FAQ's
Q1. How much does the MASTAN2 software cost?
Nothing—there is no charge to use MASTAN2 (either the Standalone/MATLAB version or the Web version).
Q2. Is MATLAB required?
MATLAB is required only for the Standalone/MATLAB Version (v5.2). The MASTAN2-Web version runs directly in any modern browser and requires no installation or MATLAB license.
Q3. What units does MASTAN2 assume?
The only requirement with regard to MASTAN2's units is that consistent units should be used in defining loads, moments, section properties, lengths, material properties, etc.
Examples:
1. Analysis in kips and inches:
Input: E and Fy = ksi, A = in², I = in⁴, Force = kips, Moment = kip‑in, Wt. Density = k/in³
Output: Deflections = in, Rotations = rads, Reaction and Member Forces = kips, Reaction and Member Moments = kip‑in
2. Analysis in metric might include kN and mm:
Input: E and Fy = kN/mm², A = mm², I = mm⁴, Force = kN, Moment = kN‑mm, Wt. Density = kN/mm³
Output: Deflections = mm, Rotations = rads, Reaction forces = kN, Member forces = kN, member moments = kN‑mm
Note that the AISC database of section properties available in MASTAN2 comes in inch and mm units.
Rule of thumb:
In working in consistent units, first decide on the units you would like the deflections to be provided in (i.e. in, mm, etc.). Then decide on the units that you will use to define the applied forces (i.e. kip, kN, etc.). Now define all remaining quantities in terms of these length and force units.
Examples:
1. Analysis in kips and inches:
Input: E and Fy = ksi, A = in², I = in⁴, Force = kips, Moment = kip‑in, Wt. Density = k/in³
Output: Deflections = in, Rotations = rads, Reaction and Member Forces = kips, Reaction and Member Moments = kip‑in
2. Analysis in metric might include kN and mm:
Input: E and Fy = kN/mm², A = mm², I = mm⁴, Force = kN, Moment = kN‑mm, Wt. Density = kN/mm³
Output: Deflections = mm, Rotations = rads, Reaction forces = kN, Member forces = kN, member moments = kN‑mm
Note that the AISC database of section properties available in MASTAN2 comes in inch and mm units.
Rule of thumb:
In working in consistent units, first decide on the units you would like the deflections to be provided in (i.e. in, mm, etc.). Then decide on the units that you will use to define the applied forces (i.e. kip, kN, etc.). Now define all remaining quantities in terms of these length and force units.
Q4. In attempting to perform an analysis, I get "Unstable Structure." Do you have any suggestions on what to look for and how to resolve this problem?
Yes, there are many reasons why structural analysis software such as MASTAN2 will indicate "Unstable Structure." Below is a link to a PDF file that contains the primary reasons. In reviewing these, please keep in mind that every node has six degrees of freedom (3 translation and 3 rotation) and all d.o.f. in a structural system must be restrained from moving freely. This restraint may be provided by elements connected to the node and/or by a support condition.
Click here to obtain PDF file
Click here to obtain PDF file
Q5. I am having installation issues with the Standalone version (DLL errors, MCRInstaller, .NET Framework, etc.).
These issues apply only to the Standalone/MATLAB Version. Please follow the original installation instructions and install the required Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package. The MASTAN2-Web version has no installation requirements.
Q6. Will the Standalone version run on Mac computers?
The Standalone version has compatibility limitations on certain older Mac architectures. The MASTAN2-Web version is fully platform-independent and runs on any modern browser (Mac, Windows, or Linux).
Q7. I experience printing problems on Mac OSX with the Standalone version.
This issue is specific to the Standalone/MATLAB version. The MASTAN2-Web version uses standard browser printing functions and does not require additional configuration.
Q8. What is MASTAN2-Web?
MASTAN2-Web is a comprehensive, browser-based implementation of the MASTAN2 structural analysis software. It delivers advanced second-order inelastic analysis, including GMNIA, in a fully offline, interactive, and platform-independent environment.
Direct Access: https://www.mastan2.com/web
Direct Access: https://www.mastan2.com/web
Q9. Can MASTAN2-Web be used offline?
Yes. Once the page is loaded, MASTAN2-Web operates completely offline with full functionality.