Getting

Started
 [Blank]

Page 1

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Software License

Software License
Structural Toolkit®
SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT

PLEASE READ THIS SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING THE
STRUCTURAL TOOLKIT SOFTWARE.

This SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as
well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. This SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.

Software License Agreement

and is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Anthony Furr
Software with regard to the Copyrighted Software (herein referred to as "SOFTWARE PRODUCT" or
"SOFTWARE") provided with this Agreement.

The SOFTWARE PRODUCT includes computer software, the associated media, any printed materials,
and any "online" or electronic documentation. Use of any software and related documentation
("Software") provided to you by Anthony Furr Software in whatever form or media, will constitute your
acceptance of these terms, unless separate terms are provided by the software supplier, in which
case certain additional or different terms may apply. If you do not agree with the terms of this
Agreement, do not download, install, copy or use the Software. By installing, copying or otherwise
using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do
not agree to the terms of this Agreement, Anthony Furr Software is unwilling to license the
SOFTWARE PRODUCT to you.

Anthony Furr Software reserves the right to revise and otherwise change the SOFTWARE PRODUCT
from time to time without notification, or provision of the revised material.

1. Eligible Licensees.

This Software is available for license solely to SOFTWARE owners, with no right of duplication or
further distribution, licensing, or sub-licensing. IF YOU DO NOT OWN THE SOFTWARE, THEN DO
NOT DOWNLOAD, INSTALL, COPY OR USE THE SOFTWARE.

2. License Grant.

Anthony Furr Software grants to you a personal, non-transferable and non-exclusive right to use the
copy of the Software provided with this Agreement. You agree you will not copy the Software except
as necessary to use it on the number of computers licensed for concurrent use within the licensed
network (individual computer, local area network, and wide area network) specified on the hardware
protection device or software key provided with this Agreement. You agree that you may not copy the
written materials accompanying the Software.

Modifying, translating, loaning, renting, leasing, copying, transferring or assigning all or part of the
Software, or any rights granted hereunder, to any other persons and removing any proprietary notices,
labels or marks from the Software is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, you hereby agree not to create
derivative works based on the Software. You may not transfer this Software.

The Software License does not give License to download, install or use any updates should they be
made available, new or otherwise, unless you have a current License Subscription with Anthony Furr
Software for all licensed copies provided with this Agreement.

Page 2

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Software License

3. Copyright.

The Software is licensed, not sold. You acknowledge that no title to the intellectual property in the
Software is transferred to you. You further acknowledge that title and full ownership rights to the
Software will remain the exclusive property of Anthony Furr Software, and you will not acquire any
rights to the Software, except as expressly set forth above. All copies of the Software will contain the
same proprietary notices as contained in or on the Software. All title and copyrights in and to the
SOFTWARE PRODUCT (including but not limited to any images, photographs, animations, video,
audio, music, text and "applets," incorporated into the SOFTWARE PRODUCT), the accompanying
printed materials, and any copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, are owned by Anthony Furr
Software. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international treaty
provisions. You may not copy the printed materials accompanying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

4. Reverse Engineering.

You agree that you will not attempt, and if you are a corporation, you will use your best efforts to
prevent your employees and contractors from attempting to reverse compile, modify, translate or
disassemble the Software in whole or in part. Any failure to comply with the above or any other terms
and conditions contained herein will result in the automatic termination of this license and the
reversion of the rights granted hereunder to Anthony Furr Software.

5. Disclaimer of Warranty.

The Software is provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind. Anthony Furr Software disclaims and
makes no express or implied warranties and specifically disclaims the warranties of merchantability,
fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement of third-party rights. The entire risk as to the
quality and performance of the Software is with you. Anthony Furr Software does not warrant that the
functions contained in the Software will meet your requirements or that the operation of the Software
will be uninterrupted or error-free. Anthony Furr Software IS NOT OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE ANY
UPDATES TO THE SOFTWARE.

6. Limitation of Liability.

Anthony Furr Software's entire liability and your exclusive remedy under this Agreement shall not
exceed the price paid for the Software, if any. In no event shall Anthony Furr Software be liable to
you for any consequential, special, incidental or indirect damages of any kind arising out of the use or
inability to use the software, even if Anthony Furr Software has been advised of the possibility of
such damages, or any claim by a third party.

Anthony Furr Software is not engaged in the provision of consulting services furnishing the licensed
material.

