STAAD - Pro Advanced Analysis Engine

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for Student Use is Permitted Student: Jorge Hugo Correa Company: Megacad Ingenieria y Sistemas
emas S.A.S. Class Date: 23-Jan-2014
TRN016890-1/0001
Engine
STAAD.Pro V8i
Bentley Institute Course Guide

STAAD.Pro Advanced Analysis
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Class Date: 23-Jan-2014
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Copyright ©2011, Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

Student: Jorge Hugo Correa
DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for Student Use is Permitted
STAAD.Pro Advanced Analysis Engine 2 Aug-11

Copyright © 2011 Bentley Systems, Incorporated
Table of Contents
Course Overview ____________________________________ 5

Course Description ____________________________________ 5
Target Audience_______________________________________ 5
Course Objectives _____________________________________ 5
Course Prerequisites ___________________________________ 6
Software Prerequisites _________________________________ 6
Modules Included _____________________________________ 6
Advanced Analysis Engine ____________________________ 7

Module Overview _____________________________________ 7
Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 7
Module Objectives_____________________________________ 7
Advanced Analysis Engine _______________________________ 8
Faster Solver _________________________________________ 9

Mesh Generation______________________________________ 13
Tolerance_________________________________________ 13
Generate Surface Meshing Command __________________ 14
Advanced Mesh Generation __________________________ 17
Geometric Non-Linear Analysis ___________________________ 23
Theoretical Buckling Load ____________________________ 24
Linear Elastic Analysis _______________________________ 25
P-Delta Analysis____________________________________ 26
Nonlinear Analysis Commands ________________________ 28

Advanced Buckling Analysis______________________________ 31
Basic Solver _______________________________________ 32
Advanced Solver ___________________________________ 34
Steady State Analysis___________________________________ 40
Modal Calculation __________________________________ 41
Analysis Input _____________________________________ 42
Analysis Results ____________________________________ 46
Floor Spectrum Analysis ________________________________ 49
Node Groups ______________________________________ 49
Time History Analysis Parameters _____________________ 50
Analysis Commands ________________________________ 52
Pushover Analysis _____________________________________ 57
Aug-11 3 Course Name Here

Table of Contents
Pushover Load Definition ____________________________ 57

Analysis Command _________________________________ 60

Restrictions _______________________________________ 65
Module Assessment ___________________________________ 66
Course Summary ____________________________________ 67

Course Summary ______________________________________ 67
Course Name Here 4 Aug-11

Course Overview
Course Description
In this course, you will learn the basic skills to utilize the features of the STAAD.Pro
Advanced Analysis Engine.
Target Audience
This course is recommended for the following audience(s):
• Structural Engineers
Course Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
• Understand the benefits of using the Advanced Analysis Engine for large
models and models that require an iterative analysis
• Use the advanced mesh generation for slabs and other structures
• Perform a geometric non-linear analysis
• Perform an advanced buckling analysis
• Perform a steady state analysis
• Perform a floor spectrum analysis
• Perform a pushover analysis
Aug-11 5 Course Overview

Course Prerequisites
Course Prerequisites
• Advanced knowledge of STAAD.Pro including Dynamic Analysis
Software Prerequisites
This manual was creating using the following software versions:
• STAAD.Pro V8i (SELECTseries 2), version 20.07.07.32

• License: Advanced Analysis Engine
Note: Earlier or later versions of STAAD.Pro may be used with this training manual,
but you may encounter slight differences in the user interface and/or exercises.
Modules Included
The following modules are included in this course:
• Advanced Analysis Engine

Course Overview 6 Aug-11

Advanced Analysis Engine

Module Overview
In this module, you will learn the basic skills to utilize the features of the
STAAD.Pro Advanced Analysis Engine.
Module Prerequisites
• Advanced knowledge of STAAD.Pro including Dynamic Analysis.
Module Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:

Aug-11 7 Advanced Analysis Engine


In the STAAD.Pro Start Page, the License Configuration section indicates which
SELECT licenses are being utilized by the current session of STAAD.Pro using the
following color coding scheme:
• Green: indicates the license is available and selected.
• Grey: indicates the license is not currently selected.
• Red: indicates if the selected license cannot be obtained or is not available

from the server.
Throughout this training, we will focus on the following additional features

available through the Advanced Analysis Engine license:
• Faster solver
• Advanced mesh generation for slabs and other structures
• Geometric non-linear analysis
• Advanced buckling analysis
• Steady state analysis

• Floor spectrum analysis
• Pushover analysis of steel frames using the FEMA-356 code
Advanced Analysis Engine 8 Aug-11

Faster Solver
Faster Solver
One of the advantages of the Advanced Analysis Engine is that it can perform a
complex analysis in a shorter amount of time than the Basic Engine. For example,
the following models were solved using both solvers and the approximate
computation time is documented below:
Basic Solver Advanced Solver

Description Equations STD file size Nodes Elements
Computation Time Computation Time
10.6 MB
1 769000 128000 223000 1500000 sec 530 sec
186200 lines
5.0 MB
2 242250 40462 91273 124660 sec 22 sec
132123 lines
2.1 MB
3 198100 33530 38400 190605 sec 79 sec
35854 lines
2.5 MB
4 184479 30796 74100 40065 sec 199 sec
39375 lines
Tank Form on 1.7 MB
5 178087 29707 31600 5300 sec 62 sec
Mat 25626 lines
1.4 MB
6 113994 19049 39650 12080 sec 29 sec
21583 lines
1.0 MB
7 107607 18056 17730 1791 sec 31 sec
16393 lines
Inactive 1.2 MB
8 91411 16047 26670 6093 sec 61 sec
Members 20022 lines
Master/Slave 1.0 MB 8 sec for static

9 61116 16977 18300 582100 sec
Modes & Freqs 15463 lines 144 sec for modes
1 Master/Slave, 0.5 MB
36963 6180 8630 17364 sec 13 sec
0 IBC, PDelta 8060 lines
1 PDelta, Inactive 2.5 MB
21498 3583 6066 68 sec <1 sec
1 Members 71480 lines
1 1.1 MB
PDelta 13996 2336 5571 68 sec <1 sec
2 61355 lines
Hint: Since the analysis is significantly faster, you will be able to investigate alternate
scenarios for complex structures more quickly and easily using the Advanced
Analysis Engine.

Faster Solver
Note: Structures 9 and 10 are displayed below for reference:


Faster Solver
 Exercise: Review the Advanced Analysis Engine’s Faster Solver

Click, and then click again, on the following video to see a demonstration
1
of the Advanced Analysis Engine:

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for Student Use is Permitted Student: Jorge Hugo Correa Company: Megacad Ingenieria y Sistemas S.A.S. Class Date: 23-Jan-2014
Faster Solver
12 Advanced Analysis Engine

Aug-11
Mesh Generation
Mesh Generation
In STAAD.Pro, surface meshes can be automatically generated using the following

tools:
• Basic Mesh Generation using the Generate Surface Meshing Command
• Advanced Mesh Generation using Parametric Models
Over the following series of exercises we will review basic mesh generation and
discuss the advantages of advanced mesh generation using Parametric Models.
Tolerance
In STAAD.Pro, you have the option to split a member if a new node is added along
the member. When this option is selected and modeling changes cause a new
node to be placed somewhere along the length of an existing beam member, the
existing member will automatically be split at the location of the new node, and
both portions of the split member will be connected to the new node.
Note: If a mesh is created to represent a concrete slab that is intended to behave

monolithically with the supporting reinforced concrete frame, it would be
beneficial to keep this option selected. Then, when a mesh is generated at a

floor level, it will automatically split the beams at the mesh nodes, and transfer
load at the common nodes to represent monolithic behavior between the
beams and slab.
 Exercise: Review the Tolerance Parameters

1 Open Meshing_Basic.std in STAAD.Pro.
2 In the menu bar, select View > Options...

3 In the Options dialog, select the Tolerance item in the left pane and then
enter the following parameter:
• Split member if new node is added on the member: (checked)
Click OK.
4 Keep this model open for the next exercise.

