Staad Foundation Manual v8i

STAAD.
foundation
V8i (SELECTseries 4)
User Manual
DAA039230-1/0001
Last updated: 22 October 2010
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
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User Manual — i
RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGENDS
If this software is acquired for or on behalf of the United States of America,
its agencies and/or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government"), it is provided with
restricted rights. This software and accompanying documentation are
"commercial computer software" and "commercial computer software
documentation," respectively, pursuant to 48 C.F.R. 12.212 and 227.7202, and
"restricted computer software" pursuant to 48 C.F.R. 52.227-19(a), as
applicable. Use, modification, reproduction, release, performance, display or
disclosure of this software and accompanying documentation by the U.S.
Government are subject to restrictions as set forth in this Agreement and
pursuant to 48 C.F.R. 12.212, 52.227-19, 227.7202, and 1852.227-86, as
applicable. Contractor/Manufacturer is Bentley Systems, Incorporated, 685
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Unpublished - rights reserved under the Copyright Laws of the United States
and International treaties.
END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

To view the End User License Agreement for this product, review: eula_
en.pdf.
ii — STAAD.foundation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What's New 1
V8i (SELECTseries 4) Release 5.3 1
V8i (SELECTseries 3) Update Patch Release 5.2.1 2
Section 1 Getting Started 11
1.1 Welcome 11
1.2 Fundamentals 12
1.3 Application Window Layout 24
Section 2 General Foundations 95
2.1 Introduction 95
2.2 Global Data 96
2.3 Job Setup 133
2.4 Local Data 139
2.5 Grouping Foundation Designs 225
Section 3 Plant Foundations 227
3.1 Introduction 227
3.2 Starting a New Plant Setup Job 227
3.3 Vertical Vessel Foundation 229
3.4 Heat Exchanger Foundation 248
User Manual — iii

Section 4 Foundation Toolkit 265
4.1 Introduction 265
4.2 Starting a New Foundation Toolkit Project 265
4.3 Isolated/Block Foundation 268
4.4 Combined Footing 279
4.5 Dead Man Anchor Guy Foundation 288
4.6 Drilled Pier 295
4.7 Pile Cap 303
4.8 Ribbed Beam Footing 315
Section 5 Creating Reports and Drawings 329
5.1 Creating Design Reports 329
5.2 Creating Detailed Calculations Sheets 330
5.3 Create Drawing Files for use with CAD software 331
Section 6 Integration with External Programs 333
6.1 Working with STAAD.Pro 333
6.2 Working with Microsoft Excel 335
6.3 Working with Neutral Files 340
Section 7 Quick Tour 343
7.1 Isolated Footing Example 343
7.2 Mat Foundation Example 353
7.3 Pile Cap Example 371
7.4 Strip Footing Example 377
7.5 Conclusion 381
Section 8 Technical Reference 383
8.1 Introduction to Finite Element Analysis 383
8.2 Element Load Specification 384
8.3 Theoretical Basis 384
8.4 Element Local Coordinate System 385
8.5 Output of Element Forces 385
8.6 Sign Convention of Element Forces 387
8.7 STAAD.foundation Program Theory 390
iv — STAAD.foundation
8.8 Isolated (Spread) Footing Theory 390
8.9 Pile Cap Theory 391
8.10 Mat (Raft) Foundation Theory 396
8.11 Combined (Strip) Footing Theory 398
8.12 Driller Pier Theory 399
8.13 Pedestal Theory 404
Section 9 Index 405
User Manual — v
What's New
The Software Release Report for STAAD.foundation V8i (SELECTseries 4)
contains detailed information on additions and changes that have been
implemented since the release of Release 5.2.
V8i (SELECTseries 4) Release 5.3

STAAD.foundation has been updated to facilitate advanced exporting of
structural data from within STAAD.Pro. The Foundation Design mode included
in STAAD.Pro V8i (SELECTseries 2) release 20.07.07 and later can be used to
export initial data and update the STAAD.foundation project when changes are
made in the original STAAD.Pro model.
Note: If more than one versions of STAAD.foundation are installed on the

machine, while export automatically latest version of STAAD.foundation
will be selected
Smart Change Management

After the initial export, any changes made in the STAAD.Pro model can be
seamlessly exported to STAAD.foundation. After an analysis of the changed
model is complete, go to the Foundation Design mode and export to
STAAD.foundation using Launch STAAD.foundation button.
The following Parameters can be updated:
l Column Position
l Column Shape
l Column Size
l Load Cases
l Support List
Smart Load Export

After exporting a model from STAAD.Pro to STAAD.foundation, you can create
additional load cases in the STAAD.foundation project. These newly added load
cases are independent from the STAAD.Pro model. If the loads in STAAD.Pro
are updated, STAAD.foundation will only update the imported load cases when
another export is initiated via the smart change management feature. Any load
cases created in STAAD.foundation will not be affected by changes in
STAAD.Pro model.
User Manual — 1
Hint: In the STAAD.foundation load description tree, load cases imported
from STAAD.Pro will have a STAAD.Pro icon ( ) and load cases generated
in STAAD.foundation will have simple arrow icon ( ).
Smart Unit Export

STAAD.Pro has two base units setup which are English and Metric. Because of
the unit familiarity users want to have the same unit setup even in
STAAD.foundation when launch from STAAD.Pro. STAAD.foundation already
has interface for setting base unit and display unit but that needs some user
interaction. This integration will avoid that unit related confusion.
Integration will automatically detect the STAAD.Pro base unit setup and the
same base unit will be transferred to STAAD.foundation too.
Note: Only the base unit setup will be transferred, possibly not be the
actual units. For instance, you may create a new unit in STAAD.Pro (e.g.,
T/mm) which may not be available in STAAD.foundation. Thus, the
program won't display T/mm but may instead display KN/m. Both are SI
units, which is preferable to a mix of SI and English (U.S. Customary).
V8i (SELECTseries 3) Update Patch Release 5.2.1

The following features have been added or enhanced since V8i SELECTseries 3
(Release 5.2):
l An option to specify if the concrete footing self weight is to be used for

Ultimate Design check has been added to the Global Settings dialog.
l Negative Offset For Isolated Footing - Logic for isolated footing concrete
check (One way Shear, Moment) has been enhanced. Now the program
checks shear or moment at all possible locations for a given direction
and designs for the critical stress.
Stability check for footings with negative offset has also been enhanced.
Now the program considers resisting moment based on the eccentricity
sign. Thus, the resisting moment will be calculated in the opposite
direction of the moment generated by eccentricity.
l The analysis time for rigid foundations has been cut short by a
significant amount by newly enhanced design engine.
l Zip Code database for plant foundation seismic load generation was miss-
ing in 5.2 installation. It has been included in the patch.
l The pedestal deign engine for the horizontal vessel module has been
modified to correctly process the loads generated by the vessel.
2 — STAAD.foundation
What's New
l Minor corrections have been made in calculation sheets for isolated foot-
ing, vertical vessel, and horizontal vessel designs.
l Title for the Add Self Weight dialog has been updated to Add Self Weight
& Modify Dead Weight Factor.

The following features have been added or enhanced since V8i SELECTseries 2
(Release 5.1):
General Program
Excel interoperability - Use a pre-formatted spreadsheet to enter multiple jobs
at once.
Context Sensitive help - This feature is accessed by pressing the F1 key during
most dialogs or forms.
Wind load and Seismic load for X and Z. Four new load types have been
created to reflect directional wind and seismic loads. This is reflected in both
the General Foundation mode as well as Foundation Toolkit mode.
STAAD.Pro Import can now be initiated from the Command line.
Isolated Foundation
Pedestal design for Indian and British codes (IS-456-2000 and BS 8100-97,
respectively) - Available in the General Foundation mode (Create Job form) or
in the Foundation Toolkit mode (Isolated Footing or Combined Footing Job
pages). Automatic bar arrangement is performed, similar to the US code
pedestal design.
Controlling parameter to restrict allowable uplift. This is done by limiting the
percent of footing area that must remain in contact with soil.
Fixed “Length” or “Width”options for Isolated footing design. In addition to
specifying both plan dimensions or having the program design them, you may
now specify one dimension as fixed and the program will design the other.
Support offsets may now be entered as negative values.
Crack control rebar spacing is now checked and reported for footing designed
by the US code (ACI 318, chapter 10).
The final thickness is updated and used for the self weight calculation.
Isolated footing groups are now added to a new job, with its own calculation
sheet. This aids in organizing your footing design groups.
User Manual — 3
Mat Foundation
Soil on top of a mat foundation can now be considered in analysis. Input the
density and height of the soil in the Mat Foundation Soil Properties form. The
contribution of the dead weight is controlled in the Add Self Weight & Modify
Dead Weight Factor dialog, which has been updated to reflect the inclusion of
soil as dead weight.
The Calculation sheet created when a mat foundation is designed has been
standardized to the format used throughout the program.
Pile Cap
Pile cap design by Canadian code (CSA A23-94) - Access this feature in the
General Foundation mode (Create Job form). One way shear is checked per
Section 11 and punching shear per Section 13.
The Calculation sheet created when a pile cap foundation is designed has been
standardized to the format used throughout the program.
Plant Foundations
The dimension increment used for Vertical Vessel footing sizes can now be
set.

General
l Icons are modified for main navigator. In place of folder image, now
comprehensive icon pictures are used
What's New
l Modified Geometry View for pedestals and point of application of loads
User Manual — 5
l Calculation sheet print preview
l Load case title now supports “&” character
l Development Length check made optional (refer 2.9, 2.10 & 2.12)
l IS code bond stress enhancement for torsed bar is implemented
l You may now add, save and display notes on any module’s Detail
Drawing.
What's New
Toolkit Mode
l Ribbed beam foundation for Indian code
l Special features:
l Singly/ doubly reinforcement available for beam
l Single layer/double layer reinforcement for beam
l Bond stress check in working stress method
Pile Cap Job (refer 2.10)

l Self weight is considered
l Lateral load is transferred from top of the pedestal to the bottom of the
footing
l 2/3 pilecap combination modified
General mode
l Default colors can be saved
l Copy-Paste support for load combination generation table, column
position table, column dimension table, Linear Grid table, and Radial
Grid table (refer to section 6.2)
l Linear grid saving
l Radial grid saving
l “Load Title” column added in “Load Safety Factor Table”
l Soil bearing capacity factors (refer 4.5.4.16)
l Automatic load combination generation table for
l ASCE 7-05
l British
l Indian
l Canadian (NBCC 05)
l Australian
User Manual — 7
l Default unit cannot be changed by “Edit Job”
l Mat foundation
l Copy-paste option for physical beam table (refer 7.1)
l Table to create polygon region using coordinates (refer 7.1)
l Advance polygonal meshing options (refer 4.7.1.3.14)
l Load combination Table along with the name is displayed in calculation
sheet.
l Neutral file format (xml format) read and write ability
Plant mode
l Square shaped vertical vessel foundation (refer 5.4.3)
l Octagonal and square pile cap for vertical vessel foundation (refer 5.4.11)
l Two isolated footing option for horizontal vessel foundation (refer 5.5.4)
l Strap footing option for horizontal vessel foundation (refer 5.5.5 and
5.5.6)
l Partial wind load option included (refer 5.4.7 and 5.5.8)
l Pier design for horizontal vessel
What's New
l PIP load combination added

l Zip code data saving
l 3-D model available for all plant modules
l pile punching check added for octagonal pilecap

l Verification examples for plant module
l Test/ Live and erection load input option (refer 5.4.5 and 5.5.7)
User Manual — 9
l Seismic/ wind Load application point for horizontal vessel (refer 5.5.7)
l Sliding plate coefficient of friction for horizontal vessel (refer 5.5.7)
l Load application with respect to fixed & sliding support consideration
PIP compatible
l Development Length checks for vertical vessel.
Section 1
Getting Started
1.1 Welcome
STAAD.foundation V8i (SELECTseries 4) Release 5.3
STAAD.foundation is standalone software with more than 50 different design
modules and 5 different international codes. It is cost-saving downstream
application that also enables engineers to analyze and design the underlying
foundation for the structure they created in STAAD.Pro. STAAD.foundation can
automatically absorb the geometry, loads and results from a STAAD.Pro model
and accurately design isolated or combined footings, true mat foundations and
even perform pile cap arrangements. Data from other superstructure analysis
design packages can be imported to STAAD.foundation through Microsoft
Excel.
STAAD.foundation not only analyzes and designs a myriad of foundation
configurations, but will also produce production quality reports, detail
drawing, schedule drawing, general arrangement (GA) drawing and detailed 3D
rendering of your foundation structures. With full OpenGL graphics, engineers
can clearly see the displaced shape, stress distribution, reinforcement layout
User Manual — 11
and force diagrams of their supporting structure. All models use physical
objects including physical beams and slabs that do not require meshing.
For mat design, STAAD.foundation utilizes a true finite element design using
the individual element stresses rather than using column strips.
STAAD.foundation can be used in a stand-alone mode or can be used
integrated with STAAD.Pro where the support reactions from the main model
and associated load cases are automatically brought in.
For isolated (pad) footings, combined (strip) footings, pilecaps
STAAD.foundation utilizes rigid analysis and design method. These
foundation can be also analyzed and design through finite element method
using mat foundation modules.
STAAD.foundation also offers special types of foundation like Dead Man
Anchor Foundation (Guyed Tower Foundation), Drilled Pier Foundation,
Ribbed (Beam) Foundation through Toolkit Mode.
The program and this document have been prepared in accord with
established industry engineering principles and guidelines. While believed to
be accurate, the information contained herein should never be utilized for any
specific engineering application without professional observance and
authentication for accuracy, suitability and applicability by a competent and
licensed engineer, architect or other professional. Bentley Systems disclaims
any liability arising from the unauthorized and/or improper use of any
information contained in this document, or as a result of the usage of the
program.
1.2 Fundamentals
Starting STAAD.foundation
There are several ways to initiate STAAD.foundation.
To start
1. In the program group, double-click the STAAD.foundation icon.
or
From the Windows Start menu, select All Programs > Bentley
Engineering > STAAD.foundation 5.2 > STAAD.foundation 5.2 (default
location).
Section 1 Getting Started
or
In Windows Explorer, double-click an AFS file icon (with the file
extension .AFS).
or
Drag a AFS file icon from Windows Explorer and drop it on the
STAAD.foundation icon.
or
In the Windows Explorer, double-click the icon for the file,
STAADFOUNDATION.EXE.
The STAAD.foundation window opens.
Hint: If you’re a first time user unfamiliar with STAAD.foundation, we

suggest that you go through the Quick Tour presented in Section 3 of this
manual.
Note: If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating systems, you
may have to run the program as an administrator. Right click on the
STAAD.FOUNDATION.EXE file and select Run as Administrator. Click Yes
in the message dialog.
Exiting STAAD.foundation
As you work, STAAD.foundation prompts you to save all changes you make to
the open STAAD.foundation project file to disk (assuming you have not turned
off the default “Enable Auto Save” toggle under the Tools menu). After you
close the STAAD.foundation project file, you can no longer undo changes with
STAAD.foundation's Undo feature. Therefore, be sure to undo any unwanted
changes to the STAAD.foundation project file before you exit.
User Manual — 13
To exit STAAD.foundation
1. Click the application window's Close icon.
or
Select File > Exit.
or
From the application window menu, choose Close.
Foundation Modes
STAAD.foundation can operation in three different modes, depending on the
type of foundation you wish to model, analyze, and design. You will select one
of these modes when creating your project:
l General Foundation - Open modeling of common foundation types.

l Plant Foundation - Parametric modeling wizards for common foun-
dations used in plant environments.
l Foundation Toolkit - Parametric modeling wizards for common foun-
dation types.
Global and Local data

In STAAD.foundation, you start out by creating a Project to hold all your
physical information, such as column locations, loads, etc. This physical
information represents the structure that the foundation is intended to
support. Unless the design of the structure is modified, these physical
conditions generally remain constant throughout the life of the foundation
design project.
Your Project also contains Jobs, which are sets of constraints needed to tell
the program how to perform a foundation design. Each job contains the local
data for that specific foundation configuration. A job may represent separate
foundation type which coexist on the same structure, several different
foundation scenarios used to evaluate different solutions, or even different
stages of construction. It is a flexible system but one that allows you to
organize the project to meet your needs.
The current job being evaluated can be selected using the Active Job drop-
down found in the Standard Toolbar.
Note: STAAD.foundation consists of two sets of data, global and local.

Global data such as column reactions and column positions is shared
throughout a project among both similar and different jobs. Local data
such as design parameters is used only within a specific job type. For
example, an Isolated Footing job type has local data within the design
parameters group. A project may contain multiple jobs, making it easy for
you to evaluate different design scenarios for a given set of physical
conditions.
Document Conventions
Typographical Conventions
A number of typographical conventions are maintained throughout Bentley
documentation, which makes it easier to identify and understand the
information presented.
Convention Description
Note Precedes information of general importance.
Hint Precedes optional time-saving information.
Warning Precedes information about actions that
should not be performed under normal oper-
ating conditions.
FILENAMES Directory paths and file names are italicized.
Example: C:\TUTOR directory, AUTO-
EXEC.BATfile.
Program Code Excerpts from text or basic script files, var-
iables, and statements appear in the font
shown.
Input Commands or information that must be man-
ually entered is bolded in the font shown.
Menu & But- Menu commands and dialog buttons appear
tons in a sans serif font that stands out from nor-
mal body text.
Example: After selecting the File menu, press
the OK button in the dialog.
Dialogs Dialog and database table names are ital-
field_names icized.
Example: The Preferences dialog.
Select Indicates that the command must be executed
from a menu or dialog.
Throughout this Tutorial, the menu command
sequence required to execute a command will
be explicitly defined in the text, while the
associated toolbar button (if one exists) is pre-
User Manual — 15
Convention Description
sented in the margin.
Terminology
l Click - This refers to the action of pressing a mouse button. When not
specified, click means to press the left mouse button.
l pop-up menu - A pop-up menu is displayed typically with a right-click of
the mouse on an item in the interface.
Using Toolbars
STAAD.foundation has many tools. These tools are grouped for convenient
selection in toolbars and are referenced in tasks.
Tools are represented in toolbars by icons. For simplicity, the term “tool” is
used to refer both to a tool and its icon.
The first time you start STAAD.foundation, the following are open and docked
along the top of the program window:
l Standard
l Trans Rotation
l Select
Pop-up Menu
Right-clicking on any program toolbar presents the pop-up menu, which is

used to toggle the display of application window elements or open the
program Customize dialog.
Note: This menu is the same as the View >Toolbars sub-menu.
Toolbar Customization menu
Each toolbar has a menu which is access by clicking the downward arrow found
to the right of any toolbar. This arrow can be found in the toolbar title bar
when the toolbar has been undocked.
Docking and Floating toolbars

Each open toolbar is either floating in its own window or docked to an edge of
the application window. You can change the arrangement of tools in a floating
toolbar by resizing its window.
To undock (float) a toolbar from the window edge
1. Hover the mouse pointer over the left edge "handle" of the toolbar ( )
until a multi-arrow pointer ( ) is shown.
2. Drag the toolbar away from the program edge to float it as an undocked
toolbox.
If the toolbox was previously re-sized, the previous size will be restored.
To dock a floating toolbox
1. Click in the toolbox title bar.

2. Drag the toolbox (the pointer becomes a multi-arrow pointer) to a new
location or to the edge of the application window.
The floating toolbox is replaced with a docked toolbar (a resized toolbox
will become a single-row toolbar).
To resize a floating a toolbox
1. Hover the mouse pointer over any edge of the toolbox until the a two-
headed arrow is shown.
2. Click and drag the edge to resize the toolbox.
User Manual — 17
Showing and hiding tools
You can selectively disable and enable the display of individual tools in
toolbars.
To hide or show a tool
1. Open the toolbar that contains the tool icon.

2. Click on the downward arrow, right of any toolbar and
The toolbar's customization menu opens.

3. Select Add or Remove Buttons > <toolbar name>.
Enabled tools are indicated with check marks.

4. Choose the pop-up menu item for the tool you want to hide or show.
Alternate Method - To Hide or show a tool
1. Select View > Toolbars > Customize… .

or
Click on the downward arrow, right of any toolbar and select Add or
Remove Buttons > Customize….
or
right-click on any toolbar and select Customize… from the pop-up menu.
The Customize dialog opens.
2. Select the Commands tab.

3. Select the tool Category you wish to add (this step is not necessary to
remove a tool).
4. Click and drag the tool from the Commands list on to a tool bar where
you wish to insert. A vertical bar is displayed where the tool will be
inserted.
or
Click and drag the tool you wish to remove from the toolbar. Release the
mouse button when the mouse pointer displays an X ( ).
To open a toolbar
1. Select View > Toolbars > Customize… .

or
Click on the downward arrow, right of any toolbar and select Add or
Remove Buttons > Customize….
or
right-click on any toolbar and select Customize… from the pop-up menu.
The Customize dialog opens.
2. Select the Toolbars tab.
User Manual — 19
Its list box contains an entry for each available toolbar. The check box
next to each entry indicates whether or not the toolbar is open.
3. In the list box, click (turn on) the check box for the toolbar you want to
open and click OK.
or
In the list box, double-click the list box entry for the toolbar you want to
open.
If the toolbar was docked the last time it was opened (or its default is to
be docked), it will be automatically docked upon opening. Otherwise, the
toolbar will be floated.
Hint: You can open more than one toolbar at the same time using the
Customize dialog by turning on their check boxes.
To close a toolbar
Toolbars may be closed by unchecking the option in the Customize dialog,

similar to how to open them. Alternately, if a toolbar is undocked, the
following procedure may be used.
1. Click the Close (X) button found in the toolbar title bar.
Coping with mistakes

MicroStation supports unlimited undo, which lets you undo “drawing”
operations to recover from a mistake. Similarly, you can use the View Previous
and View Next view controls to scroll through viewing operations on a per
view basis.
To undo the last operation
1. Select Edit > Undo.

or
Press <CTRL-Z>.
For example, suppose that you just deleted an element with the Delete tool. To
undo this operation, you would choose Undo delete element from the Edit
menu.
Hint: After you undo an operation, the operation just before it becomes
undoable. You can, therefore, undo a series of operations by repeatedly
choosing Undo from the Edit menu.
There is no limit to the number of undo's you can perform within a design
session. The undo buffer is only limited by your disk storage space.
Note: A limitation on undoing is that unless you are recording the open
AFS file's design history, you cannot undo operations made before the file
was last closed or compressed. You see when you close or compress the file
(including “saving as”), the undo buffer is emptied.
To undo the last undo operation
1. Select Edit > Redo.

or
Press <CTRL-Y>.
Using Window Panes

The STAAD.foundation application window is split into multiple panes, each of
which may be moved, closed, or "floated" outside the main window.
User Manual — 21
Docking and Floating Window panes
To float a window pane
1. Click in the window pane title bar.

2. While holding the mouse button down, drag the pane away from its
docked location.
3. Release the mouse button to place the floated window.
Alternate method - To float a window pane
1. Right click in the window pane title bar.

2. Select Floating from the pop-up menu.
To dock a window pane
1. Click in the window pane title bar.

2. While holding the mouse button down, drag the pane towards the edge
of the application window or another docked window pane.
A number of dock location indicators appear across the window.
3. Drag the window title bar over one of the dock location indicators to
highlight where the window will be docked at.
4. Release the mouse button over one of the dock location indicators to
dock the window in that location.
Alternate method - To dock a window pane

2. Select Docked from the pop-up menu.
To close a window pane
1. Click the X located in the right side of the window pane title bar.
or
Select View > Toolbars > <Window pane name>.
The check box next to each entry indicates whether or not the window
pane is open.
Alternate method - To close a window pane

2. Select Hide from the pop-up menu.
Toggle auto hide for a docked window pane
1. Click the pushpin icon ( ) located in the right side of the window pane
title bar.
The docked window pane collapses into a tab attached the application
window edge it is docked into. Hovering the mouse pointer over this tab
expands the window pane for use. Once the mouse is clicked outside the
window pane, it will "auto hide" once again.
Note: Clicking the window pane tab will show the window pane
without pause.
2. Clicking the horizontal pushpin icon again will make the window pane
"sticky" (toggle off auto hide).
Alternate method - Toggle auto hide for a docked window pane

2. Select Auto Hide from the pop-up menu.
The check box next to each entry indicates whether or not the window
pane is in auto hide.
Graphical Input
You can use a mouse, digitizing tablet cursor, or similar pointing device with
STAAD.foundation to enter graphical input.
User Manual — 23
Using a scrolling mouse
If your mouse has a wheel, you can use the mouse wheel middle button and as
a wheel for scrolling to manipulate view windows. You can also use it to zoom
in and out of graphic window tabs. The middle button can be pressed and held
to place the mouse pointer into a pan mode (same as selecting the Pan tool
from the Trans Rotate toolbar)
Note: You must have the required drivers for your mouse already
installed on your system.
1.3 Application Window Layout

The STAAD.foundation application window is split into multiple panes, each
of which may be moved, closed, or "floated" outside the main window.
The STAAD.foundation window contains the following sections by default:
A. Title Bar - displays the file name of the project that is currently open &
active
B. Menu bar - contains multiple menu items located at the top of the win-
dow.
C. Toolbars
D. Main Navigation pane
E. Tabbed View window
F. Data Input pane or Load pane
G. Output Pane
H. Status Bar - Provides prompts, context-sensitive assistance, and some
interactive functionality.
Menus
This section provides a description of the commands available from
STAAD.foundation’s pull-down Menu Bar.
Hint: Only commonly used menu items are shown by default. Click the
expand menu icon to display the full contents of the menu. This behavior
can be turned off in the Customize dialog, Options tab.
The names of the pull-down menus, from left to right across the top of the
screen, are as follows:
File Menu
The File Menu allows you to perform project file related operations such as
creating a new project, opening an existing project, saving a project, etc.
User Manual — 25
The File Menu contains the following menu commands:
Menu Item Description Shortcut
New > General Closes the current project and
Setup opens a new, empty project in the
General mode.
New > Plant Closes the current project and
Plant Foundation mode.
New > Toolkit Closes the current project and
Toolkit mode.
Open… Opens the Open Project dialog, CTRL+O
which is used to open an existing
STAAD.foundation project.
Save Saves design changes to the open CTRL+S
project.
Note: Choosing Save while

"Untitled#.afs" is open has the
same effect as choosing Save

As.
Save As… Opens the Save As dialog, which

is used to save a copy of the
design file with a different name,
in a different directory, or on a
different disk. If just a different
name is chosen, the copy
becomes the active design file.
Close Closes the current project file
and returns to the Start page.
Print… Opens the Print dialog, which is CTRL+P
used to adjust printing settings
and create printed output.
Print Preview Opens the Preview dialog.
When you choose this command,
the main window will be replaced
with a print preview window in
which output pages will be
displayed in their printed format.
Print Setup… Opens the Print Setup dialog,

where you specify the printer and
its connection.
Import Opens the StaadPro File Import
STAAD.Pro File dialog, which is used to select a
STAAD.Pro project from which to
create a new STAAD.foundation
project.
User Manual — 27
Import from Opens the STAAD.foundation
Excel Neutral File dialog, with the file
filter set for Microsoft Excel
(.xls) files.
See See "Import Foundation
Input from Excel" on page 338
for additional information on this
feature.
#filename A list of the most recent
<Recent Project STAAD.foundation files is dis-
Files> played here in a numbered list.
Selecting any item here will close
the current STAAD.foundation
project file and open the selected
one.
Exit Exits STAAD.foundation.
However, if modifications have
not yet been saved, an alert box
is displayed with options to save
or discard the changes or return
to the project.
Open Project dialog
Used to open an existing .AFS file.

Opens when File > Open is selected.
Existing tab
To open an existing project, navigate to the directory in which the project file
is located and then select the file and click on Open.
Look in
Lists the drives and directories for selection.
List box
Lists files for selection. The files listed reside in the directory chosen in
the Look in option menu, filtered according to the file type chosen in the
Files of type option menu. Double-clicking a filename in the list box
selects the file.
File name
Shows the name of the file that is selected in the list box, or you can key
in a filename. The list box lists the name of the existing files in the
directory.
To bypass the Look in option menu, you can key in a complete path
specification for a file in the File name field.
Files of type
Sets the type of file to open. STAAD.foundation can only read .AFS file
formats directly. Use the Import feature to use data in a different file
type.
Open
Opens the selected AFS file.
If the filename in the Name field is the same as the name of an existing
file, an alert box asks if you want to overwrite the existing file.
If a AFS file is already open, it is closed before the newly selected AFS
file is opened.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without opening a STAAD.foundation project file.
Go to Last Folder Visited
Returns to the last folder that you opened.
Up One Level
Moves up one directory from your current location.
Create New Folder
Creates a new folder with an editable name field.
View Menu
Allows you to select how to display the files in the directory.
User Manual — 29
l Thumbnails — Shows a thumbnail image of the files in the direc-
tory.
l Tiles — Displays the file by name, type and size of file.
l Icons — Displays the files by the product-specific icon.
l List — Shows a list of the files in the directory.
l Details — Allows you to select what details you want to display for
the files listed.
Recent tab
The recent tab contains a list of recently opened STAAD.foundation project

files. Select one from the list to re-open.
Open
Opens the selected AFS file.
If the filename in the Name field is the same as the name of an existing
file, an alert box asks if you want to overwrite the existing file.
If a AFS file is already open, it is closed before the newly selected AFS
file is opened.
Cancel
Save Project dialog
Used to save a copy of the STAAD.foundation project file with a different

name, in a different directory, or on a different disk. If just a different name is
chosen, the copy becomes the active design file.
Opens when File > Save As… is chosen.
To save a project, navigate to the directory in which you want to save the
project, type in a file name for the project and then click on Save.
Save in
List box
Sets the name of the STAAD.foundation file you want to save. The list
box lists the names of the existing files in the directory.
Different systems allow different numbers of characters in filenames.
Some systems are case-sensitive (they differentiate between upper and
lower case), others are not. If portability between different systems is a
concern, filenames with a maximum of eight characters all in the same
case are recommended.
File name
Sets the name of the STAAD.founation file you want to save.
Save as type
Sets the type of file format. STAAD.foundation saves only in .AFS file
format.
Save
Saves the selected STD file.
User Manual — 31
Cancel
Closes the dialog without saving the current project file.
Up One Level
Create New Folder
View Menu

tory.
the files listed.
Print dialog
Used to print the active project report.

Opens when File > Print… is selected or the Print tool is clicked in the Print
Preview dialog.
Printer
Lets you choose the printer driver to use. Select any Windows system
printer.
Properties…
Used to set the properties for the selected printer.
Print range
l All - Print the entire report

l Pages - Enter from and to pages to specify a range within the report
to print.
l Selection - Prints only the pages selected before the dialog opened.
Copies
Enter the Number of copies desired.
Collate
Select this option to print entire jobs together before beginning the next
copy.
OK
Closes the dialog and sends the document to the selected printer.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without printing.
Print Preview window
Displays an on-screen preview of how the current input file will when printed,
using the current Page Setup and Print Setup.
Opened when File > Print Preview… is selected.
User Manual — 33
Print Preview toolbar
The print preview toolbar offers you options to view either one or two pages
at a time; move back and forth through the document; zoom in and out of
pages; and initiate a print job.
Print…
The same as selecting File > Print… from the STAAD.foundation win-
dow. Once the file has been printed, the Print Preview window closes
and returns to the STAAD.foundation window.
Next Page
Displays the following page of the printed input file.
Prev Page
Displays the previous page of the printed input file
Two Page
Toggles the Print Preview window to display either one or two pages
simultaneously.
Zoom In
Magnifies the View of the Print Preview window. Same a clicking in the
window when the pointer is a magnifying glass.
Zoom Out
Decreases the magnification of the Print Preview window.
Close
Exits the Print Preview window and returns to the STAAD.foundation
window.
Print Setup dialog
You can specify a printer and connection to the printer here. Your default
Windows printer is selected for your automatically, if available.
Opens when File > Print Setup… is selected.
STAAD.Pro File Import dialog
Used to begin a new project by importing the support co-ordinates and

forces/moments on the individual supports from Bentley's STAAD.Pro
structural analysis software program. This feature allows you to import any
analyzed STAAD.Pro file and update foundation input database if the
STAAD.Pro file gets changed.
Opens when File > Import STAAD.Pro file is selected.
User Manual — 35
Look in
List box
Lists files for selection. The files listed reside in the directory chosen in
the Look in option menu, filtered according to the file type chosen in the
Files of type option menu. Double-clicking a filename in the list box
selects the file.
File name
Shows the name of the file that is selected in the list box, or you can key
in a filename. The list box lists the name of the existing files in the
directory.
To bypass the Look in option menu, you can key in a complete path
specification for a file in the File name field.
Files of type
Sets the type of file to open. STAAD.foundation can import STAAD.Pro
input files (file extension .STD).
Open
Opens the Import STAAD.Pro File dialog, which is used to list all the
available load cases found in the selected STD file.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without importing a STAAD.Pro project file.

Up One Level
Create New Folder
View Menu

tory.
the files listed.
STAAD.foundation Neutral File dialog
Used to open Neutral Files. See "6.3 Working with Neutral Files" on page 340
for additional information.
User Manual — 37
The controls in this dialog are analogous to those in the Open dialog.
Edit Menu
The Edit menu has items for undoing and redoing changes to the foundation
model.
The Edit menu contains the following commands:

Menu
Description Shortcut
Item
Delete The Delete menu command deletes the
selected item(s). The Delete command is
only active when a relevant item like sup-
port position, beam, pile etc. is selected.
Undo Negates the last drawing operation. CTRL+Z
or
ALT +
Backspace
Redo Negates the last undo operation. CTRL+Y
View Menu
The View menu contains commands that turns various toolbars, status bars
and menus on and off.
The View Menu contains the following menu commands:

Menu Item Description
Toolbars > Toggles the display of the Standard toolbar.
Standard
Toolbar
Toolbars > Toggles the display of the Trans Rotate toolbar.
View Trans-
Rot Toolbar
Toolbars > Toggles the display of the Output pane.

