Software Application Lab

Software Application Lab Manual

22CVL58

2024-25 (Odd Sem)

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 1
 Software Application Lab

Chapter 1
Introduction to STAAD Pro
Introduction

STAAD is a popular structural analysis application known for analysis. STAAD helps
structural engineers perform 3D structural analysis and design for both steel and concrete
structures. A physical model created in the structural design software can be transformed into
an analytical model for structural analysis. Many design code standards are incorporated into
STAAD to make sure that the structural design complies with local regulations.

STAAD. Pro Stands for Structural Analysis and Design Program software widely used
in civil engineering for modeling, analyzing, and designing a variety of structures such as
buildings, bridges, towers, tunnels, and more. It offers a comprehensive and versatile set of
tools for engineers to simulate the behaviour of structures under various loading conditions,
including static, dynamic, and nonlinear analyses.

❖ It includes a state-of-the-art user interface, visualization tools and international design

codes.
❖ It is used for 3D model generation, Analysis and Multi-material design.
❖ The commercial version of STAAD.Pro supports several steel, concrete and timber
design codes.
❖ It is one of the software applications created to help structural engineers to automate
their tasks and to remove the tedious and long procedures of the manual methods.

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 2
 Software Application Lab

❖ The stiffness analysis implemented in STAAD is based on the matrix displacement

method.
❖ In the matrix analysis of structures by the displacement method, the structure is first
idealized into an assembly of discrete structural components (frame members or finite
elements). Each component has an assumed form of displacement in a manner which
satisfies the force equilibrium and displacement compatibility at the joints.
❖ First structural software which adopted Matrix Methods for the method of analysis was
STAAD.

History

STAAD.Pro was originally developed by Research Engineers International in Yorba

Linda, CA. In late 2005, Research Engineer International was bought by Bentley Systems.

Structure

STRUCTURE can be defined as an assemblage of elements. STAAD can analyze and

designing structures consisting of both frame, and finite elements. Almost any type of structure
can be analyzed by STAAD.

Frame elements – Beam elements – 2 nodes

Finite elements – Plate – 3 or 4 nodes

- Solid – 4 to 8 nodes
In STAAD

Node refers to Joint - it has a number and XYZ coordinates.

Beam refers to Member - it has a number and nodes at its ends.

Plate refers to Element - it has a number and node at its corners.

Types of Structure
❖ A TRUSS structure consists of truss members which can have only axial member forces
and no bending in the members.
❖ A PLANE structure is bound by a global X-Y coordinate system with loads in the same
plane.
❖ A SPACE structure, which is a three-dimensional framed structure with loads applied in
any plane, is the most general.

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 3
 Software Application Lab

❖ A FLOOR structure is a two- or three-dimensional structure having no horizontal (global

X or Z) movement of the structure [FX, FZ & MY are restrained at every joint]. The floor
framing (in global X-Z plane) of a building is an ideal example of a FLOOR structure.
Columns can also be modelled with the floor in a FLOOR structure as long as the structure
has no horizontal loading. If there is any horizontal load, it must be analyzed as a SPACE
structure.

STAAD.Pro Workflow Process:

All structural analysis software generally consists of three parts:

❖ Pre-Processing: Generates the model, assembles, and organizes all data needed for the
analysis.
❖ Processing: Calculates displacements, member forces, reactions, stresses, etc.
❖ Post Processing: Displays the results.

The process of modeling and designing in STAAD.Pro can be summarized into the
following general workflow process, which is suggested inherently by the on-screen
organization of the tabs within the program:
1.Basic Geometry: Define the basic geometry of the structure using beams, columns, plates
and/or solid elements.
2.Section Properties: Define the sizes of members by width, depth, cross sectional shape, etc.
3.Materials Constants: Specify material such as timber, steel, concrete, or aluminium to
define Poisson’s Ratio, Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, density, etc.
4.Member Specifications: Define member orientations, member offsets, member releases
where moment transfer is to be limited or eliminated, and conditions that only allow a partial
transfer of certain types of forces such as tension-only.
5.Supports: Define support locations and boundary conditions including moment fixity,
support stiffness, and support angle.
6.Loads: Assign loads such as self-weight, dead, live, wind and seismic, and define load
combinations.
7.Analysis Instructions: Indicate the type of analysis to be performed (regular analysis, P-
delta, Buckling, Pushover, etc.) and define associated options.
8.Post Processing Commands: Extract analysis results, review deflected shapes, prepare
shear and moment diagrams, generate tables to present results, etc.
9.Design Commands: Specify (for steel, concrete, timber, etc.)