Mesh Generation
Generate Surface Meshing Command

The Generate Surface Meshing command, which does not require the Advanced
Analysis Engine, is used to create a finite element mesh from existing nodes in the
model. Using this tool, polygons can be meshing into quadrilateral or triangular
elements, as follows:
• If the number of corner nodes of the polygon is 4, you will have the option to
select a triangular or quadrilateral mesh.
• If the number of corner nodes is 3 or greater than 4, a triangular mesh will

automatically be assigned.
 Exercise: Create a Surface Mesh using the Generate Surface Meshing tool
1 Continue with the model from the previous exercise.
2 In the menu bar, select Geometry > Generate Surface Mesh or select the
Generate Surface Meshing icon in the Geometry toolbar.
3 In the View Window, click the nodes in the order indicated below:
12
1 10
11
2
3
9
5
4
7
After clicking on the 12th node, right-click to close the polygon.

Mesh Generation
Note: If the number of corner nodes of the polygon is greater than 4, the
quadrilateral meshing option is not available using the Generate Surface
Meshing command.
4 In the Define Mesh Region dialog, enter the following parameters in the
Div. column.

Mesh Generation
Click OK.
5 Zoom into the intermediate node locations and notice that the meshing
did not consider any of the interior nodes.

In addition, the interior beams were not split at the plate locations. Using
the Generate Surface Meshing tool, each bay of this floor system would
have to be modeled separately in order for the interior members and
nodes to be connected to the plate elements.

Mesh Generation
Advanced Mesh Generation

In STAAD.Pro, Parametric Models can be created to preview the final meshed

state of a wall, slab, or panel before deciding to deploy the meshed entity to the
remainder of the model.
Note: Parametric Models can be created without access to the Advanced Analysis
Engine, but the Advanced Analysis Engine allows greater control of the mesh
geometry.
 Exercise: Create a Mesh Model

1 Start STAAD.Pro. In the Start Screen, ensure the Advanced Analysis Engine
is checked.
2 Open Meshing_Advanced.std in STAAD.Pro.
Note: This model is identical to the model used in the previous exercise.
3 In the menu bar, select View > Options...
4 In the Options dialog, select the Tolerance item in the left pane and then
enter the following parameter:
• Split member if new node is added on the member: (checked)
Click OK.
5 In the Page Control area, select the Geometry tab and then the
Parametric Models sub-tab.
6 In the Parametric Models dialog, select the Add... button.
7 In the New Mesh Model dialog, enter the following information:
• Name: Advanced Mesh

• Use nodes and beams that occur on or inside the outer boundary as
additional density points and lines?: (checked)
Note: This option instructs STAAD.Pro to consider the interior nodes and
beams when meshing the polygon. The Generate Surface Mesh tool
does not consider interior nodes and beams when meshing.
Click OK.
Note: Notice that the mouse pointer has changed to the add surface cursor.

Mesh Generation
8 In the View Window, click the nodes in the order indicated below:
12
1 10
11
2
3
9
5
4
7
6
After clicking on the 12th node, right-click to close the polygon.

9 Keep the Mesh Parameters dialog open for the next exercise.

Mesh Generation
Mesh Parameters
The Mesh Parameters dialog is used to automatically generate a finite element

mesh over a boundary area by specifying the following parameters:
• Meshing Method: Select one of the following meshing methods:
• Basic: Supports all three boundary connectivity types, but only
supports triangular elements.
• Standard: Supports boundary connectivity types B or C and only

supports quadrilateral elements.
• Advanced: Supports all three boundary connectivity types and
supports both triangular and quadrilateral elements. Additionally,
using quadrilateral elements with the advanced option supports
specifying minimum edge length, minimum angle, minimum span
angle, and maximum growth rate.
Note: In this training we will focus of the Advanced meshing method, which
requires a license for the Advanced Analysis Engine. The Basic and
Standard meshing methods are available without the Advanced
Analysis Engine.
• Element Type: Select Triangular or Quadrilateral.
• Boundary Connectivity
• A: Only use selected boundary nodes and the boundary edges not
divided. The meshing will be modeled without creating any nodes
along the edges of the boundary. Thus, the entire distance between 2
sequential nodes will form the side of one triangular element. In most
cases, this can lead to poor quality elements and it is best avoided.
• B: Divide boundary segments with specified divisions

• C: Divide boundary segments to optimize mesh quality. This is the
default option and is recommended for most cases.

Mesh Generation
• Target Element Size: Specify a target dimension to use as a guideline when

automatically generating the mesh. This value is nominally used when
dividing the boundary region into finite elements, but the element size is also
determined by other factors such as the distance between boundary and
other density points.
• Default Number of Divisions of Boundary Edges: Specify the number of
boundary edges to use along a boundary segment.
 Exercise: Enter the Mesh Parameters

1 Continue with the model from the previous exercise. The Mesh
Parameters dialog should still be open.
2 In the Mesh Parameters dialog, enter the following information:
• Meshing Method: Advanced
• Element Type: Quad
• Boundary Connectivity: C
• Target Element Size: 36 inches {1 meter}
• Default Number of Divisions of Boundary Edges: 0
Click OK.
3 In the STAAD.Pro dialog, click the No button.


Mesh Generation
Note: Notice that STAAD.Pro automatically considered the interior nodes of

the polygon in the meshing.
Note: Quadrilateral meshing was not available using the Generate Surface
Meshing tool since the overall polygon has more than 4 sides.
Hint: Multiple parametric models can be created to assist you in investigating

alternate mesh patterns.

4 In the Parametric Models dialog, notice the following parameters are
available for customization:
• Minimum Edge Length
• Minimum Angle
• Minimum Span Angle
• Maximum Growth Rate
Note: These additional parameters are only available through the Advanced
Quadrilateral Meshing command.

Mesh Generation
5 In the Parametric Models dialog, click the Merge Mesh button.

Note: Notice that the interior beams have been split at the plate locations.
This will ensure monolithic action between the network of concrete
beams and the concrete slab.

Geometric Non-Linear Analysis

In a traditional first order elastic analysis, increasing the load on a structure will
produce a proportional increase in displacement. In a non-linear analysis,
however, the displacement caused by the load produces additional secondary
effects which will cause additional displacement for the structure.
First Order Analysis
f
fn
KT
fn-1
δd0n δd1n
d
dn-1 d1n d2n dn
In STAAD.Pro, a geometric non-linear analysis can be used to perform an analysis

which accounts for nonlinear effects of moderate displacement and small strain.
This solution holds for where the element distortion is small and small rotations
are assumed.
Note: A license for the Advanced Analysis Engine is required to perform a geometric
non-linear analysis in STAAD.Pro.