Output
Toolbars > Toggles the display of the Caption Bar.
Caption Bar
Toolbars > Toggles the display of the Main Navigation pane.
Main Navi-
gation
Toolbars > Toggles the display of the Load pane.
Load Page
Toolbars > Toggles the display of the Data Input pane.
Data Input
Page
Toolbars > Opens the Customize dialog.
Cus-
tomize…
Status Bar Toggles the display of the window status bar.
Application This sub-menu contains a list of themes which
Look > will change the appearance of the STAAD.fou-
<list> ndation window. These themes are based on com-
mon versions of Office suites.
Customize dialog
Used to customize the application window.
Note: All changes made in the Customize dialog are applied instantly.
Opens when:
l View > Toolbars > Customize… is selected, or

l You click on the downward arrow, right of any toolbar and select Add or
Remove Buttons > Customize…, or
l You right-click on any toolbar and select Customize… from the pop-up
menu.
Commands tab
Used to add, remove, or rearrange tool on the toolbars.
User Manual — 39
Categories list
Commands (tools) are grouped in similar categories. Select the category
from which you wish to add a tool.
Commands list
All available tools are listed here, grouped by category. These may be
dragged onto toolbars. Refer to Using toolbars for more.
Description
When available, a brief description of the selected tool will be displayed
here.
Toolbars tab
Used to toggle the display of the program toolbars.
Toolbars list
Select the check box to display listed toolbars.
Note: The Menu bar may not be turned off.
Reset
Used to reset all changes made to window toolbars. A warning dialog will
confirm you wish to proceed.
Warning: This action may not be undone.
Reset All
Used to reset all changes made to window toolbars and menus. A warning
dialog will confirm you wish to proceed.
Show text labels

Select this option to display tool labels for each tool in the selected
toobar.
User Manual — 41
Note: The tool names are displayed in "tool tips" even when this
option is not selected, as long as Show ScreenTips on toolbars is
selected on the Options tab.
Keyboard tab
Used to control keyboard shortcuts for menu items.
Categories list
Commands (menu items) are grouped in similar categories.
Commands list
All available menu items are listed here, grouped by category.
Description
When available, a brief description of the selected command will be
displayed here.
Set Accelerator for
Select the user account you for which you wish the keyboard shortcut
(accelerator) to be available for.
Current keys
The current list of assigned keyboard shortcuts for the selected menu
item in the Commands list.
Press New Shortcut Key
When the cursor is active in this field, keyboard strokes/chords will be

recorded as a keyboard shortcut.
Note: If a previously used keyboard shortcut is recorded, then a

message with its assignment is displayed below.
Assign
Add recorded keyboard shortcut to the selected menu item in the
Commands list.
Hint: Multiple keyboard shortcuts may be assigned to a single menu

item or command.
Remove
Remove the selected keyboard shortcut in the Current Keys list from the
selected menu item in the Commands list.
Reset All
Restore all settings on this tab to factory defaults.
Menu tab
Used control the contents and display style of menus.
Show Menus for
User Manual — 43
Select the application state for which you wish to edit menus. Once
selected, the context menu opens as a floating toolbox. Select the
Commands tab in the Customize dialog (see above) to add or remove
menu times from this menu.
Reset
This resets changes made to the selected menu in the Show Menus for
list. A warning dialog will confirm you wish to proceed.
Menu animations
Select one of the animation styles from the drop-down menu.
Hint: If you are experiencing slow menu behavior, we recommend

selecting "None".
Menu shadows
Select this options to have a shadow effect
Hint: If you are experience slow menu behavior, we recommend

turning this feature off.
Select context menu

Select a context menu for customization. Once selected, the context
menu opens as a floating toolbox. Select the Commands tab in the
Customize dialog (see above) to add or remove menu times from this
menu.
Reset
This resets changes made to the selected menu in the Select Context
Menu list. A warning dialog will confirm you wish to proceed.
Options tab
Used to set general menu and toolbar appearance and behavior.
Show ScreenTips on toolbars

Select this option to display the name of a tool by hovering the mouse
pointer over the tool.
Show shortcut keys in ScreenTips
Select this option to also display the keyboard shortcut in the tool tip
(for tools which have a keyboard shortcut assigned to them).
Large Icons
Select this option to use large icons in the program toolbars.
Menus show recently used commands first
Select this option to have menu items not commonly used hidden by
default. These menu items may then be displayed by clicking the expand
menu button ( ).
Show full menus after a short delay
Once a menu has been opened, the full menu will be displayed after a
brief pause (same effect as clicking the expand menu button).
Rest my usage data
Click this button to reset the menu usage data dictating menu items to
the factory default.
Close
Closes the dialog.
User Manual — 45
Tools Menu
The Tools menu contains commands for manipulating the structure geometry,
managing jobs, and adding self weight.
The Tools menu contains the following menu commands:

Move selected entities Opens the Move Selected Entities
By… dialog.
Rectangular Mat wizard Opens the Mat Foundation Modeling
wizard.
Update STAAD Used to update current project’s
Database input database with the changed
STAAD.Pro output.
Set Column or Pedestal Opens the Set Column Dimension
Dimension dialog.
Add Self Weight and Opens the Add Self Weight & Modify
dead weight factor Dead Weight Factor dialog, which is
used to toggle self weight for the
selected or all load cases and to spec-
ify self weight factors..
Enable Auto Save Toggles the auto save feature, which
will remind you to save your project
on a scheduled cycle if changes have
been made.
Global Settings Opens the Global Settings dialog.
Read Neutral File Opens the STAAD.foundation Neu-
tral File dialog, which is used to
open a .XML data file.

Write Neutral File Opens the STAAD.foundation Neu-
tral File dialog, which is used to save
a .XML data file.
Export Isolated Output Opens the STAAD.foundation Neu-
tral File dialog, which is used to save
an .XML data file containing
designed foundation sizes and rein-
forcement information.
Move Selected Entities By… dialog
Used to move selected entities like support positions, beams and piles.
Opens when Tools > Move Selected Entities… is selected.
Unit
Select a unit of length in which values will be given.
Delta X, Y, Z
Specify distances along any or all of the global axis. These values are the
distance by which the object(s) will be moved.
OK
Closes the dialog and moves the selected entity by the specified values.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without moving the entity.
Mat Foundation modeling wizard
Used to rapidly model rectangular mat foundations. The wizard generates a

new mat foundation job, with a rectangle boundary and mesh. This skips many
User Manual — 47
steps involved in Job Setup, creating a rectangular region, generating a mesh,
and specifying slab properties.
Opens when:
l Tools > Rectangular Mat Wizard is selected, or

l the Rectangular Mat Modeling Wizard tool is selected.
Job Setup
Job Name
Used to uniquely identify each job. You can enter any string here.
Length Unit
Select a unit of length for all coordinates and lengths.
Default Unit Type
Used to setup default design parameters of the job. The program
supports both FPS and SI unit systems. You can select any combination
of design code and default unit type. In other words user can choose US
design code with SI unit system.
Design Code
Used to define concrete code to be used. Current version supports 5
country codes which are
l US - ACI 318-05
l Britain - BS 8110
l Indian - IS 456-2000
l Australian - AS 3600-2004
l Candian - CSA 23.3-04
l Chinese - GB50007-2002
Support Assignment
Used to assign supports to a job. There are three assignment methods
l Assign to All Supports - assigns all supports to new job.

l Assign to Selected Supports - assign all selected supports in the
main view to the current job.
Note: This selection must be made prior to opening the Mat

Foundation Modeling wizard.
Meshing
Meshing Type
Select a Quadrilateral or Triangle finite element shape.
Element Size
Specify a target element size, in the selected Length Unit.
Boundary Setup
X / Z Coordinate at Top left corner
Specify coordinates for X1,Z1, in the selected Length Unit. This is the top-
left corner of the rectangle when viewed in plan (View From Top in the
Trans Rotate toolbar). This locates the rectangular region in plan.
Length / Width
Specify the length (rectangle dimension parallel to the X axis) and width
(rectangle dimension parallel to the Z axis), in the selected Length Unit,
to define the size of the rectangular region.
Y Level
Specify an elevation (Y coordinate for all points in the rectangular
region), in the selected Length Unit.
Slab Property
Analysis Thickness
Used for FEM analysis of mat foundation, in the selected Length Unit.
User Manual — 49
Note: STAAD.foundation allows you to use different thickness for
analysis and design.
Design Thickness
Used to design the mat slab, in the selected Length Unit.
Subgrade Modulus
Modulus of elasticity of soil supporting the mat foundation, in the
selected units.
Create
Creates a new mat foundation job with the specified rectangular mesh
region and slab properties.
Cancel
Closes the wizard without creating a new mat foundation job.
Set Column Dimension dialog
Used to create column or pedestal objects.

Opens when Tools > Set Column or Pedestal Dimension is selected.
Consider Pedestal
Select this option if the object being created is to be considered as a
pedestal.
Column Type
Specify the cross-section type of the column: either rectangular or

circular.
Unit
Select a unit of length in which values will be given.
Column Depth/Dia.
Provide the strong axis dimension of the column. If the Column Type is
circular, this field is the diameter.
Column Width
Provide the weak axis dimension of the column. If the Column Type is
circular, this field is not active.
Pedestal Height
If the column is to be considered as a pedestal, provide a pedestal height.
OK
Closes the dialog and creates the column object.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without creating any objects.
Add Self Weight & Modify Dead Weight Factor dialog
Used to toggle self weight for the selected or all load cases and to specify self
weight factors. This self weight definition is only applicable for Mat foundation
as the program does not add self weight of the mat slab by default. For other
types of footing like isolated or combined footing program automatically adds
self weight for all service load cases. This self weight definition may be used to
override default self weight settings for load cases including dead loads.
User Manual — 51
Add self weight to mat foundations
1. Select Loads & Factors > Apply Self Weight from the Main Navigation
pane.
or
Select Tools > Add Self Weight and dead weight factor.
The Add Self Weight & Modify Dead Weight Factor dialog opens
containing a list of all load cases.
2. Select the Include check box for each load case to have Self Weight
included.
Hint: At the bottom of the dialog there is a control to toggle the

selection of all load cases.
3. Specify a Factor by which to multiply the program-calculated self weight

and/or dead weight.
This is set to unity (1) by default. Factor values will be used to for load
combinations. For service load combinations self weight will be
multiplied by the corresponding factor of that load combination. This
factor governs both the foundation self weight as well as the weight of
soil above a mat foundation.
4. Click on OK to assign/un-assign self weight.
Hint: Self Weight and factors can also be set for individual load cases when
load cases are created or selected in the Load Description Tree.
Global Settings dialog
Used to set global defaults for STAAD.foundation designs and output.
Reinforcement Spacing Increment

For jobs with US code and English unit system (in inches)
For other cases (in millimeters)
Dimension Display
Select either to Use Current Length Unit or Use Ft-In Unit for drawing
output.
Top Reinforcement Option
Select to Always Calculate Top Reinforcement Based on Concrete and Soil
Weight or to Calculate Top Reinforcement Only When Foundation is
Subjected to Uplift Forces. The first option will always include top
reinforcement, where as the latter will omit it if the calculations indicate
it is not necessary due to applied forces.
Ultimate Check Self weight Option
Select this option to include the self weight of the footing, along with soil
User Manual — 53
dead weight and buoyancy effect in concrete design check. This option is
particularly useful when footing loses contact with the soil (uplift
condition), as the concrete design tends to be very non conservative
without consideration of self weight.
Note: Using this option for concrete design might lead to failure for
a footing checked with set dimensions. With the inclusion of self
weight, soil bearing pressure for concrete design load cases increases,
thus leading to higher shear forces and bending moments.
OK
Saves the settings and closes the dialog.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without saving any settings.
Help menu
The Help menu contains items for using online help.
The Help menu contains the following items:

Contents Opens the Help window to dis-
play STAAD.foundation's Table
of Contents.
What's New Opens the Help window to dis-
play the What's New topic.
Multi Media Help… Opens the STAAD.foundation
Tutorials page in your default
web browser.
Tutorials <list> Contains a list of video tutorials
that will open in Windows
Media Player once selected.

Online Resources > Opens the STAAD.foundation
Product Infor- product information page at
mation Bentley.com in your default web
browser.
Online Resources > Opens the STAAD.foundation
Community wiki page on the Be Com-
munities web site in your
default web browser.
Online Resources > Opens the Structural ondemand
OnDemand Sem- seminar offerings at Bentley.com
inars in your default web browser.
Online Resources > Opens the Bentley current
Upcoming Events events schedule in your default
web browser
Online Resources > Opens the Structural training
Training offerings at Bentley.com in your
Online Resources > Opens the Structural Technotes
Technotes & FAQs and FAQs wiki page on the Be
Communities web site in your
Online Resource > Opens the Bentley SELECT-
Select Services services Center website in your
default web browser. This page
is used to contact technical sup-
port in the event you have a
question or other issue.
Verification Manual Opens the STAAD.foundation
Verification Problems .PDF
manual.
Note: You must have Adobe

Acrobat Reader or other
software capable of reading
.PDF files installed on you
computer.
About STAAD.fou- Opens the About STAAD.fou-

ndation… ndation window in which infor-
mation about the product is
displayed.
User Manual — 55
About STAAD.foundation Window
Used to show information about STAAD.foundation.

Opens when you select Help > About STAAD.foundation.
The following information is shown:
l STAAD.foundation version number

l registered user name, site or organization, and, if applicable, SELECT-
server host name.
l copyright information
l trademark notice
OK
Closes the About STAAD.foundation window.
View "Read Me" Document
Opens the Read Me document for this release of STAAD.foundation V8i
in your default web browser.
Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader or other software

capable of reading .PDF files installed on you computer.
The Toolbars
STAAD.foundation offers a set of "dockable" and "floating" toolbars for quick

access to frequently used commands. By default, the toolbar icons appear at the
top of the STAAD.foundation screen immediately below the menu bar. You
may, however, drag each toolbar and place it at any position on the screen
(hence the term "floating"). In addition, if you drag a floating toolbar close to
the edge of the screen, the toolbar gets embedded at the side the screen (hence
the term "dockable"). The title of a "docked" toolbar is not displayed.
However, if you drag the toolbar and leave it "floating" on the screen, a title is
displayed at the top of the toolbar.
Each toolbar icon offers tooltip help. If you are not sure what a toolbar icon
does, place your mouse cursor over the toolbar icon for a moment and a
floating help message appears to identify what the toolbar icon does.
Note: You can right-click any where on a toolbar to display the Toolbar
pop-up menu, which is used to access toolbar display controls. These
controls can also be found on the View > Toolbars menu.
STAAD.foundation offers several toolbars, each of which contains several

toolbar icons. The following toolbars are available:
Standard Toolbar
The Standard toolbox contains icons that enable quick access to commonly
used pull-down menu items .
Has the same effect as

Selecting this icon Result Shortcut
choosing
New Opens the Create CTRL+N
New Project
dialog, which is
used to create a
file.
Open File > Open… Opens an existing CTRL+O
file.
Save File > Save Saves the current CTRL+S
open file.
User Manual — 57
choosing
Import STAAD.Pro File File > Import Imports reaction
and geometry data
from a STAAD.Pro
model.
Import from Excel File > Import from Excel Opens the
STAAD.foundation
Neutral File
dialog, with the
file filter set for
Microsoft Excel
(.xls) files.
See See "Import
Foundation Input
from Excel" on
page 338 for
additional
information on
this feature.
Update STAAD Database Tools > Update STAAD Used to update cur-
Database rent project’s
input database
with the changed
STAAD.Pro out-
put.
Delete Edit > Delete Deletes the DELETE
selected model
object(s).
Cut Deletes the CTRL-X
selected object(s)
and copies it/them
to the clipboard.
Copy Copies the selected CTRL-C
object(s) to the
clipboard.
Paste Pastes the con- CTRL-V
tents of the clip-
board.
Undo Edit > Undo Undoes last oper- CTRL+Z
ation.

choosing
Redo Edit > Redo Undoes last undo CTRL+Y
operation.
Take Picture Takes a snapshot
of the Graphics
Window for use in
the Report Setup.
Report Setup for Opens the Report
Printing Setup dialog.
Print Preview File > Print Preview Opens the Print

Preview window.
Print File > Print… Opens the Print CTRL+P

dialog.
Save Picture Opens the Save Bit-
map dialog, which
is used to save cur-
rent screen to bit-
map picture file.
About Help > About STAAD.fou- Displays version
ndation and contact infor-
mation for
STAAD.foundation.
Context Sensitive Help Displays the help F1
topic related to
the application win-
dow which cur-
rently has focus.
User Manual — 59
choosing
Active Job selection list Used to select a
job from a list of
jobs you have
created for the
active project. To
change jobs,
simply select the
job you wish to
change to from the
drop-down list
box.
If no jobs have
been created for a
project, the drop-
down list box will
be empty.
Load Case selection list Used to change
load cases by
selecting from a
list of load cases
available in the
active project. To
change load cases,
simply select the
load case you wish
to change to from
the drop-down list
box.
If no load cases
have been created
for a project, the
drop-down list box
will be empty.
Move Selected Entities Tools > Move Selected Enti- Opens the Move
ties Selected Entities
by… dialog, which
is used to move
selected model
objects by a spec-
ified value.

choosing
Translational Repeat Opens the Trans-
lational Repeat
dialog.
Set Column Dimension Tools > Set Column or Ped- Opens the Set Col-
estal Dimension umn Dimension
dialog.
Add Self Weight Tools > Add Self Weight Opens the Add Self
Weight & Modify
Dead Weight Fac-
tor dialog.
Add Circular Pressure Used to specify a
Load circular load by
clicking the center
and then the
radius. The Add
Circular Pressure
Load dialog opens
to provide load
details.
Add Rectangular Used to specify a
Pressure Load circular load by
clicking and drag-
ging a rectangular
window. The Add
Rectangular Pres-
sure Load dialog
opens to provide
load details.
Add Point Load on Space Used to add point
loads. The Add
Point Load dialog
opens to provide
load details.
Add Column Reaction Used to add point
Load loads due to col-
umn reactions. The
Add Reaction Load
dialog opens to
provide load
details.
User Manual — 61
choosing
Add Line Loading Used to add linear
loads. The Add
Line Load dialog
opens to provide
load details.
Set Input/Output Unit Opens the Unit
Setup dialog.
Rectangular Mat Tools > Rectangular Mat Opens the Mat

Modeling Wizard Modeling Wizard Foundation Mod-
eling wizard.
Scale Opens the Scale
Setup form in the
Data Input pane.
View Options Opens the Mod-
eling View Options
form in the Data
Input pane.
Change Background Opens a Color
Color dialog to select a
background color.
Show Supports Assigned This icon allows
to Current Job Only you to display only
those support posi-
tions which are
assigned to cur-
rently selected job.

choosing
Create Schematic Draw all the
Diagram designed footings
to actual scale.
This is useful for
checking for
interference.
Also this step is
the first step for
creating footing
groups. Select all
the footings by
clicking left mouse
button while
holding Ctrl key
and the click on
“Create Group”
button on toolbar
to make all those
footings of one
group.
Create Group Create a design
group with the
selected footings
in schematic dia-
gram mode. Newly
created group will
have maximum
dimensions among
all selected foot-
ings.
Design / Analysis This is a short cut
key to design a
footing. If the cur-
rent job is of mat
foundation type,
this command will
analyze the mat
foundation.
Global Settings Tools > Global Settings Opens the Global
Settings dialog.
User Manual — 63
choosing
Create New Project dialog
Used to create and open an empty STAAD.foundation project.

Opens when the New tool is clicked in the Standard toolbar.
New tab
Project type list
l General Foundation
l Plant Foundation
l Foundation Toolkit
Open
Opens the a new, untitled AFS file with the specified project type.
Cancel
Existing tab
Offers the same controls as the Open dialog Existing tab.
Recent tab
Offers the same controls as the Open dialog Recent tab.
Report Setup dialog
The Report Setup for Print icon opens a dialog box allowing you to select what
items will appear in the active project report. See Creating a Design Report for
more information.
Opens when the Report Setup for Printing tool is selected.
The report setup is arranged in two tabs:
Item tab
This tab is used to select tables, pictures, and other items for a report on the
selected foundation job.
User Manual — 65
Available jobs list
The drop-down list box is used to select a job from the current project
file to set up.
Available items list
Once a job is selected, the list box under Available will contain the items
existing for that particular job.
Pictures taken with the Take Picture tool will available grouped with the
job within which they are created.
You can then use the > button to transfer selected items to a report and
the >> button to transfer all items to a report. To remove items from a
report, use the < button to remove selected items and the << button to
remove all items.
Selected items list
Adding items to this list includes them in printed reports.
OK
Accepts the changes made to the Report Setup and closes the dialog.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without saving any changes.
Apply
Applies any changes made to the Report Setup.
Header and Logo tab
You can add your organization's logo and control the look of the report header
on this tab.
File…
Opens a Windows file open dialog, whichi is used to select a graphics file
(.BMP format) for use at the top of each report page.
Font…
Opens the Font dialog, which is used to select font properties (font face,
style, size, etc.) for use in the report headers.
Alignment
Select the justification for report headings.
OK
Accepts the changes made to the Report Setup and closes the dialog.
Cancel
Apply
User Manual — 67
Applies any changes made to the Report Setup.
Save Bitmap dialog
Used to save current screen to bitmap picture file.
The controls in the Save Bitmap dialog are similar to those in the Save As
dialog.
Save as type
STAAD.foundation images can be saved as Windows Bitmap (file
extension .BMP) only.
Translational Repeat dialog
Used to duplicate objects in a model. The command works similar to a copy

command, except multiple copies of an object can be made at a time. In
addition, objects may be linked to together with transverse members. In order
to use Translational Repeat, you must first select at least one object before
the command will become available.
No. of Steps
Specify the number of copies to make.
Link Steps
Select this option to create a physical member between each new copy
made, linking to the previous copy.
X, Y, Z Increment
The Increment group box allows you to specify the distance from the
original object(s) to the copied object(s). When No. of Steps is greater
than 1, the increment values will also specify the distance between the
multiple copied objects. The increment unit used is specified in the
Change Length Unit drop-down list box in the Tools toolbar.
OK
Closes the dialog and creates the copied objects and links, if selected.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without creating any copied objects.
Add Circular Pressure Load dialog
Used to add a circular pressure load to the current load case.
Note: Circular pressure is applicable only to mat foundations.
Opens when the Circular Pressure Load tool is selected in the Standard
toolbar.
User Manual — 69
To create the circular pressure load
1. Select the Add Circular Pressure Load tool.
2. Click on any grid intersection point and that will become the center of
the circle
3. Drag the mouse to the desired circular radius and release the mouse on
a grid intersection node.
Note: The distance between the first point and second point is the
radius of the circle. If the mouse cursor is not released on a grid
intersection point load will not be created.
The Add Circular Pressure Load dialog opens.

4. Input Pressure value and select units
5. (Optional) Modify center and radius values if necessary.
6. Click the OK button.
Add Line Load dialog
This option allows user to add a line load on mat slab.
Note: Line load is applicable only to mat foundations.
Opens when the Add Line Load tool is selected in the Standard toolbar.
To add a Line Load to a Mat foundation

1. Select the Add Line Load tool.
2. Click on any grid intersection point
This point becomes the first point of the line.
3. Drag mouse cursor and click on second grid intersection point to
complete the line segment.
The Add Line Load dialog opens.
4. Input load value
5. (Optional) Modify the line segment end coordinates if necessary.
Add Point Load dialog
Used to create a point load on space.
Note: This option is available only for mat foundation.
Opens when the Add Point Load tool is selected in the Standard toolbar.
User Manual — 71
1. Select the Add Point Load tool.
2. Click on any grid intersection point and the program will add a point
load at that point.
The Add Point Load dialog opens.
3. Input Force values for all six degrees of freedom in the selected Force/
Moment Units.
4. (Optional) Edit Position coordinates as necessary.
Add Reaction Load dialog
Used to add point loads due to column reactions at support positions.

Reaction loads will be added to the current load case.
Opens when the Add Reaction Load tool is selected in the Standard toolbar.
To add a column reaction load to a support position

1. Select the Add Reaction Load tool.
2. Select any support node in the Main View window.

The Add Reaction Load dialog opens.
3. Input Load values for all six degrees of freedom in the selected Force/
Moment Units
5. Repeat steps 2-4 to add additional column reaction loads to the active
load case.
6. Select the Add Reaction Load tool again to stop adding loads.
Add Rectangular Pressure Load dialog
Used to add a rectangular pressure load to the current load case.
Note: Rectangular pressure is applicable only to mat foundations.
Opens when the Add Rectangular Pressure Load tool is selected in the
Standard toolbar.
User Manual — 73
To create the quadrilateral pressure load
1. Select the Add Rectangular Pressure Load tool.
2. Click on any grid intersection point and that will become the top left
corner of the rectangle.
3. Draw the rubber band and release the mouse cursor on a grid
intersection point which will be bottom right corner of the rectangle.
The Add Rectangular Pressure Load dialog opens.
4. Input pressure value and select units.
5. (Optional) Modify coordinates as necessary.
Unit Setup dialog
Used to set output units and create default unit sets.
Dialog controls
Length Unit
Length unit is used in all tables and pages as appropriate. Column posi-
tion, column dimension, pile position, slab thickness are some of the
pages where length units are used. Forms for loading etc., output tables
and calculation sheet also uses length unit.
Force Unit
Force unit is used for all input and output related force. Pressure or
stress unit is determined combining length and force unit.
Moment unit
Moment unit is used wherever program needs to display moment. It
could be in calculation sheet, load page or output table.
Reinforcing Bar Diameter
This unit is used in output table and calculation sheet to report rein-
forcing bar diameter.
Reinforcing Bar Spacing
This unit is used in output table and calculation sheet to report required
and provided reinforcing bar spacing.
Distributed Force
User Manual — 75
This unit is primarily used for linear load on a mat foundation.
Save as default
Program now supports default display unit setup for both English and SI
unit.
To set the defaults for English unit, setup all the desired units and press
“English Unit” button. It will save the selected defaults in INI unit.
To set the defaults for SI unit, setup all the desired units and press “SI
Unit” button. It will save the selected defaults in INI unit.
Program will automatically set display units based on current job unit
setup.
OK
Saves changes made and closes the dialog.
Cancel
Color dialog
Used to select colors for screen display. Custom colors may be selected and
saved for later use.
Trans Rotate toolbar

Contains sets of tools for controlling the view direction, rotating the view, and
zooming the Geometry tab in the main view window.
The following tools:

Icon What It Does
Front View the foundation model from the positive Z axis.
View
Back View the foundation model from the negative Z axis

View
Right View the foundation model from the positive X axis.

View
Left View the foundation model from the negative X

View axis.
Top View View the foundation mode in plan; from the pos-
itive Y axis.
Bottom View the foundation model from the negative Y
View axis.
Isometric (Default view) View the model

View
Rotate Rotate the foundation model forward about the X

Up axis.
Rotate Rotate the foundation mode backward about the X

Down axis.
Rotate Rotate the foundation model forward about the Y

Left axis.
User Manual — 77
Icon What It Does
Rotate Rotate the foundation model backward about the Y

Right axis.
Spin Left Rotate the foundation model forward about the Z

axis.
Spin Rotate the foundation model backward about the Z
Right axis.
Zoom In Increase the magnification of the view.
Zoom Decrease the magnification of the view.

Out
Zoom All Display all elements fit to the view window size.
Zoom Window an area to zoom to the view to those

Window extents.
Pan Move the view to a different portion of the model

without changing the zoom or rotation.
Toggle Toggle the display of construction grid lines.
Grid
Select toolbar
Contains tools used for graphically selecting certain objects in a model. Each
tool limits your selection to an object type.
The Select toolbar contains the following tools:

Icon What it Does
Used to add physical beams graphically.
Select this cursor and then click on two
Add Beams
support nodes to create a beam
Icon What it Does

between those two nodes.
Used to select only mesh nodes with
your mouse cursor, causing all other
Select Mesh Nodes
objects to be ignored.
Used to select only plates with your
mouse cursor, causing all other objects
Select Plates
to be ignored.
Used to select only physical members
with your mouse cursor, causing all
Select Physical
other objects to be ignored.
Beams
Used to select only piles with your
mouse cursor, causing all other objects
Select Pile
to be ignored.
Used to select only mat boundary with
Select
Mat/Boundary
Region
Used to select only support nodes with
Select Support
Used to place column positions on grid
intersection points using your mouse
Create Column at
cursor. A grid is created using the Grid
Grid Intersection
Setup page under the Foundation Plan
group.
Used to place pile positions on grid
intersection points using your mouse
Create Pile at Grid
cursor. A grid is created using the Grid
Intersection
Setup page under the Foundation Plan
group.
User Manual — 79
Icon What it Does
Used to create a mat boundary by
clicking on grid intersection nodes. To
Create Mat
close the polygon, simply click on right
Boundary by
mouse button or click on the first point.
Polyline
If the mat slab is imported from

STAAD.Pro, this icon allows you to
create a mat boundary by clicking on
plate nodes.
Note: Active only if the current job

is of mat foundation type.
Used to create a rectangular shaped

Create Rectangular mat boundary by clicking on grid
intersection nodes. Click on the first
Mat Boundary
point to define top, left corner of the
rectangle and then draw a rubber band
and release mouse on a grid
intersection point which will define
bottom right corner of the rectangle.

Used to create a circular shaped mat

boundary by clicking on grid
Create Circular Mat
intersection nodes. Click on the first
Boundary
point to define the center of the circle.
Drag the mouse and release on another
grid intersection point on circle
perimeter. The distance between center
and this point will be the radius of the
circle.

Icon What it Does

Used to delete piles outside the
boundary for mat on piles. All the piles
Delete Piles Outside
outside the selected boundary will be
Boundary
deleted from the project.

Main Navigator pane

Handles the program flow and display of forms, tables, dialog boxes etc. for
entering your project data. It is organized in a hierarchal order, allowing you
to complete a project by working from the top to the bottom.
User Manual — 81
This pane is primarily a tree control where the whole tree is divided in
several groups. The basic division is Global and Local data. Information which
will be used all through the project is called global data. Column positions,
column dimension and loading are global data. Data related to specific type of
job like Isolated footing are known as local data. Design parameters, footing
geometry are examples of local data.
Selecting a "leaf" in the tree navigator either opens a form in the Data Input
and Loads pane, opens a dialog, or performs a program action.
The Main Navigator includes different sections, depending on the mode in
which your project is in STAAD.foundation. Refer to the specific help sections
on each mode for detailed information on using the individual Main Navigator
items.
General Foundations
Plant Foundations
Foundation Toolkit
Tabbed View window

The main view window contains tabbed pages for displaying graphics as well
as design calculation output on screen. This window is a permanent fixture in
the application window.
The following tabbed pages are available:
View Pane Start page

Provides you with access to common file operations for creating new projects,
opening existing projects, or exploring the program.
New File
Opens the Create New Project dialog,
General
Starts a new General Foundation project. Same as selecting File > New >
General Setup.
Toolkit
Starts a new Foundation Toolkit project. Same as selecting File > New >
Toolkit Setup.
Plant
Starts a new Plant Foundation project. Same as selecting File > New >
Plant Setup.
Help
Opens the Help window to display STAAD.foundation's Table of Contents
Tutorial
User Manual — 83
Opens the STAAD.foundation Tutorials page in your default web
browser.
Examples
Opens the Open dialog with STAAD.foundation Examples folder loading
in the browsing section.
Open
Opens the Open dialog.
File list
Displays a list of recently opened files. Click any file in the list to open
it. A dialog will open prompting you to save your current file if one is
open and has unsaved changes.
RSS feed
Displays a list of Bentley news items relating to STAAD.foundation. Here
you can find news regarding training opportunities, program updates,
and news items important to STAAD.foundation users.
Clicking an item listed in the feed will open the related article in your
Geometry page
Used as the main graphical input for foundation models.
Once a design has been performed, you can group foundations to reduce the
total number of designs for a given job.
Note: If you are not able to see the loads or other model entities properly,
it may because the scaling value for the display is either too small or too
big. Use the Scale Setup form to change the scale value.
Detail Drawing tab

After a successful design, the detail drawing will be automatically created,
complete with a title block. Detailed drawing sdisplays a schematic diagram of
the footing elevation and reinforcement plan.
Detail Drawing Controls
Drawing Type
Select either a Detail Drawing to display a footing elevation and plan
drawing or a Schedule Drawing to display a table of foundation details.
Footing No. list
Select the footing which is to be drawing in the Detail Drawing tab win-
dow.
Options
Displays the Drawing Options form in the Data Input pane, which is used
to .
Save Drawing As…
Opens the Save Drawing As dialog, which is used to save the detail draw-
ing or schedule in a variety of formats, including DWG and DXF.
Save Drawing Notes
User Manual — 85
Opens the Drawing Notes dialog, which is used to review and save draw-
ing notes to a text file which may then be used for construction draw-
ings.
Drawing Options form
Used to control the appearance of drawing elements in the Detail Drawing.

Opens when the Options button is clicked on the Detail Drawing tab of the
Main View window.
Dimension Line Options

Set the Arrowhead Size and Dimension Line Offset using the size toggle
controls. Dimension lines offset in outward direction from the view. The
Dimension Line Visibility is toggled using the selector.
Extension Line Options
Extend of Extension Line: Extension line can be further extended passing
the dimension line using this toggle.
User Manual — 87
Extension of Line Offset: Extension lines offset from the view in outward
direction using this toggle
Extension Line Visibility: Extension line visibility can be turned on or off
through this toggle.
Text Options
Dimension Text Height: Height of dimension text can be set through this
toggle
Distance Around Text: Text for dimension lines is offset in the text
position direction when Dimension Text Position is set as ‘Above’. For
Dimension Text Position is set as ‘Center’, it curtails the dimension line
around the text.
Dimension Text Alignment: Dimension text can be either aligned along
with the dimension line or always horizontal using this toggle.
Dimension Text Position: Position of dimension text can be set to above
dimension line or aligned with dimension line using this toggle.
Font Options
Select the callout Font Size and set the Callout Arrowhead Size using
these tools.
Color Options
For Dimension Lines Color, Extension Lines Color, and Dimension Text
Color, click the associated button to open a Select Color dialog.
Save <Drawing> As dialog
Controls in this dialog are analogous to those found in the standard Save As
dialog.
Save as type
Sets the type of file format. The drawing file is saved in this format.
File Exten-
Type Description
sion
AutoCAD .dwf Used for storing two and three
Drawings dimensional design data and
R2004 metadata. Native for AutoCAD
R2004 and many other CAD
applications.
AutoCAD .dwf Used for storing two and three
Drawings dimensional design data and
R2000 metadata. Native for AutoCAD
R2000 and many other CAD
applications.
AutoCAD .dxf Used for storing two and three
Drawing dimensional design data and
Interchange metadata. Can be read by a wide
Format variety of CAD applications.
R2004
Interchange
User Manual — 89
File Exten-
Type Description
sion
Format metadata. Can be read by a wide
R2000 variety of CAD applications.
Interchange metadata. Can be read by a wide
Format R14 variety of CAD applications.
Vdp Format .vdp
R4.x
Vdraw Draw- .vdf
ings R4.x
.vdi
Windows .wmf
Metafile
Enhanced .emf
Metafile
Windows Bit- .bmp
map
Graphics .gif
Interchange
Format
Joint Pho- .jpg
tographic
Experts
Group
Tagged .tif
Image File
Format
TARGA .tga
(Truevision
Graphics
Adapter)
Portable Net- .png
work Graph-
ics
GA Drawing tab
Upon successful design, this tab produces a footing plan layout of analyzed
footings drawn to scale, complete with a title block.
Hint: This drawing is useful to check footing overlap or foundation

clashing.
Save Drawing As…

Opens the Save As dialog, which is used to save the GA Drawing in a vari-
ety of common CAD or image file formats.
GA Drawing Options
Displays the GA Drawing Options form in the Data Input pane.
GA Drawing Options form
Used to control the display of GA Drawing elements.