7. No Liability for Consequential Damages.

In no event shall Anthony Furr Software or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever
(including, without limitation, incidental, direct, indirect special and consequential damages, damages
for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary
loss) arising out of the use or inability to use this Anthony Furr Software product, even if Anthony Furr
Software has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states/countries do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above
limitation may not apply to you.

Page 3

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Software License

8. Indemnification By You.

If you distribute the Software in violation of this Agreement, you agree to indemnify, hold harmless
and defend Anthony Furr Software from and against any claims or lawsuits, including attorney's fees
that arise or result from the use or distribution of the Software in violation of this Agreement.

9. Trial License Limitations.

Permission is granted to use the Trial versions for the duration of the agreed trial license period
(generally 30 days) for evaluation purposes only. The trial period may be extended or terminated at
the discretion of Anthony Furr Software. Trial versions are not licensed for commercial purposes.
Permission to transfer or publish any related data including saved data, outputs (electronic or
hardcopy) for purposes other than evaluation is not granted without written consent of Anthony Furr
Software. Permission to transfer is granted upon purchase of a full license from Anthony Furr
Software.

10. Academic License Limitations.

Permission is granted to use the Academic version (including multiple or single licenses) for the
purposes of education only within an eligible educational organisation. Academic versions are not
licensed for commercial purposes. Permission to transfer or publish any related data including saved
data, outputs (electronic or hardcopy) for purposes other than educational is not granted without
written consent of Anthony Furr Software.

© Copyright 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software. All rights reserved.

Structural Toolkit® is a registered trademark of Anthony Furr Software.

Page 4

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Revisions

First edition (Analysis by Structural Toolkit V1, Structural Toolkit V5) October 2015

Page 5

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

Open an Example
Using the predefined examples is a great way to explore the functionality of various buttons, context
menu-clicks and become familiar with the viewport functionality.

Examples Menu

Screenshot 1 - Examples

Alternatively, you can create a new analysis by pressing the [Analysis] button. See Creating a New
Analysis, after completing a review of this section.

Ribbon Menus
All the functionality for creating and analysing a frame is located on the [Analysis] ribbon tab including
the [Geometry], [Loads], [Analysis], [Results], [Show] and [Settings] ribbon bars.

The [Document] ribbon tab is used to access the [Print] and [Preview] functions.

Screenshot 2 - Analysis Ribbon Tab

Page 6

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

Tool Palettes
A number of Tool Palettes associated with the analysis are shown on the [Project Tree] dock on the
left side of the window by default.

Screenshot 3 Viewer and Object palettes

The [Viewer] palette controls visibility of elements relating to the geometry and loads, and results
diagrams once a successful analysis has been completed.

The [Object] palette shows properties associated with the selected entity which may be a node,
restraint, member or load.

Page 7

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

Screenshot 4 Section and Console palettes

The [Section] palette displays the section associated with the selected object. This will not be visible
if a member with assigned section is not selected.

The [Console] palette displays the analysis process as well as results when querying at specific
locations.

Page 8

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

Load Case Loads

The visibility of primary load cases load are controlled by using the drop-down on the [Loads] ribbon
bar.

Screenshot 5 Selecting visible Load Case inputs

Load Case Results

The currently displayed results for a primary or combination load cases (and created envelopes) are
controlled by using the drop-down on the [Results] ribbon bar. Results envelopes can be created
from within the results drop-down.

Screenshot 6 Selecting visible Load Case Results

Page 9

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

Using Context Menus

Many object selection operations are accessed using the right mouse button click showing a context
sensitive menu. Single entity selection or selection of the same entity type also enables the property
editor panel.

Screenshot 7 Object Operations using Context Menus

Undo and Redo

An Undo/Redo feature is available during the editing session enabling the back tracking of certain
changes to the frame including geometry and load changes.

Undo button Redo button

Screenshot 8 - Undo and Redo

Page 10

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

Moving around the viewer

The current view of the model (camera direction and location) can be changed by panning, rotating,
zooming, or changing the view position.

Screenshot 9 - Show Ribbon Bar

Pan

Pan by holding down the Control key and the left mouse button while moving the mouse (or use the
[Pan] button in the [Show] ribbon bar).

Zoom

Zoom in and out by using the Mouse wheel. If the zoom is not operating, ensure the viewport is
active by clicking the mouse at an empty position of the model viewport.

Rotation

Change the view angle by holding down the Shift and Control keys together while moving the mouse
pointer with the left mouse button (or use the [Rotate] button in the [Show] ribbon bar)

As you rotate the view, the nearest viewpoint is displayed in the [Show] ribbon bar ie. front, back etc.
Press the button to view orthogonally from that direction.