Theoretical Buckling Load

In the next series of exercises, we will perform a linear-elastic analysis, a P-Delta

analysis, and a geometric nonlinear analysis for the following model:
• Simple Arch
• Pinned Supports at the Base
• Lateral Restraint at the Crown
• Point Load at the Crown

The theoretical critical buckling force in the arch (with a point load applied at the
crown) should occur at the following load:
15.2EI
- = 284.6LB { 1.266kN }
F cr = ---------------
2
R
Where,
• E = Modulus of Elasticity
• I = Moment of Inertia
• R = Radius of the Arch

Linear Elastic Analysis

Using the PERFORM ANALYSIS command, STAAD.Pro will perform a linear-elastic

(stiffness) analysis.
 Exercise: Perform an Elastic Analysis

1 Open Deep Arch_Linear Analysis.std in STAAD.Pro.
2 In the Page Control Area, select the Analysis/Print tab. The Analysis sub-
tab should be active by default.

3 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, select the Perform Analysis tab
and then click the Add button. Click Close.
4 In the menu bar, select Analyze > Run Analysis...
5 In the Warning dialog, click the Save button.
6 In the STAAD Analysis and Design dialog, click the Go to Post Processing
Mode dialog and then click Done.
7 In the Results Setup dialog, click OK.
8 In the Page Control Area, the Node tab and Displacement tab should be
active.

Note: As the load is applied to the peak of the arch (Node 11), the crown will
deflect vertically, while the sides will bow outwards. In an elastic
analysis, when the load at the crown is increased, the deflection of the
crown increases linearly, as shown in the following graph.
P-Delta Analysis
The PDELTA ANALYSIS command instructs STAAD.Pro to perform a second-order

elastic analysis that considers the effects of the applied loads acting on the
displaced structure (P-Δ effect).
 Exercise: Perform a P-Delta Analysis

1 Open Deep Arch_PDelta Analysis.std in STAAD.Pro.
3 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, select the PDelta Analysis tab and
then enter the following parameters:
• Number of Iterations: 30
• Use Geometric Stiffness (Kg): (unchecked)
• Small Delta: (checked)
Click Add and then click Close.


In the Warning dialog, click the Save button.
5
6 In the STAAD Analysis and Design dialog, click the Go to Post Processing
Mode dialog and then click Done.
8 In the Page Control Area, the Node tab and Displacement tab should be
active.
Note: In a P-Delta Analysis, when the load at the crown is increased, the
deflection at the crown will continue to increase with a buckling effect
that occurs slightly greater than the theoretical buckling load for the
arch with a point load at the crown.
Fcr = 1.266 kN

Nonlinear Analysis Commands

The PERFORM NONLINEAR ANALYSIS command instructs STAAD.Pro to perform a

nonlinear analysis which can account for nonlinear effects of moderate
displacement and small strain. The following command parameters are used to
define a geometric nonlinear analysis:
• ARC: Specifies the value of the absolute displacement limit for the first
analysis step. If the maximum displacement is greater than this limit, ARC will
calculate a new step size for the first step and a new value for STEPS.
Note: ARC = 0 indicates no displacement control.

• Iterations: Specifies the maximum number of iterations to achieve equilibrium
in the deformed position to the tolerance.
• Tolerance: To achieve convergence, all displacement values for two successive
iteration results must be the same within this tolerance.
• Load Steps: Specifies the number of load steps. If a value is entered for this
field, the load will be applied in stages.
Note: If the number of load steps is set to 1, all of the load will be applied in
the first step.
• Use KG: This parameter controls whether the geometric stiffness, KG, is added
to the stiffness matrix, K.
In addition, the following Displacement Limit parameters can be defined:

• Node: Enter a node number to monitor during the geometric nonlinear
analysis.
• DOF: Select the degree of freedom to monitor during the analysis for the
specified node.
• Target Value: Specify a target displacement value along or about the selected
DOF for the monitored node.
In a nonlinear analysis, STAAD.Pro performs an iterative solution with loading

applied in steps and each step is iterated to achieve equilibrium.

 Exercise: Perform a Geometric Nonlinear Analysis

Start STAAD.Pro. In the Start Screen, ensure the Advanced Analysis Engine
1
is checked.
2 Open Deep Arch_Nonlinear Analysis.std in STAAD.Pro.
4 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, select the Nonlinear Analysis tab
and then enter the following parameters:

• ARC: 0
• Iterations: 200
• Tolerance: 0.0001
• Load Steps: 100
• Rebuild Steps: 1
• Use KG: (checked)
Click Add. Then, click Close.
Note: In the Analysis - Whole Structure dialog, notice that a PERFORM

NONLINEAR ANALYSIS command and a CHANGE command has already

been added after each defined load case. The CHANGE command
indicates that input which will change the stiffness matrix, will follow.
When performing a nonlinear analysis on a model with several load
cases defined, the PERFORM NONLINEAR ANALYSIS command should
occur after each load case, followed by a CHANGE command, to prepare
for the next load case.
Note: STAAD.Pro is performing an iterative nonlinear analysis solution for each

of the individual load cases.
7 In the STAAD Analysis and Design dialog, select the Go to Post Processing
Mode radio button and then click Done.
8 In the Results Setup dialog, click OK to accept all of the defined load cases.
9 In the Node Displacements dialog, scroll down to node 11 (the crest of the
arch).

Note: In a nonlinear analysis, when the load at the crown is increased, the
deflection at the crown will continue to increase until it reaches the
critical buckling force in the arch:

Fcr = 1.266 kN
Post Buckling
Effect
15.2EI
- = 284.6LB { 1.266kN }
F cr = ---------------
2
R
Additional Notes
When performing a nonlinear analysis in STAAD.Pro, consider the following notes:

• Nonlinear entities: nonlinear entities (such as tension/compression members,
multilinear springs, gaps, etc...) are not supported when using a nonlinear
analysis.
• Post-buckling stiffness: a nonlinear analysis does not account for post-buckling
stiffness of members.

Advanced Buckling Analysis

In STAAD.Pro, the following two procedures have been adopted to incorporate the
calculation of the Buckling Factor, the amount by which all of the loadings in a
load case must be factored to cause global buckling of the structure:
• Basic Solver
• Advanced Solver
Note: A buckling analysis using the Advanced Solver requires a license for the
Advanced Analysis Engine.
In the next series of exercises, we will use the Basic and Advanced Solver to
investigate the Buckling Factor for the following model:
• Simple Arch
• Pinned Supports at the Base
• Lateral Restraint at the Crown
• Point Load at the Crown

Basic Solver
Using the basic solver in STAAD.Pro, the PERFORM BUCKLING ANALYSIS command
instructs STAAD.Pro to perform an analysis that includes the following:
• Solving the static case.
• Re-forming the global joint stiffness matrix to include the Kg matrix terms
which are based on the computed tensile/compressive axial member forces
and in-plane plate stresses.
• Solving simultaneous equations for displacements.

• Repeating the two previous steps for the number of required additional
iterations; either until convergence or the specified number of iterations is
reached.
Although a buckling analysis is available through the basic engine, the analysis
only identifies the first mode through an iterative modified elastic analysis.
 Exercise: Perform a Buckling Analysis using the Basic Solver

is not checked.
2 Open Deep Arch_Buckling Analysis.std in STAAD.Pro.