Opens when GA Drawing Options button is clicked from the GA Drawing tab
in the View window.
User Manual — 91
Display Column no.s
Select this option to display the column numbers in callouts on the GA
Drawing.
Display Column Numbers in Schedule Table
Select this option to display the column numbers in the footing schedule.
Optimize Gridlines
Select this option to allow the program to automatically control the dis-
play of column grildlines.
Display Columns Only
Select this option to toggle off the display of foundations and other non-
column entities.
Show GA Drawing for current job only
If you have multiple jobs in the same STAAD.foundation project, select
this option to limit the GA Drawing to display only the job currently
selected in the Job Selection list in the Standard toolbar.
Angle between GA drawing north and true north
Used to rotate the plan drawing for convenience.
Refresh
Click to update the GA Drawing for any changes in the options or if a
Create Group action has been performed.
Calculation Sheet tab

Provides a detailed set of foundation calculations and code checks once a
successful design has been performed. Each footing element is presented with
step by step calculation with relevant code clause numbers and equations.
The heading of the calculation sheet includes the type of foundation which was
designed as well as which code was used. The following set of sub-headings
contain hyperlinks to the individual foundation element design results.
This calculation sheet is web-enabled for real time checking.
Refer to Creating Detailed Calculation Sheets for additional information.
Design checks are color coded in the calculations to provide quick feedback
(green for OK and red for fail).
User Manual — 93
Print Calculation Sheet
Located at the end of the calculation sheet. Opens the Print dialog, which
is used to print hard copies of the calculation sheet.
Graphs tab
Used to display internal force graphs for a strip footing beam.
Graphs Controls
Select strip footing index

Used to select the strip footing beam for which graphs are displayed.
Select load case
Used to select the load case for which graphs are displayed.
Select Graph
Graph Options
Opens the Graph Drawing Options form in the Data Input pane, which is
used to control the display of strip footing internal force graphs.
Graph Drawing Options form
Used to control the display of strip footing internal force graphs
User Manual — 95
Opens when the Graph Options button is clicked on the Graphs tab in the
Main View window.
Choose Graph / Graph Paper Color

Select a color from curves and background the drop-down gallery of col-
ors.
Set Font Size
Click the Choose Font button to open a standard Font dialog, which is
used to set font size, typeface, color, style, or effects.
Line Width
Specify a line width to use for the curves.
Graph Division X / Y
Specify a number of divisions to use in the horizontal and vertical axis of
the graphs.
Show Drawing Points
Select this option to toggle on the discrete points for the graphs.
Refresh
Click to update the graphs with the selected options in this form.
Data Input and Load pane

Used as the primary are for input and options selection for foundation jobs in
the General Foundation mode. This is also used to edit some options for Plant
Foundations or Foundation Toolkit jobs. All global data that is not imported
is entered here.
Input is done by in a series of forms, most of which are opened through either
the Main Navigator pane or the Main View window. Both Data Input pane and
Load pane are displayed here, with only the necessary pane being displayed for
the currently selected form.
Output Pane
Lists design progress while designing or analyzing a foundation and displays
output tables upon completion of a successful analysis.
Design Progress Report

Any warning or error messages will appear here during the design process.
Output tables
After a successful analysis/design, output tables will be shown in one or more
tabs in the Output pane.
Hint: The data within output tables can be copied and pasted into other
programs, such as Microsoft Excel or Word. Highlight the table cells and
press CTRL+C to copy their contents.
User Manual — 97
Section 2
General Foundations
2.1 Introduction
In STAAD.foundation, you start out by creating a Project to hold physical
information, such as column locations, column dimensions, piles, beams, and
loads. The physical information represents the structure that a foundation is
intended to support. Unless the design of the structure is modified, these
physical conditions generally remain constant throughout the life of a
foundation design project. Your project also contains Jobs, which are sets of
constraints needed to tell STAAD.foundation how to perform a foundation
design. Each project may contain multiple jobs, making it easy for you to
evaluate different design scenarios for a given set of physical conditions.
Note: STAAD.foundation does not display the entire tree all the time.
Rather, it only displays groups and leaves that are relevant to the current
status of the project. For example, when you begin a new project, only the
Project Info, Foundation Plan, Loads and Factors and Job Setup groups
will appear in the Navigator pane. These four groups allow you to specify
the physical model upon which the foundation design is performed. It is
User Manual — 95
only when you specify a Job (a set of constraints for STAAD.foundation to
use in performing a foundation design) that the groups related to the
design will appear.
2.2 Global Data

The main navigator pane Global Data groups are as follows:
2.2.1 Project Info

Used to add general info about a project, create a revision history for a
project, and access view and scaling controls. The Project Info group is active
by default when you open a new or existing project.
Use of the Project Info group is optional. It is provided for your convenience.
You can store relevant general information regarding a project and also create
a revision history. Later on, you can instruct STAAD.foundation to display this
information in reports and drawings.
The Project Info group contains the following elements:
Project Info group items
Same Effect as
Name Description
Selecting
General Infor- Opens the General Infor-
mation mation form in the Data
Input pane, which is used
to store general project
information used in your
organization.
Review History Opens the Review History
form in the Data Input
pane, which is used to keep
track of the progress of a
project.
Modeling View Opens the Modeling View View Options in
Options Options form in the data the Standard
input pane, which is used toolbar
to control graphics display
by toggling the display of
several model elements.
Scale setup Opens the Scale Setup form Scale in the
options in the data input pane, Standard tool-
which is used to control the bar
Section 2 General Foundations
Same Effect as
Name Description
Selecting
scale at which dis-
placements, loads, and
drawing entities like foot-
ings and piles are displayed
on the model.
General Information form

Used to store general information regarding a project. The information you
input in the General Information form can later be used in reports and
drawings.
Note: The information in the General Information form is not required to

design foundations but can helpful for records in your organization.
Opens when Project Info > General Information is selected in the Main
Navigator.
User Manual — 97
General Information form parameter descriptions
Group Parameter Description
General Project ID This may be your organizations
Information internal project identification
number.
Project Title This can be any text title which is
helpful in identifying the project by
name.
Site Loca- This can any text title which is help-
tion ful in describing the physical loca-
tion of the project.
Client Organization These files are used to capture your
Contact Per- organization's client data.
son
Phone
Fax
Email
Address
Group Parameter Description

Engineer's Designer This would typically be the name or
Description initials of the staff member respon-
sible for creating the project file.
Supervisor This would typically be the name or
initials of the supervisor or
reviewer.
Start Date Enter a date for the beginning of
the project. This date defaults to
the date the project file was
created.
Hint: When this cell is

highlighted, clicking the down
arrow to the right of the field
will open a calendar tool which
can be used to select a date.
Target Date Enter a milestone or target

completion date (can be changed at
any time). This date defaults to the
date the project file was created.
Hint: When this cell is

highlighted, clicking the down
arrow to the right of the field
will open a calendar tool which
can be used to select a date.
Review History form

Used to keep track of the progress of a project.
Opens when Project Info > Review History is selected in the Main Navigator
pane.
User Manual — 99
Review History table
Each new revision is given a unique ID Number, starting from 1.
l Date - Input the date.
Hint: When this cell is highlighted, clicking the down arrow to

the right of the field will open a calendar tool which can be used
to select a date.
l Job Name - Add any text description. You may wish to add all jobs
which were worked on for a particular revision.
l Checked By - Add any text description. This is typically the name
or initials of the reviewer.
Hint: Pressing [Return] or [tab] will skip to the next cell in the table.
Arrow keys may also be used to navigate through the table in any
order.
Comments form
Add any text description. This is typically a summary of the work
performed for this revision or notes from a reviewer.
Save
Saves any changes made to the revision table and comments field.
Comments will not be saved with the revision item unless the save
button is clicked.
Delete
Removes the currently selected revision from the revision table.
Note: Deleting a revision from the revision table also deletes the
Comments that were stored with the deleted revision.
Delete All
Removes all revisions from the revision table.
Modeling View Options form

Used to control graphics display by toggling the display of several model
elements. It also has options to change color of certain entities.
Opens when:
l Project Info > Modeling View Options is selected in the Main Navigator
pane, or
l the View Options tool is selected in the Standard toolbar.
User Manual — 101

Show Supports
Toggles the view of supports.
Show Support Numbers
This option is used to display support numbers. Support numbers will
not be displayed if Show Supports option is unselected.
Show Piles
This option is used to switch on/off display of piles in graphics area.
Show Pile Numbers
This option is used to display pile numbers. Pile numbers will not be
displayed if Show Piles option is unselected.
Show Load Arrows
This option is used to display load arrows.
Note: The color picker control to the right is used to select a color
for load arrows graphics.
Show Load Values

This option is used to display load values next to the load arrows.
Show Physical Beams
This option is used to display physical beams if present in the project.
The color picker control to the right is used to select a color for physical
beam graphics.
Draw Line/3D diagram
Select this option to draw physical beam as a line or as a solid surface. Beam
property will be used to draw the rectangular beam shape.
Show Plates
This option is used to display plate elements if present in current job.
Note: The color picker control to the right is used to select a color
for meshed plate graphics.
Draw <x>D Plates

This option gives user a choice to display plates as 2D surface or a solid
3D diagram.
Show Plate Numbers
This option is used to display plate numbers at the center of each plate.
This option won’t display plate numbers if Show Plates is unselected.
Show Nodes
This option is used to display plate nodes as blobs. This option is
unselected by default.
The color picker control to the right is used to select a color for plate
node graphics.
Show Node Numbers
This option is used to display node numbers next to the plate’s nodes.
This option won’t display node numbers if Show Nodes is unselected.
Show Boundary and Holes
This option is used to display boundary and holes created for mat
foundation.
Scale Setup form

Used to control the scale at which displacements, loads, and drawing entities
like footings and piles are displayed on the model. If the structure’s loads or
deformed shape are not clearly visible in the Graphics Window when the
options to display them are turned on, you may need to change the scaling
values.
Opens when:
l Project Info > Scale Setup Options is selected in the Main Navigator
pane, or
l the Scale tool is selected in the Standard toolbar.
The following commands are available
User Manual — 103

Results Scales: Displacement
Used to change the displacement scale of a mat foundation.
Displacement diagram is only available for mat foundation after a
successful analysis.
Note: You should decrease the scaling value to increase the amount
of deflection or loading shown on the diagram. Why do you decrease
the parameter value to increase the apparent size? The values in the
dialog box represent the actual displacement or loading per unit
distance on the graphic diagram. Therefore, if you reduce the amount
of actual structural deflection required to display a unit distance of
deflection on the diagram, you will see a larger apparent
displacement on the diagram.
Loading Scales
This group allows you to change the display of load arrows.
Concentrated force and moment for a point load has different scaling
options. Distributed load scale is applicable to line load on mat and
beam loads. Pressure load scale is applicable to quadrilateral and
circular pressure load.
Modeling Scales
Used to change the display size of supports (Footing Width) and piles
(Pile Length). Drawings of footing size are not scaled as the sizes are not
known, so sometimes those entities may seem too big or small. Changing
the scale user can control the sizes of those drawings.
Set As Default
Select this option to save the current scale setup for the default for the
program.
2.2.2 Foundation Plan

Used to specify basic information on support, such as Column Positions,
Column Dimension. It also allows creating a grid to be used for defining
column position, pile position, mat boundary etc.
The Foundation Plan page contains the following sub-pages:
Foundation Plan group items
Name Description
Linear Grid Opens the Linear Grid Setup and Table form
Setup in the Data Input pane, which is used to
define a linear grid on which geometry can
be graphically created.
Name Description
Radial Grid Opens the Radial Grid Setup and Table form
Setup in the Data Input pane, which is used to
define a radial grid on which geometry can
be graphically created.
Column Posi- Opens the Column Positions table in the
tions Data Input pane, which is a spreadsheet
table used to input column positions in Car-
tesian (XYZ) coordinates.
Column Dimen- Opens the Column Dimensions table in the
sions Data Input pane, which is a spreadsheet
table used to specify the depth and width of
the columns at each support location and
pedestal information, if any
Linear Grid Setup and Table form

Used to define a linear grid on which geometry can be graphically created.
Opens when Foundation Plan > Linear Grid Setup is selected in the Main
Navigator pane.
Note: STAAD.foundation will display only a single grid in the Geometry

tab of the main view window. Creating a new grid will replace any existing
grid. Any foundations, loads, or other model objects placed on this grid will
not be affected, though.
User Manual — 105

Note: The display of grids can be toggled using the Grid Toggle tool found
in the Trans Rotate toolbar.
A grid allows you to specify your foundation geometry by snapping to the

intersections of the grid lines.
Origin X / Y / Z
Specify the origin coordinates for the grid, in the specified units.
Spacing X / Y
Specify the uniform spacing to be used (in the length Unit specified for
Origin). By default, the grid lines are spaced equally apart. Individual grid
line spacing may be edited in the Linear Grid table.
Lines left/right of origin
Specify the number of linear grid lines to be generated along the X axis,
either side of the origin (Left = negative x axis, Right = positive x axis).
Lines top/bottom of origin
Specify the number of linear grid lines to be generated along the Z axis,
either side of the origin (top = negative z axis, bottom = positive z axis).
Grid direction
Toggles the values displayed in the Linear Grid table for the current grid.
Select X or Z to display the grid line spacing along that axis.
Show Grid
Select Yes to toggle the grid on after it has been Generated.
Note: The display of grids can be toggled using the Grid Toggle tool
found in the Trans Rotate toolbar.
Save as Default
Save the linear grid settings as defaults for later use.
Linear Grid table
Displays the spacing between grid lines.
Additional grid lines (rows in the table) can be added using the Insert
After and Insert Before buttons.
Generate Grid
Click to generate the linear grid with the specified geometry.
Insert After
Click to insert new row of data in the table after the selected row.
Insert Before
Click to insert a new row of grid data in the table before the selected
row.
Delete
Click to delete the selected table row(s).
Radial Grid Setup and Table form

Used to define a radial grid on which geometry can be graphically created.
User Manual — 107

Opens when Foundation Plan > Radial Grid Setup is selected in the Main
Navigator pane.
Note: STAAD.foundation will display only a single grid in the Geometry

tab of the main view window. Creating a new grid will replace any existing
grid. Any foundations, loads, or other model objects placed on this grid
will not be affected, though.
Origin X / Y / Z
User Manual — 109

Specify the origin coordinates for the grid, in the specified units.
Inner / Outer radius
Specify the radius values for the first and last circumferential grid line.
Divisions along the circumference
Specify the number of radial grid lines to be generated.
Divisions along the radius
Specify the number of divisions of the radius. Since all radius lines ter-
minate at the specified origin (center), the number of circumferential
grid lines will be one less than this value.
Grid direction
Toggles the values displayed in the Radial Grid table for the current
grid.
l Radial - Displays the angle of each radial grid line, in degrees.

Radial grid line spacing is measured counter-clockwise (anti-clock-
wise) from the positive X axis (from grid origin).
l Circumferential - Displays the radial spacing of each cir-
cumferential grid line, in the
Show Grid
Select Yes to toggle the grid on after it has been Generated.
Note: The display of grids can be toggled using the Grid Toggle tool
found in the Trans Rotate toolbar.
Save as Default
Save the radial grid settings as defaults for later use.
Radial Grid table
Displays the spacing between grid lines.
Additional grid lines (rows in the table) can be added using the Insert
After and Insert Before buttons.
Generate Grid
Click to generate the radial grid with the specified geometry.
Insert After
Click to insert new row of data in the table after the selected row.
Insert Before
Click to insert a new row of grid data in the table before the selected
row.
Delete
Click to delete the selected table row(s).
Column Positions table

A spreadsheet table used to input column positions in Cartesian (XYZ)
coordinates.
Opens when Foundation Plan > Column Positions is selected in the Main
Navigator pane.
After column coordinates are entered, the columns along with their respective
node numbers are displayed in the Graphics Window. The tab key or arrow
keys may be used to move from one cell to the next in the table. The
coordinates in the table can be modified like any spreadsheet. In order to
delete a column, select the column in the Graphics Window by clicking on it.
Then either press the delete key on your keyboard or select Edit > Delete.
Note: A column will not be shown in the Graphics Window until you press
[Enter] or click outside of the row you are currently in.
Note: Initially, all unassigned footings will appear as spread footings of

uniform size in the Main View window. The graphics will update once the
footing type has been assigned.
Column Dimensions table

A spreadsheet table used to specify the depth and width of the columns at each
support location and pedestal information, if any. Column or pedestal
dimensions are needed to check punching shear for a mat foundation. For all
other footing types these dimensions will be used to calculate critical design
forces. The unit used for this form is set through the “Setup Input/Output
unit” in the toolbar.
User Manual — 111

Note: This table allows you to quickly enter in data for multiple columns
and pedestals. To provide data for a single column, you can use the Set
Column Dimensions tool found in the Standard toolbar.
Opens when Foundation Plan > Column Dimensions is selected in the Main
Navigator pane.
If the column type is Circular “Column Width” field will be grayed out. If you
have pedestal you can select “Yes” radio button under Consider Pedestal field.
If you select “Yes” the fields for Pedestal Height, depth and width will be
editable.
By default program considers that there is no pedestal.
2.2.3 Loads & Factors group
Used to define the loads on a foundation by creating load cases, loads,

combination loads, and safety factors for load cases.
Many of the elements in the Load & Factors group open items in the Load
pane. See "Using Loads, Load Cases, and Load Combinations" on page 114 for
additional information on using this window element.
A "support" in STAAD.foundation is in fact a node where loads are transferred
from the superstructure (analyzed in other software) to the substructure,
analyized and designed in STAAD.foundation. Loads in STAAD.foundation are
generated as support reactions in structural analysis software (such as
STAAD.Pro). The boundary conditions assumed during the analysis will dictate
the loads which each support in STAAD.foundation receives. That is, pinned
versus fixed (and any other boundary conditions) are inherent in the applied
loads here and are not actually set in STAAD.foundation.
Similarly, the type of analysis performed in the analysis software (i.e. - static,
dynamic, time history, etc.) does not matter to the loads input to
STAAD.foundation.
The Load & Factors group contains the following elements:
Loads & Factors group items
Name Description
Create New Opens the Create New Load Case form in the
Load Case Load pane, which is used to create and edit
load cases.
Add a Column Opens the Add a Column Reaction Load form
Reaction Load in the Load pane, which is used to create a
nodal load acting on support.
Add Load for Opens the Add Point Load form in the Load
Mat Foundation pane, which is used to create a point load on
> Point Load a mat foundation.
Add Load for Opens the Add Line Load form in the Load
Mat Foundation pane, which is used to create a linear load on
> Line Load a mat foundation.
Add Load for Opens the Add Quadrilateral Load form in
Mat Foundation the Load pane, which is used to create a quad-
> Quadrilateral rilateral load on a mat foundation.
Load
Add Load for Opens the Add Circular Pressure Load form
Mat Foundation in the Load pane, which is used to create a
> Circular Pres- circular load on a mat foundation.
sure Load
Add Member Opens the Add Uniform Load form in the
Load > Uniform Load pane, which is used to create a uniform
Load member load.
Add Member Opens the Add Concentrated Load form in
User Manual — 113

Name Description
Load > Con- the Load pane, which is used to create a con-
centrated Load centrated member load.
Add Member Opens the Add Trapezoidal Load form in the
Load > Trape- Load pane, which is used to create a linearly
zoidal Load varying member load.
Apply Self Opens the Self Weight dialog, which is used
Weight to add mat foundation element self weight.
Load Safety Fac- Opens the Applied Load Safety Factor form
tor Table in the Load pane, which is used to assign
safety factors for serviceability and design.
Soil Bearing Opens the Soil Bearing Capacity Factor form
Capacity Fac- in the Load pane, which is used to assign
tors safety factors.
Create New Opens the Create Load Combination form in
Load Com- the Load pane, which is used to create a new
bination Load Combination.
Generate Load Opens the Load Combination Input dialog,
Combination which is used to generate a set of load com-
binations based on common
Remove Load Removes the current load case, load, or load
Case combination selected in the Load Selector
list (found in the Standard toolbar). A dialog
opens to confirm the deletion.
Warning: Deletion of Load Combinations

cannot be undone.
Note: The load can also be selected in

the Load Description tree (Load pane).
Using Loads, Load Cases, and Load Combinations
Load Selector List (Standard toolbar)
Used to select the current load case. Click the down arrow to display a list of
all load cases in the current job.
Load Description Tree
Located in the top portion of the Load pane. Used to display all load cases,
loads, and load combinations contained in a project.
Add a load using pop-up menu
1. Right click on a Load Case in the Load Description Tree.

A pop-up menu opens to display a list of load actions.
2. Select the new load type to be added to this Load Case.
3. Enter in load parameters and add the load, similar to when an action is
selected from the Loads & Factors group in the Main Navigator pane.
Assigning Loads
STAAD.foundation provides several different methods for assigning loads to

foundation model objects. These tools are available in forms within the Load
pane.
Assignment Method list

Used to choose the method of assignment and contains the following
methods and commands:
l Assign to View - assigns the selected load to all relevant objects in

the Graphics Window.
l Assign to Selection - assigns the selected load to only those relevant
objects that are selected in the Graphics Window. Refer to Selection
tools for how to select objects.
User Manual — 115

l Assign to Edit List - assigns the selected load to only those objects
that are inputted in the column list edit box.
Assign Load
Assigns the selected load using the Assignment Method chosen.
Delete a Load Case or Load
Used to remove an entire Load Case or a specific load item from the project
file.
To delete a load case from the active project file
1. Select the Load Case or load entry in the Load Description tree you wish
deleted.
2. Click on Loads & Factors > Remove Load Case entry in the Main
Navigation pane.
A dialog opens to confirm you wish to delete the selected load from the
project file.
3. Click Yes.
Create New Load Case form

Used to create and edit load cases.
Opens when Loads & Factors > Create New Load Case is selected in the Main
Navigation pane.
Add
Click to create the new load case once all parameters have been set
below.
Assignment selection list
Used to select which method used for assigning the selected load case.
Assign Load
Click to assign the selected load by the method selected.
Column list
Enter in a list of elements to assign the load case to.
Load Title
A title can be any text string to describe the load.
Load Case Type
Select one of the following load types to use:
l Primary - used for both serviceability and factored design. both the
serviceability and design factors will automatically be set to unity
(1).
User Manual — 117

l Service - used only for serviceability checks to calculate footing
dimensions.
l Ultimate - used for shear checks and reinforcement design
Copy Load
All load items from a previously defined load case will be copied into the
new load case once Add is clicked. Enter the Load Case number into the
Add Self Weight
Select Yes to add self weight of Mat foundation for analysis.
Note: This option is relevant for Mat foundation design. For all
other footing types like Isolated, Combined; the program
automatically calculates and adds self weight as appropriate.
To add a new load case to a project
1. Select Create New Load Case in the Loads & Factors section of the Main
Navigator pane.
The Load Description pane opens.
2. Enter a Load Title and press the Enter key.
3. Select the Load Case Type and Loading Type.
4. (Optional) If you are copying an existing load, select the Load Case No to
copy.
5. (For Mat Only) Specify Self Weight data.
6. Click the Add button.
The new load case is automatically assigned a number and appears in the
Load Description Tree (along with Title, if provided).
Add a Column Reaction Load form

Used to create or edit nodal load acting on support.
Opens when Loads & Factors > Add a Column Reaction Load is selected in
the Main Navigation pane.
To create a Reaction Load
1. Select a load case either in the Load Description tree or using the Load
Case Selector list in the Standard toolbar.
2. Select the Force and Moment Units to use for the load.
3. Specify the magnitude of the forces (Fx, Fy, Fz) and moments (Mx, My,
Mz).
Hint: Press the Enter key after each value to lock the value in the
field. Use the mouse to move the cursor from field to field, in any
order.

The load is added to the load case.
Note: Load direction follows right hand rule, so a positive Fy value will
create a tensile (or uplift) force at the support location.
Add a Point Load form

Used to create a concentrated load on a mat.
Note: Point loads are for mat foundations only.
Opens when Loads & Factors > Add Load for Mat Foundation > Point Load is
selected in the Main Navigation pane.
User Manual — 119

To create a Point Load
2. Select the Force and Moment Units to use for the load.
3. Specify the magnitude of the forces (Fx, Fy, Fz) and moments (Mx, My,
Mz)
4. Specify load positions (X, Y, Z) and coordinate units.
Note: The Y Loading Position must correspond to the elevation of the

foundation supports.
Add a Quadrilateral Load form

Used to create a quadrilateral load. Quadrilateral Loads are plate pressure
load and only applicable to mat foundations.
Note: Quadrilateral loads are for mat foundations only.
Opens when Loads & Factors > Add Load for Mat Foundation > Quadrilateral
Load is selected in the Main Navigation pane.
To create a Quadrilateral Load
2. Select the Pressure and Position Units to use for the load.
3. Specify the magnitude of the uniform Pressure.
4. Define the area (footprint) of the load by specifying coordinates of the
quadrilateral figure (x1, x2, x3, x4, z1, z2, z3, z4).
5. Specify a Y Position value to indicate the elevation at which the load is
applied.
Note: The Y Loading Position must correspond to the elevation of the

foundation supports.

Add a Circular Pressure Load form

Used to create a Circular Load.
User Manual — 121

Note: Circular Pressure loads are for mat foundations only.
Opens when Loads & Factors > Add Load for Mat Foundation > Circular
Pressure Load is selected in the Main Navigation pane.
To create a Circular Load
2. Select the Pressure and Position Units to use for the load.
3. Specify the magnitude of the uniform pressure.
4. Define the area (footprint) of the load by specifying enter coordinates
(Center X, Center Z) and a Radius for the circle.
applied.
Note: The Y Loading Position must correspond to the elevation of

the foundation supports.
6. Specify the No. of Divisions by which the circle will be divided.
Note: STAAD.foundation does not actually create a true circular

boundary for a Circular Load. Instead, STAAD.foundation simulates a
circle through the use of pie-shaped wedges as shown in the figure
below.

Add a Line Load form

Used to create a Line Load. Line Loads are distributed linear load and only
applicable to mat foundations.
Note: Point loads are for mat foundations only.
Opens when Loads & Factors > Add Load for Mat Foundation > Line Load is
selected in the Main Navigation pane.
User Manual — 123

To create a Line Load
2. Select the Force and Position Units to use for the load.
3. Specify the magnitude of the uniform Force.
4. Define start and end points of the line by specifying the Starting X, Start-
ing Z, Ending X, Ending Z.
applied.
Note: The Y Loading Position must correspond to the elevation of

the foundation supports.

Add Uniform Load form

Clicking on the Add Uniform Load leaf opens a form in data area pane that
allows you to create a uniform load on physical beams.
Note: Uniform loads are for physical members only.
To create a uniform beam load
3. Specify the magnitude of the uniform Force (W) and Direction in which
to apply the force.
Note: Direction can be in either global or local coordinates.
4. Define start and end locations along the member by specifying the Start
Distance (d1) and End Distance (d2).
If left both are left as zero, the load is placed along the entire length of
the beam.
Add Concentrated Load form

Used to create a concentrated load on physical beams.
User Manual — 125

To create concentrated load on a beam
3. Specify the magnitude of the concentrated Force (P) and Direction in
which to apply the force.
4. Define the distance from the start of the beam to the load in the
Position field.
Add Trapezoidal Load form

Used to create a trapezoidal load on physical beams.
To create a trapezoidal beam load
3. Specify the magnitude of the force at start (Force (W1)) and end ( Force
(W2)) of the load, along with the Direction in which to apply the force.
4. Define start and end locations along the member by specifying the Start
Distance (d1) and End Distance (d2).
If left both are left as zero, the load is placed along the entire length of
the beam.
Applied Load Safety Factors form

Used to assign serviceability and design factors for each load case in a project.
The serviceability factor will be applied when checking the base pressure of a
foundation (geotechnical design). The design factor will be used for shear and
reinforcement design.
Note: By default, STAAD.foundation assigns values for the safety factors

depending on the load type.
User Manual — 127

Opens when Loads & Factors > Load Safety Factor Table is selected in the
Main Navigator pane.
The default values can be changed by inputting new values into the table like
any spreadsheet.
Hint: The tab key or arrow keys may be used to move from one cell to the
next in the table.
Load types are defined as the following:
l Primary, both the factors will be 1.0.

l Allowable load cases will have Service factor as 1.0 but design factor as
0.0
l Ultimate load cases will have Ultimate factor as 1.0 but service factor as
0.0
Soil Bearing Capacity Factors form

A spreadsheet table used to assign serviceability and design factors for each
load case in a project.
By default, STAAD.foundation will assign value as 1 for soil bearing factors

depending on the load type. The default values can be changed by inputting
new values into the table like any spreadsheet. The tab key or arrow keys may
be used to move from one cell to the next in the table.
Based on this table increase or decrease in soil bearing capacity for particular
load case can be achieved. E.g. for earthquake load cases, in many cases by
standard practices and code provisions, soil bearing capacity can be increased
by 33%. This can be achieved by entering 1.33 in Soil Bearing Capacity Factor
(Multiplier) column.
Load Combination form

Used to create factored algebraic load combinations. These combinations are
automatically numbered and will appear in the Load Description Tree after all
primary Load Cases.
User Manual — 129

Load Case No
This field is automatically incremented with each new load combination.
Load Combination Title
Enter a description for the new combined load such as “Dead Load +
Live Load”.
Combination Type
Select Allowable Stress of Ultimate Strength type.
Available Primary Load Cases list
Includes all load cases created in the active project file.
Load Selector tools

Click
this to
button
Include load cases selected in the Available Pri-
mary Load Cases list in the Load Combination
Definition list below.
Include all available load cases in the Load Com-
bination Definition list below. All primary load
cases will have the same Factor applied.
Remove the selected load cases from the Load
Combination Definition list below.
Remove all load cases in the Load Combination
Definition list below.
Factor
Specify the factor with which the selected Primary Load Cases are to be
multiplied.
Load Combination Input dialog

Used to automatically generate sets of load combinations based on design
codes.
User Manual — 131

Load Combination Table
Select either of the two code specified load combinations or input your
own.
l ASCE 7-05
l NBCC 05
l Indian
l British
l Australian
l GB50001-2001
l User defined
Update Table
Default load combinations are saved in external data files (ACILOAD.INI
files). Clicking the Update Table button saves any changes made to the
associated table to the file as a default. Otherwise, any changes are saved
in the active project file only.
Delete
Removes the selected row (load combination) from the associated table.
Note: To delete any combination from the default list (kept in an

external .INI file) you need to click the Update Table button after
deleting.
Allowable Load Combination and Ultimate Load Combination

tables
Allowable load combinations are load combinations used to check soil
pressure and optimize footing plan dimensions. Ultimate load
combinations are load combinations used to check for shear and design
for reinforcement. The cells represent the factors to be added with the
primary load cases, depending upon the rules of the US Standard.
Each row in a table represents the ID for a different load combination.
l Index - The first column indicates the index of the load com-
bination.
l toggle - Select the check boxes of the combination which you wish
to use.
l Load Type columns - Primary Load cases are assigned a load type,
each of which is represented by a separate column in the load
combination tables. Enter the load combination factor for a given
load type in the cell.
Hint: The cell with zero values appears in gray color where as
with values other than zero it appears in blue.
To add a new load combination to the table, add factors to the last
(empty) row.
Note: To add or change any combination from the default list (kept in
an external .INI file) you need to click the Update Table button after
making changes.
Hint: Custom Load types can be created using User Type <#>. Up to
six custom types may be used.
Generate Load Combination

Adds the load combinations with the specified factors from the associated
table to the Load Description Tree. The child node of each load
combination node will represent the Load Case and the factors multiplied
with it.
Note: A dialog opens to confirm that the set of load combinations

have been generated.
Load Combination No
The load combination number starts from 101 and you can also give load
combination number of your own choice. If the number exists, the load
combination number is automatically incremented with each new load
combination as “Load Comb” and the number.
2.3 Job Setup

The link between global and local data is Job Setup, where you can create
different footing job types. You can create as many jobs as needed within a
single project file, including multiple jobs with same footing type.
Create a New Job

Opens the Job Info and Loading forms in the Data Input pane, which are used
to input basic job data for creating a new foundation job.
User Manual — 133

To create a new job
1. Click on Job Setup > Create a New job entry in the Main Navigation
pane.
The Job Info and Loading forms open in the Data Input pane.
2. Specify Job Name, Job Type, Design Code, and Default Unit Type in the
Job Info form.
3. Select the project supports to be included in the new job.
4. Select load cases to be included in the new job.
5. Click Create Job.
The newly created job is set as the current job.
Job Info form

Used to input basic job data for creating a new foundation job. The job data
consists of the Job Info and Loading forms.
Opens when either Create a New Job or Edit Current Job is selected in the
Job Name
Used to uniquely identify each job. You can enter any string here.
Job Type
Used to define the foundation type for the new job. In current version we
support 5 different types of footing which are
l Isolated - Create a spread footing at each selected support node.

l Pile Cap - Create a pile cap at each selected support node.
l Combined - Create strip footings from two or more support nodes.
A single job can contain multiple strip footings.
l Mat - Create a matt
Design Code
Used to define concrete code to be used. The following codes are
User Manual — 135

supported:
l US - ACI 318-05
l Britain - BS 8110
l Indian - IS 456-2000
l Australian - AS 3600-2004
l Canadian - CSA 23.3-04
l Chinese - GB50007-2002
Default Unit Type
Used to setup default design parameters of the job. The program
supports both FPS and SI unit systems. You can select any combination
of design code and default unit type. In other words user can choose US
design code with SI unit system.
Support Assignment
Used to assign supports to a job. There are three assignment methods
l Assign to All Supports - assigns all supports to the current job

l Assign to Selected Supports - assign all selected supports in the
main view to the current job
l Assign to Listed Supports - When selected, the Listed Supports
field becomes active.
Listed Supports
Used in conjunction with the Assign to Listed Supports method for
Support Assignment. Type the support numbers to be assigned to the
current job.
Loading form
Available Load Cases list
Includes all load cases created in the active project file.
Load Selector tools
Click
this but- to
ton
Include load cases selected in the Available Load
Cases list in the Selected Load Cases list below.
Include all available load cases in the Selected Load
Cases list below.
Remove the selected load cases from the Selected
Load Cases list below.
Remove all load cases in the Selected Load Cases
Click
this but- to
ton
list below.
Selected Load Cases list
Loads added to this will be available for the new job.
Create Job
Creates a new job a new job with the specified parameters.
Strip Footing list

If the selected Job Type is Combined, an additional set of controls
become available which will be used to define a strip footing from
individual supports. These controls become active once the Create Job is
clicked for a Combined footing.
Create from Selected Nodes

Select two or more collinear supports in main view and then click on
“Create from Selected Nodes” button to add those supports as strip
footing.
Delete
Removes a selected strip/combined footing from the job.
Delete All
Removes all strip/combined footings from the job.
Edit Current Job

Opens the Job Info and Loading forms in the Data Input pane, which are
populated with the basic job and load data for the current job.
1. Select the job you wish to edit in the Job Selection list found in the
Standard toolbar.
2. Click on Job Setup > Edit Current job entry in the Main Navigation pane.
User Manual — 137

3. Change any parameter except for Job Type.
4. Select the project supports to be included in the new job.
Note: No matter what method you initially used to assign supports,

the current supports will given in a list.
5. Select load cases to be included in the new job.

