ASIA PACIFIC COLLEGE OF ADVANCED STUDIES, INC.

A.H. BANZON ST., IBAYO, BALANGA CITY, BATAAN

COLLEGE OF MATHEMATICS AND ENGINEERING

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL IN
CE-SPEC 4: COMPUTER SOFTWARES IN
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
MODULE 1: GETTING STARTED

CE-SPEC 4: COMPUTER SOFTWARES IN STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Term Grade
LABORATORY Semestral Grade
Participation/Recitation - 5% (Prelim+Midterm+Final)/3 - 80%
Seatwork - 10% Semestral Output - 20%
Laboratory Output - 70% 100%
Major Exam - 15%
100%

Instructor: Eduard Joseph M. Dela Cruz, RCE, RMP

Lesson 1: Getting Started
2.1 INTRODUCTION
STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition is the most popular structural engineering software product for 3D model
generation, analysis and multi-material design. It has an intuitive, user-friendly graphical user interface,
visualization tools, powerful analysis and design facilities and seamless integration to several other
modeling and design software products. The software is fully compatible with supported Windows
operating systems.

For static or dynamic analysis of bridges, containment structures, embedded structures (tunnels and
culverts), pipe racks, steel, concrete, aluminum or timber buildings, transmission towers, stadiums or any
other simple or complex structure, STAAD.Pro has been the choice of design professionals around the
world for their specific analysis needs.

2.2 ABOUT STAAD PRO

STAAD.Pro is a general-purpose structural analysis and design program with applications primarily in the
building industry — commercial buildings, bridges and highway structures, industrial structures, chemical
plant structures, dams, retaining walls, turbine foundations, culverts and other embedded structures, etc.
The program hence consists of the following facilities to enable this task.
1. Graphical model generation utilities as well as text editor-based commands for creating the
mathematical model. Beam and column members are represented using lines. Walls, slabs and
panel type entities are represented using triangular and quadrilateral finite elements. Solid blocks
are represented using brick elements. These utilities allow you to create the geometry, assign
properties, orient cross sections as desired, assign materials like steel, concrete, timber,
aluminum, specify supports, apply loads explicitly as well as have the program generate loads,
design parameters etc.
2. Analysis engines for performing linear elastic and p-delta analysis, finite element analysis,
frequency extraction, and dynamic response (spectrum, time history, steady state, etc.).
3. Design engines for code checking and optimization of steel, aluminum and timber members.
Reinforcement calculations for concrete beams, columns, slabs and shear walls. Design of shear
and moment connections for steel members.
4. Result viewing, result verification and report generation tools for examining displacement
diagrams, bending moment and shear force diagrams, beam, plate and solid stress contours,
etc.
5. Peripheral tools for activities like import and export of data from and to other widely accepted
formats, links with other popular software programs for niche areas like reinforced and
prestressed concrete slab design, footing design, steel connection design, etc.
6. A library of exposed functions called OpenSTAAD which allows you to access the internal
functions and routines in STAAD.Pro as well as its graphical commands to tap into STAAD.Pro's
database and link input and output data to third-party software written using languages like C,
C++, VB, VBA, FORTRAN, Java, Delphi, etc. Thus, OpenSTAAD can be used to link in-house
or third-party applications with STAAD.Pro.
2.2.1 System Requirements

Processor Intel® Pentium or AMD® processor 3.0 GHz or greater.

Memory 1 GB minimum, 2 GB recommended (4GB for STAAD.Pro Advanced). More memory almost
always improves performance, particularly when working with larger models. 4 GB (8 GB
for STAAD.Pro Advanced) or more can help speed up solutions for very large complex models
with large numbers of load cases.

Video Graphics card supported by OpenGL. See the graphics card manufacturer for latest
information on graphics drivers. 256 MB of video RAM or higher is recommended. If insufficient
video RAM or no graphics card supported by OpenGL can be found, the application will
attempt to use software emulation. For optimal performance, graphics display color depth
should be set to 24-bit or higher. When using a color depth setting of 16-bit, some
inconsistencies will be noted.

Screen A minimum screen resolution of 1280x1024 is required, but higher is recommended.

Resolution
Note: 4k displays are currently not supported.

Hard Disk Requirements will vary depending on the modules you are installing. A typical minimum is
500MB free space.

