BathAfrica: Add source-reviewed, step-by-step OpenSite user workflow

2026-10-29T22:08:38Z

Add source-reviewed, step-by-step OpenSite user workflow

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__NOTOC__
{{OpenSite scope}}
{{OpenSite lesson
|id=opensite.help.use-material-manager
|summary=Create and inspect user-defined material data through the graphical interface.
|prerequisites=A new practice document and the material-library extension. The example values below are educational, not an approved material grade.
|steps=
=== Open the manager ===
Activate the document and choose {{MenuCommand|Tools → Material Manager}}. A Materials group can also expose Material Manager/Add Material from its context menu.

=== Choose user-defined data ===
Use {{Button|Add Material...}}. Do not expect New from Library to offer verified production standard grades: production catalog content has not been selected in this baseline.

=== Enter the practice values ===
Where the Steel/user-material fields apply, use E = <code>210 GPa</code>, Poisson ratio <code>0.28</code> and mass density <code>7850 kg/m³</code>. Use units accepted by the quantity field. Do not enter 210 as if it were automatically GPa.

=== Check derived data ===
The isotropic shear modulus follows G = E / [2(1+ν)]. For this practice input it is <code>82.03125 GPa</code>. It is derived, not an independent conflicting input. Record validation messages before Save.

=== Save and inspect the document ===
Save the material dialog and inspect the manager/tree. Check number, name, category and validation state. Save the engineering document separately to retain the material on disk.

=== Manage later changes ===
Use Edit, Duplicate, Renumber and Show Usage/Show Users deliberately. Inspect references before deleting. Import/Export transfers material data, not an entire project. See [[OpenSite/Guides/Edit duplicate and renumber materials]] and [[OpenSite/Guides/Exchange materials]].
|result=Your practice document contains a user material with the expected units and derived modulus.
|limitations=Validation checks the record; it does not certify a design-standard grade. SRC constituent references are not a homogenized modulus, and RC does not imply a completed reinforced-concrete design model.
}}

== Continue learning ==
[[OpenSite/User manual|User manual]] · [[OpenSite/Tutorials|Tutorial pathways]] · [[OpenSite/Support|Get help]]

<div class="os-page-nav">{{Docnav|OpenSite/Materials|OpenSite/Guides/Create a material|OpenSite/User manual|User manual}}</div>
[[Category:OpenSite documentation]]

OpenSite/Guides/Use Material Manager - Revision history

BathAfrica: Add source-reviewed, step-by-step OpenSite user workflow