6. Click Change Job.
Delete Job
Opens the Delete Job form in the Data Input pane, which is used to remove
jobs from the project file.
To delete a job from the active project file
1. Click on Job Setup > Delete Job entry in the Main Navigation pane.
The Delete job form opens in the Data Input pane.
2. Select the Job name which you wish to delete in the job list.
3. Click Delete Job.
A dialog opens to confirm you wish to delete the selected job from the
project file.
4. Click Yes.
Delete Job form

Used to remove jobs from the project file.
Jobs list
Displays a list of all jobs contained within the active project file.
Delete Job
Deletes the selected job from the project file. A dialog opens to confirm.
2.4 Local Data

Local Data are specific to job types. Each foundation type has its own unique
local data types. Design parameters such as concrete cover, rebar
specifications, soil parameters and footing geometry are typical examples of
design parameters.
The following foundation types are available in the General Foundation mode:
2.4.1 Isolated Footing job

Isolated footing job type has a unique group for local data called Design
Parameters. This group allows you to specify design parameters for the
selected isolated footing and is only active for isolated footing job types.
Note: STAAD.foundation Isolated Footings are assumed to be rectangular

in plan. Isolated footings with irregular shapes can be designed through as
Mat foundation jobs.
The Design Parameters group contains the following elements:

Isolated Footing group items
Name Description
Concrete and Opens the Concrete and Rebar form in the
Rebar Data Input pane, which is used to input con-
crete and rebar properties for the current iso-
lated footing job.
Cover and Soil Opens the Cover and Soil form in the Data
Input pane, which is used to input cover
parameters and soil characteristics.
Footing and Opens the Footing and Geometry form in the
Geometry data input pane, which is used to input iso-
lated footing geometry for the current iso-
lated footing job.
Sliding and Opens the Sliding and Overturning form in
Overturning the data input pane, which is used to input
stability safety factors for the current iso-
lated footing job.
Design Initiates the design of the current isolated
footing job. A dialog opens to confirm you
wish to proceed.
User Manual — 139

Concrete and Rebar form (Isolated Footing)
Used to input concrete and rebar properties for the current isolated footing
job.
Opens when Isolated Footing Job > Design Parameters > Concrete and Rebar
is selected in the Main Navigator pane.
Unit Weight of Concrete

Specify a density to be used for concrete (wC), in the selected units.
Minimum / Maximum Bar Spacing
Specify the minimum and maximum distances to be allowed between
reinforcing bars, in the selected units.
Strength of Concrete
Specify the ultimate strength of the concrete (f'c), in the selected units.
Yield Strength of Steel
Specify the yield strength of steel reinforcing bars (fy), in the selected
units.
Minimum / Maximum Bar Size

Select the minimum and maximum allowed reinforcing bar sizes to be
used in the design. Sizes listed correspond to the appropriate bar sizes
used in the selected Design Code.
Set as Default
Select Yes to have the current parameter values set as the defaults for
new Isolated Footing: Concrete and Rebar parameters.
Cover and Soil form (Isolated Footing)

Used to input cover parameters and soil characteristics.
Opens when Isolated Footing Job > Design Parameters > Cover and Soil is
selected in the Main Navigator pane.
Soil Type
Select the type of soil supporting the foundation:
l Drained Condition
l Undrained Condition
Bottom Clear Cover
Specify a concrete clear cover distance to be used for the bottom-most
layer of footing reinforcement, in the selected units.
Unit Weight of Soil
Specify a density to be used for the soil, in the selected units.
Soil Bearing Capacity
Specify the allowable bearing capacity of the soil, in the selected units.
Depth of Soil Above Footing
Specify the depth from soil surface to the top of footing, in the selected
User Manual — 141

units.
Surcharge for Loading
Specify a surcharge loading above the footing, in the selected units.
Depth of Water Table
Specify the depth from soil surface to the water table, in the selected
units.
If water table is not to be considered for this footing,
Cohesion
(Drained soil type) Specify a cohesion pressure, in the selected units.
Undrained Shear Strength
(Undrained soil type) Specify a shear strength for the soil, in the selected
units.
Min % of Contact Area
Specify a minimum percent of footing surface area that must remain in
contact with the supporting soil. This is used to limit uplift or over-
turning. Enter zero (0) to direct the program to skip this check.
Set as Default
new Isolated Footing: Cover and Soil parameters.
Footing Geometry form (Isolated Footing)

Used to input isolated footing geometry for the current isolated footing job.
Opens when Isolated Footing Job > Design Parameters > Footing Geometry
is selected in the Main Navigator pane.
Design Type
There are two types of design one is calculate dimension another is set
dimension:
l Calculate Dimension - The footing size will be checked and resized

to the smallest size which meets all specified loads; ranging between
the minimum and maximum dimensions provided (inclusive). Cal-
culate dimension is set by default.
l Set Dimension - then the minimum dimensions will constitute the
only footing size checked.
l Fixed Width - The Width value is set and the length value will be
optimized.
l Fixed Length - The Length value is set and the width value will be
optimized.
Hint: Separate jobs can be created to design different footings using

different design types.
Minimum Length (Fl)

Specify the minimum length (direction parallel to the X axis) to be used
for the footing design, along with unit.
Minimum Width (Fw)
Specify the minimum width (direction parallel to the Y axis) to be used
for the footing, along with unit.
Minimum Thickness (Ft)
Specify the minimum thickness (direction parallel to the Z axis; or out-of
plan dimension) to be used for the footing, along with unit.
Maximum Length (Fl)
(Calculate only) Specify the maximum length (direction parallel to the X
axis) to be used for the footing design, along with unit.
Maximum Width (Fw)
(Calculate only) Specify the maximum width (direction parallel to the Y
axis) to be used for the footing, along with unit.
Maximum Thickness (Ft)
(Calculate only) Specify the maximum thickness (direction parallel to the
Z axis; or out-of plan dimension) to be used for the footing, along with
unit.
Plan Dimension Inc.
(Calculate only) Specify the length and width increments to be used when
performing footing design, along with unit. This allows you control over
User Manual — 143

how to step footing sizes in design results.
Thickness Increment
(Calculate only) Specify the thickness increments to be used when
performing footing design, along with unit.
Offset X / Z Direction (Oxd / Ozd)
If the loads do not pass through the CG of the footing, specify the offset
dimension in the X and Z directions (parallel to length and width,
respectively), along with unit. Offsets are measured from the centroid of
the foundation plan.
Note: These values may be entered as negative, so the support offset

can be placed in any quadrant of the isolated footing. Overturning
checks for the governing direction automatically by the program.
Length Width Ratio

(Calculate Dimension only) Specify a plan aspect ratio to control the
relative length and width of the footing design.
For example, a value of one results in a square footing where as a value
of two results in a footing twice as long along the X axis as the Z axis
width.
Set as Default
new Isolated Footing: Footing Geometry parameters.
Sliding and Overturning form (Isolated Footing)

Used to input stability safety factors for the current isolated footing job.
Opens when Isolated Footing Job > Design Parameters > Sliding and
Overturning is selected in the Main Navigator pane.
Coefficient of Friction
Specify a coefficient value of friction between the soil and concrete.
Factor of Safety Against Sliding
Specify a factor of safety against sliding.
Factor of Safety against Overturning
Specify a factor of safety against overturning.
Designing an Isolated Footing
To design an isolated footing job
1. Select Isolated Footing Job > Design.

or
Click the Design / Analysis tool in the Standard toolbar.
The Design Progress Report is displayed in the Output pane. When the
design is complete, a summary of the design is displayed on the Isofoot
Design Summary tab in the Output pane and the Calculation Sheet is
opened to review the design calculations.
User Manual — 145

Note: After a successful analysis/design, you may wish to print the
calculation sheet or create a report.
2.4.2 Pile Cap job

The Pile Cap Job group allows you to specify pile arrangement for each pile
cap and design parameters and is only active for pile cap job types.
The Pile Cap Job group contains the following elements:
Pile Cap group items
Name Description
Design Param- Opens the Design Parameters form in the
eters Data Input pane, which is used to input
standard design control parameters for use
in designing pile caps.
Pile Layout Opens the Pile Cap (Predefined) form in the
(Predefined) Data Input pane, which is used to specify
pile arrangement for a pile cap using a set of
predefined pile layout. Using the predefined
layouts, the program can automatically
choose the best possible pile arrangement.
Pile Layout Opens the Pile Cap (Parametric) form in the
(Parametric) data input pane, which is used to specify pile
arrangement for a pile cap by specifying a
rectangular or circular pile arrangement.
Design Initiates the design of the current pile cap
job. A dialog opens to confirm you wish to
proceed.
Design Parameters form (Pile Cap)

Used to input standard design control parameters for use in designing pile
caps.
Opens when Pile Cap Job > Design Parameters is selected in the Main
Navigator pane.
units.
Side Cover (Cs)
Specify a concrete clear cover distance to be used for the sides of the pile
cap reinforcement, in the selected units.
Bottom Clear Cover (Cb)
layer of pile cap reinforcement above the piles, in the selected units.
Pile in Pile Cap (Cp)
The distance from the bottom of the pile cap to the top of the piles, in
the selected units.
Initial Thickness
User Manual — 147

The minimum thickness used in design, in the selected units.
Set as Default
new Pile Cap: Design Parameters.
Pile Layout (Predefined) form (Pile Cap)

Used to specify pile arrangement for a pile cap using a set of predefined pile
layout. Using the predefined layouts, the program can automatically choose
the best possible pile arrangement.
Opens when Pile Cap Job > Design Parameters > Concrete and Rebar is
Pile Arrangement for Support

Select a support from the current job for which you would like to input
pile arrangement.
User Manual — 149

Pile Capacity
The Pile Capacity group box allows you to input the forces that a pile is meant
to bear.
Unit
Select the force unit used for Pile Capacity parameters.
Lateral
Specify the lateral force a pile is meant to bear.
Vertical
Specify the vertical force a pile is meant to bear.
Uplift
Specify the uplifting force a pile is meant to bear.
Pile Dia
Diameter of a pile, in the selected units.
Spacing
Spacing between piles, in the selected units.
Edge Distance
Distance between the edges of the pile cap and edge piles, in the selected
units.
Show Loading on Support
Opens the Load Table for Support <#> dialog, which displays the total
loading on the support for each load case selected under Support for Pile
Arrangement.
Pile Arrangement Type
Select to have the program generate an Auto Arrangement list or to specify a

Manual Arrangement in the pile arrangement table. The Pile Arrangement
Type group box allows you to input the coordinates for a pile arrangement or
have STAAD.foundation calculate a pile arrangement automatically.
Auto Arrangement
The Auto Arrangement radio option allows you to have
STAAD.foundation calculate the pile arrangement.
Manual Arrangement
pile arrangement table

This table displays the plan distances from the center of the column (at
local origin) to the center of each pile. When the Manual Arrangement
option is selected, each pile location must be manually entered. If the

Auto Arrangement is selected, the table displays the local pile coor-
dinates for the selected arrangement.
Calculate
When Auto Arrangement has been selected, this button opens the
Predefined Pile Arrangement dialog, which is used to select one of the
predefined pile arrangements selected for the specified loads, pile
geometry, and pile capacity. Pile arrangements correspond to the pile
loads in all the load cases according to the BOCA standard.
Delete Selected Rows

Removes the selected rows from the pile arrangement table
Select Arrangement
Assigns the current pile arrangement for the design of the pile cap.
Note: If you are using the predefined pile layout method, do not enter
any values into the Pile Layout (Parametric) page. Simply click Finish.
Show Pile Reactions

Opens the Pile Reactions Table for Support <#> dialog for the selected
support and pile arrangement.
User Manual — 151

Load Table for Support No <#> dialog
Displays the load vectors, by load case, for a selected support.

Opens when Show Loading on Support is clicked in the Pile Arrangement
Predefined form.
Pile Layout (Parametric) form (Pile Cap)

Used to specify pile arrangement for a pile cap by specifying a rectangular or
circular pile arrangement.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Default Properties is selected in the Main
Navigator pane.
Note: If a circular arrangement is chosen, the program will design an

octagonal pile cap.

Used to select a support from the current job for which you would like to
User Manual — 153

input pile arrangement.
Spacing selection
Select to use either a Row Spacing or Column spacing for Rectangular
layout.
Pile Data
Used to input the forces that a pile is meant to bear.
Unit
The Unit drop-down list box allows you to select the force unit used for
Pile Capacity and length unit used for spacing, diameter, edge distance
etc.
Lateral
Specify the lateral capacity of a pile.
Vertical
Specify the vertical capacity of a pile.
Uplift
Specify the uplifting capacity of a pile.
Dia
Diameter of a pile.
Edge
The Edge Distance field allows you to specify the distance between the
edges of a pile.
Arrangement Type
Pile arrangement can be either rectangular or circular. Pile cap having
circular arrangement will be design as octagonal pile cap.
Rectangular arrangement needs following inputs,
l Number of Rows
l Number of Columns
l Row Spacing
l Column Spacing
By default program will create symmetric pile arrangement from the
above input but user can change the default setup by editing the table
below. Both row and column grid lines can be adjusted by selecting
appropriate radio button.
Circular arrangement needs following inputs as shown below.
l Number of Piles – Total number of piles, excluding the center pile

(if option is selected).
l Number of Layers – Number of concentric circles in the circular

arrangement.
l Pile Spacing – Minimum spacing between piles
l Use Center Pile – Select this option to add a pile at center of pile
arrangement.
By default, program will try to assign equal number of piles for all
concentric circular layers. The arrangement can be edited using the table
below.
Create Pile Arrangement
Creates the pile layout and opens a dialog box to display the pile
coordinates table and a figure.
Note: Pile coordinates in this table are editable.
Delete Row - Click to delete the current row from the pile coordinate
table and figure.
Select Current Arrangement
Once a satisfactory pile layout has been found, click the Select Current
Arrangement button to select and apply that layout.
The program will check the pile reaction against pile capacity to make
sure pile reactions do not exceed pile capacity values.
Show Pile Reactions
The Show Pile Reactions button opens a table displaying the reaction on
each pile. The figure below shows the pile reaction table.
User Manual — 155

spacing type and table
Once a pile arrangement is started, the table displays the spacing for
each row, column, layer, or circumference; depending on what arrange-
ment type and table spacing type is selected.
Designing a Pile Cap
To design a pile cap footing job
1. Select Pile Cap Job > Design.

or
design is complete, a summary of the design is displayed on the Pile Cap
Design Summary tab in the Output pane and the Calculation Sheet is
opened to review the design calculations.

2.4.3 Mat Foundation group

Used to create mat boundary, meshing and specify analysis and design
parameters to analyze and design mat slab. Mat module uses finite element
analysis technique for accurate results. The modeling of mat foundations is
done through physical modeling.
User Manual — 157

Note: Rectangular Mat foundation jobs can also be created quickly using
the Mat Foundation Modeling wizard.
The Mat foundation Job group contains following groups:

Project Info group items
Group Name Description
Default Prop- Opens the Default Prop-
erties erties form in the Data
to define default physical
model object properties.
Physical Beam Opens the Physical Beam
table table in the Data Input
pane, which is used to add
beams to a mat foundation
for additional stiffness and
load transfer.
Pile Layout Pile Position Opens the Pile Position
table table in the Data Input
pane, which is used to input
pile locations by coor-
dinates.
Rectangular Opens the Rectangular Pile
Pile Arrange- Arrangement parametric
ment Wizard form in the data input
(Parametric) pane, which is used to
create rectangular pile lay-

out by spec-
ifying arrange-
ment
parameters.
Circular Pile Opens the Cir-
Arrangement cular Pile
Wizard (Par- Arrangement
ametric) parametric
form in the
data input pane,
which is used to
create circular
pile layout by
specifying
arrangement
parameters.
User Manual — 159

Mesh Gen- Add meshing Opens the Using Polyline
eration regions > Using form in the Data Input
Polyline pane, which is used to
create irregularly shaped
regions.
Add meshing Opens the Rectangular
regions > Region form in the Data
Rectangular Input pane, which is used
to create rectangular
regions.
Add meshing Opens the Circular Region
regions > form in the Data Input
Circular pane, which is used to
create circular regions.
Add meshing Opens the Regular Polygon
regions > Reg- Region form in the Data
ular Polygon Input pane, which is to
create regular shaped con-
vex polygonal region.
Meshing Setup Opens the Meshing Setup
pane, which is used to
organize meshing regions
to define finite element
boundaries and to generate
meshes.
Analysis Prop- Slab Thickness Opens the Slab Thickness
erties form in the Data Input
change the element thick-
ness for the plate elements
in a mesh.
Soil Properties Opens the Soil Properties
change and assign soil prop-
erties for the design of mat
foundations.

Pile Spring Opens the Pile
Spring Def-
inition table in
the Data Input
pane, which is
used to edit the
pile spring con-
stant values for
all the piles
present in the
current job.
User Manual — 161

Mat slab anal- Analyze Initiates the analysis of the
ysis/ design current mat foundation job
options using the STAAD.Pro
engine. An analyze/design
confirmation dialog opens
to verify you wish to pro-
ceed.
Output View Opens the Output View
Options Options form in the Data
to control the display of dif-
ferent sets of output.
Moment Envel- Opens the Moment Envel-
ope Generation ope Generation form in the
Data Input pane, which is
used to choose longitudinal
reinforcement directions
and a generate moment
envelope.
Design Param- Opens the Design Param-
eters eters form in the Data
to input design parameters,
design current panel and
review design results.
Reinforcing Zon- Opens the Reinforcing Zon-
ing ing form in the Data Input
pane, which is used to .
Cut slab by a Opens the Cut Slab by a
line Line form in the Data Input
pane, which is used to draw
a stress diagram along a
specified section line and
then design slab along that
line.
Moment Capac- Opens the Moment Capac-
ity Check ity Check form in the Data
to check the capacity of
existing mat slab.

Calculation Displays the cal-
Sheet culation sheet
in the main
view window,
which is used to
review design
steps, analysis
results and load
values.
Mesh Generation
As Mat foundation module is based on FEA analysis, program needs to
generate plate elements. STAAD.foundation has automatic mesh generation
tools and it can generate both quadrilateral and triangular mesh for any shape
and size.
Mesh regions are used to create mat boundaries, holes, control regions etc.
Note: Any shape of pedestal can be generated using control regions.

Although pedestal reinforcement (vertical reinforcement) for mat
foundation is not reported by the program.
Delete a mat region
If the mat region has been defined as a boundary, hole, or control region, you
must first delete this definition from the Meshing Setup form.
1. Click the Select Mat Boundary/Region tool in the Select toolbar.
Hint: Mat Regions can be selected using the default pointer, but this
tool limits the selection to only boundaries or regions, reducing the
likelihood of accidental deletions of other model elements.
2. Click anywhere along the boundary edge of the region you wish to delete.
The regions is highlighted in red.
3. Click the Delete tool in the Standard toolbar.
or
Press the [Delete] key.
An delete confirmation dialog opens to verify you wish to proceed.
User Manual — 163

4. Click Yes.
Slab Design
Slab design of a mat foundation is performed using the following Main
Navigation pane entries:
l Moment Envelope Generation

l Design Parameters
l Reinforcing Zoning
Note: Punching shear is checked automatically and reported in the

Calculation Sheet. One way shear is not checked by the program.
Default Properties form (Mat Foundation)

Used to define default physical model object properties.
The STAAD.foundation mat foundation module is based on physical modeling
environment. So, whenever a physical entity is created, properties associated
with that entity will also be created. For example if we create a mat boundary,
properties like slab thickness and soil properties will also be created and
associated to the newly created boundary automatically. While creating these
properties STAAD.foundation takes advantage of default properties setup
options.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Default Properties is selected in the Main
Navigator pane.
Slab analysis thickness

This thickness will be used during the slab FEA analysis. This parameter
can have its own unit. This property is especially useful if we you want to
simulate pedestal etc. for stiffness analysis but use the actual slab
thickness for design. This can also be used to input uncracked thickness
for analysis.
Slab design thickness
This thickness will be used during slab design. This parameter can have
its own unit. This property is especially useful if we you want to simulate
pedestal etc. for stiffness analysis but use the actual slab thickness for
design. This can also be used to input cracked thickness for slab design.
Subgrade modulus
Subgrade modulus is a soil property available from geotechnical report.
Program uses this value to calculate spring stiffness under each support
node by multiplying this value with the nodal tributary area.
Beam sectional property
This property will be used to define cross sectional property of the
physical beams added to mat foundation. Current version of the program
can only have rectangular property.
Pile spring values
If the mat is supported by piles you need to create pile layout by adding
User Manual — 165

piles to mat foundation. Program uses pile as spring support for
analysis. So, program needs to know spring constant for those pile
supports. Ky represents vertical spring constant. Kx and Kz represent
lateral spring constants for respecting X and Z direction.
Physical beam table (Mat Foundation)

Used to add beams to a mat foundation for additional stiffness and load
transfer.
These are referred to as "Physical" beams because you provide model input as
they would physically be constructed. The program will internally decompose
these physical beams in analytical entities for the model. Physical beams are
created between two support nodes. As you enter two support nodes a
physical beam will be created and the default beam sectional property as set
in Default Properties form is assigned. Those values can be edited as required.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Physical Beam table is selected in the
Note: The input unit for cross sectional property is displayed in the
column heading. The length unit can be changed by selecting the Set
Input/Output Units tool in the Standard toolbar.
After adding a beam the beam will be displayed in main view area.
Pile Position table (Mat Foundation)

Used to add piles by specifying their (x,y,z) coordinates. As many piles as
needed can be added to a mat foundation job. Whenever a new pile is created,
the program will automatically create default spring values for that pile.
Newly created pile will be displayed in graphics view.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Pile Layout > Pile Position table is
Hint: When pasting pile position data from an external source (such as a
spreadsheet file), the piles can be arranged according to the pile group to
simplify pile properties assignment.
Rectangular Pile Arrangement Parametric form (Mat Foun-

dation)
Used to create rectangular pile layout by specifying arrangement parameters.
User Manual — 167

Unit
Select the length Unit for used for pile row and column spacing.
Number of Rows
Specify the number of rows (piles in a line in the X direction) in the pile
arrangement.
Number of Columns
Specify the number of columns (piles in a line in the Y direction) in the
pile arrangement.
Row Spacing
Minimum spacing between two piles in the same row, in the selected
length Unit.
Column Spacing
Minimum spacing between two piles in the same column, in the selected
length Unit.
Pile Table
above input.
Select either Row Spacing or Column Spacing to display in the table. The
first column represents either the Row or Column number and the second
column displays the spacing between that row/column and the next.
Origin X / Y / Z
Generated pile coordinates will be in local coordinate system where first
pile is at 0,0,0 position. You need to move pile group to the right loca-
tion by inputting Origin X, Origin Y and Origin Z.
Apply
Transfers pile layout to graphics and add to the current mat foundation
job. Please do remember to input appropriate origin coordinates to move
the whole pile group to the right position.
Circular Pile Arrangement Parametric form (Mat Foun-

dation)
Used to create circular pile layout.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Pile Layout > is selected in the Main
Navigator pane.
User Manual — 169

Unit
Select the length Unit for used for pile spacing.
Number of Piles
Total number of piles in pile group.
Number of Circular layers
Number of concentric circular pile layers.
Pile Spacing
Minimum spacing between two piles, in the selected length Unit.
Pile Table
Displays the spacing values used between concentric pile layers. Each
row represents a layer number and the number of piles within that layer.
The program will try to evenly divide the total Number of Piles to all
the layers. Edit these fields to redistribute the piles.
Center Piles
Select this option to add a pile at the center of the circle (coordinate
0,0,0). If you check this box program will automatically add an extra
piles to the total count of number of piles.
above input. It will attempt to place equal number of piles to all layers. It
will create an additional layer for the remainder of piles. User can change
the default setup by editing the layers table as shown below.
Origin X / Y / Z
Generated pile coordinates will be in local coordinate system where
center of the circle is at 0,0,0 position. You need to move pile group to
the right location by inputting Origin X, Origin Y and Origin Z.
Apply
Transfers pile layout to graphics and add to the current mat foundation
job. Please do remember to input appropriate origin coordinates to move
the whole pile group to the right position.
Add Meshing Region > Using Polyline form (Mat Foun-

dation)
Used to create irregularly shaped regions, which can be used to represent slab
edges in the Meshing Setup.
Opens when Mat Foundation job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Region >
Using Polyline is selected.
Note: Polyline regions may be drawn in graphically using the Mat

Boundary by Polyline tool, found in the Select toolbar.
User Manual — 171

No. of Boundary Points
The number of vertices in the polyline boundary.
Generate Table
Populates the table with a number of rows equal to the No. of Boundary
Points specified.
Unit
Select a unit of length for all coordinates in the table.
Polyline coordinates table
Each row represents a polyline vertex. The X,Y, and Z coordinates for
each poly line vertex. Note that coordinates should be specified in a
clockwise or counterclockwise direction to prevent the polyline from
crossing itself (which will in turn produce an error during meshing).
Add Region
Creates a meshing region in the job. The new region will be displayed in
a light blue outline in the View window.
Create a mesh region using the polyline vertex coordinates
1. Select Mat Foundation job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Region >
Using Polyline in the Main Navigation pane.
2. Specify the No. of Boundary Points (polyline vertices).
3. Click the Generate Table button.
The table is populated with a number of rows equal to the number of
boundary points specified.
4. Specify a unit of length to be used for coordinate values.
5. Enter the coordinate values in the Polyline vertex coordinates table.
Note: Data in the table can be pasted from Microsoft Excel.
6. Click the Add Region button.

The boundary region is added in the View window.
Draw a mesh region using the Polyline tool
1. Click the Mat Boundary by Polyline tool in the Select toolbar.
The mouse pointer changes to the Polyline tool pointer.

2. Click the first vertex of the polygon.
A line is "rubber banded" to the initial point from your mouse pointer.
This indicates the potential new region edge for the subsequent point. At
times, this will also jump to key points (such as supports) to ensure they
are enclosed. Clicked points will override this behavior.
3. Click, in sequence, on the points on the grid going in either a clockwise or
a counter-clockwise order.
Hint: Only linear or radial grid points may be selected.
4. Once you have clicked on all the points that define the boundary of your
slab, return to your starting point or right-click.
Add Meshing Region > Add Rectangular Region form (Mat

Foundation)
Used to create rectangular regions, which can be used to represent slab edges
in the Meshing Setup.
Opens when Mat Foundation job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Region >
Add Rectangular Region is selected.
Note: Rectangular regions may be drawn in graphically using the Create

Rectangular Mat Boundary tool, found in the Select toolbar.
Note: Rectangular Mat foundation jobs can also be created quickly using
the Mat Foundation Modeling wizard.
User Manual — 173

Unit
X / Z Coordinate at Top left corner
Specify coordinates for X1,Z1, which is the top-left corner of the
rectangle when viewed in plan (View From Top in the Trans Rotate
toolbar). This locates the rectangular region in plan.
Length / Width
Specify the length (rectangle dimension parallel to the X axis) and width
(rectangle dimension parallel to the Z axis) to define the size of the
rectangular region.
Y Level
Specify an elevation (Y coordinate for all points in the rectangular
region).
Add Region
Create a rectangular mesh region parametrically
Add Rectangular Region in the Main Navigation pane.
2. Specify a unit of length to be used for coordinate and length values.
3. Specify X1 and Z1 coordinates of the top left corner (in plan).
4. Specify a Length and Width of the rectangular region.
5. Specify an elevation of the rectangular region.
Hint: This is typically left as zero for most jobs.

Draw a rectangular mesh region
1. Click the Create Rectangular Mat Boundary tool in the Select toolbar.
The mouse pointer changes to the Rectangle tool pointer.

2. Click the first vertex of the rectangle and hold the left mouse button
down.
A rectangle is "rubber banded" to the initial point from your mouse
pointer. This indicates the potential new region edge for the subsequent
point.
3. Drag the mouse diagonally to the furthest corner of the rectangle.

4. Release the mouse button over the second point.
Add Meshing Region > Circular Boundary form (Mat Foun-

dation)
Used to create circular regions, which can be used to represent slab edges in
the Meshing Setup.
User Manual — 175

Opens when Mat Foundation job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Region
> Add Circular Region is selected.
Note: Circular regions may be drawn in graphically using the Create

Circular Mat Boundary tool, found in the Select toolbar.
Unit
X / Z Coordinate at center
Specify coordinates for X,Z, which is the center of the circular region
when viewed in plan (View From Top in the Trans Rotate toolbar). This
locates the circular region in plan.
Radius
Specify the radius to define the size of the circular region.
Y Level
Specify an elevation (Y coordinate for all points in the circular region).
Add Region
Create a circular mesh region parametrically
Add Circular Region in the Main Navigation pane.
2. Specify a unit of length to be used for coordinate and length values.
3. Specify the X and Z coordinates of the center (in plan).
4. Specify a radius of the circular region.
5. Specify an elevation of the circular region.
Hint: This is typically left as zero for most jobs.

Draw a circular mesh region
1. Click the Create Circular Mat Boundary tool in the Select toolbar.
The mouse pointer changes to the Circle tool pointer.

2. Click the center of the circle and hold the left mouse button down.
A circle is "rubber banded" to the initial point from your mouse pointer.
This indicates the potential new region edge for the subsequent point.
3. Drag the mouse to a grid point to define the edge of the circle.
User Manual — 177

4. Release the mouse button over the second point.
Add Meshing Region > Regular Polygon form (Mat Foun-

dation)
Used to create regular shaped convex polygonal regions, which can be used to
represent slab edges in the Meshing Setup.
Opens when Mat Foundation job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Region
> Regular Polygon is selected.
Center X / Y / Z
Specify coordinates for X and Z, which are the center of the polygon when
viewed in plan (View From Top in the Trans Rotate toolbar). This locates
the rectangular region in plan. The Y coordinate is to specify an elevation
of the polygon. Input in the default length units.
Radius
Circular radius of the polygon where radius is the distance measured
between center and each vertex of the polygon. Input in the default length
units.
Number of Sides
Number of polygon sides. For example enter 8 for an octagonal shaped
polygon.
Orientation Angle
Rotation angle of the polygon. Enter in a value directly or use the
up/down arrows to increment the value in the field.
Generate
User Manual — 179

Creates a preview of the polygon for display in the Region Preview area
below.
Add Region
Create a regular polygon mesh region parametrically
Regular Polygon in the Main Navigation pane.
2. Specify X and Z coordinates of the center (in plan).
3. (Optional) Specify a Y coordinate if the region will be added a different
elevation.
4. Specify a radius of the regular polygon region.
5. Specify the Number of Sides of the regular polygon region.
6. (Optional) Specify an orientation angle if the regular polygon is rotated.
7. Click the Generate button.
The boundary region is displayed in the Region Preview. Repeat steps 3
through 6 to make changes, if needed.
Meshing Setup (Mat Foundation)

Used to organize meshing regions to define finite element boundaries and to
generate meshes.
Regions of any shape can be used for generating mat boundaries, holes, or
control regions. Moment generated due to local stresses (such as reentrant
corners) is considered for reinforcement design, corner and hole
reinforcement detailing can be done through zones.
Meshing Setup tree

This tree displays the hierarchy of all regions which have been added as
boundaries, holes, or control regions.
Region types
l Boundary - Add region as the main mat boundary. It is the out-

ermost region of the mat foundation. You can have as many bound-
aries as needed. Boundaries can be connected or isolated.
l Hole- Specify a hole within a mat boundary. You can add as many
holes as needed. Please note, holes must not intersect each other or
the boundary or any control region.
l Control Region - Specify a special region within a mat boundary
which might have a different slab thickness or soil property. You
can add as many control regions as needed. Please note, these
regions must not intersect each other or the boundary or any hole.
Region identifier
It is a unique identifier of the region to be added. Any string can be used.
Add
Click on this button to add the selected region in the main view to the
current job
Select Boundary
User Manual — 181

Select the boundary to which the hole or control region will be added.
This option will be active only when the region type will be selected as
Hole or Control Region.
Target maximum
element size It’s the size of one side of a plate element to be created.
This parameter will be used by mesh generation engine to generate
plates. This option allows you to control meshing density and plate
counts which in turn control analysis run time and output size.
Optimize based on area
(Triangular only) Select to have the program use an optimization tech-
nique based on area. By default, program optimize meshing based on ele-
ment size.
Generate Mesh
Opens the Meshing Options dialog, which is used to generate mesh of
the selected bounding region.
Edit Selected Region
Opens the Edit Meshing region dialog.
Delete Selected Region
Removes the selected region from the meshing setup tree.
Add a meshing region in to the Meshing Setup tree
1. Select that region to be added in the View window.

The region is highlighted in red.
2. Select the type of region to use.

3. Specify a unique Region Identifier to use for the new mesh region.
4. (Hole or Control Region) Select the previously defined boundary name
into which the Hole or Control Region will be add.
5. Specify a target maximum element size (with units).
6. Select to optimize the meshing for area.

Generate a mesh for a boundary region
1. Select the previously defined boundary name in the meshing setup tree.
2. Specify a Target maximum element size in the selected units.
3. (Option) Select to Optimize based on area if you wish to use area in lieu
of element size for optimization.
4. Click the Generate Mesh button.
The Meshing Options dialog opens.
5. Select the finite element shape and other options you wish the meshing
engine to use.
6. Click OK to generate a mesh for the selected boundary.
The mesh is displayed in the Graphics window.
Edit a boundary region geometry
1. Select a previously defined boundary, hole, or control region in the mesh-

ing setup tree.
2. Click the Edit Selected Region button.
The Edit Meshing Region dialog opens.
3. Make any needed changes to the region geometry.
User Manual — 183

Delete a boundary region from the meshing setup tree
1. Select a previously defined boundary, hole, or control region in the mesh-

ing setup tree.
2. Click the Delete Selected Region button.
The selected region is removed from the meshing setup tree.
Warning: This operation cannot be undone and there is no

confirmation dialog.
Meshing Options dialog
Used to control to the automated finite element mesh generator for mat
foundation boundary regions.
Opens when Generate Mesh is clicking in the Meshing Setup form.
Meshing shape
A Quadrilateral Mesh works well for slabs with quadrilateral boundaries and
when there is no hole or control region. A Polygonal Mesh is the better choice
for slabs with irregular shapes, like a Y-shaped slab, or slabs with round
holes, irregular-shaped holes, round edges, etc.
l Quadrilateral Meshing -
l Mixed Quad and Triangle Meshing -
l Triangular Meshing -
Create node at column support positions
This option sets a control point at supports, ensuring that a node will be
located there. Although it is not mandatory to create a node below sup-
port, program smartly distributes support loading on plate’s corner
based on location of support on the plate.
Optimization level
Select a level for engine optimization (from 1 to 10), which is used to con-
trol how precise meshing setup needs to be. Higher optimization level
implies program will try to precise the mesh with higher number of iter-
ations. For larger mats higher optimization level will lead to substantially
large computer processing time.
Internal nodes spacing factor
Also used to control plate size. Internal Nodes Spacing Factor is inversely
proportional to node density inside the mesh.
OK
Sets the meshing options and generates the finite element mesh for the
selected
Cancel
Closes the dialog without generating a new mesh.
Edit Meshing Region dialog
Used to edit the geometry for a meshing region.

