Getting Started

STAAD.Pro is a finite element-based structural engineering software product for 3D model

generation, analysis, and multi-material design

The Start Page

Open STAAD.Pro by double clicking the icon on your desktop or navigating to the program location
through the Start menu. The STAAD.Pro Start Page will be displayed automatically when the program
is opened.
Configuration

In STAAD.Pro, the following program features can be configured from the Start Page to suit
Philippines local settings:

Base Unit Configuration

We will set the Base Unit configuration as Metric units.

Global Axis Orientation

Open staad model file: xstructuresfinal.std

The default orientation of the global coordinate system of STAAD.Pro is that the Y axis points in the
vertical direction, and a plan view is represented by the XZ plane. This coordinate system orientation
may be different than that used in some CAD programs. To address this, STAAD.Pro provides an
option called Set Z Up. This option may be used in situations where model geometry is being imported
from a CAD file where the Z axis has been oriented vertically. However, be aware that the use of the
Set Z Up option will eliminate the ability
Staad.pro local axis orientation for beams

Local axis system for various cross sections

Member End Forces
Member end forces and moments in the member result from loads applied to the structure. These
forces are in the local member coordinate system. The following figures show the member end
actions with their directions.

+Fx = compression
-Fx = tension

Fy = Shear (vertical)
Fz = Shear (horizontal)

+Mz = major axis bending in compression

-Mz = major axis bending in tension

+My = minor axis bending in compression

-My = minor axis bending in tension
Plate Element Local Coordinate System

Output of Plate Element Stresses and Moments

+Mx = plate top face bending

-Mx = plate bottom face bending

+My = plate top face bending

-My = plate bottom face bending
Graphical User Interface

The STAAD.Pro Graphical User Interface (GUI) is divided into several sections:

➢ Quick Access Toolbar

The quick access toolbar is located just above the ribbon controls. It contains some of the
most frequently used tools in a convenient location such as saving a model, opening a new
model, etc.

➢ Ribbon Tool Bar: Provides access to STAAD.Pro modeling, analysis and design commands. We
will go through on its different tabs during this training course.

➢ File Tab: This contains file management tools and program configuration.

➢ View Window: Displays graphical representation of the model and any other display options
that a user would set

➢ Workflow Page Control: Allows you to perform specific tasks from each page.
Hint: The organization of the pages, from left to right, represents the logical sequence of
operations in STAAD.Pro. Though not required, it is recommended to progress through the
pages, from left to right, to enter all the data that is relevant to your project.

➢ Workflow Panel: An organized panel to reflect the typical process of modeling, analyzing, and
post-processing for a structure. This groups all of the common tasks associated with a major
stage of your structural project in STAAD.Pro.

➢ Data Area: Displays dialogs, tables, lists, and so forth. The Data Area is context sensitive to
the type of operation being performed.

➢ Status Bar: Presents helpful information regarding the status of the program. It also displays
pertinent information for the current page, such as hints for using the current command,
current program operating mode, cursor position, current input units, etc.
STAAD.Pro Structural Entities

Open STAAD.Pro model with file name structural entities.std

STAAD.Pro provides four types of entities to use in modeling structure geometry:

Nodes: Nodes are points of connectivity between structural entities.

Beams: Beams are linear structural members. The terms “member” and “beam” are
synonymous. In addition, the use of the term “beam” should not be taken to imply that the
member cannot resist an axial load. (Beam entities are used to model beams, columns,
braces, etc.)

Plates: Plates are finite elements commonly used to model “surface structures” such as walls,
slabs, plates or shells. Plates may be either 3-noded (triangular) or 4-noded (quadrilateral).

Solids: Solids are finite elements that enable the solution of structural problems involving
three dimensional stresses. Solids are useful for solving problems such as stress distribution
in concrete dams, soil and rock strata, etc.
Solid elements typically consist of 8 nodes. Solids most commonly take the form of cubes, but
by collapsing various nodes together, an 8-noded solid element can be degenerated into
forms with 5 to 7 nodes.
Select Cursor

Different cursors are available for selecting the various types of STAAD.Pro entities. Each cursor
selects specific types of objects for editing or manipulation. Having specific cursors can be very
convenient when assigning properties where various types of entities are crowded together.
Assignment Method

Open STAAD.Pro model with file name assignmentmethod.std

The options under Assignment Method are used to assign material tags, properties, load items,
specifications, etc. to members and elements.

Option Description
Assign To Selected To assign to selected members or element. This is done by going to the
Beams Select menu, then choosing the appropriate cursor option. Select the
desired members or elements using the cursor. When all desired geometry
is selected, click the Assign To Selected Beams radio button, then click the
Assign button. Note that the label for this button changes depending on
whether members or elements are selected.
Assign To View To assign to all members or elements in a view.

Use Cursor To To assign to members or elements using the cursor. Select the Use Cursor
Assign To Assign radio button, then click the Assign button. The button will
appear depressed and the label will change to Assigning.
Assign To Edit List To assign typed list of member or element numbers. Select the Assign To
Edit List radio button, then type the list of member or element numbers
and click the Assign button.
The SPACE BAR quick commands

The space bar quick commands will help the user to access the most used commands throughout the
structure modeling, analysis and design. User can customize the commands that he/she wants to
include in the space bar quick commands.
View Tools – to manipulate and control views

Selected Objects Only tool - to isolate selected objects

Command File Editor

When structure geometry is created in the graphical user interface, STAAD.Pro automatically
converts your actions into a command language and stores them in a command file, a simple text file
in ASCII format.

As you become more experienced in using STAAD.Pro, you may find that it is easier to make a quick
change to certain commands, values or design parameters in the command file editor rather than
adjusting the model in the graphical user interface.
STAAD.Pro Analysis Output Viewer

During the analysis process, STAAD.Pro creates an Output file. This file provides important output
information from analysis model. The engineer may also review on whether the analysis was
performed properly or not from the output file. For example, if STAAD.Pro encounters an instability
problem during the analysis process, it will be reported in the output file.
STAAD.Pro Keyboard Shortcuts

Below are some of the common keyboard shortcuts in STAAD.Pro.

use with "shift" key:- STAAD.Pro actions

shift+a specifications of beam
shift+b beam number
shift+c display solid number
shift+e beam starting and end points
shift+f floor loading
shift+i origin of model
shift+j property reference number
shift+k show nodes
shift+l master and slave nodes
shift+m material assigned
shift+n node numbers
shift+o local axis of individual members
shift+p plate number
shift+r release provided
shift+s shows supports
shift+t plate orientations
shift+v display load values
shift+x property assigned
shift+y floor loads
use with "ctrl" key STAAD.Pro actions
ctrl+1 section outline
ctrl+2 solid section
ctrl+4 render
ctrl+0 no outline
ctrl+o open file
ctrl+p print file
ctrl+s save file
ctrl+g define group dialog box
ctrl+z undo
ctrl+c copy
ctrl+v paste
ctrl+y redo
ctrl+n create new staad model file
ctrl+f5 run analysis
Increase or decrease the view
ctrl+ mouse scroll wheel
window diagram size

Miscellaneous shortcuts
f2 move
f4 change orientation
f1 help
Esc Cancel an action
Up, Down, Left and Right Rotate model in the view
arrow keys window.