4 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, select the Perform Buckling
Analysis tab and then enter the following parameters:
• Number of Iterations: 30
Click Add. Then, click Close.

5 In the Page Control Area, select the Post-Print tab.
6 In the Post Analysis Print dialog, click the Define Commands... button.
7 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, click the Buckling Shapes tab and
then click the Add button. Click Close.
10 In the STAAD Analysis and Design dialog, select the View Output File radio
button and then click Done.

11 In the Output File Results Bar, scroll through the results and review the
iterative process to determine the buckling factor:
BUCKLING ITERATIONS FOR CASE NO. 1
ITERATION BUCKLING FACTOR UPPER BOUND LOWER BOUND

0 1.00000000E+00 0.00000000E+00 0.00000000E+00
1 2.00000000E+00 1.01000000E+10 1.00000000E+00
2 4.00000000E+00 1.01000000E+10 2.00000000E+00
3 8.00000000E+00 1.01000000E+10 4.00000000E+00
4 6.00000000E+00 8.00000000E+00 4.00000000E+00

5 7.00000000E+00 8.00000000E+00 6.00000000E+00
6 7.50000000E+00 8.00000000E+00 7.00000000E+00
7 7.25000000E+00 7.50000000E+00 7.00000000E+00
8 7.12500000E+00 7.25000000E+00 7.00000000E+00
9 7.06250000E+00 7.12500000E+00 7.00000000E+00
10 7.03125000E+00 7.06250000E+00 7.00000000E+00
11 7.01562500E+00 7.03125000E+00 7.00000000E+00
12 7.00781250E+00 7.01562500E+00 7.00000000E+00
13 7.00390625E+00 7.00781250E+00 7.00000000E+00
14 7.00000000E+00 7.00390625E+00 7.00000000E+00
CONVERGED
Note: Using the Basic Solver, STAAD.Pro calculated the Buckling Factor
(through an iterative process) for the first Buckling Mode only.
12 In the RESULTS pane, click the BUCKLING SHAPES item. Notice that a
warning was produced indicating that no buckling shapes exist.
Note: When we re-analyze this structure using the Advanced Analysis Engine,
we will be able to view the buckling shapes for each mode in tabular
form in the Output File. The buckling shapes are not calculated using
the Basic Solver.
Close the Output File.

13 In the menu bar, select File > Close to return to the STAAD.Pro Start Page.

Advanced Solver
Using the advanced solver in STAAD.Pro, the following procedure has been
adopted to incorporate the calculation of the Buckling Factor for one primary load
case. It is an eigen value calculation used to obtain the buckling factors and
buckling shapes:
• First, the primary deflections are calculated by linear static analysis based on
the provided external loading.
• Primary deflections are used to calculate member axial forces and plate
center membrane stresses. These forces and stresses are used to calculate
geometric stiffness terms. Both the large delta effects and the small delta
effects for members are calculated. These terms are the terms of the Kg
matrix.
• An eigenvalue problem is formed. | [ K ] - BFi x [ Kg ] | = 0
There will be up to 4 buckling factors (BF) and associated buckling mode shapes
calculated. The buckling factor is the amount by which the static load case needs
to be multiplied by to just cause buckling (Euler buckling). A BF less than 1.0
indicates that the load causes buckling; greater than 1.0 means buckling has not
occurred. If BF is negative, then the static loads are in the opposite direction of
the buckling load.
 Exercise: Perform a Buckling Analysis using the Advanced Solver

is checked.
2 Re-open Deep Arch_Buckling Analysis.std in STAAD.Pro.
3 In the Page Control Area, select the Analysis/Print tab. The Analysis tab is
active by default.
Note: In the Analysis dialog, notice that the PERFORM BUCKLING ANALYSIS
command and the PRINT BUCKLING SHAPES command that we defined
in the previous exercise are still available.
4 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, click the Close button.

7 In the Output File Results Bar, click the EIGENSOLUTION option and review
the buckling factors calculated for load case 1 for each mode:
CALCULATED BUCKLING FACTORS FOR LOAD CASE 1
MODE BUCKLING FACTOR
1 7.00202
2 16.30219
3 24.92544
4 40.01826
8 In the Output File Results Bar, click the BUCKLING SHAPES option and
review the buckling shapes for each mode:
BUCKLE SHAPES
-------------
JOINT MODE X-TRANS Y-TRANS Z-TRANS X-ROTAN Y-ROTAN Z-ROTAN
1 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 1.218E-01 1.272E-03 1.719E-09

2 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.33629 1.195E-01 3.221E-03 7.447E-10
3 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.62277 1.127E-01 8.879E-03 -1.090E-09
4 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.83808 1.023E-01 1.782E-02 -1.691E-09
5 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.96659 8.945E-02 2.923E-02 -1.029E-11
6 1 0.00000 0.00000 1.00000 7.500E-02 4.197E-02 2.094E-09
7 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.93822 5.984E-02 5.471E-02 1.190E-09

8 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.78934 4.455E-02 6.611E-02 -2.079E-09
9 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.56871 2.946E-02 7.502E-02 -2.466E-09
10 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.29739 1.465E-02 8.061E-02 1.480E-09
11 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 4.770E-10 8.251E-02 3.996E-09
12 1 0.00000 0.00000 -0.29739 -1.465E-02 8.061E-02 6.306E-10
13 1 0.00000 0.00000 -0.56871 -2.946E-02 7.502E-02 -4.309E-09
14 1 0.00000 0.00000 -0.78934 -4.455E-02 6.611E-02 -3.169E-09
15 1 0.00000 0.00000 -0.93822 -5.984E-02 5.471E-02 2.835E-09
16 1 0.00000 0.00000 -1.00000 -7.500E-02 4.197E-02 4.860E-09
17 1 0.00000 0.00000 -0.96659 -8.945E-02 2.923E-02 7.155E-11

18 1 0.00000 0.00000 -0.83808 -1.023E-01 1.782E-02 -4.669E-09
19 1 0.00000 0.00000 -0.62277 -1.127E-01 8.879E-03 -3.274E-09
20 1 0.00000 0.00000 -0.33629 -1.195E-01 3.221E-03 1.996E-09
21 1 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 -1.218E-01 1.272E-03 4.763E-09
Close the Output File.

9 In the menu bar, select Mode > Post Processing or select the Post
Processing icon in the Mode toolbar.
10 In the Results Setup dialog, click OK to accept the selected load case.
11 In the Page Control Area, select the Buckling tab.
Note: The Buckling tab is only available when using the Advanced Solver.
12 In the Buckling Analysis - Buckling Factors dialog, click on Mode 1.


Note: In the first buckling mode, the results indicate a twisting of the
structure.

Note: In the second buckling mode, the results indicate an out-of-plane

buckling.


Note: In the third buckling mode, the results indicate an in-plane buckling.


Note: In the fourth buckling mode, the results indicate an out-of-plane double
curvature.

Steady State Analysis

A steady state analysis is a dynamic response that can be performed in STAAD.Pro

to model steady, harmonically varying load on a structure to solve for the steady
harmonic response after the initial transient response has damped out to zero.
Note: A traditional time history analysis reports the initial response, while a steady
state analysis reports the long term characteristics.
START UP STEADY STATE

STAAD.Pro can perform a steady state analysis according to one of the four
available load/analysis types using one of the following methods along with one
of the following types of excitation:
• Method: choose whether the loading is a distributed joint force load (Force)
or a ground motion (Ground).
• Excitation: choose wether the analysis is at one forcing frequency (Steady) or
several frequencies (Harmonic).
Note: A steady state analysis is only available through the Advanced Analysis Engine.