Opens when the Edit Selected Region button is clicked in the Meshing Setup
form.
Unit
Select a length unit to be used for all dimensions.
Region geometry table
User Manual — 185

This table displays the geometry parameters (coordinates, lengths, etc.)
for the selected region.
OK
Update the selected region's geometry and close the dialog.
Cancel
Closes the dialog without making any changes.
Analysis Properties > Slab Thickness form (Mat Foun-

dation)
Used to change the element thickness for the plate elements in a mesh you are
using to model a mat foundation.
As slab is added as a physical entity in STAAD.foundation, default slab
thickness property will be automatically created and assigned to each slab
region.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Analysis Properties > Slab Thickness is
selected.
The first row of the table is to select unit for thickness. You can have only one
unit for all slab thickness.
Second row onwards will be list of slab thickness properties. Left most cells of
each row will show the region identifier name as specified in Meshing Setup
operation.
STAAD.foundation allows you to use different thickness for analysis and
design. Analysis thickness will be used for FEM analysis of mat foundation
and design thickness will be used to design the mat slab. This is particularly
important in modeling a pedestal, where you may want to use excess thickness
for stiffness modeling but want to use slab thickness for design.
Analysis Properties > Soil Property form (Mat Foundation)

Used to change and assign soil properties for the design of mat foundations.
Each soil boundary region can have different soil support properties or
support a different height of soil above using the table in this form.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Analysis Properties > Soil Property is
selected.
As slab is added as a physical entity in STAAD.foundation, default soil property

will be automatically created for each slab region. But by default soil property
will not be assigned to the region as the mat foundation could be supported on
piles only.
Note: For foundation on soil, the soil is assumed elastic with the specified
modulus of elasticity.
Density
Provide a density value. This is used to calculated weight for soil above
the mat which acts as dead weight.
Use Soil Spring
If the soil spring is not assigned to the region, value for subgrade mod-
ules will be shown in red. Select this option to include soil spring and to
assign the soil property to the region. If selected, the value for subgrade
modulus will be shown in blue color.
Soil Height
Specify a height of soil above the mat foundation to be considered as
dead weight.
Analysis Properties > Pile Spring Definition table (Mat

Foundation)
Used to edit the pile spring constant values for all the piles present in the
current job.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Analysis Properties > Pile Spring is
selected.
User Manual — 187

Pile
The number of the pile.
Kx
Spring constant K value for the X-Direction.
Ky
Spring constant K value for the Y-Direction.
Kz
Spring constant K value for the Z-Direction.
Analyze (Mat Foundation)

Initiates an analysis of the a mat foundation. All data relevant to performing
an analysis, including slab boundary, plate thickness and soil properties, must
be entered prior to selecting this command, otherwise you will not obtain a
successful analysis. After successful analysis, program will convert analytical
results to physical entity based results to allow user to review output and
design slab.
To analyze a mat foundation job
1. Select Mat Foundation Job > Mat slab analysis/design options > Design.
or
The Design Progress Report is displayed in the Output pane. The
program will launch the analysis engine to perform the FEM analysis.
When the analysis is complete, a number of results tables are displayed

in tabs in the Output pane. The main view window Geometry page will
display the deformed shape of the mat.
User Manual — 189

Output View Options form (Mat Foundation)

Used to control the display of different sets of output like displacement
diagrams, soil pressure contour, plate stress contour etc.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Mat slab Analysis/ design options >
Output View Options is selected.
Show Nodal Displacement

Select this option to show displacement diagram for current load case in
graphic area. The color picker control next to this check box allows user
to select a suitable color to be used to draw the displacement diagram.
Use Average Normal
This option is used to draw 3D displacement diagram where lighting will
be applied to the average normal direction.
Show Beam Displacement
Selecting this option will allow user to draw beam displacement diagram
if present in current job. The color picker control at right side of this
checkbox allows user to choose a suitable color which will be used to
draw beam displacement diagram.
Drawing options
Displacement diagrams can be drawn as wireframe or as a true 3D solid
diagram. Draw line diagram option will draw a wireframe diagram of the
displaced shape. Draw 3D diagram will draw plates and beam dis-
placements as 3D solid diagram.
Stress Contour
There are three types of contours available:
User Manual — 191

l Plate Stress
l Beam Stress
l Soil Pressure
If you select Show Plate Stress contour, Select Stress Type drop down
box will be enabled allowing you to choose stress type to display. By
default program shows stress type as None.
Two categories of plate stress contours are available. One set displays
contour for plate local axis system and the other set shows global plate
moment.
Local stresses are:
l Max Absolute
l Max Top
l Max Bottom
l Max Von Mis
l Max Von Mis Top
l Max Von Mis Bottom
l SX
l SY
l SXY
l MX
l MY
l MXY
l SQX
l SQY
Global moments are available for both MX and MZ.
After selecting suitable stress type program will display contour in
graphics window along with a legend.
Show Soil Pressure

If you choose stress contour type as Show Soil Pressure, program will
display soil pressure contour for the selected load case along with a
legend.
Note: Soil pressure values are directly related to soil bearing

capacity. If the maximum pressure exceeds soil bearing capacity you
need to increase mat dimension and run the analysis again.
Base pressure for each node is calculated dividing the reaction of a plate
node by the tributary area of that node.
Show Beam Stress

This option is available only if the mat foundation includes physical
beams. After selecting show beam stress, Select Stress Type under beam
User Manual — 193

stress setup group will be enabled. Select any stress type to view the
contour along with a legend.
Available beam stress types are:
l Axial stress
l Bending Y stress
l Bending Z stress
l Combined stress
Show Legend
Use this option to switch on/off legend display
Plot contour on deflected shape
Select this option to draw stress contour on the deflected shape.
Moment Envelope Generation form (Mat Foundation)

Used to choose longitudinal reinforcement directions and a generate moment
envelope. Please note, longitudinal axis is a vector direction.
Mat slab is a physical entity in STAAD.foundation, so to design the slab,

program uses a unique technique. It first divides the slab into finite number of
discrete points and then calculates stress on those nodes to create moment
envelope. Please note that program automatically transforms stresses to the
specified longitudinal direction.
To generate moment envelope you first need to define longitudinal
reinforcement direction. You can define X,Z coordinate to define an axis or
click on any two points on the screen.
Select Current Panel

If you have multiple boundaries you need to choose current panel to be
designed. By default program selects the first created boundary.
Longitudinal Axis Setup
There are two methods to define the longitudinal axis. You can setup the
axis either by defining two X,Z coordinates or by clicking on two points
on the screen.
By drawing a line on slab
Select this option to click on two points on the screen to define lon-
gitudinal axis. Once the first point is clicked program will draw a line
from the first point to the mouse point to show the axis. After second
point is clicked on the screen, program will calculate the X,Z coordinates
of those points and fill up the form start and end coordinates.
By specifying coordinates
User Manual — 195

Select this option to input X,Z coordinates of the start and end points of
the axis. By default program shows a global X axis as longitudinal axis.
Division along longitudinal axis
Number of slab divisions along longitudinal axis. It must be a positive
number. Program uses 60 divisions as default value.
Division along transverse axis
Number of slab divisions along transverse axis. It must be a positive
number. Program uses 60 divisions as default value.
Select load type
Shear and reinforcement design for foundation are done only for ulti-
mate (factored) load combinations. User has the option here to choose
only load cases defined as ultimate or all load cases assigned to the cur-
rent job.
Generate Moment envelope
Creates a grid and calculates the moment envelope on the grid inter-
section points.
Design Parameters form (Mat Foundation)

Used to input design parameters, design current panel and review design
results.
Design Parameters is selected.
Grades: Fy
units.
Grades: Fc
Specify the ultimate (crushing)strength of the concrete (f'c), in the
selected units.
Top Cover
Specify a concrete clear cover distance to be used for the top-most layer
of mat reinforcement, in the selected units.
Bottom Cover
layer of mat reinforcement, in the selected units.
Min. / Max. bar size
Minimum and maximum rebar size to be used.
Max. / Min. spacing
Maximum and minimum rebar spacing, respectively, in the selected units.
Consider Wood and Armer moments
User Manual — 197

Select this option to consider Mxy moment to design the slab. This is a
method published by Wood and Armer where Mxy moment is trans-
formed to Mx and My moment.
Ignore check for minimum reinforcement
Instructs the program to design the slab without considering check for
minimum reinforcement
Design
Initiates the design of the slab. When the design operation is completed,
a message box will appear.
Result summary
Open a table which will show maximum reinforcement requirement con-
dition for all slab faces and direction. The table shows four rows for lon-
gitudinal top, longitudinal bottom, transverse top and transverse bottom
reinforcement requirement.
Details report
Opens the Mat Slab Design dialog, which is used to .
Mat Slab Design dialog
Used to add design parameters for specific locations in the slab for both
moment design and punching shear.
It lists all the grid points created to design the slab. It shows X,Y,Z
coordinates for each point, moment for that face and direction and the
corresponding reinforcement requirements.
Opens when the Details Report button is clicked on the mat foundation job
Design Parameters form.
Reinforcing Zoning form (Mat foundation)

As design is performed on thousands of points it will be tedious to go through
all those numbers and create a reinforcement layout. STAAD.foundation has a
tool to create reinforcement zones much like a reinforcement contour plot. The
number of zones may be specified but, by default, the program use three zones.
The program will attempt to select appropriate reinforcing zones
automatically. This can be overridden using the controls in this form.
User Manual — 199

Choose Slab Face
Select the required slab face from drop down list.
Reinforcement zoning is done for one face at a time. So this step needs
to be repeated four times to detail both faces in both directions. Upon
completion of a successful design, the reinforcement calculations will be
available in the calculation sheet if Reinforcement Zoning is performed
for a particular face.
Preferred Zone Reinforcement Count
Specify how many different sizes of reinforcing steel bars (rebar) you
want the program to allow in the slab design. The program divides the
slab into the number of zones you designate. Each zone will contain only
one size of reinforcing steel.
Note: If a minimum reinforcement criterion is needed for the entire

mat, mat reinforcement is categorized in single zone irrespective of
the preferred zone reinforcement count selected.
Create Zone
Click this button to create the number of reinforcing zones specified by
the Preferred Zone Reinforcement Count number. For example, the
following figure shows how the display might appear when three zones
are created.
A colored dot in the center of each mesh element indicates the

reinforcing zone to which that element belongs. Reinforcement detail for
each zone is displayed at top left corner of Geometry view. Zones created
by the program are based on real time stresses subjected on mat. For
practical zoning layout, refer to Zone Editing.
Create Block
Click this button to divide the slab into block-shaped areas, based on the
reinforcement zones generated using the Create Zones button. These
rectangular areas are created to allow a practical layout of the various
sizes of reinforcing steel.
Zone Report
User Manual — 201

Provides reinforcement details for all zones for a particular Slab Face.
First Column displays number of zones assigned, reference to zone
number and color code can be seen at top left corner of Geometry view.
Second column displays maximum moment (in per length unit)
magnitude occurred in the zone. Third column displays critical load case
for the maximum moment, each zone might have a different governing
load case. Fourth and fifth column displays location of maximum
moment. Sixth column displays critical reinforcement area required for
particular zone, followed by seventh column displaying reinforcement
area provided. Eighth column shows actual reinforcement detail.
View Options
Used to view zoning based on requirement reinforcement area or
provided reinforcement area. Further user can see the grid line used for
zoning, zoning block from ‘Show’ drop down menu. By default ‘Show’
menu is set to control Nodes.
Zone Editing
Used to customize the zones per their needs. As mentioned in Create
Zones help menu, automated zone generated by program are based on
real time stresses. Practical zone assignment is possible through this
feature.
From Current Zone Drop down box, select a zone that needs to be reset.
Click on ‘Select Nodes’ button, then select control points from geometry
view which needs to be assigned under the current zone. Once selection
is done, click on ‘Reset Zones’ button. This process does not disturb the
nodes which were outside of selection. To create detached blocks in
same zone, repeat Zone Editing process for all blocks individually.
In above sketch, blue zone is set in two different blocks; this type of
zoning can be achieved by selecting left upper small block first then
resetting zones and selecting the right block later and resetting zones one
more time.
‘Lock Higher Zone’ check box makes sure that when zones are reset,
lower reinforcement zone does not overwrite higher reinforcement zone.
By disabling the check box, higher zones can be overwritten by lower
zones.
Cut Slab by a Line form (Mat Foundation)

Used to draw a stress diagram along a specified section line and then design
slab along that line.
Opens when Mat Foundation Job > Mat slab Analysis/ design options > Cut
Slab by a line is selected.
User Manual — 203

Slab cut options
The cut line or the line on the slab can be drawn either by inputting two
coordinates or by clicking at two points on the screen.
l By drawing a line on slab - Using this option will allow user to

draw a line in the graphics by clicking on two points. Click on first
point and then stretch the line to next point and click again. It will
transfer coordinates of those two points to the form under start
and end points.
l By specifying coordinates - Input the Starting X, Starting Z, Ending
X, and Ending Z coordinate values.
Graph Scale Factor

Changes the vertical exaggeration factor of the stress diagram in the View
window.
Stress Type
Select the type of plate stress you wish to view graphed along the cut
line.
Insert a new Cut Line
Click to display the stress values along the cut line in the View window.
Cut line list

Displays all cut lines for the current mat foundation job. Select one of
these to design the reinforcing steel perpendicular to the cut line.
Design Selected Line
Opens the Design Report Along a Cut Line dialog, which is used for
designing bending reinforcement perpendicular to a cut line.
User Manual — 205

Design Report Along a Cut Line dialog
Used to perform and review the reinforced concrete design for a mat
foundation slab section.
Opens when the Design Selected Line button is clicked in the Cut Slab by a
Line form.
Select Graph Type
l Moment Envelope
l Req'd Reinforcement Area - Only available after a design has been
performed on the cut line.
l Moment Envelope: Wood and Armer

Set Design Parameters
Opens the Design Parameters dialog (Mat Foundation slab design), which
is used to input and verify the reinforced concrete design parameters.
Design
Calculates the required reinforcement area for each element along the cut
line. The graph type is then changed to Reqd. Reinforcement Area.
Design for Ultimate load type only
Select this option to limit the design for factored loads only.
Moment graph and table
Displays a graphical and tabular representation of the selected Graph
Type.
Print
Opens the Print dialog, which is used to print the graph and table for the
User Manual — 207

current required reinforcement area results.
Close
Closes the dialog.
Moment Capacity Check form (Mat Foundation)

Used to check the capacity of existing mat slab. This form is used to to define
reinforcement layout and program calculates moment capacity of the slab
based on slab thickness, covers, reinforcement layout etc. You can plot
capacity diagram, actual moment diagram and then compare those two
diagrams and plot failure (or unity check) diagram. If at any portion of the
slab, actual moment is more than the moment capacity, program will identify
that portion with red color and plot failure diagram as shown below.
Moment Capacity Check is selected.
Grades: Fy
units.
Grades: Fc
Top Cover
Specify a concrete clear cover distance to be used for the top-most layer
of mat reinforcement, in the selected units.
Bottom Cover
layer of mat reinforcement, in the selected units.
Bar Size
Specify a reinforcing bar size to use for the capacity check.
Spacing
Specify a reinforcing bar center-to-center spacing, in the selected units.
Choose Slab Face
This check must be performed for one slab face at a time. So, for all four
faces the check should be performed for four times.
Plot Capacity Diagram
A two-dimensional Moment Capacity graph is displayed over the surface
of the mat. The legend indicates values of moment capacity by color.
Plot Moment Diagram

Moment Capacity diagram plot for Longitudinal Top, actual moment
diagram plot for Longitudinal Top
User Manual — 209

Plot Failure Diagram
Displays the graphical results of a unity check, where green indicates OK
(passes check) and red indicates No Good (fails check).
Mat Foundation - Output Tables

Once a mat foundation job has been successfully analyzed, a series of
additional tabs will be added to the Output pane. Each tab includes a table of
results for the analysis.
Displacement tab
Used to view node displacement table for all nodes for current load case as
selected in the current load case in the Standard toolbar.
Note: Clicking on any row of the table will highlight that node in the
graphics. The Show Nodes option must be toggled on in the Modeling View
Options form.
Disp Summary tab
Used to view node displacement summary table among all load cases.
Displays 12 rows where each row shows either maximum or minimum value
for a particular degree of freedom. It also displays corresponding displacement
values for other degrees of freedom on that row. The table first lists three
translational degrees of freedom and then three rotational degrees of freedom.
First row of each degree of freedom starts with maximum value. Please note,
here minimum and maximum are algebraic signed values.
Reaction tab
Used to review support reaction results. This option is available only if the mat
is supported on soil. In case of mat supported by soil each plate node of the
mat region will have one soil spring attached to it.
User Manual — 211

Reaction tab shows support reactions for current job for current load case
only. Please select your desired load case from Select Current Load icon in
toolbar.
The table shows reactions for all six degree of freedom for all nodes. Clicking
on any row will highlight the corresponding node in graphics.
Reaction Summary tab
Used to review support reaction summary results. This option is available

only if the mat is supported on soil.
Reaction summary table displays maximum and minimum reaction forces for
all directions among all load cases. Each row displays either a maximum or
minimum value of a particular DOF along with node and load case number.
Clicking on any row will highlight corresponding node in the graphics.
Contact Area tab
Used to review slab and soil contact information. The table displays area in
contact and area out of contact with the soil for each load case. This option is
available only for Mat slab supported by soil.
Note: Stability checks for rigid foundations is done automatically, for any
shape of mat foundation. In case of overturning check, program gives
contact area summary based on which stability of mat can be determined.
And for sliding resistance, program gives reaction summary in lateral
direction which further can be used for sliding check.
Pile Reaction tab
Used to review reaction forces on all piles present in current job. Piles are
treated as spring support where all rotational degrees are released. So, the
table displays three translational reactions for each pile.
Note: The Pile Reaction tab only appears in the Output pane if the
analyzed mat foundation job is supported on piles.
Pile Reaction Summary tab
Note: The Pile Reaction Summary tab only appears in the Output pane if
the analyzed mat foundation job is supported on piles.
User Manual — 213

Plate Stress tab
Click on Plate Stress tab to open plate stress table. It displays 8 basic stress
types for current load case. The stress types are
l SQX
l SQY
l SX
l SY
l SXY
l MX
l MY
l MXY
These stresses are based on plate local coordinate system. During slab design
program will automatically transform these local stresses to global axes
system.
Plate Stress Summary tab
Displays minimum and maximum stress of all stress types among all load
cases along with plate and load number.
2.4.4 Combined Footing

Used to create a combined footing with two supports or a strip footing with
more than two supports.
The Combined Footing group contains the following items:

Combined Footing group items
Name Description
Concrete & Opens the Concrete and Rebar form in the
Rebar Data Input pane, which is used to input con-
crete and rebar properties for the current iso-
lated footing job.
Cover, Soil, and Opens the Cover, Soil, and Safety form in the
Safety Data Input pane, which is used to input cover
parameters, soil characteristics, and factor of
safety values.
Footing Geome- Opens the Footing and Geometry form in the
try data input pane, which is used to input iso-
lated footing geometry for the current iso-
lated footing job.
Design Initiates the design of the current isolated
footing job. A dialog opens to confirm you
wish to proceed.
To create a combined footing job
1. Create two or more linear supports and add support loads.
User Manual — 215

2. Select Job Setup > Create a New Job in the Main Navigation pane.
3. In the Job Info form:
a. Give a suitable Job Name.
b. Select Job Type as Combined.
c. Select a Design Code and Default Unit Type.
d. Select which supports will be included in the Combined Footing
job.
Note: At least two supports are required to create a combined

footing.
e. Select loads to for the Selected Load Case list.

4. Click the Create Job button.
Some additional controls are added to the Job Info form for creating
strip footings between support nodes.
To create a combined footing
1. (Optional) If the Job Info form is not displayed in the Data Input pane,
select Job Setup > Edit Current Job in the Main Navigation pane.
2. Select the supports in the View window: Geometry tab by clicking and
User Manual — 217

dragging the mouse to form a box around the supports you wish to
include.
The selected supports are highlighted in the View window.
3. Click the Create from Selected Nodes button in the Job Setup form.
A tree view of the combined footing with included supports is displayed.
The strip footing is shown graphically connecting the included supports

in the View window.
Note: Multiple supports must be collinear to become a part of a

combined footing. An error will be displayed if you attempt to create
a combined footing from non-collinear supports. No combined footing
will be created.
To design a combined footing
To delete a combined footing
Delete
To delete a footing, select the footing from the tree, click on “Delete”. Deletion
of support from a combined footing is not allowed. You need to recreate the
combined footing to edit it. This will generate the following error message.
Delete All
To delete all the combined footing at a click, simply click on “Delete All”
button.
Concrete and Rebar form (Combined footing)

Used to specify concrete and reinforcement bar to be used for the design of a
combined footing.
User Manual — 219

Opens when Combined Footing Job > Design Parameters > Concrete and
Rebar is selected in the Main Navigator pane.

units.

Set as Default
new Combined Footing: Concrete and Rebar parameters.
Cover, Soil, and Safety form (Combined footing)

Used to input cover parameters, soil characteristics, and factor of safety values.
Opens when Combined Footing Job > Design Parameters > Cover, Soil, and
Safety is selected in the Main Navigator pane.
Pedestal Clear Clover

Specify a concrete clear cover distance to be used for the pedestal
User Manual — 221

reinforcement, in the selected units.
Footing Clear Cover
Unit Weight of Soil
Specify the allowable (?) capacity of the soil, in the selected units.
units.
units.
Set as Default
new Combined Footing: Cover, Soil, and Safety parameters.
Footing Geometry form (Combined footing)

Used to input the geometrical parameter used for design.
Opens when Combined Footing Job > Design Parameters > Footing
Geometry is selected in the Main Navigator pane.
Design Type
dimension:

to the smallest size which meets all specified loads; ranging between
the minimum and maximum dimensions provided (inclusive). Cal-
culate dimension is set by default.
Fixed Width / Left Overhang / Right Overhang
Select if these values are fixed lengths or if they will be optimized during
the design.
User Manual — 223

Minimum Left / Right Overhand
Specify the minimum overhang length (direction parallel to the X axis)
to be used for the footing design, along with unit.
Minimum Width
Specify the width (direction parallel to the Y axis) to be used for the
footing, along with unit. For a Calculate Dimension design, this is used
as the minimum dimension to check.
Minimum Thickness
Specify the thickness (direction parallel to the Z axis; or out-of plan
dimension) to be used for the footing, along with unit. For a Calculate
Dimension design, this is used as the minimum dimension to check.
Maximum Length
Maximum Width
(Calculate only) Specify the maximum width (direction parallel to the Z
Maximum Thickness
unit.
Length Increment
(Calculate only) Specify the length and width increments to be used
when performing footing design, along with unit. This allows you control
over how to step footing sizes in design results.
Thickness Increment
Set as Default
new Combined Footing: Footing Geometry parameters.
Design a Combined footing
To design a combined footing job
1. Select Combined Footing Job > Design Parameters > Design.

or
design is complete, a summary of the design is displayed on the Strip
Footing Design Summary tab in the Output pane and the Calculation
Sheet is opened to review the design calculations. A graphical report of
Bending Moment and Shear Force for the footing will be generated in the
Graphs tab of the main view window.

2.5 Grouping Foundation Designs

Foundation groups are useful to limit the number of designs. By default,
STAAD.foundation optimizes each foundation design for the loads at that
support only. This can (and typically does) result in as many different designs
as their are supports. Often, it is more practical to limit the number of designs
to one or few sizes and reinforcing steel configurations.
The following procedure is used to group foundation designs:
1. Run the analysis for a file for preliminary sizing of foundations.

2. Make sure the Geometry tab in the Main View window is selected.
3. Select the Create Schematic Diagram tool in the Standard toolbar.
The footings are re-drawn to scale.

4. In the main view window, select footings you wish to group together in a
single design.
Note: Use the CTRL key to select multiple footings individually.
5. Select the Create Group tool in the Standard toolbar.
The Detail Drawing and Schedule Drawing all update to reflect the
grouped footings. The GA Drawing updates when Refresh button is
clicked in the GA Drawing Options form.
A new job is created with the footings from this group (the previous job
is still maintained, with all footings included). All the footings in the new
group/job are re-sized to reflect the governing size of the selected
footings.
User Manual — 225

Section 3
Plant Foundations
3.1 Introduction
Plant foundations allow you to parametrically model both Vertical Vessel
foundations and Heat Exchanger (Horizontal Vessel) foundations. Both
foundation modules are completely wizard guided. You will be able to skip to
any point in the process using the module navigation tree.
Note: This feature requires STAAD.foundation 4.0 or later.
3.2 Starting a New Plant Setup Job

1. Select Plant from the Start Page.
or
Select File > New > Plant Startup
or
User Manual — 227

Press <CTRL+N>, select Plant Foundation in the Create New Project
dialog, and click Open.
The program window opens a new project in the Plant Foundation mode
(displayed in the Main Navigation Window).
2. (Optional) Select either General Information or Review History in the
Project Info section of the Main Navigation Window to enter general
project or review data.
3. Select one of the following options in the Project Info section of the
Main Navigation Window:
l Create Vertical Vessel Foundation
l Create Heat Exg/Horz Vessel Foundation
The corresponding wizard dialog opens.
4. Once you have completed the wizard, a new leaf is entered into the Main
Navigation Window for the new foundation.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to add additional jobs to the project.

Select the current job using the Job Selection list found in the Standard
toolbar.
Note: Different footing types may be added to the same project to

explore different footing scenarios or to contain all footing types to
be used within a single structure.
Section 3 Plant Foundations
3.3 Vertical Vessel Foundation

Three types of foundation are allowed to design for vertical vessel. They are
octagonal footing on soil, square pile cap and octagonal pile cap. Vertical vessel
foundation design complies to:
l ASCE 7
l ACI 318
l PIP (Process Industry Practices) STE03350
Geometry page
Used to input all the geometric parameters. STAAD.foundation can model both
square and octagonal footings for vertical vessels.
User Manual — 229

Unit
Select the unit of length (this page only).
Foundation Type
Select either Octagonal Foundationand Square foundation for the
vertical vessel.
Hint: For vessels larger than 5 ft. in diameter, an octagonal

foundation is typically more economical (this practice varies from
user to user).
Foundation Support Type

Select whether the foundation is to be supported on a Soil Foundation
or on a Pile Cap Foundation.
Note: If Pile Cap Foundation is selected, the Pile Cap Geometry page
is added to the wizard.
Vessel Geometry
Effective Diameter (Dve)

The effective diameter is the diameter that will be used to calculate the
wind pressure on the vessel.
Effective Height (Hve)
The effective height is the effective height of the vessel that will be used
to calculate the wind pressure and the seismic effect on the vessel.
Pedestal Geometry
Diameter (Dp)
Input pedestal diameter which will be used for shear check and pedestal
design (as shown in the input page sketch).
Thickness (Tp)
Height of the pedestal from top of footing (as shown in the input page
sketch)
Bottom Of Footing Elevation (B.O.F)
Bottom of footing elevation is used for detail drawing purpose. Based on
this input elevation at top of concrete (T.O.C.), elevation at top of soil
(T.O.S) and elevation at top of pedestal (T.O.P.) are displayed in detail
drawing.
Footing Geometry
Diameter (Df) Min / Max

(Octagonal type) Specify the range of sizes used for checking in the
design. The diameter is that of a circle on which the octagonal foundation
is circumscribed in plan. The minimum diameter is first checked in the
design process. If it is not adequate, then subsequent sizes are checked,
up to the maximum diameter, until the design reaches the safety limit.
Footing Dimension Increment
This input is for increment interval for width/ length or diameter of the
footing.
Length Min / Max
(Square type) Specify the range of sizes used for checking in the design.
The minimum length is first checked in the design process. If it is not
adequate, then subsequent sizes are checked, up to the maximum length,
until the design reaches the safety limit.
Height (Tf) Min / Max
Enter the minimum height which will be used in starting the design and
will be checked up to the maximum value until the design reaches the
safety limit.
Overburden and Buoyancy
Depth of Water Table (Dw)

Depth of the water tables measured from the ground level. This level is
used to calculate buoyant force on the footing.
Soil Depth (Ts)
User Manual — 231

Depth of soil above the foundation measured from the top face of the
footing base. Soil depth is used to calculate weight of soil over the
footing
Next >
Proceeds the Wizard to the next step.
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Vertical Vessel Footing job.
Anchor Geometry page

This page allows user to input their pedestal geometry and anchor bolt
arrangement. If the pedestal diameter required for anchor bolt arrangement is
more than the given pedestal diameter, program will automatically adjust
pedestal diameter.
Note: STAAD.foundation does not design the anchor bolts.
Note: This page is based on PIP STE03350.
Unit
Select the unit of length (this page only).
Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD)
Bolt circle diameter along which bolt will be placed
Number of Anchor Bolt (Nb)
Count of total anchor bolts. This parameter is used to calculate “An” as

defined in appendix of PIP standard
Bolt Diameter (BD
Nominal diameter of individual bolt. This parameter is used to calculate
“An” as defined in appendix of PIP standard.
Sleeve Diameter (SD)
Anchor Bolt Effective Embedment Depth
< Previous
Steps the Wizard to the previous step.
Next >
Cancel
Primary Load page

Used to input the primary loads (loads other than wind load and seismic load).
Unit
Select the input unit for vertical force, base shear and base moment; for
this page only.
Standard Loads
For vertical vessels, the standard loaded conditions are:
User Manual — 233

l Empty condition
l Operating condition
l Test condition
l Erection condition
Vertical (Axial) Force, Base Shear, and Base Moment may be entered for
each of these loading conditions.
Note: Sign conventions for the applied loads are explained in

Primary Load Cases page sketch. Applied load at top of the pedestal
are calculated based on PIP STE03350.
User Defined Load

This table is used for entering non-standard loads. By default first load
in user defined load table is set to Live. More User defined load can be
entered in the same table.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Wind Load Generation page

Used to input wind load parameters. There are two methods for specifying
wind load on a vertical vessel:
l Directly input the shear force & moment values

l The program can calculate those values using ASCE 7-2005. The inputs
are described in the page, along with code section and/or table numbers
for reference.
User Defined Wind Load

Shear Value
Specify a base shear due to wind, in the selected units.
Moment Value
Specify a base moment due to wind, in the selected units.
Calculated Wind Load

Wind Speed
You need to input the wind speed provided in the code in miles per hour
unit.
Kd (Wind Directional Factor)
Click on the Table 6.6 button to open the table of code Kd values.
Select a value and then click the OK button to use it.
User Manual — 235

Note: You may manually enter in any value to override the code-
specified table values.
Kz (Velocity Pressure Exposure Coefficient)

This is described in section 6.5.6.4 and Table 6.5. Choose the required
combination of combo boxes for them.
Kzt (Topographic Factor)
This is defined in section 6.5.7.2 and determined from figure 6.2.
I (Importance Factor)
Importance is defined in section 6.5.5 and determined from figure 6.1.
Click on the Table 6.1 button to open a table of code I values.
G (Gust Effect Factor)

This is the Gust Effect Factor and it is user defined.
Cf (Net Force Coefficient)
Value of “Cf” according to table T6-10.
Partial Wind Case %

This value represents percentage of full wind speed used in case of test
load or erection load combination. As probability of getting full wind
speed while test is being carried out is very low.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Time Period page

Inputs in this page are basically required for wind load and seismic load
calculation according to ASCE 7-05. There are three ways to enter/calculate
time period:
l Direct Input
l Mass Table
l Program Calculated
Time Period Calculation

Select the method you wish to use for determining the time period.
Direct Input
Fundamental Period (T)
Specify the fundamental time period of the vessel.
Mass Table
The time period is calculated using Von Mises Theorem equation:
Where:
User Manual — 237

l H = Overall height in feet,
l D = Diameter of each section in feet,
l w = Distributed weight per foot of each section,
l W = Weight of each concentrated mass,
l t = Shell thickness of each section in inches,
l E = Modulus of elasticity for each section in millions of psi,
l a,b and g = Are coefficient for a given level depending on hi/H(the ratio
of height of the level above grade to the overall height). Da and Dg are
the difference in the values of a and g,from the top to the bottom of each
section of uniform weight, diameter and thickness. b is determined for
each concentrated mass.
Units
Specify the values of Length, Force/Length, and Force used in both
tables on this page to describe the mass of the vessel.
Distributed Mass table
This table is used to describe how the mass is distributed over one or more
vertical sections of the vessel.
Mass/Length
Specify a mass per unit of vertical height for this section of mass.
Height (Top / Bot)
Specify the top and bottom heights, respectively, above base of this sec-
tion of mass.
Diameter
The diameter of the vertical vessel for this section.
Thickness
The wall thickness of the vessel for this section.
Concentrated Mass table
This table is used to specify point masses in the vessel, such as ladders,
platforms, etc..
Mass
Specify the amount of lumped mass.
Height
The height above base where the lumped mass is centered.
Calculate Time Period
The program calculates the Fundamental Period and enters this value for
the Fundamental Period (T) (non-editable).
Program Calculated
Fundamental Period is calculated by using formula as described below,
Where:
l w = Weight of the structure, kips

l L = Length of the structure, inch
l E = Modulus of Elasticity, ksi
l I = Moment of Inertia, in4
l g = Gravitational acceleration
Long-Period Transition Period

Long-period transition period (TL), in seconds, determined in ASCE Sec-
tion 11.4.5
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Seismic Load Generation page

Used to input seismic load data, either directly or by parameters which the
program will then use to calculate code-specified seismic loads per ASCE 7-
2005.
Seismic Load Generation calculation
User Manual — 239

l Directly Input Seismic Loads - specify values for shear force and moment
l Mass Table C.G. - If mass data has been entered in the Time Period page
for the calculation of the vessel's fundamental period, that data can also
be used by the program to determine the center of gravity.
l User Defined C.G. - Specify the center of gravity of the vertical vessel.
Directly Input Seismic Loads

Depending on the load combination, operating seismic or empty seismic will
be taken into consideration.
Operating Seismic Load

seismic load subjected at top of pedestal for operating conditions.
Empty Seismic Load
seismic load subjected at top of pedestal for empty conditions.
Mass Table C.G.

The program will calculate seismic loads for you, with the option to have
mapped acceleration values looked up or to provide values if known.
l Select using Zip Code- Populates the Select Zip combo box with all U.S.
zip codes. Choosing any one of them will (or simply type in the value to
select faster) will selected mapped acceleration values for that geo-
graphic location.
l Enter Value Manually- Specify values for S1 and Ss in the respective
fields.
City / Latitude / Longitude

(non editable) Displayed for the specified zip code to verify location.
S1 / Ss
The 1-second and short period acceleration values from ASCE 7 maps.
Site Class
Value of Fa and Fv, which are functions of Site Class and mapped
acceleration values.
Note: If Site Class is selected as F, Fa and Fv may be entered

manually.
Response Modification Factor (R)

Select the response modification factor (either 2 or 3).
Occupancy Importance Factor (I)
Select the importance factor for the structure (1.00, 1.25, or 1.50)
User Defined C.G.