Extents

To show the complete model in the direction you are currently viewing, press the [Extents] button on
the [Show] ribbon bar or use the shortcut key of Ctrl + e.

Defined Views

Using the drop-down, predefined views can be selected ie. left, right, bottom, top, back and front.

Pressing the button will change to the direction named on the button, and zoom to show the full
model extents.

Page 11

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

As you rotate the view, the nearest viewpoint is displayed in the toolbar i.e. front, back, etc. Press the
button to view orthogonally from that direction.

Shortcuts Side
Ctrl + Numpad 5 Front
Ctrl + Numpad 0 Back
Ctrl + Left Arrow Left
Ctrl + Right Arrow Right
Ctrl + Down Arrow Bottom
Ctrl + Up Arrow Top

Using the [Perspective] menu button, the viewport can be toggled to view in perspective or isometric
viewing modes.

Scales
A default scale is calculated for loads and result diagrams; however, there will be occasions where
the scale will need changing to make diagrams fit appropriately.

Press the [Scales] button on the [Show] ribbon bar to show the Scales dialog. Each diagram can be
individually scaled to suit.

Note that for displacement diagrams, only translations are scaled. Rotational displacement is fixed at
a scale of one.

Viewing Geometry and Load Objects

Nodes, members, restraints, local member axis, section shape, and loads are all visual objects and
can be seen within the model viewport.

Use the [Viewer] palette on the [Project Tree] dock to turn on and off various visible entities.

Selections
Nodes, members, restraints and loads can be selected using the mouse select operation, or
unselected by holding down the Shift key during the select operation.

Clicking on an object with the mouse pointer in the model viewport will select it. Selected items are
highlighted.

To unselect an item, hold down the Shift key while clicking on the object with the mouse pointer.

Multiple items can be selected at the same time (or unselected with the Shift key held down) using a
crossing window by first picking the lower right, then upper left corner. The highlighting window will
be dashed with light blue fill. Any objects within, or crossing the window will be selected.

Page 12

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

Screenshot 10 - Crossing Window Selection

Multiple items can also be selected at the same time (or unselected with the Shift key held down)
using an enclosed window by first picking the upper left, then lower right corner. The highlighting
window will be solid with light red fill. Only objects within the window will be selected.

Screenshot 11 - Enclosed Window Selection

Note that during the selection, labels are turned off.

Editing operations for the selection can be accessed by using the right mouse-button to show the
context-menu.

The objects that are able to be selected may be limited by the currently active editor. For example,
when using the restraint editor, you can select only restraints or nodes.

Page 13

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can be used for various operations such as toggling visibility of results diagrams,
showing the model extents, or analysing.

Shortcuts Side
F6 Moment Z
Shift + F6 Moment Y
F7 Shear Y
Shift + F7 Shear Z
F8 Axial X
Shift + F8 Torsion X
F9 Deflection
Shift+F9 3D deflections
Ctrl + e Extents
F5 Analyse

Object Creation
Editors are available for the creation and editing of nodes, members, restraints, sections, materials,
loads and variables and behave in a similar manner.

At the top of the editor dialog there is a drop-down containing the currently defined objects of the
type being edited ie. nodes o

Undefined object drop-

down coloured red Create button

Table View
Screenshot 12 - Create a default named object

Rename object button

Defined object drop-
down coloured green Remove object button

Find object button

Screenshot 13 - Editing an existing object

If the currently displayed object has been defined, then the drop-down background colour will be
green. If undefined, the background colour is red.

To change the current object being edited, select the item from the drop-down. The properties will be
filled into the associated editing boxes. Changing their values automatically updates their properties in
real-time.

Page 14

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start

To create a new object, either:

• Press the
available default name of that item type.
• Type a unique name into the drop-down (the item name will change from the defined green
colour to a red colour) then press the button after updating the item values.

By selecting a similar item first before creating the new item, you can re-use any defined properties.

To remove, or delete an object, select the object from the drop-down, and press the button.

To rename an object, select the object from the drop-down, and press the button. As discussed in
the Object Naming section, the new name must be unique.

The Table View can be made visible by pressing the button at the top of the Editor dialog. The
table view will expand to the right side of the editor dialog. Press the button again to hide the Table
View.

Object Information
Basic information on nodes, members and restraints can be obtained by hovering over them in the
model viewport while holding down the <Shift> key.

Screenshot 14 Node Query

Page 15

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

Quick Start

Screenshot 15 - Member Query

Page 16

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start Creating a Model

Creating a Model

A New Document
To create a new analysis document, press the [Analysis] button on the [Document] ribbon tab.