Modal Calculation
Before defining the steady state analysis in the input file, a MODAL CALCULATION
command must be included in the load case that defines the weights and weight
moment of inertias for eigen solutions.
 Exercise: Add a Modal Calculation Command to the Load Case

is checked.
2 Open Steady State Harmonic.std in STAAD.Pro.
3 In the menu bar, select Commands > Miscellaneous > Cut Off Mode
Shape...
4 In the Cut Off Mode Shape dialog, enter the following parameter:
• Maximum Number of Mode Shapes: 20
Click OK.
Note: The CUT OFF command is used to indicate to STAAD.Pro that 20 modes
are desired.
5 In the menu bar, select Commands > Miscellaneous > Cut Off Frequency...
6 In the Cut Off Frequency dialog, enter the following parameter:

• Highest Frequency: 300 cycles/sec
Click OK.
Note: The CUT OFF command is used to specify the highest frequency to be
considered for dynamic analysis.
7 In the Page Control Area, select the General tab followed by the Load &
Definition tab.
8 In the Load & Definition dialog, expand the Load Cases Details item and
highlight load case 1. Click the Add... button.
9 In the Add New: Load Items dialog, click the Frequency item and then the
Modal Calculation sub-item in the left pane of the dialog. Click Add and
then click Close.
Note: The MODAL CALCULATION REQUESTED command is used to obtain a full

scale eigen solution to calculate relevant frequencies and mode shapes.

Analysis Input
Currently, defining a steady state analysis is controlled through the STAAD.Pro

Input file and not the graphical user interface. The general format for defining a
steady state analysis is as follows:
PERFORM STEADY STATE ANALYSIS
(METHOD)
END
The PERFORM STEADY STATE ANALYSIS command instructs STAAD.Pro to perform

the analysis that includes:
• Checking wether all information is provided for in the analysis
• Forming the joint stiffness matrix
• Solving simultaneous equations
• Solving for modes and frequencies
• Computing for the steady state joint displacements, velocities, accelerations,
and phase angles
• Computing the above quantities versus frequency and displaying the results
graphically
Note: Member, element forces, and stresses and support reaction are not currently
computed
The following four methods for performing a steady state analysis (along with an
example of the input for each) is indicated below:
• Steady Ground Motion Loading: This set of commands may be used to specify
steady ground motion loading on the structure, the ground motion frequency,
the modal damping, and the phase relationship of ground motions in each of
the global directions.
BEGIN STEADY GROUND
STEADY GROUND FREQ f DAMP d ABS
GROUND MOTION dir ACC acc PHASE ang
END

• Steady Force Loading: This set of commands may be used to specify joint loads
on the structure, the forcing frequency, the modal damping, and the phase
relationship of loads in each of the global directions.

BEGIN STEADY FORCE
STEADY FORCE FREQ f DAMP d
JOINT LOAD
list Dir value
END
• Harmonic Ground Motion Loading: This set of commands may be used to

specify harmonic ground motion loading on the structure, the modal
damping, and the phase relationship of ground motion in each of the global
directions.
BEGIN HARMONIC GROUND
FREQ FLO low FHI high NPTS n MODAL FLIST list
HARMONIC GROUND DAMP d ABS
GROUND MOTION dir ACC acc PHASE ang
(AMPLITUDE A a B b C c)
END
• Harmonic Force Loading: This set of commands may be used to specify JOINT
loads on the structure, the modal damping, and the phase relationship of
loads in each of the global directions.

BEGIN HARMONIC FORCE
FREQ FLO low FHI high NPTS n MODAL FLIST list
HARMONIC FORCE DAMP d
JOINT LOAD PHASE dir angle
list Dir value
...
(AMPLITUDE dir A a B b C c)
END
Note: The first input after the PERFORM STEADY STATE ANALYSIS command instructs
STAAD.Pro which method should be used in the steady state analysis:
BEGIN ({STEADY|HARMONIC})({FORCE|GROUND})
• Steady: the analysis is at one forcing frequency
• Harmonic: the analysis is at several frequencies
• Force: the loading is a distributed joint force
• Ground: the loading is a ground motion
Hint: For additional information on the command structure for a steady state analysis,
refer to Section 5.37.6 in the Technical Reference.

 Exercise: Enter the Steady State Analysis Commands in the Input File
Continue with the model from the previous exercise.
1
2 In the menu bar, select Edit > Edit Input Command File or select the
STAAD Editor icon in the File toolbar.

4 Enter the following steady state (harmonic ground motion loading)

commands into the input file above the FINISH command:
BEGIN HARMONIC GROUND
FREQUENCY FLO 5 FHI 100
HARMONIC GROUND DAMP 0.04 ABS
GROUND MOTION X ACCEL 2.49333 PHA 0
GROUND MOTION Y ACCEL 0.796 PHA 0
AMPLITUDE
4 5 -
4.875 6.015 -
5.75 6.022 -
6.625 6.025 -
7.5 8.6 -
8.375 11.16 -
9.25 11.169 -
10.125 11.174 -
11 12.17 -
11.875 14.08 -
12.75 14.182 -
14.5 14.26
PRINT HARMONIC DISP ALL
END STEADY
Note: See the following notes regarding the commands we just entered into
the input file:
• BEGIN HARMONIC GROUND: This command instructs STAAD.Pro to
perform a steady state analysis on the structure with harmonic ground
motion loading.
• FREQUENCY FLO 5 FHI 100: This command defines the harmonic
output frequencies. FLO 5 indicates the lowest frequency to be
included in the harmonic output. FHI 100 indicates the highest
frequency to be included in the harmonic output. (This command is
optional.)

• HARMONIC GROUND DAMP 0.04 ABS: This command specifies the

damping. DAMP 0.04 indicates that 4% damping should be used for all
modes. ABS indicates that the ground motion results will be absolute.
• GROUND MOTION X ACCEL 2.49333 PHA 0 and GROUND MOTION Y
ACCEL 0.796 PHA 0: These commands indicate the direction of the
ground motion, the acceleration, and the phase angle by which the
motion in each direction lags. One ground motion command can be
entered for each global direction.
• AMPLITUDE followed by f1 a1 f2 a2 ... fn an: These commands

indicate the frequency - amplitude pairs that are used to describe the
variation of acceleration with frequency. You can continue this data to
create as many lines as needed by ending each line except the last with
a hyphen (-). These pairs must be in ascending order of frequency. Up
to 199 pairs can be entered and linear interpolation will used.
• PRINT HARMONIC DISP ALL: This command must be located after all
steady state/harmonic loadings and before the END STEADY command.
For each harmonic frequency, the following information will be
available in the Output File:
• Modal responses.
• Phase angles with 1 line per selected joint containing the phase
angle for each of the 6 directions of motion.

• Displacements table with 1 line per selected joint containing the
maximum displacements for each of the 6 directions of motion.
• Velocities.
• Accelerations.
5 In the menu bar, select File > Exit to close the STAAD Editor.
6 In the STAAD Editor dialog, click Yes to save the changes.