C.G. of Vessel
Specify the center of gravity of the vertical vessel above the finished
surface, in the selected units.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Load Combination page

Used to generate combinations of primary load cases for use in analysis and
design. Two types of load combinations are used here. They are “Allowable
Load Combination” and “Ultimate Load Combination”. You can create any
number of load combinations.

own.
l ASCE 7-05
l PIP STC01015
l User defined
User Manual — 241

Update Table
Delete

deleting.

tables
bination.
to use.
(empty) row.
Note: To add or change any combination from the default list (kept
in an external .INI file) you need to click the Update Table button
after making changes.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Design Parameters page

Design parameter is grouped under three categories. They are Material
Density, Bearing and Stability and Concrete Design Parameters
Water Density
Density of water with unit to use for a Buoyancy Check, in the selected
units.
Buoyancy Check
Select this option to have the program perform a check for buoyancy.
Concrete Density
Soil Density
Density of soil supporting the foundation, in the selected units.
Allowable Bearing Pressure
Value of allowable bearing pressure used for design, in the selected units.
Minimum Stability ratio
Value of minimum stability ratio used for design.
Bar Type
Types of bar used for the design (e.g. Imperial or Metric).
Cover
Value of clear cover, in the selected units.
Fc
Fy
units.
User Manual — 243

Minimum / Maximum Bar Dia
used in the design.
< Previous
Next >
(for Pile Cap foundation only) Proceeds the Wizard to the next step.
Cancel
Finish
(for Soil Foundation only) Closes the Wizard and creates the Vertical
Vessel Footing job in the current project.
Pile Cap Geometry page

Used to define Pile Cap geometry and individual pile data. When the Pile Cap
Foundation option is selected on the Geometry page, this page is added to the
wizard.
Unit
Choose Units for force and length, these units are only applicable to Pile
Cap Geometry Page.
Minimum Pile cap Depth
Lateral
Vertical
Uplift
Dia
Diameter of a pile.
Edge
edges of a pile.
In Pile Data, enter Lateral, Uplift, Vertical capacities of pile from geotechnical
report.
Arrangement Type
circular arrangement will be design as octagonal pile cap. For octagonal
foundation, pile arrangement is automatically set as circular.
l Number of Rows - Usually for vertical vessel foundation, pile cap is

kept as square pile cap. To do so, enter same number of rows and
column with same row and column spacing.
l Number of Columns
l Row Spacing
l Column Spacing

arrangement.
arrangement.
below.
User Manual — 245

table and figure.
Select Arrangement
Show Pile Reactions
Note: To get the pile reaction, the file needs to be run once. Once you
have designed the Vertical Vessel Foundation job, select Vertical
Vessel Footing > Edit to return to this page to view the Pile Reaction
table.
spacing type and table

Once a pile arrangement is started, the table displays the spacing for each
row, column, layer, or circumference; depending on what arrangement
type and table spacing type is selected.
< Previous
Cancel
Finish
Closes the Wizard and creates the Vertical Vessel Footing job in the
current project.
User Manual — 247

3.4 Heat Exchanger Foundation
Total six types of Heat Exchanger are allowed to design. They are Stacked
Exchanger combined footing option, isolated footing option, strap beam
option and Single Exchanger combined footing option, isolated footing option,
strap beam.
Exchanger Geometry page

Used to input all the geometric data for the Heat Exchanger.
Hint: Clicking on any input fields creates a description of the

corresponding field below the diagram.
Exchanger / Vessel Type

Select either a Single Exchanger or Stacked Exchanger, for the type of
heat exchanger vessel will be supported by the foundation.
Footing Type
l Combined Footing - footing will be designed as monolithic footing

connecting two piers. Design philosophy is same as combined footing
from General Mode.
l Isolated Footing - footing will be designed as two isolated footing
supporting each pier. These footing can be made identical from footing
geometry page. Design philosophy is same as isolated footing from
General Mode.
Strap Beam
(Isolated Footing type only) Exchanger footing will be designed as two iso-
lated footing below the piers connected by a strap beam.
Bottom of Footing Elevation (B.O.F.)
Bottom of footing elevation is used for detail drawing purpose. Based on
this input elevation at top of concrete (T.O.C.), elevation at top of soil
(T.O.S) and elevation at top of pedestal (T.O.P.) are displayed in detail
drawing
Unit
Unit of length for all the input in this page only.
Heat Exchanger Length (L)
Length of the heat exchanger.
Upper Exchanger Diameter (UD)
(Stacked Exchanger only) Diameter of the upper exchanger.
User Manual — 249

Lower Exchanger Diameter (LD)
Diameter of the lower exchanger or, if a Single Exchanger, the diameter
of the sole exchanger.
Height from Pier Top to Upper Exchanger (H)
Height from the top of the pier to the center line of the upper exchanger.
For a single exchanger, the height is measured to the center line of the
single vessel.
Soil Depth (SD)
Depth of soil from top of the footing.
Height of Pier Top from Base (B)
Height from the top of the pier to the base of the foundation.
Spacing of Exchanger (S)
(Stacked Exchanger only) Spacing of the central line of the exchanger in
case of stacked exchanger.
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Heat Exchanger Footing job.
Footing Geometry page

This page will have a different set of parameters displayed depending on the
Footing Type selected on the Exchanger Geometry page.
Combined Footing
Here you have to input the geometrical data relate to the footing.
Unit
Choose the length dimension unit.
Pier to Pier Distance
Distance of the central lines of the pier.
Pier Width
Width of the pier.
Pier length
Breadth of the pier.
Right Overhang
Length of the right overhang from the central line of the right pier.
Choose “Yes” from the combo box right next to it if you wish to make it
fix else “No” if you wish to allow it to increase by the design engine.
Left Overhang
Length of the left overhang from the central line of the left pier. Choose
“Yes” from the combo box right next to it if you wish to make it fix else
“No” if you wish to allow it to increase by the design engine.
Width
Minimum width of the footing. Choose “Yes” from the combo box right
next to it if you wish to make it fix else “No” if you wish to allow it to
increase by the design engine.
Width (Max)
The maximum width allowed up to which it will be incremented by the
design engine.
Thickness
Minimum thickness of the footing.
Thickness (Max)
The maximum thickness allowed up to which it will be incremented by
the design engine. The rate increment will have to be given on the right
“Increment” input field.
Length (Max)
The maximum total length allowed up to which it will be incremented by
Thickness Increment
This input is for increment interval for thickness of the footing.
Length / Width Increment
This input is for increment interval for width and length of the footing.
Isolated Footing
The dialog displays the following
User Manual — 251

Unit
Choose the length dimension unit.
Pier to Pier Distance
Distance of the central lines of the pier.
Water Table Depth
Depth of water table from top of soil. This input is used to calculate
buoyant forces on foundation.
Pier Width
Width of the pier.
Pier length
Breadth of the pier.
Width
Minimum width of the footing. Choose “Yes” from the combo box right
next to it if you wish to make it fix else “No” if you wish to allow it to
increase by the design engine.
Width (Max)
The maximum width allowed up to which it will be incremented by the
design engine.
Thickness
Minimum thickness of the footing.
Thickness (Max)
The maximum thickness allowed up to which it will be incremented by
Length (Max)
The maximum total length allowed up to which it will be incremented by

Thickness Increment
This input is for increment interval for thickness of the footing.
Length / Width Increment
This input is for increment interval for width and length of the footing.
Identical Footings Option
By making this option ticked, both isolated footing will be identical.
Strap Beam
Note: Beam geometry can be entered through the beam geometry page.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Beam Geometry page

Used to specify grade beam geometry for isolated footings connected by a strap
beam.
User Manual — 253

Here UDL with unit over beam option is available. Max & Min Depth Range of
Beam, Width of Beam (with unit input), Main Bar Range, Stirrup Bar Range,
Stirrup Type (Number of legs), Stirrup Spacing Range ( with input) are
available in this page.
Beam Loading - UDL On Beam

Specify a uniform dead load applied over the length of the grade beam,
in the selected units.
For example, this may be the weight of a wall load over the beam.
Min / Max Depth
Enter the range of beam depth permissible for design, in the selected
units. The design process will begin with the minimum depth and iterate
designs up to and including the maximum depth specified.
Note: Beam depth is taken from top of grade beam to bottom of

spread footing.
Beam Width
Width of the beam above the spread footing, in the selected units.
Min / Max Bars Size (Main Bar)
Specify the range of permissible longitudinal reinforcing bar sizes.
Min / Max Bars Size (Stirrup)
Specify the range of permissible stirrup sizes.
Min / Max Spacing of Stirrup
Specify the permissible range of stirrup spacing, in the selected units.
Type of Stirrup
Select the number of stirrup legs present in a cross section.
< Previous
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Cancel
Primary Load page

Used to input the primary loads other than wind load and seismic load.
Note: In case of stacked exchangers, primary loads entered in this page

are for the entire heat exchanger assembly not for single exchanger
Force Unit
Select a unit for all axial loads specified on this page.
Moment Unit
Select a unit for all moment loads specified on this page.
Heat Exchanger Loads
Six types of axial forces are used for input. They are:
l Empty Load - Exchanger assembly Weight in empty condition

l Operating Load - Exchanger assembly weight with fluids at oper-
ating level condition
l Test Load - Exchanger assembly weight with fluids at test level con-
dition
l Live Load - Superimposed live load on exchanger assembly e.g. plat-
form live load attached to the exchanger
l Erection Load - Construction loading on exchanger assembly e.g.
crane loading
l Miscellaneous Axial Load
l Thermal load - Load generated by thermal expansion of exchanger
assembly, thermal load is entirely applied at fixed end
l Bundle Pull - Axial couple loading is considered on piers for Bundle
pull force. Lateral load imposed on exchanger assembly under main-
tenance procedure, program distributes bundle pull force equally on
piers.
Application of all primary load is in accordance with PIPSTE03360
User Manual — 255

The program generates axial, lateral forces and moments based on
primary load input. Additional loading can be entered through user
defined moment.
User Defined Moment
Four types of moments are used for input. They are:
l Empty Moment
l Operating Moment
l Longitudinal Miscellaneous Moment
l Transverse Miscellaneous Moment
Note: Direct inputs are always applied at top of pedestal (bottom of

base plate), it is per industry standards. Vendors provide the loads at
bottom of base plate of vessel. All program generated loads are
applied at center of vessel.
Pedestal Load Distribution %

Give the load distribution percentage for “Shell End” and “Channel End”.
Channel End is usually considered as sliding end and Shell End is
considered as fixed end.
Note: Vertical loads are not affected by pedestal type (fixed or

sliding). Vertical loads are distributed per pedestal load distribution
percentage. Conventionally channel end is heavier than shell end.
Standard percentage of distribution for vertical loads is - Channel
End 60% & Shell End 40%.
Design Self Weight

This option enables user to select self weight of the footing, self weight
of the pedestal and self weight of the soil above footing to be considered
for reinforcement design or not.
Note: Self weight is always considered for service checks.
Self Weight Factor

Coefficient of calculated self weight for use in dead load cases. Further to
design self weight option, self weight considered can be modified using
this factor.
Slide Plate Parameter
Sliding plate coefficient only affects the seismic loads on exchanger
assembly.
Slide plate coefficient of friction is used to determine % longitudinal

lateral loads distributed on Shell End and Channel End.
Per PIPSTE03360 4.3.2.3, for low friction plates (α≤0.2) entire
earthquake load is applied on fixed pier (Shell End). In case of high
friction plates (α ≥0.2), 70% of earthquake load applied on fixed pier.
< Previous
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Cancel
Wind Load Generation page

Inputs for wind load can be given in two ways. You can directly input the shear
force & moment values with choosing the proper unit or you can use the
software to calculate those values using ASCE 7-2005.
User Defined Wind Load

Shear Value
Specify a base shear due to wind in both X and Z global directions, in the
selected units.
Moment Value
User Manual — 257

Specify a base moment due to wind about both X and Z global direc-
tions, in the selected units.
Program Calculated Wind Load

Wind Speed
Specify the wind speed provided in the code in miles per hour unit.
Kd (Wind Directional Factor)
Click on the Table 6.6 button to open the table of code Kd values.
Kz (Velocity Pressure Exposure Coefficient)

This is described in section 6.5.6.4 and Table 6.5. Choose the required
combination of combo boxes for them.
Kzt (Topographic Factor)
This is defined in section 6.5.7.2 and determined from figure 6.2.
I (Importance Factor)
Importance is defined in section 6.5.5 and determined from figure 6.1.
Click on the Table 6.1 button to open a table of code I values.
G (Gust Effect Factor)

This is the Gust Effect Factor and it is user defined.
Cf (Net Force Coefficient)
Value of “Cf” according to table T6-10.
Partial Wind Case %

This value represents percentage of full wind speed used in case of test
load or erection load combination. As probability of getting full wind
speed while test is being carried out is very low.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Seismic Load Generation page

Used to input seismic load data, either directly or by parameters which the
program will then use to calculate code-specified seismic loads per ASCE 7-
2005.
User Manual — 259

Select this option to specify values for shear force and moment. Otherwise,
seismic load generation parameters are required to generate loads.

Depending on the load combination, operating seismic or empty seismic will
be taken into consideration.
Empty Load Case

seismic load subjected at top of pedestal for empty conditions.
Operating Load Case
seismic load subjected at top of pedestal for operating conditions.
Program Calculated
The program will calculate seismic loads for you, with the option to have
mapped acceleration values looked up or to provide values if known.
l Select using Zip Code- Populates the Select Zip combo box with all U.S.
zip codes. Choosing any one of them will (or simply type in the value to
select faster) will selected mapped acceleration values for that geo-
graphic location.
l Enter Value Manually- Specify values for S1 and Ss in the respective
fields.
City / Latitude / Longitude

(non editable) Displayed for the specified zip code to verify location.
S1 / Ss
The 1-second and short period acceleration values from ASCE 7 maps.
Site Class
Value of Fa and Fv, which are functions of Site Class and mapped
acceleration values.
Note: If Site Class is selected as F, Fa and Fv may be entered

manually.
Response Modification Factor (R)

Select the response modification factor (either 2 or 3).
Note: The value may be selected from the drop-down list a custom
value may be entered manually.
Occupancy Importance Factor (I)

Select the importance factor for the structure (1.00, 1.25, or 1.50)
Note: The value may be selected from the drop-down list a custom
value may be entered manually.
Transverse Direction
Fundamental Period (T) in the direction transverse to the length of the
horizontal heat exchanger vessel(s).
Longitudinal Direction
Fundamental Period (T) in the direction parallel to the length of the ves-
sel(s).
Long-Period Transition Period (TL)
The Period for Long Transition defined in section 11.4.5.
< Previous
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User Manual — 261

own.
l ASCE 7-05
l PIP STC01015
l User defined
Update Table
Delete

deleting.

tables
bination.
to use.
(empty) row.
< Previous

Next >
Cancel

Used to enter design parameters for the Heat Exchanger footing; including
reinforced concrete, soil, and safety factors.
Unit
First give the units for three types of dimensions, density, length and
stress.
Concrete and Rebar

Concrete Unit Weight
Specify a density to be used for concrete (wC).
Fc
Specify the ultimate strength of the concrete (f'c).
Fy
Specify the yield strength of steel reinforcing bars (fy).
Max / Min Bar Spacing
Specify the minimum and maximum distances to be allowed between rein-
forcing bars.
Max / Min Bar Size
User Manual — 263

used in the design.
Cover and Soil

Pedestal Clear Cover
Specify clear cover distance between face of pedestal and edge of rein-
forcing bars.
Footing Bottom Cover
layer of footing reinforcement.
Soil Unit Weight
Specify a density to be used for the soil.
Soil Depth
Specify the depth from soil surface to the top of footing.
Load Surcharge
Specify a surcharge loading above the footing.
Minimum Permissible Area in Contact With Soil
Specify a percentage of area of contact between footing and soil.
Sliding and Overturning

Factor of Safety (Sliding)
Factor of Safety (Overturning)
< Previous
Cancel
Finish
Closes the Wizard and creates the Heat Exchanger Footing job in the
current project.
Section 4
Foundation Toolkit
4.1 Introduction
The foundation toolkit allows you to parametrically model a variety of
common foundation types such as combined footings, drilled piers, dead man
anchor guys, etc. These foundation modules are completely wizard guided. You
will be able to skip to any point in the process using the module navigation
tree.
Note: This feature requires STAAD.foundation V8i, release 5.0 or later.
4.2 Starting a New Foundation Toolkit Project

1. Select Toolkit from the Start Page.
or
Select File > New > Toolkit Startup
or
User Manual — 265

Press <CTRL+N>, select Foundation Toolkit in the Create New Project
dialog, and click Open.
The program window opens a new project in the Foundation Toolkit
mode (displayed in the Main Navigation Window).
2. (Optional) Select either General Information or Review History in the
Project Info section of the Main Navigation Window to enter general
project or review data.
3. Select one of the following options in the Project Info section of the
Main Navigation Window:
l Create Isolated Footing / Block
l Create Combined Footing
l Create Dead Man Anchor / Guyed Tower Foundation
l Created Drilled Pier
l Create Pile Cap Job
l Create Ribbed (Beam) Footing
The corresponding wizard dialog opens.
4. Once you have completed the wizard, a new leaf is entered into the Main
Navigation Window for the new foundation.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to add additional jobs to the project.
Select the current job using the Job Selection list found in the Standard
toolbar.
Note: Different footing types may be added to the same project to

explore different footing scenarios or to contain all footing types to
be used within a single structure.
This will create the GUI for Foundation Toolkit. In the left side of the window
there will be a tree control in the “Foundation Toolkit Menu” pane as the
following figure shows.
Section 4 Foundation Toolkit
In Main Navigator five new leafs are added “Create Isolated Footing/Block”,
“Create Combined Footing”, “Create Dead Man Anchor guy Tower foundation”,
“Create Drilled Pier” and “Create Pile Job”. Click on a specific leaf will help
you to create the job. You can create more than one job for each of them
(“Create isolated Footing/Block”, “Create Combined Footing”, “Create dead
man Anchor”, “Create Drilled pier”, “Create Pile Job”). The created jobs will be
listed in the tree view as following.
“Edit” “Delete” and “Design” These three features of a particular job helps the
user to edit the fields after creation and click on “Delete” deletes the job.
“Design” will design the corresponding foundation.
User Manual — 267

4.3 Isolated/Block Foundation
The Isolated Footing Wizard is a step-by-step process to parametrically create
an isolated footing. Complete the data fields on each page and then click Next
to proceed. Once you are finished, click the Finish button to complete the
wizard.
To create an Isolated Footing job using the toolkit

1. Select Project Info > Create Isolated Footing / Block in the Main
Navigator pane.
The Data Input Wizard for an Isolated Footing opens.
2. Input the parameters on each page and click Next > to proceed.
Hint: You may jump to any step using the table of contents found on
the left side of each wizard dialog page or move to the prior page by
clicking < Previous.
3. Repeat through all input pages until the Finish button is enabled.
4. Click the Finish button to exit the wizard.
The new Isolated Footing job is added to the project in the Main
Navigator pane.
To design an Isolated Footing job using the toolkit

1. Select Edit Isolated Footing Job > Isolated Footing Job: <job name> >
Design in the Main Navigation pane.
A dialog confirms you wish to proceed with designing the Isolated
Footing job.
2. Click Yes.
The progress of the foundation design is displayed in the Output pane.
The Status bar also provides feedback on the progress of each step.
Once the process is complete, the program will automatically display a

Design Summary table in the Output pane and the detailed design
calculations in the Calculation Sheet tab of the View window.
To edit an individual Isolated Footing dimension

Individual isolated footing dimensions can be edited.
1. Click the Geometry tab in the Graphics Window.

2. Click one of the dimensions on the drawing.
A dimension dialog opens to display the current value and their units.
3. Make changes as needed.

4. Click the OK to accept the changes and dismiss the dialog.
To edit an Isolated Footing job using the toolkit

Edit in the Main Navigation pane.
The Data Input Wizard re-opens to allow for any changes.
2. Click the Edit button to exit the wizard and save the changes.
The job is re-loaded with changes. The job must be re-designed for
output to be updated with any changes.
To delete an Isolated Footing job using the toolkit

Delete in the Main Navigation pane.
A dialog confirms the removal of the Isolated Footing job.
2. Click Yes.
Isolated Footing Job page

Used to input general job data. The unit type selected will be applied through
the remaining wizard pages.
User Manual — 269

Job Name
This should be unique for each job. By default Job Name is set as
"Isolated Job."
Design Code
The following countries' design codes are available:
l US (default)
l British
l India
l Australia
l Canadian
l Chinese
Default Unit Type
There are two types of Unit Type.
l English (default)
l SI
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Isolated Footing Job.
Concrete and Rebar page

Used to input geometrical and material data. Unit types and bar sizes
available in drop-down lists reflect the choices made on the Isolated Job page.

units.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Cover and Soil page

Used to input the soil properties and soil type. Unit types available in drop-
down lists reflect the choices made on the Isolated Job page.
User Manual — 271

Soil Type
Select the type of soil supporting the foundation:
l Drained Condition
l Undrained Condition
Unit Weight of Soil
units.
units.
Cohesion
(Drained Condition only) For footings in a drained condition, specify a
cohesion pressure, in the selected units.
Undrained Shear Strength
(Undrained Condition only) Specify a shear strength for the soil, in the
selected units.
Bottom Clear Cover
Friction Angle
(Drained Condition only) Specify a angle of internal friction for the soil,
in degrees.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel

Used to input geometry parameters used in design or checking.
Design Type
dimension:
l Calculate - The footing size will be checked and resized to the small-
est size which meets all specified loads; ranging between the mini-
mum and maximum dimensions provided (inclusive). Calculate
User Manual — 273

dimension is set by default.
Minimum Length
Specify the minimum length (direction parallel to the X axis) to be used
for the footing design, along with unit.
Minimum Width
Specify the minimum width (direction parallel to the Y axis) to be used
for the footing, along with unit.
Minimum Thickness
Specify the minimum thickness (direction parallel to the Z axis; or out-
of plan dimension) to be used for the footing, along with unit.
Maximum Length
Maximum Width
(Calculate only) Specify the maximum width (direction parallel to the Y
axis) to be used for the footing, along with unit.
Maximum Thickness
unit.
Plan Dimension Inc.
(Calculate only) Specify the length and width increments to be used
when performing footing design, along with unit. This allows you control
over how to step footing sizes in design results.
Thickness Increment
Offset X / Z Direction
If the loads do not pass through the CG of the footing, specify the offset
dimension in the X and Z directions (parallel to length and width,
respectively), along with unit.
Length Width Ratio
(Calculate only) Specify a plan aspect ratio to control the relative length
and width of the footing design.
For example, a value of one results in a square footing where as a value

of two results in a footing twice as long along the X axis as the Z axis
width.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Sliding and Overturning page

Used to provide stability factors of safety and column/pedestal parameters.
Factor of Safety Against Sliding
Pedestal Height
If a pedestal is used a this support, specify a height, in the selected units.
Note: Pedestal Design is support for US (ACI 318) code only.
User Manual — 275

Column / Pedestal Depth
Specify a column (or pedestal, if height is specified) depth (dimension
parallel to the X axis), in the selected units.
Column / Pedestal Width
parallel to the Z axis), in the selected units.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Load page
Used to provide support force and moment values applied to the isolated
footing.
Moment / Force Unit

Units for force and Moment.
Load table
Each line of the load table represents a separate primary load case.
Note: Refer to the sketch on the load page for applied load sign
conventions. In particular, note that negative Y represents applied
gravity load.
l Fx- Value of Load applied to the X direction.

l Fy - Value of Load applied to the Y direction.
l Fz- Value of Load applied about the Z direction.
l Mx- Value of Moment applied about the X direction.
l Mz - Value of Moment applied about the Z direction.
l Loading Type - Select a class of load (i.e. - dead, live, wind, seismic,
etc.) from the drop-down list.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel

User Manual — 277

Update Table
Delete

deleting.

tables
bination.
to use.
(empty) row.
< Previous
Cancel
Finish
Completes the Wizard and adds the new Isolated Footing Job to the
active project file.
4.4 Combined Footing

The Combined Footing Wizard is a step-by-step process to parametrically
create a combined footing. Complete the data fields on each page and then click
Next to proceed. Once you are finished, click the Finish button to complete the
wizard.
To create an Combined Footing job using the toolkit

1. Select Project Info > Create Combined Footing in the Main Navigator
pane.
The Data Input Wizard for an Combined Footing opens.
The new Combined Footing job is added to the project in the Main
Navigator pane.
To design an Combined Footing job using the toolkit

1. Select Edit Combined Footing Job > Combined Footing Job: <job name>
> Design in the Main Navigation pane.
A dialog confirms you wish to proceed with designing the Combined
Footing job.
2. Click Yes.
User Manual — 279

To edit an individual Combined Footing dimension

Individual Combined Footing dimensions can be edited.


To edit an Combined Footing job using the toolkit

1. Select Edit Combined Footing Job > Combined Footing Job: <job
name> > Edit in the Main Navigation pane.
To delete an Combined Footing job using the toolkit

1. Select Edit Combined Footing Job > Combined Footing Job: <job
name> > Delete in the Main Navigation pane.
A dialog confirms the removal of the Combined Footing job.
2. Click Yes.
Combined Footing Setup page

Job Name
"Combined Job."
Design Code
l US (default)
l British
l India
l Canadian
l Chinese
l Australia
Default Unit Type
l English (default)
l SI
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Combined Footing Job.
Concrete and Rebar page

Used to input geometrical and material data. Unit types and bar sizes available
in drop-down lists reflect the choices made on the Combined Job page.
User Manual — 281

Specify a density to be used for concrete, in the selected units.
units.
used in the design. Sizes listed correspond to the
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Cover, Soil, & Safety page

down lists reflect the choices made on the Combined Job page.
Factor of Safety Against Overturning

Unit Weight of Soil
units.
Bottom Clear Cover
units.
Pedestal Dimensions table
Table rows represent supports with the same numbers. Provide the
pedestal dimensions for the corresponding support.
User Manual — 283

l Ped Ht - If a pedestal is used a this support, specify a height, in the
selected units.
l Ped Depth - Specify a column (or pedestal, height is specified)
depth (dimension parallel to the X axis), in the selected units.
l Ped Width - Specify a column (or pedestal, height is specified)
depth (dimension parallel to the X axis), in the selected units.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel

Used to input geometry parameters used in design or checking.
Design Type
dimension:

to the smallest size which meets all specified loads; ranging
between the minimum and maximum dimensions provided (inclu-

sive). Calculate dimension is set by default.
Specify the minimum overhang length (direction parallel to the X axis) to
be used for the footing design, along with unit.
the design.
Column Distance
Specify the distance between the columns (direction parallel to the X
axis) to be used for the footing, along with unit. For a Calculate
Width
footing, along with unit. For a Calculate Dimension design, this is used as
the minimum dimension to check.
Thickness
Maximum Length
Maximum Width
Maximum Thickness
unit.
Length Increment
Thickness Increment
User Manual — 285

< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Load page
Used to provide support force and moment values applied to the combined
footing. Both supports have a load table.
Moment / Force Unit

Load tables
gravity load.


< Previous
Next >
Cancel

Update Table
User Manual — 287

Delete

deleting.

tables
bination.
to use.
(empty) row.
< Previous
Cancel
Finish
Completes the Wizard and adds the new Combined Footing Job to the
active project file.
4.5 Dead Man Anchor Guy Foundation

The Dead Man Anchor Guy Foundation Wizard is a step-by-step process to
parametrically create a reinforced concrete dead man anchor block footing,
typically used in tower guy anchors. Complete the data fields on each page and
then click Next to proceed. Once you are finished, click the Finish button to
complete the wizard.
Dead Man Anchor Guy Foundation Job page

Job Name
This should be unique for each job. By default Job Name is set as "Dead
Man Anchor Guy Job."
Design Code
Dead man anchors may only be designed using the US code.
Default Unit Type
User Manual — 289

l English (default)
l SI
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Dead Man Anchor Guy
Foundation Job.

available in drop-down lists reflect the choices made on the Dead Man Anchor
Guy Foundation Job page.
Concrete Strength
Rebar Steel
units.
Guy Rod Steel Strength
Specify the yield strength of steel guy rod, in the selected units.
Size of Top Rebar
Select the size of reinforcing bar to be used along the top face of the
dead man anchor.
Size of Rebar Ties

Select the size of reinforcing bar to be used in the ties (stirrups).
Size of Rebar in Front Face
Select the size of reinforcing bar to be used along the front face of the
dead man anchor.
Quantity of Top Rebar
Specify the number of reinforcing bars to be used along the top face of
the dead man anchor.
Quantity of Rebar in Front Face
Specify the number of reinforcing bars to be used long the front face of
the dead man anchor.
Cover
Specify a concrete clear cover distance to be used for the rebar ties, in the
selected units.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Dead Man Anchor Foundation
Job.
Load page
Used to input loads on foundation and factor of safety for design.
User Manual — 291

Force Unit
Select the type of units in which the force is given.
Load options
There are two methods for entering in the load: by magnitude and
direction (By Slope) or by vector components (By Force).
l By Slope - Specify the Tension Force value, in selected units, and

Slope, in degrees.
l By force - Specify Horizontal and Vertical components of force sub-
jected to foundation, with selected force units.
Uplift Safety Factor
Specify a factor of safety against uplift
Horizontal Safety Factor
Ultimate Load Factor
Specify a factor of safety against ultimate (factored) loads.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Job.

Used to input geometry of the footing.
Dead Man Block Height

Vertical dimension of dead man anchor block, in the selected units.
Dead Man Block Width
Horizontal dimension of dead man anchor block, in the selected units.
Dead Man Block Length
Out-of-page/screen dimension of dead man anchor block, in the selected
units.
Depth from finished grade to the water table, in the selected units.
Depth of Bottom of Dead Man
Depth from finished grade to the bottom of the dead man anchor, in the
selected units.
Dimension of Toe
Specify the dimension of toes, in the selected units.
Soil Wedge Angle
Specify the angle of soil wedge, in degrees.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Job.
User Manual — 293

Soil Profile page
Used to input a Soil Profile.
Unit
Units for Soil Layer Depth, Soil Cohesion (undrained shear strength) and
Soil Density.
Soil Layers table
The soil profile is input via a table, with each row representing a
different layer of soil.
Soil Type - Select the type that best describes the contents of the
selected layer.
Depth - Depth for each soil layer is measured from Ground Elevation
(GE, by default 0ft) to top of the ground surface to the bottom of each
layer.
Friction Angle - This is an input for Effective Friction Angle (Soil-Pile
Friction Angle) for cohesionless soil layer (such as sand, gravel, or rock).
The unit of Friction Angle is in degrees.
Note: It is assumed that the soil’s Angle of Internal Friction equal to

the Effective Friction Angle.
Cohesion - The undrained shear strength of the soil. For cohesion soils,
such as clays and silts.
Average Density - This is an input for average soil density for the
respective soil layer.
Note: If the water table is located within a soil layer, soil layer
should be split into two parts with different soil densities.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Job.
4.6 Drilled Pier

STAAD.foundation can design reinforced concrete drilled pier foundations
capable of carrying axial load only using the Toolkit. Shafts may be straight or
have a sloped bell.
For information on the methodology used by STAAD.foundation on the

capacity checks used for drilled piers, refer to Section 8.12.
Drilled Pier Job page

Used to input general job data.
User Manual — 295

Job Name
Should be unique for each job. By default Job Name is set as Drilled Pier
Job.
Design Method
There are three methods for analyzing/designing drilled pier:
l API Method (based on API RP 2A-WSD)

l FHWA 1999 Method (based on FHWA-IF-99-025)
l Vesic method (based on “Design of Pile Foundations,” by A.S.
Vesic, 1977 - National Transportation Research Board, National
Research Council)
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Drilled Pier Job.
Drilled Pier Geometry page

Used to input geometry of the drilled pier.
Shaft Profile
STAAD.foundation can design both Straight and (angle) Belled drilled
piers. The BD, ST, and BT dimensions are only used for Belled shafts.
Pier Ht Above Ground (PG)
Measured from ground elevation to top of shaft, with selected units.
Shaft Diameter (SD)
Diameter of main shaft, with selected units.
Pier Height (PH)
Total pier height, measured from top of shaft above ground to bottom of
bell (if present) or shaft bearing end, , with selected units.
Water Level (WL)
Measured from Ground Elevation (GE), with selected units.
Ground Elevation (GE)
Arbitrary elevation value, with selected units.
Bell Diameter (BD)
(Belled only) Diameter of belled shaft end, with selected units.
Slope Thickness (ST)
(Belled only) The height of the sloped portion of the bell, with selected
units.
Bell Thickness (BT)
(Belled only) Height of bell from bottom to toe of sloped portion, with
selected units.
< Previous
User Manual — 297

Next >
Cancel
Soil Profile page

Used to input all the relevant Soil Profile data.
Elasticity of Soil
Young's modulus for soil in the layer containing the tip (bearing) (Es), in
the selected units.
Note: The default value of 0.3 ksi may be high for some loose sands
or soft clays, but is generally conservative for most soils used for
drilled pier tips.
Number of Layers
Specify the number of soil layers to be added to the table.
Note: If the water table is located within a soil layer, soil layer should be
split into two parts.
Generate Table
Click to generate a table with a number of rows corresponding to the No.

of Layers specified.
Warning: If data has already been added to the table, clicking this
button again will delete the current data and rebuild the table.
Depth / Cohesion / Density Unit

Units used for Soil Layer Depth, Soil Cohesion (undrained shear strength)
and Soil Density in the Soil Profile table cells. All cells in a column must
be entered in the same type of units.
Soil Profile Table
Column Description
Soil Type Select the soil type that best describes the
layer
l(API Method) Select from Clay, Silt,

Sand, Gravel, Sand-Silt and Others
l (FHWA Method) Select from Clay and
Sand. Clay is selected in case of cohe-

sive soil and either of Silt, Sand,
Gravel, Sand-Silt is chosen for Cohe-
sionless soil.
Density (API method) Select soil density from Very
Type Loose, Loose, Medium, Dense, Very Dense.
Selection is used to determine Nq values
from Table 6.4.3-1— "Design Parameters for
Cohesionless Siliceous Soil"
Depth Depth for each soil layer is measured from
Ground Elevation (GE, by default 0ft) to top
of the respective soil layer.
Friction Effective Friction Angle (Soil-Pile Friction
Angle Angle) for cohesionless soil layer, in degrees.
It is assumed that the soil’s Angle of Internal
Friction equal to the Effective Friction
Angle.
Cohesion Undrained shear strength of a cohesive soil.
Avg. Den- Average soil density for the respective soil
sity layer.
Note: If the water table is located within
User Manual — 299

Column Description
a soil layer, soil layer should be split into

two parts with different soil densities.
N60 (FHWA Method) Input for design value for

SPT (Standard Penetration Test) blow count,
taken as average value within the soil layer.
Unit for N60 is B/ft (Blows/ft).
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Load page
Used to input load, factors of safety and resistance parameters.
Axial Load
Load along axial direction, in the selected units.
Note: A positive value indicates a compressive force and a negative

value indicates an uplift force.
End bearing
Factor of safety for base resistance.

Skin Friction
Factor of safety for side resistance.
Tip Resistance for Axial Capacity
Percentage of base resistance (end bearing) force to be considered in axial
capacity.
Skin Resistance for Axial Capacity
Percentage of the maximum skin friction that is being developed as a
function of downward deflection of the pile, where that downward
deflection has been normalized to units of “pile diameters”.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Design Parameter page

Used to input the Material Properties, Critical Depth, & Neglected Soil
Resistance parameters.
Rebar parameters
Rebar Steel
User Manual — 301

units.
Modulus of Elasticity (Steel)
Young's modulus for steel reinforcing bars (ES), in the selected units.
Max Rebar Size
Specify the maximum size of reinforcing bar to be used in the
longitudinal reinforcement.
Min Rebar Size
Specify the minimum size of reinforcing bar to be used in the
longitudinal reinforcement.
Max Spiral Reinf Size
Specify the maximum size of reinforcing bar to be used in the spiral ties.
Concrete parameters
Concrete Strength
Specify the ultimate strength of the concrete (f'C ), in the selected units.
Modulus of Elasticity (Concrete)
Young's modulus for steel reinforcing bars (EC), in the selected units.
Concrete Density
Specify a unit weight to be used for concrete (wC), in the selected units.
Concrete Cover
Specify a concrete clear cover distance to be used for spiral ties, in the
selected units.
General Parameters
Critical Depth Ratio calculation

Select Calculate to have the program determine the Critical Depth Ratio
or User Input to specify a Critical Depth Ratio in the following field.
Critical Depth Ratio
Soil depth at which vertical stress appears to become constant is known
as the Critical Depth. This value is the ratio of critical depth to the pier
diameter. Typical range of critical depth ratio lies from 10 to 20.
Neglected Soil Resistance Zone
Neglected soil zone at top at bottom are regions excluded from skin friction
calculation.
Neglected Top Soil Layer for Skin Friction
For top layer skin friction, typically first five feet are neglected.
Additionally, any backfill layer should be neglected for skin friction.
Neglected Bottom Soil Layer for Skin Friction
For bottom layer skin friction, in case of “Straight” pier profile typically
soil layer equal to one pier diameter thickness is neglected and in the
case of “Belled” pier profile, a soil layer equal to sum of bell periphery
and pier diameter is neglected.
< Previous
Cancel
Finish
Completes the Wizard and adds the new Drilled Pier Job to the active
project file.
4.7 Pile Cap

The Pile Cap Wizard is a step-by-step process to parametrically create a
foundation supported on piles. Complete the data fields on each page and then
click Next to proceed. Once you are finished, click the Finish button to
Pile Cap Job page

User Manual — 303

Job Name
This should be unique for each job. By default Job Name is set as Pile
Cap Job.
Design Code
l US (default)
l British
l Indian
Default Unit Type
l English (default)
l SI
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Pile Cap Job.
Load page
Used to provide support force and moment values applied to the pile cap.
Moment / Force Unit

Load table
gravity load.

< Previous
Next >
Cancel
User Manual — 305

Update Table
Delete

deleting.

tables
bination.
to use.
(empty) row.
making changes.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel

Used to input geometrical and material data. Unit types and bar sizes available
in drop-down lists reflect the choices made on the Pile Cap Job page.
User Manual — 307

Column / Pedestal Depth
parallel to the X axis), in the selected units.
Column / Pedestal Width

parallel to the Z axis), in the selected units.
Wt of Concrete
units.
Side Cover (Cs)
Specify a concrete clear cover distance to be used for the sides of the pile
cap reinforcement, in the selected units.
Bottom Clear Cover (Cb)
layer of pile cap reinforcement above the piles, in the selected units.
Pile in Pile Cap (Cp)
The distance from the bottom of the pile cap to the top of the piles, in
the selected units.
Initial Thickness
The minimum thickness used in design, in the selected units.
Pedestal Height
Height of a pedestal used at the support, taken from top of pile cap, in
the selected units.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Pile layout (Predefined) page

Used to specify pile arrangement for a pile cap using sets of predefined pile
layouts. These allow the program to automatically choose the best possible pile
arrangement.