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 4
 Software Application Lab

Fig 1.1 Start Page of STAAD Pro

STAAD Pro. key features:

(A) = Title bar (B) = Menu bar
(C) = Toolbars (D) = Mode bar
(E) = Page Control (F) = View window
(G) = Data area (H) = Status bar

Fig 1.2 For STAAD Pro. Key Elements

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 5
 Software Application Lab

Fig 1.3 STAAD Pro. Toolbars and icon views

Chapter 2
Analysis of Two-Dimensional Structures
Two-dimensional (2D) structures refer to structural elements or systems that are
primarily analyzed and designed within a two-dimensional plane. Unlike three-dimensional
(3D) structures, which have depth or thickness in addition to length and width, 2D structures
are characterized by having only length and width dimensions.

Common examples of 2D structures include:

1. Beam: A beam is a fundamental structural element that primarily carries loads
perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Beams are commonly used in construction to
support and distribute loads, such as the weight of floors, roofs, and vehicles, over long
spans.
2. Frames: Frames consist of interconnected beams and columns, typically forming a
grid-like structure. They are commonly used in buildings, bridges, and other structures
to provide support and stability.
3. Trusses: Trusses are assemblies of straight members connected at their ends to form
triangles or other stable geometric shapes. They are often used in roofs, bridges, and
towers to efficiently support loads and span long distances.

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 6
 Software Application Lab

In engineering practice, 2D structural analysis and design are commonly performed

using software tools like STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, or ETABS, which allow engineers to model,
analyze, and optimize various types of 2D structures efficiently. These tools utilize
mathematical models and algorithms to calculate internal forces, deformations, and other
relevant parameters to ensure that the structures meet safety, performance, and code
requirements. While 2D structures offer simplicity in analysis and design compared to 3D
structures, they still require careful consideration of loads, support conditions, material
properties, and other factors to ensure structural integrity and performance.

Analysis of Continuous Beam

Objective: Analyze the following Two-Dimensional continuous beam (Fig: 2.1) under vertical
loads and find out the following values
a. Support reactions
b. Shear Force and
c. Bending moment
d. Displacement (Deflection)
A continuous beam is a type of structural beam that extends over multiple supports.
This design provides increased structural stability and load distribution, compared to a simple
beam with only two supports. Unlike simply supported beams, which are supported at their
ends only, continuous beams have support at more than two points. This arrangement allows
them to distribute loads more efficiently and reduces bending moments compared to simply
supported beams of the same span length. The primary advantage of continuous beams is their
ability to provide greater resistance to bending moments and deflections, resulting in a more
stable and structurally efficient system. Continuous beams are commonly used in building
construction for floor and roof systems, as well as in bridges and other infrastructure projects.
They can be made of various materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, or timber, depending
on the specific requirements of the project and the desired structural performance. Designing
continuous beams involves considerations such as span length, support conditions, applied
loads, material properties, and code requirements. Structural engineers use analytical methods
and software tools like STAAD.Pro to analyze and design continuous beams, ensuring they
meet safety, durability, and functionality standards.

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 7
 Software Application Lab

Fig: 2.1 Continuous Beam

Procedure:
1. Geometry (Model creating):
❖ Open STAAD Pro. software →File → New →Write the File Name and select
Location→ Length Units = Metric, → Create.
❖ Now put the coordinates right side node table for point A (X=0, Y=0,Z=0), B (X=4,
Y=0, Z=0), C (X=9, Y=0, Z=0), D (X=15, Y=0, Z=0), Then add beam by giving the
member nodes at right side of beam table as member AB (node 1 to 2), BC (node 2 to
3) and CD (node 3 to 4).
2. Properties:
Property: Define →Rectangle →Material = CONCRETE → YD = 0.3 m, ZD
=0.23 m → Add →Close then for Assign select the property and click on Assign to View
→Assign → Yes.
3. Supports:
Create →Fixed → Pinned → Add.
Now for Assign click on the Support type →Select the Support point in Beam →Assign to
Selected Nodes →Assign →Yes
4. Loading
❖ Load Cases Details → Add → Loading Type = Dead →Title = Dead Load or DL →
Add → Again Loading Type = Live →Title = Live Load or LL → Add → Close.
❖ DL →Add →Self weight →Direction = Y, Factor = -1→Add →Close. Then
SELFWEIGHT Y-1 →Assign to View →Assign →Yes.
❖ For Given loads: Again, Live Load or LL →Add →Member Load →Concentrated
Force →P1 = -50 kN, d1= 2 m, d2=0.115 m →Direction = Y(Local) →Add
→Close, then click on defined force and select the required Beam → Assign to
selected Beams →Assign →Yes.
❖ The same process follows for others Concentrated and Uniform distributed forces.