Analysis Results
After the Steady State Analysis commands are added to the Input File, the model
is ready for analysis. When the analysis is performed, a new Steady State tab will
be available in the Post Processor, providing log-log graphs for the following
results at each joint:
• Frequency versus Displacement
• Frequency versus Velocity
• Frequency versus Acceleration
 Exercise: Perform a Steady State Analysis and Review the Results

4 In the STAAD Output Viewer, click on the EIGENSOLUTION line in the
RESULTS pane.
Note: STAAD.Pro has reported the calculated frequencies for load case 1 for
each mode shape that was requested. The harmonic displacements for
each of these frequencies (along with the lowest and highest
frequencies specified in the steady state analysis input) are also
available in the output in the Harmonic Displacement section.
5 In the STAAD Output Viewer, click on the PARTICIPATION FACTORS line in
the RESULTS pane.
Note: STAAD.Pro has reported the participation factors in each global direction
for each mode shape that was requested.
6 In the STAAD Output Viewer, click on the HARMONIC DISP ALL line in the
RESULTS pane.
Note: STAAD.Pro has reported the displacement phase angles, absolute joint
displacements, absolute joint velocities, absolute joint accelerations for
each joint and for each exciting frequency identified through the
EIGENSOLUTION.
7 Close the STAAD Output Viewer.


10 In the Page Control Area, select the Steady State tab and then the Freq-
Disp sub-tab.
11 In the View Window, select Node 47.
Node 47
Note: The Steady State Displacement graphs indicate the peak displacement
across the frequency range in the global X and Y directions for Node 47.
Velocity sub-tab. In the View Window, select Node 47.

Note: The Steady State Velocity graphs indicate the peak velocity across the
frequency range in the global X and Y directions for Node 47.
Accl sub-tab. In the View Window, select Node 47.
Note: The State Acceleration graphs indicate the peak acceleration across the
frequency range in the global X and Y directions for Node 47.
14 In the Page Control Area, select the Dynamics tab and then the Modes
sub-tab.
Note: Since a Steady State Analysis is a form of Dynamic Analysis, you can view
the mode shape for each Mode using the Mode pull-down menu in the
Results toolbar.

Floor Spectrum Analysis

In STAAD.Pro, a floor response spectrum analysis can be performed to extract a

response spectrum from a collection of nodes that constitute a floor when
subjected to a time history loading.
Note: A floor spectrum analysis is only available through the Advanced Analysis
Engine.
Node Groups
Before defining the floor spectrum analysis commands, the nodes at each level
must be assigned to a Node Group. The floor spectrum analysis command will
then use the node groups to form a collection of nodes to constitute each floor.
 Exercise: Review the Node Groups

is checked.
2 Open Floor Spectrum.std in STAAD.Pro.
3 In the menu bar, click Select > By Group Name...

4 In the Select Groups dialog, notice that two node groups have already
been defined. Highlight each node group to review the node assignments.
_SECONDFLOOR
_FIRSTFLOOR
5 Close the Select Groups dialog. Keep this model open for the next exercise.

Time History Analysis Parameters

Before defining the floor spectrum analysis commands, the model must contain a
time history definition and load case. Time history analysis is an advanced method
of dynamic analysis. It has the ability to incorporate harmonic forcing functions
that can be described by sinusoidal curves with a specified arrival time, frequency,
amplitude, and duration. Or the loading could be in the form of historical data
consisting of time - force, time - moment, or time - acceleration data pairs. Time
history analysis is an extension to the process of calculating modes and
frequencies in the sense that it occurs after those are calculated.
 Exercise: Define the Time History Loading

2 In the menu bar, select Commands > Miscellaneous > Cut Off Mode
Shape...
3 In the Cut Off Mode Shape dialog, enter the following parameter:
• Maximum Number of Mode Shapes: 30
Click OK.
Note: The CUT OFF command is used to indicate to STAAD.Pro that 30 modes
are desired.
4 In the Page Control Area, select the General tab and then the Load &
Definition sub-tab.
5 In the Load & Definition dialog, expand the Definitions group and then
highlight the Time History Definitions item. Click the Add... button.
Note: The first stage in a time-history analysis is to define the characteristics of

the earthquake, the arrival times(s), and the damping.

6 In the Add New: Time History Definitions dialog, select the Define Time
History item and then enter the following parameters:
• Type: 1
• Loading Type: Acceleration
• Function Options: From External File
• File Name: eqdata.txt
7 Click Add.

8 In the Add New: Time History Definitions dialog, select the Define Param
item and enter the following parameters:
• Damping: 0.05
• Arrival Time: 0
9 Click Add and then click Close.
10 In the Load & Definition dialog, expand the Load Cases Details group and
then highlight the Time History Ground Motion item. Click the Add...
button.
11 In the Add New: Load Items dialog, click the Time History item in the left
pane and then enter the following parameters:
• Loading Type: Ground Motion
• Direction: X
• Arrival Time: 1:0
• Defined Types: 1:Accel.
• Force Amplitude Factor: 9.806
12 Click Add and then click Close.

Analysis Commands
The Floor Spectrum Analysis command is used to specify the calculation of floor
and/or joint spectra from time history results. The Floor Response Spectrum
command must immediately follow an analysis command. That analysis can only
contain a single time history load case.
The format of the Floor Spectrum Analysis command the following data must be
defined:
• Specify the Floor Groups

• Specify the Options
Note: In the following exercise, we will define the Floor Spectrum Analysis through
the GUI. After the command is defined, we will review the command structure
in the input file.
 Exercise: Perform a Floor Spectrum Analysis

3 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, click the Perform Analysis tab and
then click the Add button.
Note: In the Analysis - Whole Structure dialog, notice that a PERFORM

ANALYSIS command has been added to the input file. An analysis
command must be define prior to defining a floor spectrum command.
4 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, click the Generate Floor
Spectrum... tab and specify the following floor groups:
GX GY GZ Title Node Groups

(checked) FIRST FLOOR _FIRSTFLOOR
(checked) SECOND FLOOR _SECONDFLOOR
Note: GX, GY, and GZ represent the three global direction for which
acceleration versus frequency spectrums can be generated for each
floor.

Note: Each line of settings constitutes one floor which can have one or more
floor groups assigned. The resulting response spectra will be based on
the collective responses of all nodes in the selected groups.

5 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, click the Generate Floor
Spectrum... tab and specify the following floor spectrum options:
• Lowest Frequency: 0.5 Hz
• Highest Frequency: 60 Hz
• Frequency Interval: 0.1

• Damping Ratios: 0.05 and 0.03
• Relative Acceleration: (checked)
• Print Time History Acceleration used: (unchecked)
• Print Calculated Spectrum: (checked)
Note: Review the following nodes for additional information on the floor
spectrum options:
• Lowest and Highest Frequency: Indicates the lowest and highest
frequency to be in the calculated spectrum. The lowest frequency
should be greater than 0.01 Hz.
• Frequency Interval: Indicates the intervals for which the spectrum

will be calculated from the lowest to the highest frequency.
• Damping Ratios: Up to 10 damping values may be entered. One
spectrum will be generated for each damping value for each global
direction requested for each floor defined. The spectrum will be
based on these modal damping ratios. (5% damping should be
entered as 0.05)
• Relative Acceleration: If there is ground motion defined and you

would like the spectrums to be based on the relative acceleration
of the floor to the ground acceleration, the relative acceleration
option should be checked.
6 Click the Add button and then click Close.