Select a support from the current job for which you would like to input
pile arrangement.
Pile Capacity
The Pile Capacity group box allows you to input the forces that a pile is meant
to bear.
Unit
Select the force unit used for Pile Capacity parameters.
Lateral
Specify the lateral force a pile is meant to bear.
Vertical
Specify the vertical force a pile is meant to bear.
Uplift
Specify the uplifting force a pile is meant to bear.
Pile Dia
User Manual — 309

Diameter of a pile, in the selected units.
Spacing
Spacing between piles, in the selected units.
Edge Distance
Distance between the edges of the pile cap and edge piles, in the selected
units.
Show Loading on Support
Opens the Load Table for Support <#> dialog, which displays the total
loading on the support for each load case selected under Support for Pile
Arrangement.
Pile Arrangement Type
The Pile Arrangement Type group box allows you to input the coordinates for
a pile arrangement or have STAAD.foundation calculate a pile arrangement
automatically.
Auto Arrangement
The Auto Arrangement radio option allows you to have
STAAD.foundation calculate the pile arrangement. In order to have
STAAD.foundation calculate the pile arrangement, select Auto
Arrangement and click on the Calculate button. A window will appear
displaying all possible pile arrangements corresponding to the pile loads
in all the load cases according to the BOCA standard.
Calculate
Opens a window displaying all possible pile arrangements corresponding
to the pile loads in all the load cases according to the BOCA standard
when the Auto Arrangement radio option is selected. Given below is the
figure of possible pile arrangement.
Show Pile Reactions

Select Arrangement
The Select Arrangement button allows you to select the current pile
User Manual — 311

arrangement for the design of the pile cap. If you do not want to use the
current pile arrangement, recalculate the arrangement.
< Previous
Next >
Note: If you are using the predefined pile layout method, do not
enter any values into the Pile Layout (Parametric) page. Simply click
Finish.
Cancel
Pile layout (Parametric) page

Used to specify pile arrangement for a pile cap by entering rectangular and
circular pile arrangements.
Note: If circular arrangement is chosen, the program will design that pile
cap as Octagonal Pile Cap.

Used to select a support from the current job for which you would like
to input pile arrangement.
Spacing selection
Select to use either a Row Spacing or Column spacing for Rectangular

layout.
Pile Data
Used to input the forces that a pile is meant to bear.
Unit
The Unit drop-down list box allows you to select the force unit used for
Pile Capacity and length unit used for spacing, diameter, edge distance
etc.
Lateral
Vertical
Uplift
Dia
Diameter of a pile.
Edge
edges of a pile.
Arrangement Type
circular arrangement will be design as octagonal pile cap.
l Number of Rows
l Number of Columns
l Row Spacing
l Column Spacing

arrangement.
User Manual — 313

arrangement.
below.
table and figure.
Select Current Arrangement
Show Pile Reactions
< Previous
Cancel
Next >
Completes the Wizard and adds the new Pile Cap Job to the active
project file.
4.8 Ribbed Beam Footing

The Ribbed Beam Footing Wizard is a step-by-step process to parametrically
create a Ribbed Beam footing. Complete the data fields on each page and then
click Next to proceed. Once you are finished, click the Finish button to
To create an Ribbed Beam Footing job using the toolkit

1. Select Project Info > Create Ribbed(Beam) Footing in the Main Navigator
pane.
The Data Input Wizard for an Ribbed Beam Footing opens.
User Manual — 315

The new Ribbed Beam Footing job is added to the project in the Main
Navigator pane.
To design an Ribbed Beam Footing job using the toolkit

1. Select Edit Ribbed Beam Footing Job > Ribbed Beam Footing Job: <job
name> > Design in the Main Navigation pane.
A dialog confirms you wish to proceed with designing the Ribbed Beam
Footing job.
2. Click Yes.
To edit an individual Ribbed Beam Footing dimension

Individual Ribbed Beam Footing dimensions can be edited.

To edit an Ribbed Beam Footing job using the toolkit

name> > Edit in the Main Navigation pane.
To delete an Ribbed Beam Footing job using the toolkit

name> > Delete in the Main Navigation pane.
A dialog confirms the removal of the Ribbed Beam Footing job.
2. Click Yes.
Design Philosophy
In current release of the program Grade beam (ribbed beam) foundation is
only supported for Indian code.
For Grade Beam (Ribbed Beam) footing, Service Design, soil bearing check and
overturning check is same as combined footing(only the self wt of Beam and &
UDL on beam are considered and volume of beam projected inside soil is
excluded to calculate soil weight properly)
For ultimate design (factored design), entire longitudinal moment (Sagging &
Hogging) and shear force are resisted by beam. Slab portion only resist
transverse moment & shear force (As an inverted cantilever slab projected
from both side face of Beam)
Beam Design is strictly done as Balanced Section Design. Over Reinforced
Section is not allowed. Program will automatically choose single layer/double
layer Reinforcement according to the requirement.
Stirrup Calculation is done when shear force is more than τc.b.d. For other
case only nominal stirrup would be provided.
Concrete & Steel Bond safety is checked in working stress method.
Ribbed (Beam) Footing Job Setup page

User Manual — 317

Job Name
"Ribbed(Beam) Footing."
Design Code
Ribbed beams may only be designed using the Indian code.
Default Unit Type
Ribbed beams may only use SI units.
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Ribbed Beam Footing Job.
Concrete And Rebar page

available in drop-down lists reflect the choices made on the Ribbed Beam Job
page.
Note: Only Metric rebar sizes are available for ribbed beam foundation.

Specify a density to be used for concrete, in the selected units.
units.
used in the design. Sizes listed correspond to the
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Cover, Soil, and Safety page

down lists reflect the choices made on the Ribbed Beam Job page.
User Manual — 319

Factor of Safety Against Overturning
Unit Weight of Soil
units.
Note: For surcharge calculation only the cantilever portion of slab

projected from each side of beam are to be considered. While
calculation of soil weight above footing STAAD.foundation engine
automatically excludes beam volume and pedestal volume for
accurate estimation of soil weight.
Bottom Clear Cover

units.
Pedestal Dimensions table
Table rows represent supports with the same numbers. Provide the
pedestal dimensions for the corresponding support.
l Ped Ht - If a pedestal is used a this support, specify a height, in the

selected units.
l Ped Depth - Specify a column (or pedestal, height is specified) depth
(dimension parallel to the X axis), in the selected units.
l Ped Width - Specify a column (or pedestal, height is specified) depth
(dimension parallel to the X axis), in the selected units.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel

Used to input spread footing geometry parameters used in design or checking.
User Manual — 321

Design Type
dimension:

to the smallest size which meets all specified loads; ranging
between the minimum and maximum dimensions provided (inclu-
sive). Calculate dimension is set by default.
Specify the minimum overhang length (direction parallel to the X axis)
to be used for the footing design, along with unit.
the design.
Column Distance
Specify the distance between the columns (direction parallel to the X
axis) to be used for the footing, along with unit. For a Calculate
Width
footing, along with unit. For a Calculate Dimension design, this is used
as the minimum dimension to check.
Thickness
Maximum Length
Maximum Width
Maximum Thickness
unit.
Length Increment
Thickness Increment
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Exits the Wizard without creating a new Ribbed Footing Job.
Beam Geometry page

Used to input grade beam geometry parameters used in design or checking.
Beam Loading - UDL On Beam

Specify a uniform dead load applied over the length of the grade beam, in
the selected units.
For example, this may be the weight of a wall load over the beam.
Min / Max Depth
Enter the range of beam depth permissible for design, in the selected
units. The design process will begin with the minimum depth and iterate
User Manual — 323

designs up to and including the maximum depth specified.
Note: Beam depth is taken from top of grade beam to bottom of

spread footing.
Beam Width
Width of the beam above the spread footing, in the selected units.
Min / Max Bars Size (Main Bar)
Specify the range of permissible longitudinal reinforcing bar sizes.
Min / Max Bars Size (Stirrup)
Specify the range of permissible stirrup sizes.
Stirrup Type
Select the number of stirrup legs present in a cross section.
Min / Max Spacing of Stirrup
Specify the permissible range of stirrup spacing, in the selected units.
< Previous
Next >
Cancel
Load page
Used to provide support force and moment values applied to the ribbed
footing. Both supports have a load table
Moment / Force Unit

Load tables
gravity load.

< Previous
Next >
Cancel
User Manual — 325

Update Table
Delete

deleting.

tables
bination.
to use.
(empty) row.
making changes.
< Previous
Cancel
Finish
Completes the Wizard and adds the new Ribbed Footing Job to the active
project file.
User Manual — 327

Section 5
Creating Reports and

Drawings
5.1 Creating Design Reports

STAAD.foundation can output summary of foundation designs, along with
graphics.
Hint: If changes have been made to a job, you will need to re-analyze
and/or re-design the job before printing a report. Otherwise, these changes
will not be reflected in the output.
To add a graphic to a report

1. Select the Geometry tab in the View window.
2. Use the view controls to display the foundation model as you would like
for it to appear in the report.
3. Click the Take Picture tool on the Standard toolbar.
User Manual — 329

4. Select the picture to be included in the Report Setup dialog.
To create a design report

1. Perform an analysis/design on the job for which you wish to create a
report.
2. Click the Report Setup for Printing tool in the Standard toolbar.
The Report Setup dialog opens.

3. Select the job for which you wish to set up a report.
All jobs in the current project file are included in the drop-down list.
The available report items for the selected job are displayed in the
Available list.
4. Use the arrow buttons or double click items to have them included in
the Selected list.
5. (Optional) Change the report look using the Header and Logo tab.
To print a design report

1. Select the job for which you wish to print a report.
2. (Optional) Click the Print Preview tool on the Standard toolbar
or
Select File > Print Preview
The Print Preview window opens to review the report before creating a
hard copy.
3. Select File > Print…
or
Click the Print… button in the Print Preview window.
The Print dialog opens.
4. Click OK to print the report to the selected printer.
5.2 Creating Detailed Calculations Sheets

STAAD.foundation creates a set of detailed calculations for each design. These
include equations and code references for each check performed. These can be
Section 5 Creating Reports and Drawings
output to hard copy.
Hint: If changes have been made to a job, you will need to re-analyze
and/or re-design the job before printing the calculations. Otherwise, these
changes will not be reflected in the output.
To print a set of calculations

1. Perform an analysis/design on the job for which you wish to print cal-
culations.
2. Click Calculation Sheet tab in the View window.
or
(For Mat foundations only) Select Mat Foundation Job > Mat Slab
Analysis/Design Options > Calculation Sheet in the Main Navigation
pane.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the Calculation Sheet.
4. Click the Print Calculation Sheet button.
The Print dialog opens.
5.3 Create Drawing Files for use with CAD software

STAAD.foundation can generate construction drawings for use in your
organization's deliverables. These drawing are produced using tools found in
the Main View window Detail Drawing and GA Drawing tabs.
To create a detail plan and elevation drawing for a foun-

dation
1. Create a foundation job.
2. Perform the design.
Hint: You can group isolated footings to control the number of

different designs.
3. Select the Detail Drawing tab in the Main View window.

4. Select the option for Detail Drawing.
5. Select the footing you wish to display (if multiple footings are included in
this job).
6. (Optional) Click the Save Drawing Notes button to customize the Detail
Drawing notes for the foundation type.
User Manual — 331

7. Click the Save Drawing As… button.
The Save Drawing As dialog opens.
8. Specify a name for the drawing and select the location where it will be
saved.
9. Click the Save button.
To create a foundation schedule (table) for a foundation

job

different designs.
3. Select the Detail Drawing tab in the Main View window.

4. Select the option for Schedule Drawing.
5. (Optional) Click the Save Drawing Notes button to customize the Detail
Drawing notes for the foundation type.
saved.
To create a general arrangement drawing for a foun-

dation job

different designs.
3. Select the GA Drawing tab in the Main View window.

saved.
Section 6
Integration with
External Programs
6.1 Working with STAAD.Pro

In most cases the forces and moments on the foundation are given by the
analysis of the superstructure. To ensure a seamless and efficient integration
with the analysis software, STAAD.foundation includes an Import facility built
into STAAD.foundation. This option allows you to import the support co-
ordinates and forces/moments on the individual supports from a structural
analysis software program.
Similarly, STAAD.Pro V8i (SELECTseries 2) release 20.07.07 and later include
a Foundation Design mode which can be used to export and update structural
model data into STAAD.foundation. This option can be used to exchange the
same data as the import
User Manual — 333

Note: You must first perform an analysis and design on a STAAD.Pro
model in STAAD.Pro before importing the model into STAAD.foundation.
Things to Consider When Using STAAD.Pro

When a STAAD.Pro model is imported, the reaction signs are as per
STAAD.Pro. STAAD.Pro does not report signs for SRSS method, hence there
is no way for STAAD.foundation to have signs for SRSS load case.
Importing from different STAAD models in one foundation file is possible
providing node numbers for supports are different, once the first model is
imported, use the update model command to import remaining model.
Copy and paste STAAD.Pro load type using Excel

Using Excel is very advantageous as you can drag and drop load type for
multiple loads. 1 in the first column stands for ticked checkbox, you can
simply exclude the load cases by setting the value in first column as 0.
Initiating STAAD.Pro import from the Command Line

If you are programming routines and wish to automate the import of
STAAD.Pro output into STAAD.foundation, you can do so through the
Windows Command Line.
The following syntax is used:
<location of STAAD.foundation executable> <location of the
STAAD.Pro input file>
So, for example, if you STAAD.foundation program is located in
C:\STAAD.FOUNDATION V5.2\ and your STAAD.Pro input file is
C:\SPROV8I\STAAD\EXAMP\US\EXAMP08.STD, the following command
may be used:
C:/STAAD.foundation v5.2/staadfoundation
C:/SproV8i\STAAD\Examp\US\examp08.std
Importing Data from STAAD.Pro

1. Select File > Import STAAD.Pro file.
or
Select the Import STAAD.Pro file tool from the Standard toolbar.
Section 6 Integration with External Programs
Note: You may be asked to save any changes made to the current
STAAD.foundation project.
The STAAD.Pro File Import dialog opens.

2. Select the STAAD input file (file extension .STD) from which you wish to
import data.
3. Click the Open button.
Exporting from Within STAAD.Pro

The following procedure is used to export all supports and load cases to
STAAD.foundation from within STAAD.Pro. Options are available to export
portions of the structure or only select loads.
1. Perform a successful analysis in STAAD.Pro.

2. Select Mode > Foundation Design.
or
Select the Foundation Design mode tab.
The Foundation page opens.
3. In the Foundation Design Options dialog, select the Use All Supports
option is it is not already selected.
2. Click the Include All button to transfer all Available Load Cases to the
Selected Load Cases List.
3. Click the Start button to open STAAD.foundation and import all
STAAD.Pro support data and results
Note: For additional information on using the Foundation Design mode,

refer to section 6 of the STAAD.Pro Graphical Environment help.
6.2 Working with Microsoft Excel

STAAD.foundation V8i supports Microsoft database format. With this feature,
STAAD.foundation files (file extension .afs) can be linked to various Microsoft
Office components.
Note: This feature requires a copy of STAAD.foundation V8i

(SELECTseries 2), release 5.1, or later.
This also can be used as a means to input data from various CAD programs or
analysis packages. The data can output to those programs and then copy /
pasted into STAAD.foundation.
User Manual — 335

Manually Inputting Data from Excel
STAAD.foundation tables support copy and paste of spreadsheet data. This
provides you with the ability to save commonly used data sets in an external
spreadsheet file for re-use. Spreadsheets also offer greater power in creating
complex relationships between values; thus allowing you to generate data
points based on complex geometrical patterns.
The copied data must have same number of columns as the STAAD.foundation
input table.
To copy and paste data from Microsoft Excel to STAAD.foundation
1. Highlight the extents of the data in the spreadsheet program.
2. Copy the cell contents.

3. Switch to the STAAD.foundation program.
4. Open the form or dialog containing the table where data will be pasted.
5. Select first cell of input table in either the Data Input form or dialog.
Note: Make sure the whole cell is selected (blinking text line should
not appear). Clicking the cell field away from the number
6. Press CTRL+V to paste the data into the table.

Please refer to document for Neutral file format (xml read and write
function) to explore more connectivity options with other software.
The following tables contained in Data Input data or dialogs can be used to
paste data:
User Manual — 337

l Linear grid
l Radial grid
l Column position
l Column dimension
l Add Self Weight - Multiplier values may be pasted from spreadsheet
application.
l Applied Load Safety Factor
l Mat Foundation: Physical Beam table
l Mat Foundation: Pile Position table
l Mat Foundation: Pile Spring table
l Mat Foundation: Polyline region
l Mat Foundation: Edit Meshing region - Once a mat region has been
created, it can then be transformed to any arbitrary shape by pasting
coordinates into the Edit Meshing region dialog.
l Load Combination table - The checkbox column can also be manipulated
by using a 1 to signify selected (checked) and 0 to signify unselected in
the spreadsheet data.
Hint: This facility can be particularly useful when importing a large

number of load combinations from analysis software.
To copy and paste data from STAAD.foundation to Excel
Similarly, output tables generated by a successful analysis/design can be

copied and pasted into a spreadsheet.
1. Perform an analysis/design on the STAAD.foundation job.

Output tables are displayed on one or more tabs in the Output pane.
2. Select the cells, columns, or rows you wish to copy.
Hint: The entire table can be selected by clicking the top-left most
heading cell.
3. Press CTRL+C.
4. Switch to the spreadsheet application.
5. Paste the contents into the spreadsheet.
Import Foundation Input from Excel

STAAD.foundation includes a set of tools which can be used as an alternate
interface to quickly enter in multiple jobs simultaneously for a General
Foundation mode project.
The first part of this feature is an included Microsoft Office Excel 2003
spreadsheet (named MULTIPLE JOBS EXCEL INPUT.XLS) which is used to
enter global and local data for any type of General Foundation mode job. Next,
the program can read the data from this spreadsheet and create a new project
using the new Import from Excel feature.
Warning: It is recommended to save a copy of MULTIPLE JOBS EXCEL

INPUT.XLS to a different location on your computer or network so as the
original may be re-used as a template.
Note: You may download a new copy of the spreadsheet from the Be
Communities site at
http://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/structural_analysis__
_design/m/structural_analysis_and_design_gallery/default.aspx.
This feature can be used as flexible means to import geometry, loads, and
other data from virtually any structural analysis & design software. By creating
macros in Excel, this process can be streamlined for re-use in your
organization.
Input data into the Excel spreadsheet
1. Open MULTIPLE JOBS EXCEL INPUT.XLS in Microsoft Office Excel.

2. (Optional) Save the file in a new location.
Hint: You may wish to save the file under a different name (e.g., the
physical project's name or your companies job number).
3. Select the Units you wish to use on the Units tab.

4. Global data is entered on the first set of spreadsheet tabs:
a. Set the number and location of X- and Z- axis grids on the Grid
Tables tab.
Hint: The correct number of grids will be highlighted in both

tables. Values in gray cells will not be imported into
STAAD.foundation.
b. Node coordinates and column / pedestal data are entered on the

Support Data tab.
c. Load case data is entered on the Load Table tab.
d. Column reaction loads are entered on the Loads tab.
User Manual — 339

5. Enter the local data for all of the job types you wish to add to your
STAAD.foundation project. Data entry is analogous to the type of foun-
dation for each tab:
a. Isolated Foundation
b. Combined Foundation
c. Mat Foundation
d. Pile Cap Job
Hint: Right click and delete tabs for foundation types you won't need
in your project to prevent any unnecessary data being imported.
6. Save the spreadsheet and exit Excel.
Import data from MULTIPLE JOBS EXCEL INPUT.XLS into a

STAAD.foundation project
1. Select Tools > Import from Excel.

A Windows open dialog opens, with the filter set for Excel Files (.XLS
file extension).
2. Navigate to the folder where the copy of the Excel spreadsheet was
saved.
Note: If you have not saved a copy of MULTIPLE JOBS EXCEL

INPUT.XLS, it will be located in the save folder where
STAAD.foundation was installed. The default directory path is
C:\...\STAAD.FOUNDATION V5.2\
3. Click the Open button.

The project data is imported. For each foundation type tab included in
the Excel spreadsheet, a new job is created.
6.3 Working with Neutral Files

STAAD.foundation V8i supports Neutral file (xml) format. With this feature,
STAAD.foundation files (file extension .afs) can be exported to or imported
from neutral file (xml).
This feature requires a copy of STAAD.foundation V8i (SELECTseries 2),
release 5.1, or later.
This feature is developed focusing on integration of STAAD.foundation with
any other program supporting xml format. With some programming help,
STAAD.foundation can be seamlessly integrated with any in-house or third
party package. e.g. Loading and geometry input from a piping software can be
imported to STAAD.foundation using xml technology, batch import is also
possible.
STAAD.foundation V8i (SELECTseries 2), release 5.1 or later supports full
import/export of isolated footing job to xml format, including design
parameters. For other jobs, loading and geometry data can be
imported/exported.
This feature can be further extended based on the user request. Please contact
us through a service ticket at http://selectservices.bentley.com/en-US/
User Manual — 341

Section 7
Quick Tour
The following is a short tutorial on using the General Foundations mode of
STAAD.foundation. If this is the first time you have ever used the program, it
is recommended that you perform this exercise to familiarize yourself with the
program.
This Quick Tour is a set of short example exercises that illustrate how to use
STAAD.foundation to design several different types of foundations. The
procedure for importing support co-ordinates and forces/moments on the
individual supports from STAAD.Pro is also discussed.
7.1 Isolated Footing Example

In this example, you will create a new project to illustrate the process for
designing an isolated foundation.
7.1.1 Creating a New General Foundation Project

1. Start STAAD.foundation, if you have not already done so.
2. Create a new General Foundation project file by:
Selecting File > New > General Setup.
or
User Manual — 343

Click the General button on the Start Page.
or
Press <CTRL+N>, Select General Foundation, and click Open.
The program window opens an empty project file in the General
Foundation mode.
7.1.2 Entering Support Coordinates

1. To enter the coordinates for supports that construct the foundation plan
of a project, click on the leaf called Column Position under Foundation
Plan group in Main Navigator pane.
The Column Position table opens in the Data Area pane.
2. Input the support coordinates (0,0,0), (10,0,0), (10,0,10), (0,0,15),

(14,0,0) and (5,0,5) for position numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively.
The tab key or the arrow keys may be used to move from one cell to the
next in the table.
Section 7 Quick Tour
Hint: Make sure length unit is set as “ft”. To change/set current

length unit, click the Set Input/Output Unit tool found in the Standard
toolbar.
Note: The supports along with their respective node numbers are
displayed in the Graphics Window once you click on a cell outside of
the row you are currently in.
7.1.3 Defining the Loads

This section uses the Loads & Factors leaf in the Main Navigator pane in
conjunction with the Data area for entering load data.
Create a Load Case

1. In order to define loads, please click on the Loads & Factors group in the
User Manual — 345

The Load Description page opens in the Data Area pane. This page
allows you to define loads for load cases, as well as assign loads.
2. Select Loads & Factors > Create New Load Case entry in Main
Navigator.
A form under the load description area will appear allowing you to
create a new load case.
3. Enter Load Case 1 for Load Title.

The Load Title allows you to give each load case a descriptive name to
help identify between load cases. Leave the Load Type set as Primary.
Note: Three load types are available: Primary, Service, and Ultimate.
Primary loads can be further used to create combination loads.
Service loads are not factored and are used for soil bearing pressure
checks. Ultimate loads are factored and are used for shear and
reinforcement design.
4. While creating a new load case, load items from an existing load case can
be copied. As there are no defined load case yet, leave the Load Case No
field as None.
5. Select No for the Add Self Weight field.
6. Click on the Add button to have the load case created.
The new load case appears in the Load Description Tree in the Load
pane.
7. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 and create a similar load cased titled Live Load.
Specify the loads imposed on our foundation by the col-

umns.
1. Select the Loads & Factors > Add a Column Reaction Load entry in
Main Navigator.
or
Right click on Load Case 1: Load Case 1 entry in the Load Description
Tree and select Add Column Reaction Load from the pop-up menu.
The Load Data pane opens a form for entering nodal load information.
2. Enter a value of 5 for Fx, and a value of –5 for Fy field.

3. Then click on the Add button to accept the load input.
User Manual — 347

Note: Negative and positive values follow the sign conventions of the
axis system. Negative values are downward, compressive forces and
positive values are upward, tensile forces.
The load will now appear under the Column Reaction Loading folder in
the Load Description pane.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to add a column reaction load to the "Live
Load" case with Fz = 10 kip.
Assign the load to all supports

1. Select the new column load in the Data Area pane by clicking on it.
2. Click the Assign button to have the load assigned to all the supports in
the project.
3. Then select Assign To View from the drop-down list as the assignment
method.
The assigned loadings are displayed on the nodes in the graphics
window.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 and assign the Live Load case to all supports in
the view.
Note: Alternatively, we could have selected all the supports in the

Graphics window by clicking on them and then selected Assign To
Selection. Or, we could have selected Assign To Edit List and then typed in
the list of nodes for each support.
Load Combinations
If you have multiple load cases and want to combine them, you can use the
Load Combination feature.
1. Click on the Create New Load Combination leaf under the Loads & Fac-
tors group in Main navigator pane.
2. To define serviceability and design factors for each load case in a project,
you may use the Safety Factor Table. To bring up the Safety Factors page,
click on the Safety Factors leaf under Loads and Factors group in Main
Navigator pane.
A table allowing you to input serviceability and design factors for each load
case will be displayed in the Data Area pane.
By default, STAAD.foundation will assign values for the safety factors

depending on the load type. Refer to section 4.3.3.2 for a detailed explanation
of the default values. The default values can be changed by inputting new
values into the table like any spreadsheet. The tab key or arrow keys may be
used to move from one cell to the next in the table. The serviceability factor
will be applied when checking the base pressure of a foundation (geotechnical
design). The design factor will be used for design.
7.1.4 Create an Isolated Footing Jobs

Now that all the global project data has been inputted, you have the ability to
design the foundation using Isolated Supports, Pile Caps, Strip Footing or you
could support the entire structure on a single Mat Foundation. You will not
have to create separate input files for entering all this information. All you
have to do is to create separate jobs under the same project.
Use the following procedure to create a job:
User Manual — 349

1. Click on Job Setup > Create a New Job in the Main Navigator pane.
The Job Info and Loading forms open in the Data Area pane.
2. Enter the following values in the Job Info form (top half of the Data
area):
3. Enter Job1 for the Job Name.

4. Select Isolated for the Job Type.
5. Select Assign to all support for the Support Assignment method.
6. Click the Select All ( ) button to move all the load cases over to the
Selected Load Cases list on the bottom of the page.
A new leaf is added to the Main Navigation pane for the Isolated Footing
job.
Note: When there are multiple jobs and load cases in a project, you can
quickly switch between jobs or loads using the tools in the Standard
toolbar. Job settings of the selected job may be edited by clicking the ‘Edit
Current Job’ leaf under job setup group in Main Navigator pane.
7.1.5 Entering Design Parameters

When you begin a new project, only the Project Info, Foundation Plan, Loads
and Factor and Job Setup groups will appear in the Main Navigator pane. The
first three groups allow you to specify the physical model upon which the
foundation design is to be performed. This data is global to all jobs which are
created within a single project file.
A fourth group (Job Setup) allows you to create a new job or edit an existing
job. It is only when you create a New Job (a set of constraints for the program
to use in performing a foundation design) that groups related to the current
design process will appear.
Now that you have created a job, a new group called “Isolated Footing Job” is
created in the Main Navigator pane. This group allows you to enter design
parameters like footing geometry, concrete cover, soil parameters etc. The data
contained within this job is local to this isolated footing, but will make use of
the common global data available to all jobs in the project file.
For the purposes of this example, you can use the default values provided for
all design parameter sections. The parameter sections are explained in detail in
the General Foundation section.
User Manual — 351

Note: STAAD.foundation gives the user flexibility to check an existing
foundation by specifying footing geometry like Length, Width and
Thickness or design a new foundation where the program will calculate
footing dimension.
7.1.6 Performing an Isolated Footing Design

1. Click on the “Design” leaf under “Design Parameters” group in Main
Navigator pane to design the footing.
A warning dialog opens to confirm you wish to proceed with the design.
2. Click Yes.

3. Select File > Save As…
or
Press <CTRL-S>
to save the project. Provide a file name and locate the file where you
would like it stored before clicking Save.
7.2 Mat Foundation Example

Note: STAAD.Pro must be installed on your computer before proceeding
with this exercise.
You will use STAAD.Pro US Example No. 8 for this example.

STAAD.foundation will use the imported geometry and support reactions to
design a mat foundation for the structure.
You can only import a STAAD.Pro model that has been successfully analyzed,
because you will want to have the support reactions available for the
foundation design. So, if you have not already run the analysis for STAAD.Pro
U.S. Example No. 8 open the example in STAAD.Pro
(C:\SPRO2007\STAAD\EXAMP\US\EXAMP\ EXAMP08.STD), run the
analysis, and then return to this Quick Tour.
7.2.1 Creating a New Job for a Mat Foundation

User Manual — 353

2. Enter a job name, choose Job Type as Mat, and Design Code as US.
3. Click the button to include all the Load Cases.

The new Mat Foundation job is added to the Main Navigator pane.
7.2.2 Defining the Mat Boundary

Now we would like to define the boundary of the mat.
1. Select Mat Foundation Job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing region >
Add a rectangular region in the Main Navigator pane.
The Rectangular Boundary form opens in the Data Input pane.

2. Set Unit as “inch” and input X1,Z1 as -30,-30. Enter a Length of 515
inches and Width of 345 inches. Leave the Y level as 0.0 as our support
columns are all at the same elevation.
3. Click the Add Region button to create the mat boundary.
User Manual — 355

Note: To make the rectangular boundary easier to see, you may want to
toggle off the grid if it is currently displayed. Use the Toggle grid tool in
the Standard toolbar or the Linear Grid setup form.
Hint: Now it would be a good idea to save your model, since you have
done a substantial amount of work to get to this point. Select File > Save
or press CTRL+S.
7.2.3 Creating a Mesh

Now we are ready to add the boundary and create the mesh.
1. Select Mat Foundation Job > Mesh Generation > Meshing Setup in the
The Meshing Setup form opens in the Data Input pane.
2. In the Main View window, select the rectangular boundary region created
in the previous step.
The boundary is highlighted in red.
3. Select the Boundary option and specify a title for the boundary as the
Region Identifier.
Note: In this example project we will not create any holes in the
mesh.
4. Click the Add Region button to add the rectangular region as a meshing
User Manual — 357

boundary.
5. Select the Region Identifier name you entered from the Meshing setup
tree.
6. Specify a maximum element size of 12 inches.
7. Click the Generate Mesh button.
The Meshing Options dialog opens.
8. Select the option for Quadrilateral Meshing since our boundary is rec-
tangular. Leave other options as their default.
9. Click OK.
The mesh is automatically generated.
7.2.4 Specifying Slab Thickness

As this is a physical modeling system, slab thickness and soil properties are
automatically assigned to the slab with default values.
1. Select Mat Foundation Job > Analysis Properties > Slab Thickness in
the Main Navigation pane.
The Slab Thickness form is displayed in the Data Input pane.

2. Specify an Analysis Thickness of 1.0 ft and a Design Thickness of 0.9167 ft
(12 inches).
3. Select Mat Foundation Job > Mesh Generation > Soil Property in the
The Soil Property form opens in the Data Input pane.

4. Select the option to Use Soil Spring. Leave the default value for the Sub-
grade Modulus.
7.2.5 Analyzing the Slab

We are ready to analyze the slab.
Hint: Save your work one more time.
User Manual — 359

1. Select either:
Mat Foundation job > Mat Slab analysis/design options > Analyze in
the Main Navigator pane.
or
The Analyze / Design tool in the Standard toolbar.
The progress of the analysis process is displayed in the Status Bar along
with the steps being performed by the program in the Design Progress
Report of the Output pane.
The analysis engine opens to display the progress of the finite element
analysis.
Once the analysis process is complete, the deformed shape of the slab is
displayed.
2. By default the deformed plates showing the node displacements appear in

the graphics display window.
User Manual — 361

If the slab’s deformed shape is not apparent in your graphics display, you
may need to change the scaling values. Click on the toolbar for changing
scale which will bring up Scale Setup page in data area pane.
3. Under the Result Scales category, decrease the Displacement value to

increase the amount of deflection shown.
Hint: Why do you decrease it to increase the deflection? The

Displacement value in the dialog box is the actual displacement of the
structure per unit distance on the graphic diagram. Therefore, if you
reduce the amount of actual structural deflection required to display
a unit distance of deflection on the diagram, you will see a larger
apparent displacement on the diagram.
After a successful analysis, the program will add several tables in the
output pane below.
4. Click on the Displacement tab to view nodal displacement for current
selected load case.
This table lists the node displacement for the three translational and
three rotational degrees of freedom.
5. Click on “Disp Summary” tab to view node displacement summary for all
six degrees of freedom among all load cases.
Note: Maximum positive displacement in Y direction is 0.049418 in

and maximum negative displacement is .792751 in.
6. Click on the ‘Support Reactions’ tab to view soil pressure for the current
load case. To view the maximum reaction among all load cases please
click on “Reaction Summary” tab.
User Manual — 363

7. To view soil pressure contour, please click on the “Output View Options”
leaf under “Mat slab design options” group in main navigator pane.
The Output View Options form opens in the Data pane.

8. Select the Show Soil Pressure option to view the soil pressure contour in
the View window.
A soil pressure legend will be displayed at the left of the view pane along
with the soil pressure contour. Please note, the maximum soil pressure
for load case 1 is 4.556 kip/ft2. Also, minimum soil pressure is 0.0 which
means that some part of the mat has lost contact with the soil and the
program has distributed the pressure of that portion to the rest of the
mat slab.
User Manual — 365

9. We can easily verify the slab’s loss of contact with the soil by reviewing
“Contact Area” table. Please note for both load cases more than 80% of
total area is in contact with the soil.
To review plates stresses please click on the “Plate Stress” and “Plate
Stress Summary” pages. Please note that the stress summary page
displays a maximum value 68.636 kip-ft/ft. Please note that all plate
stress values are based on plate local axis system.
10. To view plate stress contours please click on the “Output View Options”
leaf under “Mat slab design options” group
A form will appear at data area pane. Please select “Show Plate Stress”
radio button and then choose “Global Mx” stress type.
User Manual — 367

The screen will look like the following figure. Please note that this
contour is based on the global X axis.
7.2.6 Slab Design

Now we go for designing the slab. Slab design in STAAD.foundation has three
distinct parts.
First step is to generate moment envelope. Next step is to design the slab and
the last step is to create reinforcement zones for reinforcement layout.
1. Select Mat Foundation job > Mat slab analysis/design options >
Moment envelope generation in the Main Navigator pane.
User Manual — 369

The Moment Envelope Generation form opens in the Data Input pane.
2. Define the longitudinal axis of the slab by specifying Starting X / Z
coordinates of 0,0 and Ending X/ Z coordinates of 100, 0.
3. Select Use all load cases for the Select load type list.
4. Click the Generate Moment Envelope button to generate moment
envelope.
The program generates a finite number of discrete points which are used
as design points.
5. Select Mat Foundation job > Mat slab analysis/design options > Design
Parameters in the Main Navigator pane.
7.3 Pile Cap Example

In this example, you will create a new job inside this same project to illustrate
the process for designing a pile cap.
7.3.1 Create a New Pile Cap Job

2. Enter a job name, choose Job Type as Pile Cap, and Design Code as US.
User Manual — 371

3. Select support node 1 in Main View window.
Support assignment type will be automatically switched to Assign to
selected support.
The new Pile Cap Foundation job is added to the Main Navigator pane.
The new job name also appears in the Job selection list in the Standard
toolbar.
7.3.2 Entering Pile Data

To create pile arrangement please click on the “Pile Layout(Predefined)” leaf.
1. Select Mat Foundation Job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing region >
Add a rectangular region in the Main Navigator pane
The Pile Arrangement Predefined form opens in the Data Input pane.
User Manual — 373

2. Select support number 1 as the Support for Pile Arrangement
3. Input the following values for Pile Capacity:
vertical = 60 kips, lateral = 40 kips, and uplift = 40 kips.
4. Input the following values for pile geometry data:
pile diameter = 10 inches, Spacing = 36 inches, and Edge Distance = 24
inches
Hint: The total loading on the support is shown if we click on the

Show Loading On Support button.
5. Select Auto Arrangement and click the Calculate button.

