coordinates at cursor

This function shows/ hides the current coordinates of the cursor at the cursor.

Member names

Shows/hides the member names.

Hinges

Shows/hides member hinges.

Joint names

Shows/hides joint names.

Joint symbols

Shows/hides joint symbols.

Section image

Shows/hides the image of the member’s current section.

Detailed

This function shows the members drawn according to scale with consideration to the current section.

Dynamic update

This function updates the calculation automatically when a change of input data has been made. This option builds on the assumption that every view section has been assigned a window of its own (see below).

Create a new window for every view section

Here view sections means Input geometry, Input loads, Results and Design which by this option are assigned windows of their own.

Renumbering

• Automatically: Renumbers joints and members (creates new joint-/member names, according to current order in the internal lists.
• Members: Renumbers members (creates new member names as the members are being marked).
• Joints: Renumbers members (creates new joint names as the joints are being marked).

Reassortment

• Automatically: Re-sorts the internal lists so that they come in the same order as the member- and joint numbers.
• Members: Re-sorts the internal lists so that they come in the same order as the members have been marked.
• Joints: Re-sorts the internal lists so that they come in the same order as the joints have been marked.

Drawing area

This function is used to decide drawing-area size, distance between points (grid), origin of coordinate axis, resolution of the grid and the snap distance to the joint/member (pixels).

Settings

• Paths: This function is used to define paths to data files such as section database, codes or wizards.
• File compression:
• Window title: This function is used to specify the text in the window title-line. (Note that title or filename has to be included.).
• User/signature: This function is used to remove users and to show how the automatic generation of the signature is to be performed.

Auto Save

This function is used to create a document restore-file automatically after a 10-minute time interval. The restored file can contain information that hasn’t been saved and would have disappeared from the original document otherwise. The restored file doesn’t replace the Save command. The sample must still be saved when the job is finished.

Change language

This function is used to change between English and Swedish.

Window

New window

This function opens a new window with the same example where the user can have several images, belonging to the same example, visible at the same time.

Cascading

This function is used to arrange the document windows that are shown in a way that makes them cascade each other.

Arrange horizontally

This function is used to arrange current document windows so that they all can be shown in full.

Side by side

This function places all open document windows side by side, so that they all can be seen at the same time.

Arrange icons

This function is used to arrange the different calculation-example icons that might be on the screen.

1 Frame1.fra*

The hook shows that the window that represents the Frame 1 example is active.

Help

Contents

The Frame Analysis manual can be accessed directly in the program by this option.

Concrete module (EN 1992)...

Limitations

Send report

This function is used to send Frame Analysis e-mail to StruSoft.

About Frame Analysis

This function shows information about the program, for instance version number.

Input loads

File

See above.

Edit

See above.

View

Zoom all

See above.

Previous view

See above.

Zoom window

See above.

Toolbar

See above.

Status bar

See above.

Message field

See above.

Load tools

Makes it possible to hide and restore the load tools.

Input geometry

See above.

Input loads

See above.

Results

See above.

Design

See above.

Basic loadcase

The Basic loadcase menu-option shows a dialogue box. The basic loadcases that will be combined to loadcases are named in this box. It is advisable to state the different basic loadcases that are to be used during the calculation. The basic loadcases are defined by naming them and then press Add. Press OK when all the basic loadcases have been defined.

The basic loadcases that have been defined will bee shown in a pull down menu in the status bar right at the top of the screen to the right.

The user must go to Loads or to the toolbar at Input loads in order to define type, size and direction of loads in the basic loadcases.

Loads

The numerical input of loads that are a part of the different basic loadcases as well as their value and placement. This input can also be made completely graphically.

The user defines: load type, placement, direction and size of the loads that are to be a part of previously defined basic loadcases.

One of the basic loadcases defined above must be activated in order to state a load that will operate upon the construction. This is done in the top left dialogue box, as seen above.

If the input has been made graphically the numerical value can be confirmed. The Symbolic image option in the dialogue box shows more detailed what the load types look like graphically.

Loads can also be stated graphically, see Input Loads.

Loadcases

This function is used to name and describe the different loadcases. The basic loadcases will be combined with the belonging load coefficients to ultimate- accident- and serviceability loadcases if a codedependent calculation will be made.

Under Loadcase the various basic loadcases are combined to loadcases with consideration to current load coefficients. It is also possible to save and retrieve loadcases.