A dialog box will appear allowing selection of a preset arrangement or primary and combination load
cases. Whether this feature is shown when starting a new frame is controlled in the Analysis Options.

Screenshot 16 - Loadcase setup

Choose None if you are going to create customised cases and combinations.

Creating Nodes and Members

Screenshot 17 Geometry Ribbon

Nodes and members can be created several ways:

• By selecting [By Typing] using the drop-down under [Nodes] and generating members.
• By selecting [Draw Member] using the drop-down under [Members] (press a key to bring up
the input dialog similar to the above), or press Ctrl-D to start drawing.
• By defining nodes in the node editor then drawing between them using the drop-down under
[Members].
• By copying or mirroring existing nodes and members.

Some examples of use of the input dialog in the first two methods are:

• 4 Create a node at x=4 with the y and z = 0.

• @5 Create a node 5m along the positive x relative to the last point created.
• @1, 2 Create a node 1m to the right and 2m above the last point created.

Quick Start Creating a Model

Page 17

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

You can turn of the automatic member generation on or off while using the By Typing mode
unchecking the Generate Member item.

The section assigned to the created members is the current section. To set the current section,
select the section in the section editor before creating nodes and members. Alternatively see
Assigning a Section to a Member.

While drawing members in the Member Draw mode, snap marks appear as the mouse moves over
members and nodes enabling joining of members and insertion of new nodes into members.

Assigning Restraints to Nodes

Restraints can be assigned to nodes several ways:

• Select a node in the model viewport and use the right mouse-button to show the context-
menu, and select a restraint type under the Assign Restraint under the Node Selection item.
• Press the [Restraints] to access the restraint editor, select the desired restraint from the drop-
down. Select the nodes from the model viewport and press [Assign].
• Double click on the node to access the node editor, and use the restraint drop-down.

Screenshot 18 Assigning restraints

To clear a node restraint, select the nodes and use the right mouse-button to show the context-menu,
and select Clear Restraint under the Node Selection item.

Page 18

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start Creating a Model

Creating Materials
Press the [Materials] button on the [Geometry] ribbon bar to access the material editor.

Refer to the Object Creation section above.

A number of predefined materials are available including steel, various timber grades and various
concrete strengths.

A material is assigned to a section using the section editor. Alternatively use the material editor and
select the material from the drop-down. Select members from the model viewport and press
[Assign].

As the material is assigned to the section (and not the member), all sections used in the model will
now have the new material assigned. If you want to use the same section with two different
materials, then you need to define two different sections and assign them separately to the
members.

Creating Sections
Press the [Sections] button on the [Geometry] ribbon bar to access the section editor.

Refer to the Object Creation section above.

Sections properties can be entered using values, shapes or using the library associated with the
material.

Assigning a Section to Members

A section is assigned to a member using the member editor. Alternatively use the section editor and
select the section from the drop-down. Select members from the model viewport and press [Assign].

Defining Primary Load Cases

A load case must be created before creating loads.

Press the [Cases:] button on the [Loads] ribbon bar to access the load case editor.

General Concepts section.

Enter the load type ie. Dead Load, Self-weight Only, Live load, Wind.

By defining the load type, the default load combination factors will automatically be added in the
factors drop-down in the load case combination editor.

Page 19

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start Creating a Model

Defining Load Case Combinations

Combinations enable factoring of defined load cases.

Press the [Comb:] button on the [Loads] ribbon bar to access the combination load case editor.

General Concepts section.

Select the load case in the available load cases in the left panel, and choose the multiplication factor.
Add it to the current combination by pressing the or double clicking the selected load case in the
left panel.

Items can be removed or re-arranged using the arrow buttons.

Defining Loads
Node and member loads can be created after the load case has been defined.

Press the [Loads] button on the [Loads] ribbon bar to access the load editor.

Load definitions are defined by inputting forces and moments in the 6 degrees of freedom using the
Global Axis convention. General Concepts section to create
new load definitions.

Once the Load has been defined, it can be applied to nodes and members to create the node or
member load.

In the Load application section, select in the loads drop-down and select the load type:

• Node Point Load Node PL

• Member Point Load Member PL
• Member Distributed Load Member UDL
• Member Partial Distributed Load Member PUDL
• Member Variable Distributed Load Member VUDL

Select the load case the load is to be added to, and select the load definition.

For Member loads, a start and end load may be necessary along with a start and end position on the
member (for variable and partial distributed loads).