A pop-up list opens containing all possible regular pile arrangements
which satisfy pile capacity criteria.
6. Choose 4 Pile Arrangement in the list and click OK.

The pile arrangement table is populated with the selected pile
arrangement.
User Manual — 375

7. (Optional) Click the Show Pile Reactions button to review the reaction
on each pile.
8. Click the Select Arrangement button to select the arrangement for the
design of this support's foundation.
7.3.3 Enter Pile Cap Design Parameters

1. Select Pile Cap Job > Design Parameters in the Main Navigator pane.
The Design Parameters form opens in the Data Input pane.

2. Enter the following design parameters in the form, ensuring that the
correct units are displayed for each:
l Strength of Concrete: 4 ksi
l Yield Strength of Steel: 60 ksi
l Minimum Bar Size: 6
l Maximum Bar Size: 11
l Side cover (Cs): 4 in
l Bottom Cover (Cb): 3 in
l Pile in Pile Cap (Cp): 4 in
l Initial thickness: 18 in
7.3.4 Performing a Pile Cap Design

Now that the design parameters are entered, we are ready to perform the
design.
Hint: Now is a good time to save your work, if you haven't already done
so.
1. Select either:
Pile Cap Job > Design in the Main Navigator pane.
or
Once the analysis process is complete, a results table appears in the
Output pane showing the pile cap dimensions and the bar size and
spacing in the longitudinal and transverse directions.
Note: The results are for only one of the six supports in the project
because pile arrangements were selected for only support 1.
The Calculation Sheet opens in the Main View window for reviewing the
detailed code checks.
7.4 Strip Footing Example

In this example, you will create a new job inside this same project to illustrate
the process for designing a strip footing.
7.4.1 Creating a Strip Footing Job

Now let us create a new job inside this same project to illustrate the process
for designing a combined footing.
2. Enter job name as “Strip1”.
3. Choose Job type as “Combined” and design code as US.
User Manual — 377

5. Click the Create Job button to create a new combined footing job.
The new Strip Footing job is added to the Main Navigator pane. The new
job name also appears in the Job selection list in the Standard toolbar.
Additionally, strip footing controls appear in the Job Info form.
6. Select node 2 and 3 in Main View window.
Nodes will be shown as selected as shown below.
7. Click the Create from Selected Node button in the . A tree view showing
the support assignment will appear.
The strip footing is graphically added between the two selected supports.
7.4.2 Entering Strip Footing Design Parameters

Now we need to input suitable design parameters. The input for both Concrete
& Rebar and Cover, Soil, & Safety are as same as the previous isolated footing
example. We will use the default parameters included in the program
1. Select Combined Footing Job > Design Parameters > Footing Geometry
in the Main Navigator pane.
The Footing Geometry form opens in the Data Input pane.
User Manual — 379

2. Select Calculate Dimensions for the Design Type.
3. Specify other footing dimensions as follows:
l Minimum Left over hang length = 36 in
l Minimum Right over hang length = 36 in
l Minimum Width = 48 in
l Minimum Thickness = 12 in
l Maximum Length = 400 in
l Maximum Width = 400 in
l Maximum Thickness = 36 in
7.4.3 Performing a Strip Footing Design
Hint: Now is a good time to save your work, if you haven't already done
so.
1. Select either:
Combined Footing Job > Design Parameters > Design in the Main
Navigator pane.
or
Once the analysis process is complete, a results table appears in the

Output pane showing the pile cap dimensions and the bar size and
spacing in the longitudinal and transverse directions.
Note: The results are for only one of the six supports in the project
because pile arrangements were selected for only support 1.
The Calculation Sheet opens in the Main View window for reviewing the
detailed code checks.
2. Click the Graphs tab in the Main View window to display both Bending
Moment and Shear Force diagrams.
7.5 Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed this Quick Tour of STAAD.foundation. If you would
like additional assistance in learning how to use STAAD.foundation, there are
many resources available to you. Within the Online Help facility, you will find
User Manual — 381

documentation describing the program theory and a detailed description of
every command in the program. You may also view a number of animated
movie files that demonstrate how to perform various tasks.
Additional STAAD.foundation learning resources are available at Bentley
Systems, Inc. web site at http://www.bentley.com/en-
US/Products/STAAD.foundation/.
Finally, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of Bentley’s technical
support service. Our support staff is most eager and willing to help you learn
to use the program correctly.
You may contact our STAAD.foundation technical support staff by visiting
http://www.bentley.com/serviceticketmanager
We hope you enjoy using the program and hope that it adds value and
efficiency to your engineering endeavors. If you have any comments regarding
the program, or suggestions on how it could be improved to better serve your
needs, we would very much like to hear from you.
Section 8
Technical Reference
8.1 Introduction to Finite Element Analysis

If you want to model a surface entity like a wall, a roof or a slab, where the
load is distributed in more than one direction, you need a surface entity to
carry that kind of loading. The kind of entity that is used to model a beam or a
column cannot be used to model a slab. We need to use another kind of
structural entity known as a finite element. In a finite element analysis, you
take a wall or a slab and subdivide it into smaller parts consisting of triangles
or quadrilaterals.
Finite elements are often referred to as plates. In our discussion, we may use
these two words interchangeably.
The difference between a beam and a plate is a load that is applied to a beam
can only go in two directions: towards one end, or the other, or both.
User Manual — 383

In a plate, there is more than one path for the load to flow.
8.2 Element Load Specification

The following load specifications are available:
l Joint loads at element nodes in global directions.

l Concentrated loads at any user specified point within the element in
global or local directions.
l Uniform pressure on an element surface in global or local directions.
l Partial uniform pressure on a user specified portion of an element
surface in global or local directions.
l Linearly varying pressure on an element surface in local directions.
8.3 Theoretical Basis

The STAAD plate finite element is based on hybrid finite element
formulations. A complete quadratic stress distribution is assumed. For plane
stress action, the assumed stress distribution is as follows.
Complete quadratic assumed stress distribution:
Section 8 Technical Reference
Where:
a1 through a10 = constants of stress polynomials.
8.4 Element Local Coordinate System

The precise orientation of local coordinates is determined as follows:
l The vector pointing from "A" to "B" is defined to be parallel to the local
X-axis.
l The cross product of vectors "AB" and "AC" defines a vector parallel to
the local Z-axis, i.e., z = AB x AC.
l The cross product of vectors z and x defines a vector parallel to the local
Y-axis, i.e., y = z x x.
l The origin of the axes is at the center (average) of the 4 joint locations (3
joint locations for a triangle).
Figure - STAAD plate element orientation for both Quatdrilateral and

Triangular elements
The sign convention of output force and moment resultants is illustrated in
Section 2.6.
8.5 Output of Element Forces

ELEMENT FORCE outputs are available at the following locations:
l Center point of the element.

l All corner nodes of the element.
l At any user specified point within the element.
The following is a list of the items included in the ELEMENT STRESS output:
User Manual — 385

l SQX, SQY Shear stresses (Force/ unit len./thk.)
l SX, SY, SXY Membrane stresses (Force/unit len./thk)
l MX, MY, MXY Bending moments per unit width (Moment/unit len.)
l SMAX, SMIN Principal stresses (Force/unit area)
l TMAX Maximum shear stress (Force/unit area)
l ANGLE Orientation of the principal plane (Degrees)
l VONT, VONB Von Mises stress, where
l TRESCAT, TRESCAB Tresca stress, where

TRESCA = MAX[ |(SMAX-SMIN)| , |(SMAX)| , |(SMIN)| ]
Note: Note:
l All element stress output is in the local coordinate system. The direction
and sense of the element stresses are explained in Section 2.6.
l To obtain element stresses at a specified point within the element, the
user must provide the coordinate system for the element. Note that the
origin of the local coordinate system coincides with the center node of
the element.
l Principal stresses (SMAX & SMIN), the maximum shear stress (TMAX),
the orientation of the principal plane (ANGLE), the Von Mises stress
(VONT & VONB), and the Tresca stress (TRESCAT & TRESCAB) are also
printed for the top and bottom surfaces of the elements. The top and the
bottom surfaces are determined on the basis of the direction of the local
Z-axis.
8.6 Sign Convention of Element Forces
Figure - General sign conventions of element forces
Figure - Bending moments Mx and My

Mx is the Bending moment on the local x face. the local x-face is the face
perpendicular to the local x-axis.
My is the Bending moment on the local y face. the local y-face is the face
perpendicular to the local y-axis.
User Manual — 387

Figure - Stress caused by Mx
Figure - Stress caused by My
Figure - Stress caused by Torsion (Mz)
Figure - Membrane stresses Sx and Sy
Figure - In plane shear stresses Sxy and Syx
Figure - Out-of plane shear stresses SQx and SQy
User Manual — 389

8.7 STAAD.foundation Program Theory
STAAD.foundation performs structural design of foundations in accordance
with the ACI 318-05, IS 456-2000, BS 8110-97, AS3600 – 2001, or CSA
A23.3.-04 Code based on user preference. The available foundation types are:
isolated spread footing, pile cap, strip footing, mat foundation, vertical vessel
octagonal foundation on soil, vertical vessel octagonal soil on piles, vertical
vessel square footing on soil, vertical vessel square footing on piles,
stacked/single heat exchanger combined footing, stacked/single heat
exchanger isolated footing, stacked/single heat exchanger strap beam footing,
guyed tower foundation, drilled pier foundation, ribbed beam foundation.
These footings are further explained in following topics in help file.
8.8 Isolated (Spread) Footing Theory

The program uses the following criteria:
Soil bearing capacity,
Shear and flexural strength of footing (no shear reinforcing assumed),
1. Determine footing plan geometry based on loading and bearing

resistance of the soil.
Self weight of footing, self weight of pedestal is automatically considered
in foundation design. The final thickness of the footing is considered for
the design self weight. Soil self weight, overburden pressure, buoyancy
effect is calculated based on user input specified in design parameters.
Stress distribution under the footing is assumed to be linear. For
eccentrically loaded footings, the stresses may become tensile under part
of the foundation. In such cases the program sets stress values in uplift
zones to zero and calculates new values elsewhere for the revised
equilibrium condition.
The program is also capable of handle biaxial moments with footing
subjected to uplift. The program uses Finite Differential Method to
calculate portion of footing in contact with the soil.
The program does check the footing for sliding and overturning in both
orthogonal directions for all service load cases. Coefficient of friction is
used to calculate sliding resistance. Passive pressure resistance for
sliding will be considered in future versions.
The final plan dimensions of the footing are established iteratively from
the condition that the maximum stress should not exceed the factored
bearing resistance of the soil and foundation should be stable in sliding

and overturning.
2. Development length is checked for straight rebars. If development
criterion is not met by the footing geometry a warning message is
displayed in the calculation sheet, user can go for other detailing options
like bent bars. Future release of STAAD.foundation will take bent up bars
into consideration.
3. Calculate footing thickness based on structural capacity in shear and
bending.
Structural design of the footing consists of the following:
l Punching shear check, in accordance with ACI 318 Section 11.12.2
(for US Job), at a distance of d/2 from the pedestal. The critical sec-
tion comprises four straight-line segments, parallel to the cor-
responding sides of the pedestal.
l One-way shear (beam action), in accordance with ACI 318 Section
11.1 through 11.5 (for US Job), at a distance of d from the face of the
pedestal, in both orthogonal directions. The critical plane is
assumed to extend over the entire width/length of the footing.
l Bending, in accordance with Sections 15.4.2 and 10.3.4 (for US code),
with the critical planes located at both orthogonal faces of the ped-
estal and extending across the full width/length of the footing.
l Design output displays applicable code sections used for foundation
design for all codes.
Biaxial Moment Distribution

The program uses Finite Differential Method to calculate resultant eccentricity
and calculates soil pressure based on:
P/A(1±(6e_x)/L_x ±(6e_y)/L_y )
The program results are verified against Biaxial moment (including loss of
contact) with ASCE research paper Bearing Pressures for Rectangular Footings
with Biaxial Uplift
8.9 Pile Cap Theory

The program produces the following design output:
Required pile quantity and layout to satisfy loading applied to the footing and
self weight of pile, based on bearing, uplift and lateral pile capacity. Moments
are also being considered for lateral loads applied at top of pile cap. Moment
User Manual — 391

arm used in case of lateral loads is (Pedestal height + Pile cap thickness). Pile
reactions are calculated based on Bolt Theory.
Geometry of the pile cap based on shear and bending strength requirements at
critical sections of the footing.
1. Pile Arrangement
The user provides the following pile properties: capacity (bearing, uplift,
and lateral), diameter, spacing, and edge distance. Based on these
parameters, the program determines the required pile configuration as
well as plan dimensions of the footing from the condition, that the force,
along with the self weight of pilecap, transferred to any pile should not
exceed its capacity. For a general case of vertical and horizontal forces,
and bending moments acting on the cap, that stipulation is equivalent to
satisfying the following two equations:
Hpile >= Happl / N

Vpile >= Vappl / N + Mxappl * Ry / Ixg + Myappl * Rx / Iyg
Where:
Hpile - Single pile horizontal capacity

Vpile - Single pile vertical capacity
Happl - Total horizontal load applied
Vappl - Total vertical load applied
N - Total number of piles in footing
Mxappl - Applied bending moment about X-axis
Myappl - Applied bending moment about Y-axis
Rx - Distance from Y-axis to the farthest pile
Ry - Distance from X-axis to the farthest pile
Ixg - pile group moment of inertia about X-axis
Iyg - pile group moment of inertia about Y-axis
Note: X and Y-axes above are centroidal axes of the pile group, Ixg
and Iyg are calculated treating each pile as a unit, and are equal
Σ(1*yi2) and Σ(1*xi2), respectively.
The program includes a library of possible pile layouts for quantities

from 2 to 25 piles. Based on the user input, the program recommends
the most economical (least number of piles) layout. The user may select
any other layout/quantity if desired, however. In addition, changing the

coordinates of individual piles may modify the selected pile layout.
Alternatively, the user may input the entire configuration by hand.
The layout recommended by the program is guaranteed to satisfy the
load/capacity ratio for all piles. Should the user-modified or manually
input layouts result in pile overstressing, the program will flag this
deficiency in the design output.
2. Design of Pile Cap
Proportioning of the pile cap involves satisfying the shear (one and two
way) and bending requirements at applicable critical sections, in
accordance with Chapter 15 of ACI 318-02 (for US job).
One way shear is checked in two areas:
l At outer piles, with the critical section located at a min. distance d
from the face of a corner pile or faces of a pile group along the edge
of the footing,
l At the distance d from two orthogonal faces of the pedestal.
The critical shear plane is assumed along a shortest straight line

connecting free edges of the footing. The design is then performed for the
total pile reaction force on one side of the shear plane, in accordance with
Sections 11.1 through 11.5.
Two way shear is checked in three areas:
l At outer piles, with the critical section located at a min. distance
d/2 from the face of a corner pile or faces of a pile group along the
edge of the footing. The critical plane is assumed to be positioned
along a straight and curved line, so that the total section length is
minimized.
l At the distance d/2 around the pedestal. The section comprises four
straight-line segments, parallel to corresponding sides of the col-

umn.
l At the distance d/2 around a pile.
The design is performed for the total pile reaction force acting within the
perimeter of the critical section, in accordance with ACI 318 Sections
11.12.2 through 11.12.6 (for US job).
Development length is checked for straight rebars. If development
criterion is not met by the footing geometry a warning message is
displayed in the calculation sheet, user can go for other detailing options
like bent bars. Future release of STAAD.foundation will take bent up bars
into consideration.
User Manual — 393

Flexure is checked for critical planes located at both faces of the
pedestal. The bending moment is calculated as an aggregate of moments
due to pile reactions on one side of the plane.
Determination of an individual pile contribution to the forces at a
critical section is based on whether the pile is outside this section (full
reaction value assumed), inside the section (reaction ignored), or at an
intermediate location (partial reaction assumed), as per Section
15.5.4(for US job).
Pilecap design through IS Code
l 3 Pile Combination
Design method in IS code is not similar with other combinations.
The design philosophy followed in STAAD.foundation is explained
below-
Pile cap module is following rigid method.
Pile Reaction calculation is done using Bolt Theory. For
combinations other than 2/3 pile, Moment is calculated at column
face in both direction (Considering each pile reaction and pile
location. If any pile area is intersected by section line taken for
moment calculation, partial reaction of the respective pile is
considered). Same thing is done for shear but at a dist of d-
effective from column face.
For 3 piles, although pile reactions calculation are done using bolt
theory but shear force & bending moment calculations are slightly
different for IS code. Instead of considering whole triangular slab,
two beams are considered; one beam extends from one pile to
another pile and another beam extends from third pile to centre of
first beam. In plan these beams make T shape. These beams are
named as BASE BEAM & ALTERNATE BEAM.
l Two Pile Combination

Designed only for axial load and Moment along longitudinal
direction; program does not consider transverse moment in design.
Two Pile reactions are calculated from Rivet theory, pilecap design
is done as a beam (shear force and bending moment along
longitudinal direction)
Only minimum steel is provided in transverse direction.
Design output displays applicable code sections used for foundation
User Manual — 395

8.10 Mat (Raft) Foundation Theory
Analysis and design of mats is based on finite element method (FEM)
coupled8.10 Mat (Raft) Foundation Theory with slab-on-elastic-subgrade
principles. First, you will create a finite element model of the proposed mat
foundation. This may be accomplished in many ways:
Importing a STAAD file of the superstructure, thus providing reference points
for initial mat set-up and load information, and defining boundaries of the
mat, or by creating the foundation slab from scratch and inputting loading
information manually or copy-pasting coordinates from MS Excel.
Any shape of mat (raft) can be modeled in STAAD.foundation. Various
methods to create mat (raft) model are explained in Quick Tour and
STAAD.foundation graphical environment. Any shape of hole or control region
can be added to the mat (raft boundary).
STAAD.foundation follows physical modeling concept for mesh generation. By
which you only have to specify the boundary for mat (raft) and program will
generate plate mesh based on boundary geometry, loading, pile locations etc.
Program will also convert finite elements analysis results to global axis
irrespective of plate orientations.
Modeling of foundation involves choosing meshing meshing type
(quadrilateral, triangular or mixed), Internal Nodes Spacing Factor,
Optimization Level.
As with any FEM project, the denser the grid (smaller elements), the more
precise results will be obtained. In addition to the slab, the raft may include a
number of beams between the column locations. Since the beams would
normally be part of the foundation, the slab polygonal meshing algorithm
accounts for the presence of the beam and ensures that they become
continuously integrated with the slab. New nodes are purposely created on the
centerline of the beam and the beam is split between those points into a
number of segments.
Meshing setup can be further refined using Optimization Level and Internal
Nodes Spacing Factor. Higher optimization level implies program will try to
precise the mesh with higher number of iterations. For larger mats higher
optimization level will lead to substantially large computer processing time.
Internal Nodes Spacing Factor is inversely proportional to node density inside
the mesh.
Once the mat is defined and all material/soil properties are input, the
program may proceed with the analysis of the structure. It is performed by
the state-of-the-art STAAD Analysis Engine. Realistic soil response is achieved
by employing non-linear (compression only) spring supports to model

subgrade reactions. Pile reactions, if present, are proportional to linear
displacements of the supported node and include both compression and tension
(uplift).
Using control regions different soil properties can be assigned a single mat
model. Also mat can be partially resting on soil and pile supports.
The program calculates internal forces and deflections for all slab and beam
elements of the foundation. This information is then used in the design stage of
the program to:
Establish the required top and bottom flexural reinforcing in two orthogonal
directions, check punching shear capacity at column locations.
The flexural design is done in accordance with ACI 318 Chapter 10 of the Code
(for US jobs). The reinforcement areas are computed for a notional band one
unit of length wide.
The program allows the designer, as an option, to use the Wood-Armer
equations for reinforcement calculations, as follows:
Mx, My, and Mxy are fetched or calculated, as described above. They are used
to compute the values of design moments, Mxd and Myd.
For top reinforcement, the program computes:
Mx1 = Mx + abs(Mxy)
My1 = My + abs(Mxy)
Mx2 = Mx + abs(Mxy2 / My)
My2 = My + abs(Mxy2 / Mx)
If both Mx1 and My1 are positive, Mxd = Mx1 and Myd = My1.
If both Mx1 and My1 are negative, Mxd = 0 and Myd = 0.
If Mx1 is negative and My1 positive, Mxd = 0 and Myd = My2.
If My1 is negative and Mx1 positive, Mxd = Mx2 and Myd = 0.
For bottom reinforcement:
Mx1 = Mx - abs(Mxy)
My1 = My - abs(Mxy)
Mx2 = Mx - abs(Mxy2 / My)
My2 = My - abs(Mxy2 / Mx)
If both Mx1 and My1 are positive, Mxd = 0 and Myd = 0.

If both Mx1 and My1 are negative, Mxd = Mx1 and Myd = My1.
User Manual — 397

If Mx1 is negative and My1 positive, Mxd = Mx2 and Myd = 0.
If My1 is negative and Mx1 positive, Mxd = 0 and Myd = My2.
Mxd and Myd are then used in lieu of Mx and My for calculations of the
required reinforcing. Use of the modified bending moments brings about more
accurate distribution of the reinforcing, better matching critical areas of the
slab.
Note: Notes:
Flexural design notes (for US jobs):

Reinforcement calculations for slab panels are based on Chapter 10
of ACI 318-02. The minimum-reinforcing ratio complies with the
limits prescribed for shrinkage and temperature reinforcement in
Section 7.12. Maximum spacing of rebar is 18 in. The maximum
reinforcing ratio corresponds to the net tensile strain at nominal
strength equal to 0.004 (Clause 10.3.5). Strength reduction factor is
established in accordance with Section 9.3.2.
Punching shear design notes (for US jobs):
Design for two-way shear is carried out in accordance with Section
11.12. The unbalanced moment transfer by eccentricity of shear is
based on Clause 11.12.6. Shear strength of concrete is based on
Clause 11.12.2.1. Strength reduction factor used is 0.75, in
accordance with Section 9.3.2.
The program computes shear stress values at four corners of the
rectangular critical section located at the distance of d/2 from
edges of a column. The calculations include the unbalanced moment
transfer effect, if applicable, in accordance with 11.12.6.2.
Design output displays applicable code sections used for foundation
8.11 Combined (Strip) Footing Theory

The program uses the following criteria:
Soil bearing capacity,
Shear and flexural strength of footing (no shear reinforcing assumed),
Compressive and flexural strength of pedestal
1. Determine footing plan geometry based on loading, self weight of the

footing, weight of soil on top of footing, buoyant forces based on water
level and bearing resistance of the soil.

Stress distribution under the footing is assumed to be linear. For
eccentrically loaded footings, the stresses may become tensile under part
of the foundation. In such cases the program sets stress values in uplift
zones to zero and calculates new values elsewhere for the revised
equilibrium condition. Stability checks in both orthogonal directions are
performed. The final plan dimensions of the footing are established
iteratively from the condition that the maximum stress should not exceed
the factored bearing resistance of the soil.
2. Development length is checked for straight rebars. If development crite-
rion is not met by the footing geometry a warning message is displayed in
the calculation sheet, user can go for other detailing options like bent
bars. Future release of STAAD.foundation will take bent up bars into con-
sideration.
Calculate footing thickness based on structural capacity in shear and bending.
Structural design of the footing consists of the following:
l Punching shear check, in accordance with ACI 318 Section 11.12.2 (for US
jobs), at a distance of d/2 from the pedestal. The critical section com-
prises four straight-line segments, parallel to the corresponding sides of
the pedestal.
l One-way shear (beam action), in accordance with Sections 11.1 through
11.5, at a distance of d from the face of the pedestal, in both orthogonal
directions. The critical plane is assumed to extend over the entire
width/length of the footing.
l Bending, in accordance with ACI 318 Sections 15.4.2 and 10.3.4 (for US
jobs), with the critical planes located at both orthogonal faces of the ped-
estal and extending across the full width/length of the footing.
Design output displays applicable code sections used for foundation design for
all codes.
8.12 Driller Pier Theory

8.12.1 API Method
API method is based on American Petroleum Industry Guideline RP 2A-WSD.
This method supports Sand, Sand-Silt, Silt, Gravel and clayey soil. Axial
capacity of drilled pier is calculated based on API eq 6.4.1-1.
Qd = Qf + Qp
Where:
User Manual — 399

Qf = skin friction resistance,lb (kN)
Qp = total end bearing, lb (kN)
Skin Friction Resistance Calculation

For cohesive soils, skin friction is calculated based on API eq 6.4.2-1
f=αc
Where:
α = a dimensionless factor
c = undrained shear strength of the soil at the point in question
For cohesionless soils, skin friction is calculated based on API eq 6.4.3-1

f = K po tan(δ)
Where:
K=coefficient of lateral earth pressure (ratio of horizontal to

vertical normal effective stress)
po =effective overburden pressure lb/ft 2 (kPa)at the point in
question
End Bearing Resistance Calculation

End bearing is calculated from geometry of pier.
Qp=q Ap
Where:
q = unit end bearing capacity,lb/(ft 2 )(kPa)

Ap = gross end area of pier, ft 2 (m2)
For cohesive soils, unit end bearing capacity is calculated based on API eq
6.4.2-3
q=9c
Where:
c = undrained shear strength of the soil at the point in question
For cohesionless soils, unit end bearing capacity is calculated based on API eq
6.4.3-2
q = po Nq
Where:
po =effective overburden pressure lb/ft 2 (kPa)at the point in

question
Nq = dimensionless bearing capacity factor
Effect of water table

The water table depth is used to calculate buoyant forces on the pier. Buoyant
forces are deducted from total axial capacity of the pier
Self weight of the pier and factors of safety

Pier self weight is taken into consideration while calculating the axial capacity.
The end bearing safety factor is applied to tip resistance and skin friction
safety factor is applied to side resistance. Total axial capacity is calculated as,
Total Axial Capacity = (End bearing resistance – Pier self weight)/(End bearing
Safety factor) + (Skin friction resistance – Buoyant force )/(Skin Friction
Safety factor)
The program also offers % of skin friction and end bearing contributing to axial
capacity through user input.
8.12.2 FHWA Method

FHWA method is based on Federal Highway Administration publication
FHWA-IF-99-025. Methodology for calculating axial capacity runs same as API
method mentioned above.
Axial capacity of drilled pier is calculated based on FHWA-IF-99-025 Eq 1.1
RT= RB+ RS
Where:
RT= total calculated or nominal ultimate axial resistance of the

drilled shaft
RB= nominal ultimate base resistance
RS= nominal ultimate side resistance
An allowable load is the calculated as:
RA= RT/F
Where:
User Manual — 401

RA= allowable resistance
F = global factor of safety
Skin Friction Resistance Calculation

For cohesive soils, skin friction is calculated based on FHWA-IF-99-025 Eq
11.16
f = α* su
Where:
α = dimensionless correlation coefficient

su= design value for undrained shear strength for the layer being
considered
For cohesionless soils, skin friction is calculated based on FHWA-IF-99-025

Eq 11.17
f= βi* σvi
Where:
βi=dimensionless correlation factor between vertical effective

stress and maximum stress limit
σvi=vertical effective stress at the middle of Layer i
End bearing Resistance Calculation

RB = qmax Ap
Where:
qmax= unit end bearing capacity, lb/(ft 2 )(kPa)

Ap = gross end area of pier, ft 2 (m2)
For cohesive soils, unit end bearing capacity is calculated based on FHWA-IF-
99-025 Eq 11.1, 11.2 &11.3
q=9 su
Where:
su= design value for undrained shear strength for the layer being
considered
For cohesionless soils, unit end bearing capacity is calculated based on FHWA-
IF-99-025 Eq 11.4
q=57.5NSPT
Where:
NSPT = design value for SPT blow counts
8.12.3 Vesic Method

The Vesic method is a slight modification of FHWA method. Skin friction
calculation for Vesic method is same as that of FHWA method.
End bearing Resistance Calculation

RB=qmax Ap
Where:
qmax=unit end bearing capacity,lb/(ft 2 )(kPa)

Ap = gross end area of pier,ft 2 (m2)
For cohesive soils, unit end bearing capacity is calculated based on
q = Fr Ncp*su
Where:
su = design value for undrained shear strength for the layer being
considered
Nqp = cohesion factor
Fr = Reese and O'Neill factor
For cohesionless soils, unit end bearing capacity is calculated based on:
q = po* Nqp
Where:
po = effective overburden pressure lb/ft 2 (kPa) at the point in

question
Nqp = surcharge factor
User Manual — 403

8.13 Pedestal Theory
STAAD.foundation 5.2 or later can design pedestals for isolated footings
complying with US, British and Indian code.
Pedestal design is performed same as a design of short column.
STAAD.foundation can design pedestal subjected with:
l Axial Load only

l Axial Load & Uni-axial bending
l Axial Load & Bi-axial bending
STAAD.foundation follows limit state method for section design.
Indian Code Pedestal Design Theory

Pedestal design for the Indian code is based on IS 465 – 2000 and SP: 16.
STAAD.foundation checks minimum area of reinforcement provided per IS
456 -2000 Section 26.5.3.1 (Clause 26.5.3.1.a to Clause 26.5.3.1.h). Program
checks minimum bar size for longitudinal and main reinforcement. Pedestal
spacing requirements are also checked per Indian code.
Minimum eccentricity subjected on pedestal is considered per IS 456 – 2000.
For Axial Load only pedestal design done per IS 456 – 2000 Section 39. For
uni-axial and bi-axial moments, pedestal design follows SP16.
British Code Pedestal Design Theory

Pedestal design for the British code is based on per BS 8110-1 Section 3.
STAAD.foundation checks minimum area of reinforcement provided per BS
81100-1 Section 3. Program checks minimum bar size for longitudinal and
main reinforcement. Pedestal spacing requirements are also checked per
British code.
Minimum eccentricity subjected on pedestal is considered per BS 8110-1
Section 3.8.2.4.
For axial load only, uni-axial and bi-axial moments, pedestal design follows BS
8110-1 Section 3.
C
change 69
Clashing 91
Combined Footing
recreate 219
Combined Footing Theory 398
Coordinate System 385
copied 69
CSA A23.3.-04 390
current load case 214
Section 9 cursor 57
Customize 39
Index D
Default 57
deflection
increase 362
A delete 219
Delete 38
ACI 318-05 390
Delete All 219
American Petroleum Industry Guideline399
design 343
API RP 2A-WSD 399
design factor 349
Application Look 39
design several different types343
AS3600 – 2001 390
Detail Drawing 84
B diagram 362
Biaxial Moment Distribution391 dockable 57
Biaxial Uplift 391 drag 57
Bolt Theory 392 floating toolbar close 57
BS 8110 390, 404

E
Edit Menu 38
User Manual — 405

Index: Element Load Specification – Output
Element Load Specification 384 Live Load 130

End bearing Resistance 402- Load Case
403 New 118
End Bearing Resistance 400
Exit 28 M
Main Navigator 344

F
Mat Foundation Theory 396
FHWA-IF-99-025 401 Menu
File Menu 25 Edit 38
Finite Element 384 View 38
Finite Element Analysis 383 menu bar 57
Finite Element Method 396 below 57
forces/moments 343 menu commands 46
foundation 343 Menus
rotate 77 File 25
Foundation Toolkit 265 Moment 57
mouse cursor 57
G
Move 47
GA Drawing 90
multiple copied objects 69
generate 219
Grouping 225 N
New 26
H
Heat Exchanger 227 O

Horizontal Vessel 227 offers tooltip help 57
One-way shear 399
I
Open 26, 214
Import 27, 35
Orientation 386
From STAAD.Pro 334
original object 69
IS 465 – 2000 390, 404
Output
L Element Force 385

Element Stress 385
length 69
Output View Options 190 safety factors 349
form Safety Factors 127
Overlap 91 Save 26
screen 57
P
side 57
Pedestal Design Theory 404
serviceability 349
BS 8110 404
short example exercises 343
IS 456-2000 404
set 343
Pile Arrangement 392
Sign Convention 387
Pile Cap Theory 391
Single Exchanger 248
Plane Stress 384
Skin Friction Resistance 400,
Plant Foundations 227 402
Plate Element 384 Slab Design 164
Polyline 171 SP- 16 404
Print 27 specified 69
Punching Shear Check 399 STAAD.foundation 390
Punching Shear Design 398 STAAD.foundation offers
set 57
Q
STAAD.Pro
Quick Tour 343 Import 35
Stacked Exchanger 248
R
Standard Toolbar 57
Raft Foundation Theory 396
Stress Distribution 384
recreate 219
stress types 214
Redo 38
Strip Footing Theory 398
Rivet theory 395
structural 362
rotate 77
structure 362
Rotate Toolbar 77
Support 343
S Deletion 219
support co-ordinates 343
Safety Factor 349
supports 343
Safety Factor Table 349
sure 57
User Manual — 407

Index: table – Von Mises stress
table 214, 349

table allowing 349
term 57
hence 57
Theoretical Basis 384
toolbar
drag 57
Toolbars 16
Translational Repeat 68
Tresca Stress 386
types 214
Undo 38
Unit 69, 362
unit used 69
Units 74
use
Safety Factor Table 349
use STAAD.foundation
design several different types343
Verification Manual 55
Vertical Vessel foundation 227
Vesic method 403
View Menu 38
Von Mises stress 386

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User Manual — iii

V8i (SELECTseries 4) Release 5.3

Note: If more than one versions of STAAD.foundation are installed on the

Smart Change Management

Smart Load Export

Smart Unit Export

V8i (SELECTseries 3) Update Patch Release 5.2.1

l An option to specify if the concrete footing self weight is to be used for

V8i (SELECTseries 3) Release 5.2

V8i (SELECTseries 2) Release 5.1

l Modified Geometry View for pedestals and point of application of loads

Pile Cap Job (refer 2.10)

l PIP load combination added

l pile punching check added for octagonal pilecap

Hint: If you’re a first time user unfamiliar with STAAD.foundation, we

l General Foundation - Open modeling of common foundation types.

Global and Local data

Note: STAAD.foundation consists of two sets of data, global and local.

Right-clicking on any program toolbar presents the pop-up menu, which is

Note: This menu is the same as the View >Toolbars sub-menu.

Toolbar Customization menu

Docking and Floating toolbars

To undock (float) a toolbar from the window edge

To dock a floating toolbox

1. Click in the toolbox title bar.

To resize a floating a toolbox

To hide or show a tool

1. Open the toolbar that contains the tool icon.

The toolbar's customization menu opens.

Enabled tools are indicated with check marks.

Alternate Method - To Hide or show a tool

1. Select View > Toolbars > Customize… .

2. Select the Commands tab.

mouse button when the mouse pointer displays an X ( ).

1. Select View > Toolbars > Customize… .

Toolbars may be closed by unchecking the option in the Customize dialog,

Coping with mistakes

To undo the last operation

1. Select Edit > Undo.

To undo the last undo operation

1. Select Edit > Redo.

Using Window Panes

To float a window pane

1. Click in the window pane title bar.

Alternate method - To float a window pane

1. Right click in the window pane title bar.

To dock a window pane

1. Click in the window pane title bar.

Alternate method - To dock a window pane

1. Right click in the window pane title bar.

To close a window pane

Alternate method - To close a window pane

1. Right click in the window pane title bar.

Toggle auto hide for a docked window pane

Alternate method - Toggle auto hide for a docked window pane

1. Right click in the window pane title bar.

1.3 Application Window Layout

Note: Choosing Save while

Menu Item Description Shortcut

same effect as choosing Save

Save As… Opens the Save As dialog, which

Print Setup… Opens the Print Setup dialog,