• Windows 11 (64-bit) - Enterprise

Supported
• Windows 10 (64-bit) - Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education
• Windows 8.1 (64-bit) - Standard, Pro, and Enterprise
Operating
Systems
Note: You must have the following Microsoft updates installed on your machine:

• KB4340917 - For Windows 10 Version 1803 Builds prior to 10.0.17134.191. The changes in
KB4340917 are built into the August 2018 monthly update of Windows 10.
• KB2999226 - For Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, and Windows Server 2012
• KB2999226 - For Windows 8.1 (64bit)
• KB2919355 - For Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012

Bentley does not support its software running on Microsoft operating systems versions that
Microsoft has "retired". For more information on Microsoft's application retirement policy,
click here. For similar information on Bentley products, refer to the Bentley Product
Support article.

Note: Testing is performed on the latest operating system updates from Microsoft at the time
of release.
2.2.2 STAAD.Pro License Options

STAAD.Pro STAAD.Pro Structural Enterprise

Advanced License
Structural Analysis and
Design
Advanced Analysis -

Building Planner1 Included with SELECT Included with SELECT

AutoDrafter Included with SELECT Included with SELECT

Separate license are required for the following:

Foundation Design Isolated, combined, and pile cap foundations only

Connection Design A subset of basic BCF and BCW connections only

STAAD Advanced Concrete Beam, column, and wall

Design design only
Nuclear Design Codes Separate license required

Building Planner was formerly known as STAAD PlanWin.

1

2.2.3 Limits on Models

The following limits to model size are effective for STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition V22 Update 2 (release
22.02.00) and later.
• Number of joints: 400,000*
• Joint number 1 to 999,999
• Number of Members, Physical Members, Plates, and Solids: 500,000*
• Member/Element numbers: 1 to 999,999
• Number of primary and combination cases: 10,101
• Load Case numbers: 1 to 99,999
• Number of modes and frequencies: 2,700
• Number of load cases that may be combined by a Repeat Load or Load Combination command:
550
2.3 FUNDAMENTALS
This section introduces you to some of the fundamental concepts necessary for using STAAD.Pro. You
are strongly encouraged to review this section to gain a firm understanding of the core concepts of the
program.

2.3.1 Starting STAAD.Pro

STAAD.Pro is a powerful structural analysis and design application that is managed through the
management of one or more licenses. The licenses are used to unlock and provide access to features
and capabilities. When starting STAAD.Pro it is important to ensure that the correct licenses are identified
as these will be logged as usage and accounted for against your organization's portfolio. It is
recommended that you check with your organizations manager to ensure you make a suitable selection
that provides all the capabilities you need to achieve your goals.

The fundamental operation of STAAD.Pro itself can operate in one of two levels of primary capabilities
which can be classed as either:
• STAAD.Pro – The basic analysis and design solution.
This requires use of a STAAD.Pro license.
• STAAD.Pro Advanced – The extends the basic STAAD.Pro application with additional
capabilities such as an eigen-based advanced buckling analysis, geometric non-linear analysis,
and other advanced analysis methods, a faster analysis solver, and access to advanced concrete
design using RCDC.
This requires use of both STAAD.Pro AND STAAD.Pro Advanced licenses.

Other additional features and capabilities can be unlocked and accessed with complimentary licenses
such as STAAD Nuclear Design Codes, STAAD.Beava for bridge deck loading, RAM Connection for
the design of steel member connections. These additional licenses can be selected when STAAD.Pro is
started.

1. Start STAAD.Pro by one of the following methods:

double-click the STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition icon on your desktop
or
click the Windows Start button and then select Bentley Engineering > STAAD.Pro
CONNECT Edition V22
or
in the program group, select the STAAD.Pro icon.
or
in Windows Explorer, double-click a STAAD.Pro file (with the file extension .std)
or
in Windows Explorer, double-click the icon for STAADPro.exe.
The STAAD.Pro License Information dialog opens.

2. (Optional) To configure the license for this session:

a. Click Configure Licenses. The STAAD.Pro License Configuration dialog opens.

b. Select the Product Type and any Additional Licenses you need to use for this
session. Please refer to the product ReadMe or click the Help with license selection link for
additional details.

c. Click Accept. The STAAD.Pro window opens to the Start page.

