Microstran Excel Addin, allows users to leverage their existing calculation spreadsheets to export loads, load cases and load combinations for import into Microstran.
1. Download and install Excel Addin
Download the Addin from link below:
Once extracted, place the *.xlam file in “C:\Users\[USER NAME]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\AddIns”.
Then open Excel, Developer, Excel Add-ins and select Microstranexcel per below screenshot
Once installed, the Ribbon in MS Excel should like the below in any workbook.
2. Using the Addin
Clicking the "Initialize" button will add the following sheets in your (existing or new) workbook. (Note that initialize is a safe action, it ensures your workbook has the correct data sheet to proceed). Do not rename any of the added spreadsheets below
Microstran_LoadCase
By default, it has added some default cases, you can override these or retain them as you wish, "Case No" must be unique and non-repeating. Add your data down the table.
Microstran_LoadComb
Column "A" Combination No needs to follow on from the last Case No as defined in sheet "Microstran_LoadCase".
Microstran_LoadMember
This sheet defines the loads that correspond to a particular primary load case. Currently it only supports UDL on members. To have loads come through the export, Member No must match that as defined in Microstran.
| Case No | Refers to the load case number |
| Member No | Unique Member No that corresponds to that in Microstran |
| Form | Keep this as UNIF, only supported load type for the time being |
| Type | FY,FX,FZ,MX,MY or MZ |
| Axis | Either GL for Global or LO for Local |
| F1 | Load Value |
Fill in the data sheets above via formulas linking to your other "Calculation" spreadsheet. Once completed, click the "Export" button in the ribbon.
This will write to a designated "Load Case Template" file on your computer
In your Microstran model, go to Loads, Import Load Case Template
The designated Load Case Template file is entitled "Fromexcel.ltp"
After completing the above, and (assuming the corresponding member number exist in both the data sheet and Microstran model) you should get an similar to below:
The example above is trivial, but can be very powerful time saver for instances where you have many member loads, load cases and load combinations defined in Excel.