This example demonstrates how non-linear cable members can be modelled in STAAD.

In this example, members 1 and 3 are cables.

STAAD PLANE
Every input has to start with the word STAAD. The word PLANE signifies that the
structure is a plane frame (2-D) structure.
SET NL 4
This structure has to be analysed for 3 primary load cases. Consequently, the mo
deling of our problem requires us to define 3 sets of data, with each set contai
ning a load case and an associated analysis command. To accommodate these requir
ements, it is necessary to have 2 commands, one called SET NL and the other call
ed CHANGE. The SET NL command is used above to indicate the total number of prim
ary load cases that the file contains. The CHANGE command will come in later (af
ter the PERFORM ANALYSIS command).
UNIT KIP FT
Units for the data to follow are specified above.
JOINT COORD
1 0 0 0 ; 2 10 0 0 ; 3 20 0 0 ; 4 10 15 0
Joint coordinates of nodes 1 to 4 are specified. As the structure is a plane fra
me, the Z coordinates are all the same, namely, 0.0.
MEMB INCI
1 1 4 ; 2 2 4 ; 3 3 4
The connectivity of the members (the 2 nodes between which each member is connec
ted) is specified above.
UNIT INCH
MEMB PROP AMERICAN
1 3 PRIS YD 1.0 ZD 1.0
2 TA ST W8x18
The cable members are defined as having a rectangular cross section (1.0 inches
X 1.0 inches). The vertical member is assigned a W8X18 section from the American
steel table.
MEMBER CABLE
1 3 TENSION 50.0
The cables are subjected to an initial tension of 50.0 kips.
CONST
E STEEL ALL
POISSON STEEL ALL
The material constants, namely, Modulus of Elasticity, and Poisson's ratio, are
specified. The value assigned happens to be the built-in default value for steel
.
SUPPORT

1 3 PINNED
2 FIXED
Nodes 1 and 3 are Pinned supported. Node 2 is fully restrained.
LOAD 1
JOINT LOAD
4 FX 0.01
Load case 1 happens to be a 10 pound force along the global X direction at node
4.
PERF CABLE ANALY SAGMIN 0.0 PRINT STATIC CHECK
In order to instruct STAAD to analyse structures having cable members using the
non-linear analysis approach, the command required is PERFORM CABLE ANALYSIS. Th
e SAGMIN parameter is specified as having a value of 0.0 to account for full sag
E reduction. The static equilibrium report is sought using the keywords PRINT S
TATICS CHECK.
CHANGE
The CHANGE command restores the original structure to prepare it for the analysi
s for the next primary load case.
LOAD 2
JOINT LOAD
4 FX 40.0
Load case 2 consists of a 40 kip force along the global X direction at node 4.
PERF CABLE ANALY SAGMIN 0.0 PRINT STATIC CHECK
CHANGE
The ANALYSIS instruction is specified for the 2nd load case.
LOAD 3
JOINT LOAD
4 FX 46.3
Load case 3 consists of a 46.3 kip force along the global X direction at node 4.
PERF CABLE ANALY SAGMIN 0.0 PRINT STATIC CHECK
CHANGE
The ANALYSIS instruction is specified for the 3rd load case.
LOAD LIST ALL
In a multiple analysis sequence like the one above, by default, only the last sp
ecified load case is "active" at any given stage. The above command restores all
load cases to the "active" state for further processing.
PRINT JOINT DISP
PRINT MEMB FORCES
PRINT SUPPORT REACT
Analysis results, namely, Joint Displacements, Support Reactions, and Member For

ces are requested.

FINISH