It is advisable to state the various partial-coefficients that belong to the various loadcases, as the loadcases are being defined. By defining several various loadcases with various partial-coefficients it will be rather easy to compare them between themselves, to see what loadcase is the most dangerous. The loadcases are defined in the same way as everything else has been defined earlier i.e. press Add for every new loadcase that is to be added, and end with OK when all loadcases have been defined.

If the construction has been defined via any of the wizard that contain load generation, and the option Loadcase has been activated, the chequer above will contain all loadcases that the Code prescribes.

Calculate

See above.

Option

Draw loads proportionally

This function is used to draw loads proportionally.

Enlarge scale

This function is used to enlarge the scale on drawn loads.

Reduce scale

This function is used to reduce the scale on drawn loads.

Reset scale

This function is used to recalculate (reset) the scale on proportional loads.

Coordinates

See above.

Member names

See above.

Joint names

See above.

Joint symbols

See above.

Dynamic update

See above.

Create a new window for every view section

See above.

Drawing area

See above.

Settings

See above.

Auto Save

See above.

Change language

See above.

Window

See above.

Help

See above.

Results

After the completion of the calculation the Result section will be lit and the design of the main menu will change as seen below. The Result option in the main menu makes it possible to have the calculation result shown numerically and graphically.

File

See above.

Edit

See above.

View

Zoom all

See above.

Previous view

See above.

Zoom window

See above.

Toolbar

See above.

Status bar

See above.

Message field

See above.

Diagram tools

Makes it possible to hide and restore the diagram tools.

Input geometry

See above.

Input loads

See above.

Results

See above.

Design

See above.

Diagrams

This function makes it possible to choose what sort of calculation result one wants to have shown in a graphic way.

Loadcase

This function is used to choose what loadcase is to be active in the account for a result.

Moment

This function displays current moment diagrams.

Shear force

This function displays current shear force diagrams.

Axial force

This function displays current axial force diagrams.

Deflections

This function displays current deflections diagrams.

Member

This function makes it possible to show diagrams and tables for a separate member.

Increase scale

This function is used to increase the scale of the diagrams.

Reduce scale

This function is used to reduce the scale of the diagrams.

Reset scale

This function is used to recalculate (reset) the scale of the diagrams.

Tables

Selects what tables are to be written on the screen.

Joint forces

This function shows the calculated section forces: M, T and A for each joint, according to first- or second order theory and for each loadcase.

Joint displacement

This function shows the calculated joint displacement for each joint, according to first- or second order theory and for each loadcase.

Support reactions

This function shows calculated support reactions in x- and y-directions and moments for supported joints. These support reactions can be chosen for first- or second order theory as well as for each loadcase.

Spring forces

This function shows possible spring forces in x- and y-directions and moments. These support reactions can be chosen for first- or second order theory as well as for each loadcase.

Max/Min tables

This function shows the calculated maximum positive and maximum negative forces as well as stresses for each member with current distances, together with at the same point acting respective moments, shear forces and axial forces. These values can be chosen for first- or second order theory as well as for each loadcase.

Equilibrium check

This function shows an equilibrium check for every loadcase and can be chosen for first or second order theory.

Options

Selects to study the result according to the first- and/or second order theory as well as functions to initiate the drawing area in a way that fits the current problem.

1^st order

Views/hides the result of the 1st theory.

2^nd order

Views/hides the result of the 2nd theory.

Increase scale

See above.

Reduce scale

See above.

Reset scale

See above.

Coordinates

See above.

Member names

See above.

Joint names

See above.

Joint symbols

See above.

Display max values

This function displays maximum moments, shear- and axial forces.

Dynamic update

See above.

Create a new window for every view section

See above.

Drawing area

See above.

Settings

See above.

Auto Save

See above.

Change language

See above.

Window

See above.

Help

See above.

Design

When the calculation has been completed the program mode Design will be lit and the appearance of the main menu will change as seen below. The Design option in the main menu makes it possible to define possible supplementary information for a design, and to study the outcome of the calculation.

Note that this section will only be available if any of the Steel-, Timber- or Concrete Modules are installed.

Input

The Input menu option makes it possible to define possible additional information for a design. Under Input the Member, Load  combination, Support conditions, End supports, Lateral support, Buckling stiffeners, Load level, Details and Deflection check options are situated.