If applying a node load, select the node from the node drop-down. Alternatively, select nodes from
the model viewport, then press the [Assign].

If applying a member load, select the member from the member drop-down. Alternatively, select
members from the model viewport, then press [Assign].

Page 20

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start Modifying a Model

Modifying a Structure

Modifying Nodes and restraints

Nodes can be modified several ways:

• Double clicking on a node to access the node editor.

• Press the [Node] button in the [Geometry] ribbon bar to access the node editor, then select
the appropriate node from the drop-down.
• Select a node, and use the right mouse-button to show the context-menu, and select Drag
Node (an input dialog can be brought up by pressing a key while dragging)

Restraints can be assigned or changed using the Node Editor or context-menu.

Modifying Members
Members can be modified several ways:

• Double clicking on a member to access the member editor.

• Press the [Member] button in the [Geometry] ribbon bar to access the member editor, then
select the appropriate member from the drop-down.
• Select a member near to an end and use the right mouse-button to show the context-menu,
and select Drag Member.

Page 21

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Quick Start Analysis Results

Analysis Results

Results Diagrams
Keyboard shortcuts can be used to quickly toggle these diagrams (see Shortcuts)

Diagrams for each degree of freedom are available for each analysed load case:

• Bending moment diagrams (Member major Mz, and member minor My)
• Shear force diagram (Member in-plane Vy, member out-of-plane Vz)
• Torsion diagram (Mx a curved moment diagram)
• Axial diagram (Vx compression is solid line and tension dashed)

If significant torsional rotation occurs within a member, providing additional intermediate points will
increase the resolution of the 3D diagram. Individual members can be assigned different default
intermediate points also using the context menu.

Viewing results Load Cases and Combinations

The currently displayed results for a primary or combination load cases (and created envelopes) are
controlled by using the drop-down on the [Results] ribbon bar. Results envelopes can be created
from within the results drop-down.

Screenshot 19 - Results display selection

Check the result or results that are to be shown.

If a second-order analysis was performed, the iteration may also be selected.

Screenshot 20 Iteration display

After selecting multiple load cases, an envelope can be created with an upper and lower envelope.

Quick Start Analysis Results

Page 22

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

Querying a Node or Intermediate Member Result
Have the case visible.

Hover over the node while holding down the Shift key to query the deflection and support reactions (if
restrained).

Hover over the member while holding down the Shift key to query the moments, forces and
deflections at that location.

Screenshot 20 Screen Results

Page 23

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Printing and Previewing Diagrams

Printing and Reports

Printing and Previewing a Diagram

To print or preview a diagram, the model viewport needs to be visible. Select the [Model] tab at the
bottom of the Document Window.

Have the diagram (or diagrams) visible in the model viewport, and turn on, or off, any visual objects
such as section shapes, or member local axes.

When printing diagrams, several options are provided to customise the content such as whether grids
and the axis symbol are visible.

Preview the diagram using the [Preview] button on the [Document] ribbon tab and then press the
[Print] button to print.

Alternatively, use the [Quick Print] button on the menu bar, the [Print] button on the [Document]
ribbon tab, or [Print] from the Backstage area accessed using the [File] menu button.

Page 24

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Reports

Reports
Generate the analysis report by pressing the [Report] button on the [Results] ribbon bar, or selecting
the [Report] tab at the bottom of the Document Window.

Select any options, then press [OK].

Screenshot 21 Report options

Preview the report using the [Preview] button on the [Document] ribbon tab and then press the [Print]
button to print. When previewing and printing, the sections of the report are combined into a single
document.

Choose the Double option on the [Preview] ribbon to have pages doubled up ie. two columns per
page.

Page 25

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software

 Technical Support

Technical Support
Telephone and email technical support is provided as part of a current License Subscription.

Technical support enquiries regarding potential errors with design templates should be accompanied
by PDF output of examples that demonstrate the behavior along with sufficient hand calculations and
other documentation to be able to efficiently diagnose the issue.

The time required to answer each question may vary depending on the complexity of the issue,
however, Anthony Furr Software endeavors to respond to queries within 2 business days.

You may also be asked to send the System Information. Refer to the explanation on System
Information accessible on the [Help] tab in the Backstage.

Anthony Furr Software

ABN 74 992 513 430

97 Mt Pleasant Road
Nunawading, Victoria 3131

P 03 9878 4684
F 03 9878 4685

support@[Link]
[Link]

[End]

Page 26

Copyright © 2002-2020 Anthony Furr Software