Lecture 20 – Computer Structural Analysis using “STAAD”

BACKGROUND:
Structural analysis by hand methods is feasible only for relatively simple structural
members such as simply-supported beams and other 2-dimensional statically
determinate frames. The real world, however, is much more complex and is composed
of structures having multiple stories and supports, trusses, space frames, flat plates,
arches, etc. Prior to the advent of digital computers in the 1960s, the analysis of these
structures was most likely performed by “approximate” methods (such as moment
distribution and portal analysis), or more rigorous exact methods involving applications
of matrix and differential math.

Originally, computer structural analysis was developed by mechanical and aerospace

engineers for the airplane industry to calculate stresses on the wings and fuselage.
Over the years, software was further developed and refined for usage by structural
engineers to include analysis of structural elements as well as design of these
members.

Basics of Computer Structural Analysis:

All computer based structural analysis programs work in a similar manner – the
structure is broken into individual joints and members and Hooke’s law is used to
determine forces, stresses, deflections and moments from large matrices of the load
interactions between the joints and members.

Joint

Member

STAAD Computer Software:

STAAD Pro is one of many commercially available general-purpose structural
analysis/design software packages. STAAD is an acronym for STructural Analysis and
Design, and was introduced in the early 1980s. It is capable of analyzing the largest 3-
dimensional projects such as skyscrapers, stadiums, etc., or simple beams, trusses, or
any other structural member or system.

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 STAAD Truss Analysis Example:
The following simple truss will be analyzed using STAAD:

ALL members are

nominal 2x4 wood
(actual 1½” x 3½”)
B

8’-0”
C
A
D R2 R2 = 4500 Lbs.
R1
R1 = 4500 Lbs.
9000 lbs.
10’-0” 10’-0”

By hand-calculations, it was determined that the forces in the members are as follows:

Member: Force: Tension or Compression: Stress:

AB and BC 7203 lbs. Compression 1372 PSI
AD and DC 5625 lbs. Tension 1071 PSI
BD 9000 lbs. Tension 1714 PSI

To begin the analysis, a computer model of the truss must be determined, and joints
must be defined (in X,Y coordinates) and members must be assigned as follows:

2 (10’,8’) Member No.

Load
1 2 Stress =
5 Area

1 3 (20’,0’) 9000 Lbs.

4 =
(0’,0’) 3 4 (1.5" x3. 5")
(10’,0’)
Joint No. and
coordinates = 1714 PSI
Member No. Start Joint: End Joint:
1 1 2
2 2 3
3 1 4
4 3 4
5 2 4

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Follow the following steps to input the computer model, run the analysis and view &
print the results:

1. Open the STAAD program by the following:

START → PROGRAMS → STAAD Pro Rel.3.1 → STAAD

This will open the program and will look like:

New Structure
Icon

2. Pick the “New Structure” icon (or, go to File → New) and the following will appear:

Be sure to click
“Truss” and put in a
title as shown here.
Then pick “Next”.

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3. The next screen will look like the following:

Be sure to click
“Foot” and
“Pound”, then pick
“Next”.

Another screen will appear, pick “Finish”.

4. You are now in the main graphic environment of the program, and the screen will
look like the following:

STAAD Editor
Icon

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5. Save your work by clicking on the Save icon. At this point, you are ready to begin
inputting your geometry. First, you must SAVE your work by clicking on the Save
icon. The easiest way to do this is by picking the STAAD Editor icon (see above)
and input information EXACTLY as shown below:

Joint 1 coordinates 0’,0’

Joint 2 coordinates 10’,8’
Joint 3 …

Member 1 is between Joints 1 & 2

Member 2 is between Joints 2 & 3
Member 3 …

YD = Depth in “Y” direction = 3.5”

ZD = Width in “Z” direction = 1.5”

Load of -9000 lb in the “Y”

direction at Joint 4 (minus =
downward force)

When finished inputting the information EXACTLY as shown above, click the “X” (close)
button. The following screen will appear: (See next page)

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 Analyze

STAAD
Output

6. You are now ready to analyze the structure you just created. From the root menu,
select “Analyze” (see above) and pick “Run Analysis”. You will then see the
following:

Be sure to pick “STAAD

Analysis” and then hit the
“Run Analysis” button

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The next screen should look like the following. IF you made any mistakes in your input,
you will be informed! Hit the “Done” button.

7. If you get any error messages, you can edit your input by hitting the “STAAD Editor”
icon (see Step 4 above) to revise tour work, then follow Steps 5 and 6. DON’T GET
s likely you will need to “tweak” your input to get the proper results of your analysis.
BE PATIENT.

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8. You can view your results after you have run your analysis by picking the “STAAD
Output” icon (see Step 5 above). Here you will be able to view your results and
decide if you need to revise your input. The following is the STAAD output of your
analysis:

Print

9. IF YOUR RESULTS ARE CORRECT, you can print the output by hitting the “Print”
icon (see above).

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 Watch Units!!!

Support Reactions

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 Watch Units!!!

Member Forces

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 Watch Units!!!

Member Stresses T = Tension

C = Compression

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