Note: In the Input File, the floor spectrum analysis command we just added
should appear as follows:
GENERATE FLOOR SPECTRUM

BEGIN FLOOR DIRECTION GX FIRST FLOOR
_FIRSTFLOOR
BEGIN FLOOR DIRECTION GX SECOND FLOOR
_SECONDFLOOR
OPTIONS FLOW 0.500 FHIGH 60.000 FDELTA 0.100 DAMP 0.050 0.030 RELATIVE SPRINT
END FLOOR SPECTRUM
Analysis Results
After the Floor Spectrum Analysis command is added to the Input File, the model
is ready for analysis. When the analysis is performed, a new Floor Spectrum sub-
tab will be available in the Dynamics tab of the Post Processor.
 Exercise: Perform the Analysis and Review the Results

In the menu bar, select Analyze > Run Analysis...
2
3 In the STAAD Analysis and Design dialog, click the View Output File radio
4 In the STAAD Output Viewer, notice that STAAD.Pro has provided results
for the following:
• Eigen Solution
• Participation Factors
• Floor Spectrums
Note: The Floor Spectrum results are provided for each floor and for each
damping ratio included in the Floor Spectrum Analysis command. This
information can bee seen graphically through the Post-Processor.
Close the STAAD Output Viewer.

7 In the Page Control Area, select the Dynamics tab and then the Floor
Spectrum sub-tab.
Note: In the top right corner of the View Window, the Response Spectrum
Graph is available. The graph is initially set to display the results on a
log/log graph. To view a linear graph, right click on the graph and select
the Linear Graph option from the pop-up menu. Additionally, the
calculated points on the graph can be added by selecting the Show
Points option in the pop-up menu.

Note: In the bottom right corner of the View Window, the Floor Spectrum
Table is available. To view the results of another selection of node
groups or damping ratios, select from the Floor Spectrum Set drop
down list.

Pushover Analysis
Pushover Analysis
STAAD.Pro can perform a pushover analysis based on FEMA 356:2000 and ATC 40.
A pushover analysis is a static, nonlinear procedure using a simplified nonlinear
technique to estimate seismic structural deformations. It is an incremental static
analysis used to determine the force-displacement relationship, or the capacity
curve, for a structure or structural element.
The analysis involves applying horizontal loads, in a prescribed pattern, to the

structure incrementally (i.e. pushing the structure and plotting the total applied
shear force and associated lateral displacement at each increment, until the
structure reaches the collapse condition).
Pushover Load Definition
Before a Pushover Analysis can be performed, the Pushover Load must be defined
in the General tab, Load & Definition sub-tab. Within the Pushover Definitions,
the following parameters must be defined:
• Define the Input
• Load Patterns
• Spectrum Details
• Hinge Properties
• Solution Control
 Exercise: Create a Pushover Load Definition

is checked.
2 Open Pushover Analysis.std in STAAD.Pro.
3 In the Page Control Area, select the General tab followed by the Load &
Definition sub-tab.
4 In the Load & Definition dialog, expand the Definitions folder and then
highlight the Pushover Definitions item. Click the Add... button.
5 In the Add New: Pushover dialog, select the Define Input item in the left
pane.

Pushover Analysis
6 Select the General Input Parameters radio button and then enter the
following parameters:
• Type of Frame (Sec 5.5 and 5.6): Moment Frame

• Geometric Non-Linearity Effect: Ignore Effect
Click the Add button.
7 Select the Member Specific Parameters radio button and then enter the
following parameter:
• Expected Yield Stress: 36 kip/in2 {0.248 kN/mm2}

Note: In the Loads & Definitions dialog, you will notice a small question mark
in front of the Expected Yield Stress parameter. The Member Specific
Parameters must be assigned to specific members in the model after
they are defined.
8 In the Add New: Pushover dialog, select the Define Loading Pattern item
in the left pane and then enter the following parameters:
• Loading Pattern: Auto
• Method for Lateral Load Calculation: Method 1
• Number of Push Load Steps: 500

Note: The Load Pattern parameters are used to specify how the loading
pattern is defined. Since we specified the Auto loading pattern, the
Vertical Distribution of Base Shear must be defined as follows:
• Method for Lateral Load Calculation: Select Method 1, Method 2,
or Method 3 according to FEMA 356 Section 3.3.3.2.3. If nothing is

specified, STAAD will use the default method.
• Total Base Shear to Be Distributed: Specify the direction and total
base shear. If nothing is specified, the analysis will assume 10
percent of the gravity loading as a lateral load.
9 In the Add New: Pushover dialog, select the Define Solution Control item
• Push Up to Defined Base Shear: (checked)
• Direction: Z Axis
• Defined Base Shear: 100 kip {445 kN}

Pushover Analysis

Note: The Solution Control parameters define the limits for the pushover
analysis, as follows:
• Base Shear limit: If the Base Shear limit is selected, then the
direction (X or Z) should be selected and the limiting base shear.
• Displacement limit: If the Displacement limit is selected, then the
direction (X or Z) should be selected and the limiting displacements
for a specified joint.

10 In the Add New: Pushover dialog, select the Define Spectrum Details item
• 1st Spectrum Critical Damping: 5%
• Site Category: Class A
Mapped Spectral Acceleration:
• At Short Period (Table 1-4): 0.25
• At One - Second Period (Table 1-5): 0.1
Note: The Spectrum Details are used to specify the parameters of the
spectrums that are to be used. (The values for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
spectrums are optional.) The Site Category and the Mapped Spectral
Acceleration should be defined in accordance with FEMA 356.
11 In the Add New: Pushover dialog, select the Define Input item in the left
pane. Click the General Input Parameters radio button and then enter the
following parameters:
Save Output Results for Multiple Steps:

• Displacement Incremental Value: 0.01 inches {0.254 mm}
Click the Add button and then click Close.
12 In the Load & Definition dialog, highlight the FYE 30.000000
{FYE 0.248000} item within the Pushover Definitions folder and then click
the Assign to View radio button. Click the Assign button.
13 In the STAAD.Pro dialog, click Yes to confirm.

Pushover Analysis
Analysis Command
After the Pushover Definitions and Load Cases are added to the model, the
Pushover Analysis command can be added to the Input File. During a Pushover
Analysis, the pushover analysis will be performed on all load cases defined from
any previous analysis commands and the combination load cases are not
analyzed.
 Exercise: Define the Pushover Analysis Command


3 In the Analysis/Print Commands dialog, click the Perform Pushover
Analysis tab and then click the Add button.
Analysis Results
After the Pushover Analysis command is added to the Input File, the model is
ready for analysis. When the analysis is performed, a new Pushover tab will be
available in the Post Processor and the following results can be viewed on screen:
• Loads
• Capacity Curve
• Node Results
• Beam Results
 Exercise: Perform a Pushover Analysis and Review the Results


2 In the menu bar, click Analyze > Run Analysis...
3 In the Analysis and Design dialog, click the Go to Post Processing Mode
radio button and then click Done.
5 In the Page Control Area, select the Pushover tab followed by the Loads
sub-tab.
Note: In the Load Values Table, you can review the forces (Fx, Fy, and FZ) at the
nodes and the maximum base shear corresponding to different load
steps.

Pushover Analysis
6 In the Page Control Area, select the Capacity Curve sub-tab.