3. Click Continue. The STAAD.Pro window opens to the Start page.

2.3.2 To create a new STAAD.Pro model
To create a new STAAD.Pro model, use the following procedure.
1. On the Start page, select New.
The New page opens to the Model Info tab.

2. Enter a File Name.

3. Specify a Location where the STAAD input file will be located on your computer or network.
You can directly type a file path or click Browse to open the Browse by Folder dialog, which is used to
select a location using a Windows file tree.
4. Select the Type of model. This option selects the modeling method you want to use:

Analytical
For creating a model using either the STAAD.Pro analytical modeling interface or the command
input file editor.
Physical
For creating a model using the STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler interface.
Building
For creating a building model structure using the Building workflow.
Note: When the Z up option is selected in the Application Configuration dialog, then
the Physical model option is disabled for creating new models.

5. Select the system of Units.

English
English Imperial units: feet, pounds, seconds
Metric
System International units: meters, kilograms, seconds
Tip: The units can be changed later if necessary, at any stage of the model creation.
 6. (Optional) Select the Job Info tab to enter related project details, names and dates for quality
analysis, and ProjectWise Project information.
7. (Optional) Type a Title for the model.
8. Select a Model Seed File file by either:
clicking Browse to locate a seed file
or
selecting a previously used seed file from the drop-down list
A seed file is a STAAD.Pro input file that has been pre-populated with model data for use as a
template.
9. Click Create.

The new STAAD.Pro model is opened in either the Analytical Modeling workflow, STAAD.Pro Physical
Modeler, or the Building workflow based on your selection.

2.3.3 Workflows in STAAD.Pro

The program is organized to reflect the typical process of modeling, analyzing, and post-processing for
a structure.

A workflow in STAAD.Pro groups all of the common tasks associated with a major stage of your
structural project.

Overview of Workflows

used to model your structure using analytical objects

Analytical
Modeling
opens the STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler application, which is used to model
Physical Modeling using physical objects which will be subsequently decomposed into analytical
objects when exported back into the STAAD.Pro interface
used to generate concrete building models with the integrated STAAD
Building Planner Building Planner interface
used to import piping support geometry and reactions from Bentley AutoPIPE
Piping
used to review the results of analysis and design as well as to build reports
Postprocessing
used to select load and support data to send to STAAD Foundation
Foundation Design Advanced for design
used to generate construction drawings for steel-framed structures
Steel AutoDrafter
 used to design the analyzed steel structure per the Chinese design code
Chinese Steel in SSDD
Design
used to specify steel connection types and design them in RAM Connection
Connection
Design
opens the Advanced Concrete Design (RCDC) application, which is used for
Advanced the design of concrete building structures
Concrete Design
used to define concrete slabs and transfer data to RAM Concept
Advanced Slab
Design
this postprocessing workflow is used to check if the structure conforms to the
Earthquake basic geometric recommendations made in Eurocode 8 (EC8).

Tip: Once you are familiar with the Workflows, you can free up some screen area by unpinning
the Workflows panel from the program window. It will then collapse to a tab on the left side of the
application window. You can expand the panel by clicking on the tab to display the workflows when
needed.

2.3.3.1 To customize the workflows panel

To hide unused workflows in the STAAD.Pro interface, use the following procedure.

Close any open STAAD.Pro models to display the Start page.

1. On the Start page, click Configure.

The Configure Program dialog opens.

2. Select the Workflows tab.

3. Uncheck any workflows you want hidden in the application interface.

Tip: To reset the Workflows display to the default, check the Workflow Modes option.

4. Click OK.

The next time you open a model in STAAD.Pro these workflows will be hidden. You can un-hide them at
any time by checking the options in the Application Configuration dialog.

2.3.4 Selecting Objects in STAAD.Pro

With even relatively small structural models containing many nodes, beams, plates, loads, and other
model objects, it is important that you be able to select the correct objects for assigning
parameters. STAAD.Pro has a variety of tools to allow you to select objects by type, filter, boolean logic,
and more.
In certain modes of selection, objects are chosen by clicking on their entry in a list. For selecting more
than one object, press and hold <Ctrl> while clicking.

