How can you use STAAD to design structures with multiple load cases?

1 What is STAAD?

STAAD stands for Structural Analysis And Design, and it is a software product developed by Bentley Systems. It allows you to model, analyze, and design structures of various materials, shapes, and sizes, using a graphical user interface or a text editor. You can also import and export data from other software tools, such as AutoCAD, Revit, Excel, and more. STAAD can handle both linear and nonlinear analysis, static and dynamic loads, and various design codes and standards, such as AISC, ACI, Eurocode, and more.

2 How to create load cases in STAAD?

To create load cases in STAAD, you need to define the type, magnitude, and direction of the loads that act on your structure. You can do this by using the LOAD command in the text editor, or by using the Load Case Details dialog box in the graphical user interface. You can create different types of load cases, such as self weight, dead load, live load, wind load, seismic load, thermal load, and more. You can also assign load factors, load titles, and load categories to each load case, to help you organize and identify them later.

3 How to apply load combinations in STAAD?

To apply load combinations in STAAD, you need to combine the load cases that you have created according to the design code or standard that you are following. You can do this by using the LOAD COMBINATION command in the text editor, or by using the Load Combination Details dialog box in the graphical user interface. You can create different types of load combinations, such as envelope, linear additive, absolute additive, SRSS, and more. You can also assign combination factors, combination titles, and combination categories to each load combination, to help you select and analyze them later.

4 How to check the design results in STAAD?

To check the design results in STAAD, you need to perform the analysis and design of your structure using the load combinations that you have applied. You can do this by using the PERFORM ANALYSIS and START CONCRETE/STEEL DESIGN commands in the text editor, or by using the Analysis/Print and Design commands in the graphical user interface. You can also specify the design code or standard that you want to use, such as AISC 360, ACI 318, Eurocode 2, and more. You can then view the design results in various formats, such as tables, graphs, diagrams, reports, and more. You can also compare the design results with the design criteria, such as stress, deflection, capacity, and more.

5 How to use STAAD features and functions?

To use STAAD features and functions, you need to explore the different options and tools that are available in the software. You can do this by using the Help menu, the Online Documentation, the Tutorial Videos, and the User Forum. You can also use the PARAMETER command in the text editor, or the Parameters dialog box in the graphical user interface, to customize and control various aspects of your analysis and design, such as units, precision, output, and more. You can also use the FUNCTION command in the text editor, or the Functions dialog box in the graphical user interface, to create and use mathematical expressions, variables, and functions in your model, load, and design.

6 How to improve your STAAD skills?

To improve your STAAD skills, you need to practice and learn from different sources and examples. You can do this by using the Sample Problems, the Verification Problems, and the Example Problems that are included in the software. You can also use the Bentley LEARN Server, the Bentley Institute, and the Bentley Channel Partner Network to access various training courses, webinars, certifications, and support services. You can also use the Bentley Communities, the STAAD Wiki, and the STAAD User Group to interact with other STAAD users, experts, and developers, and to share your feedback, suggestions, and questions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?