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 8
 Software Application Lab

❖ Load Combination: Load Cases Details → Add →Define Combinations →Name =

UFL →Select DL → click on > and input ai = 1.5, LL → click on > and input ai =
1.5→ Add
5. Analysis:
❖ From left corner side click on Analysis/print Command →Click on Static Check or All
→Add →Close
❖ Click on Pre analysis command → Define commands → All → Add → Close.
❖ Click on Post analysis command → Define commands → Analysis results → Add →
Close.
❖ Click on Run Analysis → Save → Go to post processing mode →Done →Selected
load cases = DL+LL →Apply →OK.
❖ For Support Reactions use node cursor and click on the support point →Reactions.
Then get the Table for all Support Reactions.
❖ For Beam Forces: click on Beam →Graphs the find out Bending moment, Shear force,
and Axial force by clicking on required Beam from the following.
❖ For Displacement (Deflection) of point go to Result (from Menu bar) →Deflection.
use node cursor and click on the required point by using Node cursor →Displacements.
Then get the Table for all Node Displacements.

6. Results
a. Support Reaction

b. Shear Force

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 9
 Software Application Lab

c. Bending Moment

d. Displacement.

Practice Problems

Analysis of Portal Frame

Objective: Analyze the following Two-Dimensional Portal frame (Fig: 2.2) under vertical
loads and find out the following values
a. Support reactions
b. Shear Force and
c. Bending moment
d. Displacement (Deflection)
A portal frame is a structural system commonly used in building construction to
provide support and stability for low to medium-rise structures. It consists of vertical columns
PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 10
 Software Application Lab

and horizontal beams rigidly connected to form a framework that supports the building's roof
and floors. The distinctive characteristic of portal frames is their rigid joints, which connect
the columns and beams at their intersections. These connections resist rotation, ensuring that
the frame behaves as a single structural unit capable of carrying both vertical and lateral loads.
Portal frames offer several advantages:
Clear Span: Portal frames typically provide clear spans without the need for intermediate
supports, allowing for flexible and open interior spaces within the building.
Lateral Stability: The rigidity of the connections in portal frames provides inherent lateral
stability to the structure, enabling it to resist horizontal loads such as wind and seismic forces
without the need for additional bracing.
Economical: Portal frames are often more economical than other structural systems due to
their simplicity in design and construction. They require fewer materials and labour compared
to alternative systems, making them a cost-effective choice for many building projects.
Portal frames are commonly used in various building types, including
warehouses, industrial buildings, agricultural structures, and commercial buildings. They are
also suitable for applications where large, open interior spaces are desired, such as sports
arenas and exhibition halls. The design and analysis of portal frames involve considerations
such as structural loads, material properties, connection details, and code requirements.
Engineers use structural analysis software and design codes to ensure that portal frames meet
safety, stability, and performance standards.
Overall, portal frames are versatile and efficient structural systems that offer clear
spans, inherent stability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a popular choice for a wide range
of building projects.

Fig: 2.2 Portal Frame

Procedure:
1. Geometry (Model creating):

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 11
 Software Application Lab

❖ Open STAAD Pro. software →File → New →Write the File Name and select
Location→ Length Units = Metric, → Create.
❖ Now put the coordinates right side node table for point A (X=0, Y=4,Z=0), B (X=4,
Y=4, Z=0), C (X=4, Y=0, Z=0), D (X=8, Y=4, Z=0), E (X=8, Y=0, Z=0) Then add
beam by giving the member nodes at right side of beam table as member AB (node 1
to 2), BC (node 2 to 3), BD (node 2 to 4) and ED (node 4 to 5).
2. Properties:
Property: Define →Rectangle →Material = CONCRETE → YD = 0.3 m, ZD
=0.23 m → Add →Close then for Assign select the property and click on Assign to View
→Assign → Yes.
3. Supports:
Create → Pinned → Add.
Now for Assign click on the Support type →Select the Support point in Beam →Assign to
Selected Nodes →Assign →Yes
4. Loading
❖ Load Cases Details → Add → Loading Type = Dead →Title = Dead Load or DL → Add
→ Again Loading Type = Live →Title = Live Load or LL → Add → Close.
❖ DL →Add →Self weight →Direction = Y, Factor = -1→Add →Close. Then
SELFWEIGHT Y-1 →Assign to View →Assign →Yes.
❖ For Given loads: Again, Live Load or LL →Add →Member Load →Concentrated Force
→P1 = -60 kN, d1= 1.5 m, d2=0.115 m →Direction = Y(Local) →Add →Close, then
click on defined force and select the required Beam → Assign to selected Beams
→Assign →Yes.
❖ The same process follows for others Concentrated and Uniform distributed forces.
❖ Load Combination: Load Cases Details → Add →Define Combinations →Name = UFL
→Select DL → click on > and input ai = 1.5, LL → click on > and input ai = 1.5→ Add
5. Analysis:
❖ From left corner side click on Analysis/print Command →Click on Static Check or All
→Add →Close
❖ Click on Pre analysis command → Define commands → All → Add → Close.
❖ Click on Post analysis command → Define commands → Analysis results → Add → Close.
❖ Click on Run Analysis → Save → Go to post processing mode →Done →Selected load
cases = DL+LL →Apply →OK.