Selection Method

STAAD.Pro allows you to select one of several methods for graphical selection. These are described in
the table below.

To choose a different the selection method, either:

• Select it from the Select ribbon tab in the Modes group, or

• right-click in the view window and select Selection Mode from the pop-up menu.

Selection Description Mouse Action Resulting Shortcut

Type Selection Set

A rectangular
selection box
activated by
Drag holding down the
box left mouse button
and dragging the
pointer to create a
windowed area in
the View window.

Tip: This is
sometimes
referred to as
a "rubber
band" window.

Click and hold <Crtl+Shift+F3>

down the left
mouse button to
Drag draw a line. All
line entities which the
line passes
through will be
selected.
 Selection Description Mouse Action Resulting Shortcut
Type Selection Set

Click the outer <Crtl+Shift+F2>

points of any
polygonal region.
Region Close the polygon
by double-clicking.
All entities fully
enclosed in the
polygon are
selected.

2.3.5 To change the system units

There are two base unit systems in the program which control the units (length, force, temperature, etc.)
in which values — specifically results and other information presented in the tables and report— are
displayed. The base unit system also dictates what type of default values the program uses when
attributes such as Modulus of Elasticity, Density, etc., are assigned based on material types (i.e.., steel,
Concrete, Aluminum) selected from the program’s library (Please refer to Built-In Material Constants).
These two unit systems are English (Foot, Pound, etc.) and Metric (KN, Meter, etc.).

1. On the Start page, click Configure.

The Configure Program dialog opens.

 2. Select appropriate system of units in the Base Unit group on the General.

3. Click OK.

2.3.6 To set the current input units

To change the current length and force units for inputs, use the following procedure.

The current input units used for creating the model and assigning attributes such as properties, offsets,
loads, etc. can be changed to use convenient units.

1. On the Geometry ribbon tab, select the Input Units tool in the Structure group.

The Set Input Units pop-up opens.

 2. Select the base system of Input Units:

English or Metric or Custom (to mix different systems of units)

3. Select a unit for Length on the left and unit for Force on the right.

4. Click Apply.

2.3.7 Coordinates in STAAD.Pro

STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler uses a conventional Cartesian coordinate system, with the global Y axis
assumed as vertical (i.e., "Y up", or the height of the structure is parallel to the global Y axis).

Global Coordinate System

This coordinate system is a rectangular coordinate system (X, Y, Z) which follows the orthogonal "right
hand" rule. This coordinate system may be used to define the joint locations and loading directions. The
translational degrees of freedom are denoted by u1, u2, & u3 and the rotational degrees of freedom are
denoted by u4, u5, & u6.

Degrees of freedom as used in STAAD.Pro

Note: You can toggle on a color-coded axes label placed at the origin (<Shift+I>) in which: X is blue, Y
is red, and Z is green.

Local Coordinates

Each member or surface has its own local Cartesian coordinate system which is also oriented using
the "right hand" rule.

The longitudinal axis of a member is the first axis, with the positive axis taken from the i to the j ends (i.e,
Ni and Nj). The second axis is the oriented such that the 1-2 plane is then parallel to the global Y axis.
The third axis is then normal to the first and second local axes as defined by the right hand rule. The local
2 and 3 axes coincide with the two principle moments of inertia of the cross-section. In the special case
of a vertical member (where the local 1 axis is parallel to the global Y axis; i.e., a column), the local 3 axis
is then made parallel to the global Z axis and the 2 axis is oriented respectively.

(A) (B)

Local coordinates of (A) a member with arbitrary orientation and (B) oriented vertically

Note: Local axes (<Shift+O>) are color-coded as follows in the graphical view window: x is blue, y is red,
and z is green.

For surfaces, the local x axis is aligned with the edge defined by the first two nodes of the surface (i.e.,
N1 and N2). The program then calculates the area of each triangle formed by any other nodes to
determine the largest area. This triangle determines the plane of the surface and the local y axis lies
perpendicular to the x axis within this plane. The third axis is then orthogonal to the surface as defined
by the "right hand" rule.
 Local coordinates of a surface

To use Z as the vertical axis

To re-orient the global axis so that Z is vertical, use the following procedure.

You must close any open STAAD.Pro models in order change program configuration.

Note: Both options follow the "right hand rule."