Note: The Capacity Curve sub-tab is used to display the capacity curve and a
table of the relationship between displacement and base shear for each
load step.

Pushover Analysis
7 In the Page Control Area, select the Node Results sub-tab.

Note: In the Node Results sub-tab, the Node Displacement and Support
Reactions for each load step are available.

Pushover Analysis
8 In the Page Control Area, select the Beam Results sub-tab.

Note: The Beam Hinge Results Table indicates the following information for
each load step:
• Status of each beam: linear or non-linear. The beam will appear red if
the View Window if it is inactive for the current load step.
• Location of the hinge formation in a beam and status of the hinges.
The status of the hinges in the table will be classified in one of the
following 4 groups:
• <= IO: Indicates the hinge lies between linear and immediate
occupancy levels. The hinge will appear green in the View Window.
• IO-LS: Indicates the hinge lies between immediate occupancy and
life safety levels. The hinge will appear blue in the View Window.
• LS-CP: Indicates the hinge lies between life safety and collapse
prevention levels. The hinge will appear magenta in the View
Window.
• >= CP: Indicates the hinge exceeds collapse prevention level. The
hinge will appear red in the View Window.

Pushover Analysis
Target Displacement
The target displacement is the maximum displacement that the structure is likely
to be experience during the design earthquake. STAAD.Pro provides a numerical
process for estimating the displacement demand on the structure, by using a
bilinear representation of capacity curve and a series of modification factors, or
coefficients, to calculate a target displacement per FEMA 356.
 Exercise: Determine the Target Displacement


2 In the Page Control Area, select the Capacity Curve sub-tab.
3 Right-click on the Capacity Curve and select Determine Target
Displacement... from the pop-up menu.
4 In the Define Modification Factor C0 dialog, select the Define radio button
and then enter the following parameters:
• Building Type: Shear Buildings
• Loading Pattern: Uniform Load Pattern
• No. of Stories: 4
Note: Notice that the Modification Factor C0 has been calculated to be 1.2.
Alternatively, the modification factor can be selected from the table at
the top of this dialog.
Click the Next > button.
5 In the Define Cm to calculate Modification Factor C1 dialog, enter the
following parameter:
• Select Damping: 5%
Note: For this structure, the fundamental period is greater than 1 second,
therefore, the Cm equals 1.0.
Click the Next > button.
6 In the Define Modification Factors C2 dialog, enter the following
parameters:
• Structure Performance Level: Immediate Occupancy
• Framing Type: Type 1

Pushover Analysis
Note: Notice that the Modification Factor C2 has been calculated to be 1.0.
Alternatively, the modification factor can be selected from the table at
the top of this dialog.

Click the Finish button.
Note: STAAD.Pro has calculated the Target Displacement and Base Shear at
Target Displacement using the modification factors.
Restrictions
A pushover analysis in STAAD.Pro is limited in application to buildings that are

regular and do not have adverse torsional or multimode effects. The capacity
curve is generally constructed to represent the first mode response of the
structure based on the assumption that the fundamental mode of vibration is
predominant response of the structure. In addition, please note the following:
• PERFORM PUSHOVER ANALYSIS cannot be repeated more than once.
• PERFORM PUSHOVER ANALYSIS PRINT is not a valid command.
• CHANGE command cannot be used in conjunction with a Pushover analysis.
• LOAD COMBINATION command is not accepted.
• SET Z UP command should not be used. The pushover analysis should only be
used on models defined with the Y up coordinate system.
• SET RESTART 1 command will not work.
• SURFACE object are not considered.
• Only steel structures should be considered.
• Non-prismatic sections should not be used.

• Curved beam specification is not considered.
• Cable specification on members is not considered.
• Plate and solid elements are not considered.
• Beta angles other than 0 and 90 degrees are not valid.

Module Assessment
Module Assessment
Assessment is often equated with evaluation, but the two concepts are different.
Assessment is used to determine what an individual knows or can do. Complete
the assessment to see what you have gained from completing this module.
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/570765/advanlysengine

Course Summary
Course Summary
Now you will be able to:

Aug-11 67 Course Summary

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for Student Use is Permitted Student: Jorge Hugo Correa Company: Megacad Ingenieria y Sistemas S.A.S. Class Date: 23-Jan-2014
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Course Summary
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STAAD - Pro Advanced Analysis Engine

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DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for Student Use is Permitted Student: Jorge Hugo Correa Company: Megacad Ingenieria y Sistemas

emas S.A.S. Class Date: 23-Jan-2014

Bentley Institute Course Guide

AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

Copyright ©2011, Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

STAAD.Pro Advanced Analysis Engine 2 Aug-11

Course Overview ____________________________________ 5

Advanced Analysis Engine ____________________________ 7

Faster Solver _________________________________________ 9

Nonlinear Analysis Commands ________________________ 28

Aug-11 3 Course Name Here

Pushover Load Definition ____________________________ 57

Analysis Results ____________________________________ 60

Course Summary ____________________________________ 67

Course Name Here 4 Aug-11

Aug-11 5 Course Overview

Copyright © 2011 Bentley Systems, Incorporated

• Advanced knowledge of STAAD.Pro including Dynamic Analysis

• STAAD.Pro V8i (SELECTseries 2), version 20.07.07.32

• Advanced Analysis Engine

Course Overview 6 Aug-11

Advanced Analysis Engine

• Perform a geometric non-linear analysis

Aug-11 7 Advanced Analysis Engine

Copyright © 2011 Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Advanced Analysis Engine

• Red: indicates if the selected license cannot be obtained or is not available

Throughout this training, we will focus on the following additional features

• Steady state analysis

Advanced Analysis Engine 8 Aug-11

Basic Solver Advanced Solver

Master/Slave 1.0 MB 8 sec for static

Aug-11 9 Advanced Analysis Engine

Note: Structures 9 and 10 are displayed below for reference:

Advanced Analysis Engine 10 Aug-11

 Exercise: Review the Advanced Analysis Engine’s Faster Solver

Aug-11 11 Advanced Analysis Engine

12 Advanced Analysis Engine

In STAAD.Pro, surface meshes can be automatically generated using the following

discuss the advantages of advanced mesh generation using Parametric Models.

Note: If a mesh is created to represent a concrete slab that is intended to behave

beneficial to keep this option selected. Then, when a mesh is generated at a

 Exercise: Review the Tolerance Parameters

2 In the menu bar, select View > Options...

Aug-11 13 Advanced Analysis Engine

Generate Surface Meshing Command

• If the number of corner nodes is 3 or greater than 4, a triangular mesh will

After clicking on the 12th node, right-click to close the polygon.

Advanced Analysis Engine 14 Aug-11

Aug-11 15 Advanced Analysis Engine

did not consider any of the interior nodes.

Advanced Analysis Engine 16 Aug-11

Advanced Mesh Generation

In STAAD.Pro, Parametric Models can be created to preview the final meshed

 Exercise: Create a Mesh Model

• Name: Advanced Mesh

Aug-11 17 Advanced Analysis Engine

After clicking on the 12th node, right-click to close the polygon.

Advanced Analysis Engine 18 Aug-11

The Mesh Parameters dialog is used to automatically generate a finite element

• Standard: Supports boundary connectivity types B or C and only

• B: Divide boundary segments with specified divisions

Aug-11 19 Advanced Analysis Engine