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 12
 Software Application Lab

❖ For Support Reactions use node cursor and click on the support point →Reactions. Then
get the Table for all Support Reactions.
❖ For Beam Forces: click on Beam →Graphs the find out Bending moment, Shear force, and
Axial force by clicking on required Beam from the following.
❖ For Displacement (Deflection) of point go to Result (from Menu bar) →Deflection. use
node cursor and click on the required point by using Node cursor →Displacements. Then
get the Table for all Node Displacements.
6. Results
a. Support Reaction b. Displacement

c. Bending Moment d. Shear Force

Practice Problems

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 13
 Software Application Lab

Analysis of Truss
Objective: Analyze the following Two-Dimensional truss (Fig: 2.3) and find out the following
values
a. Support reactions
b. Forces on the members
A truss is a structural framework made up of straight members connected at their
ends to form triangles or other stable geometric shapes. Trusses are used to support structures
over long spans while minimizing material usage. They're commonly seen in roofs, bridges,
towers, and other structures where strength, stability, and efficiency are key. Trusses distribute
loads effectively and can be made from various materials like steel, timber, or aluminium.
Designing trusses involves optimizing member sizes, connections, and overall stability to
ensure they meet safety standards and performance requirements.

Fig: 2.3 Truss

Procedure:
1. Geometry (Model creating):

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 14
 Software Application Lab

❖ Open STAAD Pro. software →File → New →Write the File Name and select
Location→ Length Units = Metric, → Create.
❖ Now put the coordinates right side node table for point A (X=0, Y=0,Z=0), B (X=3,
Y=3, Z=0), C (X=3, Y=0, Z=0), D (X=6, Y=4, Z=0), E (X=6, Y=0, Z=0), F (X=9,
Y=3, Z=0), G (X=9, Y=0, Z=0), H (X=12, Y=0, Z=0) Then add beam by giving the
member nodes at right side of beam table as member AB (node 1 to 2), BC (node 2 to
3), AC (node 1 to 3), CD (node 3 to 4), CE (node 3 to 5), BD (node 2 to 4), AC (node
1 to 3) and ED (node 4 to 5).
2. Properties:
Property: Define →Rectangle →Material = CONCRETE → YD = 0.3 m, ZD
=0.23 m → Add →Close then for Assign select the property and click on Assign to View
→Assign → Yes.
3. Supports:
Create → Pinned → Add.
Now for Assign click on the Support type →Select the Support point in Beam →Assign to
Selected Nodes →Assign →Yes
4. Loading
❖ Load Cases Details → Add → Loading Type = Dead →Title = Dead Load or DL → Add
→ Again Loading Type = Live →Title = Live Load or LL → Add → Close.
❖ DL →Add →Self weight →Direction = Y, Factor = -1→Add →Close. Then
SELFWEIGHT Y-1 →Assign to View →Assign →Yes.
❖ For Given loads: Again, Live Load or LL →Add →Member Load →Concentrated Force
→P1 = -60 kN, d1= 1.5 m, d2=0.115 m →Direction = Y(Local) →Add →Close, then
click on defined force and select the required Beam → Assign to selected Beams
→Assign →Yes.
❖ The same process follows for others Concentrated and Uniform distributed forces.
❖ Load Combination: Load Cases Details → Add →Define Combinations →Name = UFL
→Select DL → click on > and input ai = 1.5, LL → click on > and input ai = 1.5→ Add
5. Analysis:
❖ From left corner side click on Analysis/print Command →Click on Static Check or All
→Add →Close
❖ Click on Pre analysis command → Define commands → All → Add → Close.
❖ Click on Post analysis command → Define commands → Analysis results → Add → Close.

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 15
 Software Application Lab

❖ Click on Run Analysis → Save → Go to post processing mode →Done →Selected load
cases = DL+LL →Apply →OK.
❖ For Support Reactions use node cursor and click on the support point →Reactions. Then
get the Table for all Support Reactions.
❖ For Beam Forces: click on Beam →Graphs the find out Bending moment, Shear force, and
Axial force by clicking on required Beam from the following.
❖ For Displacement (Deflection) of point go to Result (from Menu bar) →Deflection. use
node cursor and click on the required point by using Node cursor →Displacements. Then
get the Table for all Node Displacements.
6. Results
a. Support Reaction b. Displacement

c. Bending Moment d. Shear Force

Practice Problems

Analysis and Design of Ground floor Using Staad Pro.

PREPARED BY GAJENDRA 16