Global axis orientation options in STAAD.Pro

Important: Not all STAAD.Pro features are compatible with Z UP orientation. Refer to SET { Y | Z }
UP for additional details.

1. On the Start page, select Configure. The Application Configuration dialog opens.

2. On the General tab, select Z up in the Global Axis group.

3. Click OK.

New models will use the Z up orientation of the global axis.

Tip: You can repeat this procedure except to select Y up to return to set Y as vertical.

Any input files which have the SET Z UP command will automatically use this orientation.
2.3.8 Load Types in STAAD.Pro

Several load cases may be created for a structure and each load case may contain several individual
load specifications. Load cases may also be created by combining several existing load cases. A load
case consisting of explicitly defined loads is called a Primary Load Case. A load case which combines
the results of previously defined cases is called a Combination Load Case.

Tip: Here, we wish to introduce you to some of the load terminology and types used in STAAD.Pro. These
concepts are critical in understanding how to correctly model loads on a structure.

Primary Load Cases

A primary load case is a set of explicitly defined loads, presumably from the same physical source, which
will be passed to the analysis engine during the analysis of the model. Each of these explicitly defined
loads is referred to as a Load Item.

In the STAAD input file, a primary load case is indicated by the LOAD n command.

Some examples of where a primary load case would be used are:

• All dead load on a structure.

• The reducible live load on an office building.
• The easterly wind load.
• The dead and live composite load on a pedestrian bridge.
• The superimposed dead load on a post-tensioned floor.

Load Combinations

A load combination is a set of load results which are combined algebraically to produce a superimposed
set of results for post-processing. Therefore, a load combination instructs the program to take the results
of previously solved primary load cases, factor them appropriately, and combine the values using
Algebraic, SRSS or Absolute methods.

In the STAAD input file, a load combination is indicated by the LOAD COMBINATION n command.

Reference Loads

Large models can include multiple load cases which do not require analysis in their own right and are
simply the building blocks for inclusion in primary load cases. Reference Loads may be defined for this
purpose. This is similar to a Repeat Load command, but has the added benefit of not being solved in its
own right.

This converts a real load case to something similar to a load case definition. A reference load case is
solved only when it is later called in a load case. The benefit is that it enables you to define as many load
cases as you wish, but instruct the program to actually solve only a limited number of "real" load cases,
thus limiting the amount of results to be examined.
Notional Loads

A number of design codes require that a notional load be considered. Typically, this is defined lateral load
equal to a percentage of the gravity loads. STAAD.Pro uses a feature similar to a the Repeat Load, but
one that Primary and /or Reference load cases can be selected and a percentage of them can be applied
in the appropriate global direction at each framing level.

These lateral loads are a requirement for some design codes (e.g., AISC 360-10).

Load Lists

A load list is primarily used to specify a list of existing load cases and load combinations to be used for
subsequent processes, such as design, printing, etc.

Load Envelopes

Load Envelopes are a means for clustering a set of load cases under a single moniker (number). If one
or more tasks have to be performed for a set of load cases (such as, serviceability checks under steel
design for one set of load cases, strength checks under steel design for another set of cases, etc.) this
feature is convenient.

This is an alternative to Load Lists, and is primarily used in post-processing and design. Load Envelopes
also have keyword types which identify their intended use in design.

Load Definitions

Definitions contain the options you use to define data required to create wind load cases, seismic load
cases like IBC and UBC, moving load cases, snow load cases, and time history load cases.
LABORATORY OUTPUT NO. 1: Creating a new structure

On the Start page New tab, you will provide some initial data necessary for building the model.

1. On the Start page, select New.

The New page opens to the Model Info tab.

2. Type PORTAL in the File Name field.

3. Specify a Location where the STAAD input file will be located on your computer or network.

You can directly type a file path or click Browse to open the Browse by Folder dialog, which is used to
select a location using a Windows file tree.

4. Select Physical for the Type of model. This option selects the modeling method you want to
use:

5. Select English as the system of Units.

Tip: The units can be changed later if necessary, at any stage of the model creation.

6. (Optional) Select the Job Info tab to enter related project details, names and dates for quality
analysis, and ProjectWise Project information.

7. Click Create.

The STAAD.Pro modeling environment opens and your model file is then opened in
the STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler.