Tutorial Problem 2: RC Framed Structure Page 2 of 2

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

This tutorial provides step­by­step instructions for creating the model of a reinforced concrete framed
structure using STAAD.Pro.

The following topics are covered:

2.1 Methods of creating the model

2.2 Description of the tutorial problem

2.3 Starting the program

2.4 Creating a new structure

2.5 Elements of the STAAD.Pro screen

2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model

2.7 Viewing the input command file

2.8 Creating the model using the command file

2.9 Performing the analysis and design

2.10 Viewing the output file

2.11 Post­Processing

mk:@MSITStore:C:\Users\muhammad.noramin\Desktop\STAAD%20PRO\Getting_Started... 9/6/2014
2.1 Methods of creating the model Page 2 of 2

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.1 Methods of creating the model

As explained in Section 1.1 of tutorial problem 1, there are two methods of creating the structure data:

1. Using the graphical model generation mode, or Graphical User Interface (GUI) as it is typically
referred to.
2. Using the command file.
Both methods are explained in this tutorial also. The graphical method is explained first, from Section 2.2
onwards. Section 2.8 describes the process of creating the model using the command file method and the
STAAD.Pro text editor.

mk:@MSITStore:C:\Users\muhammad.noramin\Desktop\STAAD%20PRO\Getting_Started... 9/6/2014
2.2 Description of the tutorial problem Page 2 of 3

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.2 Description of the tutorial problem

The structure for this project is a 2 bay, 2 story reinforced concrete frame. The figure below shows the
structure. Our goal is to create the model, assign all required input, and perform the analysis and concrete
design.
Figure 2­108:

Basic Data for the Structure

Attribute Data
Member properties Beams 2 & 5 : Rectangular, 275 mm width X 350 mm depth
Columns 1 & 4 : Rectangular, 275 mm width X 300 mm depth
Column 3 : Circular, 350 mm diameter
Member Orientation All members except column 4 : Default
Column 4 : Rotated by 90 degrees with respect to default condition
Material Constants Modulus of Elasticity : 22 KN/sq.mm
Density : 25 kn/cu.m
Poisson's Ratio : 0.17
Supports Base of all columns : Fixed
Loads Load case 1 : Dead Load
Selfweight of the structure.
Beams 2 & 5 : 400 kg/m in global Y downward
Load case 2 : Live Load
Beams 2 & 5 : 600 kg/m in global Y downward

mk:@MSITStore:C:\Users\muhammad.noramin\Desktop\STAAD%20PRO\Getting_Started... 9/6/2014
2.2 Description of the tutorial problem Page 3 of 3

Load case 3 : Wind Load

Beam 1 : 300 kg/m along positive global X
Beam 4 : 500 kg/m along positive global X
Load Case 4 : DEAD + LIVE
L1 X 1.2 + L2 X 1.5 (Use REPEAT LOAD, not Load Combination)
Load Case 5 : DEAD + WIND
L1 X 1.1 + L2 X 1.3 (Use REPEAT LOAD, not Load Combination)
Analysis Type PDELTA
Concrete Design Consider load cases 4 and 5 only.
Parameters: Ultimate Strength of Steel: 415 N/sq.mm
Concrete Strength: 25 N/sq.mm
Clear cover for top: 25 mm
Clear cover for bottom: 30 mm
Clear cover for side: 25 mm
Design beams 2 and 5
Design columns 1, 3 and 4

mk:@MSITStore:C:\Users\muhammad.noramin\Desktop\STAAD%20PRO\Getting_Started... 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 2 of 2

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model

We are now ready to start building the model geometry. The steps and, wherever possible, the
corresponding STAAD.Pro commands (the instructions which get written in the STAAD input file) are
described in the following sections.

2.6.1 Generating the model geometry

2.6.2 Changing the input units of length

2.6.3 Specifying member properties

2.6.4 Specifying geometric constants

2.6.5 Specifying material constants

2.6.6 Specifying Supports

2.6.7 Specifying Loads

2.6.8 Specifying the analysis type

2.6.9 Short­listing the load cases to be used in concrete design

2.6.10 Specifying concrete design parameters

2.6.11 Specifying design commands

mk:@MSITStore:C:\Users\muhammad.noramin\Desktop\STAAD%20PRO\Getting_Started... 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 1 of 43

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model

We are now ready to start building the model geometry. The steps and, wherever possible, the
corresponding STAAD.Pro commands (the instructions which get written in the STAAD input file) are
described in the following sections.

2.6.1 Generating the model geometry

2.6.2 Changing the input units of length

2.6.3 Specifying member properties

2.6.4 Specifying geometric constants

2.6.5 Specifying material constants

2.6.6 Specifying Supports

2.6.7 Specifying Loads

2.6.8 Specifying the analysis type

2.6.9 Short-listing the load cases to be used in concrete design

2.6.10 Specifying concrete design parameters

2.6.11 Specifying design commands

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.1 Generating the model geometry

The structure geometry consists of joint numbers, their coordinates, member numbers, the member
connectivity information, plate element numbers, etc. From the standpoint of the STAAD command file,
the commands to be generated for the structure shown in section 2.2 are:

JOINT COORDINATES

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 2 of 43

1 0.0 0.0 0.0 ; 2 0.0 3.5 0.0

3 6.0 3.5 0.0 ; 4 6.0 0.0 0.0

5 6.0 0.0 6.0 ; 6 6.0 3.5 6.0

MEMBER INCIDENCE

112;223;334;456;536

Steps:

1. We selected the Add Beam option earlier to enable us to add beams and columns to create the
structure. This initiates a grid in the main drawing area as shown below. The directions of the
global axes (X, Y, Z) are represented in the icon in the lower left hand corner of the drawing area.

Figure 2-114:

2. A Snap Node/Beam dialog appears in the data area on the right side of the screen. Click Create. A
dialog opens which will enable us to set up a grid.

Within this dialog, there is a drop-down list from which we can select Linear, Radial or Irregular
form of grid lines.

Figure 2-115:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 3 of 43

The Linear tab is meant for placing the construction lines perpendicular to one another along a "left
to right - top to bottom" pattern, as in the lines of a chess board. The Radial tab enables
construction lines to appear in a spider-web style, which makes it is easy to create circular type
models where members are modeled as piece-wise linear straight line segments. The Irregular tab
can be used to create gridlines with unequal spacing that lie on the global planes or on an inclined
plane.

Select Linear,which is the Default Grid.

In our structure, the segment consisting of members 1 to 3, and nodes 1 to 4, happens to lie in the
X-Y plane. So, in this dialog, let us keep X-Y as the Plane of the grid. The size of the model that
can be drawn at any time is controlled by the number of Construction Lines to the left and right of
the origin of axes, and the Spacing between adjacent construction lines. By setting 12 as the
number of lines to the right of the origin along X, 7 above the origin along Y, and a spacing of 0.5
meters between lines along both XandY (see figure below) we can draw a frame 6m X 3.5m,
adequate for our segment.

After entering the specifications, provide a name and click OK.

Figure 2-116:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 4 of 43

This way, we can create any number of grids. By providing a name, each new grid can be identified
for future reference.

Please note that these settings are only a starting grid setting, to enable us to start drawing the
structure, and they do not restrict our overall model to those limits.

3. Let us start creating the nodes. Since the Snap Node/Beam button is active by default, with the help
of the mouse, click at the origin (0, 0) to create the first node.

Figure 2-117:

Figure 2-118:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 5 of 43

4. In a similar fashion, click on the following points to create nodes and automatically join successive
nodes by beam members.

(0, 3.5), (6, 3.5) and (6, 0)

The exact location of the mouse arrow can be monitored on the status bar located at the bottom of
the window where the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the current cursor position are continuously
updated.

When steps 1 to 4 are completed, the frame will be displayed in the drawing area as shown below.

Figure 2-119:

5. At this point, let us remove the grid display from the structure. To do that, click Close in the Snap

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 6 of 43

Node/Beam dialog.

Figure 2-120:

The grid will now be removed and the structure in the main window should resemble the figure
shown below.

Figure 2-121:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 7 of 43

6. It is very important that we save our work often, to avoid loss of data and protect our investment of
time and effort against power interruptions, system problems, or other unforeseen events.

Remember to save your work by either selecting File > Save, the Save tool, or pressing CTRL+S.

Switching on node and beam labels

Node and beam labels are a way of identifying the entities we have drawn on the screen. In order to
display the node and beam numbers.

1. Either

right click anywhere in the drawing area and select Labels from the pop-up menu

or

Select View > Structure Diagrams…

The Diagrams dialog opens to the Labels tab.

Figure 2-122:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 8 of 43

2. In the Diagrams dialog that appears, set the Node Numbers and Beam Numbers check boxes and
then click OK.

The following figure illustrates the node and beam numbers displayed on the structure. The
structure in the main window should resemble the figure shown below.

Figure 2-123:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 9 of 43

If you are feeling adventurous, here is a small exercise for you. Change the font of the node/beam
labels by selecting View > Options, and then selecting the appropriate tab (Node Labels / Beam
labels) from the Options dialog.

3. Examining the structure shown in section 2.2 of this tutorial, it can be seen that members 4 and 5
can be easily generated if we could first create a copy of members 1 and 2 and then rotate those
copied units about a vertical line passing through the point (6, 0, 0, that is, node 4) by 90 degrees.
Fortunately, such a facility does exist which can be executed in a single step. It is called Circular
Repeat and is available under the Geometry menu.

First, select members 1 and 2 using the Beams Cursor tool . (Please refer to the ‘Frequently
Performed Tasks’ section at the end of this manual to learn more about selecting members.)

4. Either select

the Circular Repeat tool from the appropriate toolbar

Figure 2. 21

or

select Geometry > Circular Repeat.

The 3D Circular dialog opens.

5. Specify the Axis of Rotation as Y, Total Angle as 90 degrees, No. of Steps as 1 and the vertical line
as passing through Node number 4.

or

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 10 of 43

You may instead specify the X and Z co-ordinates as 6 and 0 respectively.

Clear the Link Steps check box and click OK.

Figure 2-124:

After completing the circular repeat procedure, the model will look as shown below.

Before

Figure 2-125:

After

Figure 2-126:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 11 of 43

Remember to save your work by either selecting File > Save, the Save tool, or pressing CTRL+S.

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.2 Changing the input units of length

As a matter of convenience, for specifying member properties for our structure, it is simpler if our length
units are millimeter instead of meter. This will require changing the current length units of input. The
commands to be generated are:

UNIT MMS KN

Steps:

1. Select either

the input Units tool

Figure 2-127:

or

Tools > Set Current input Unit.

The Set Current Input Units dialog opens.

Figure 2-128:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 12 of 43

2. Set the Length Units to Milimeterand click OK.

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.3 Specifying member properties

Our next task is to assign cross section properties for the beams and columns (see section 2.2). For those
of us curious to know the equivalent commands in the STAAD command file, they are:

MEMB PROP

1 4 PRIS YD 300 ZD 275

2 5 PRIS YD 350 ZD 275

3 PRIS YD 350

Steps:

1. Select either

the Property Page tool located on the Structure Tools toolbar.

Figure 2-129:

or

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 13 of 43

select the General | Property page from the left side of the screen as shown below.

Figure 2-130:

The Properties - Whole Structure dialog opens.

Figure 2-131:

2. Click Define…

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 14 of 43

The Property dialog opens.

3. Select the Rectangle tab.

The Material check box is set. If we keep it that way, the material properties of concrete (E,
Poisson, Density, Alpha, etc.) will be assigned along with the cross-section name. The material
property values so assigned will be the program defaults. We do not want default values, instead
we will assign our own values later on. Thus, clear the Material check box. Then, enter the
following values:

Property Value
YD 300 mm
ZD 275 mm

Finally, click on the Add button as shown below.

Figure 2-132:

4. Repeat step 3 to create the second member property (PRIS YD 350 ZD 275), provide 350 for
YDand 275 for ZD (instead of 300 and 275) and click Add.

5. To create the third member property, in the Property dialog, select the Circle option. Specify the
diameter (YD) as 350 mm. Thus, clear the Material check box and click Add.

Figure 2-133:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 15 of 43

6. Click Close.

The next step is to assign these member properties in the following manner:

z Rect 0.30x0.28 – members 1 and 4

z Rect 0.35x0.28 – members 2 and 5
z Cir 0.35 – member 3

To assign the member properties, follow these steps:

1. Select the first property reference in the Properties dialog (Rect 0.30x28).

2. Select the Use Cursor to Assign option in the Assignment Method box.

3. Click Assign.

The mouse pointer changes to

4. Click on members 1 and 4.

5. To stop the assignment process

select Assign

or

press the Esc key.

Figure 2-134:

In a similar fashion, assign the remaining properties.

After all the member properties have been assigned, the model will look as shown below.

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 16 of 43

Figure 2-135:

Remember to save your work by either selecting File > Save, the Save tool, or pressing CTRL+S.

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.4 Specifying geometric constants

In the absence of any explicit instructions, STAAD will orient the beams and columns of the structure in
a pre-defined way. Orientation refers to the directions along which the width and depth of the cross
section are aligned with respect to the global axis system. The rules which dictate this default orientation
are explained in Section 1 of the STAAD.Pro Technical Reference Manual.

We wish to orient member 4 so that its longer edges (sides parallel to local Y axis) are parallel to the
global Z axis. This requires applying a beta angle of 90 degrees. The command which needs to be
generated is:

BETA 90 MEMB 4

Steps:

1. Select the Beta Angle tab in the Properties dialog.

2. Click Create Beta Angle.

3. In the Beta Angle dialog, specify the Angle in degrees as 90.

Figure 2-136:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 17 of 43

4. Highlight the expression Beta 90 in the Properties dialog.

5. Then, select member 4 using the Beams Cursor tool .

Notice that as we select the member, the Assignment Method automatically sets to Assign to
Selected Beams.

6. Click Assign.

Click anywhere in the drawing area to un-highlight the member.

(An alternative method to assign beta angles is the following. First select the member for which you wish
to assign the beta angle. Then, select Commands > Geometric Constants > Beta Angle. Specify the Angle
in Degrees to be 90, ensure that the assignment method is “To Selection” and click on OK. )

Figure 2. 36

View the orientation of the member local axes by selecting View > Structure diagrams > Labels and then
select the option for Beam Orientation.

Figure 2-137:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 18 of 43

Figure 2-138:

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.5 Specifying material constants

At the time of assigning member properties, we deliberately chose not to assign the material constants
simultaneously, since we wanted to specify values which are different from the built-in defaults. The
desired values are listed at the beginning of this tutorial. The corresponding commands we wish to
generate in the STAAD input file are:

CONSTANTS

E 22 ALL

UNIT METER

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 19 of 43

DENSITY 25.0 ALL

POISSON 0.17 ALL

Steps:

1. Select Commands > Material Constants > Elasticiy….

2. In the Material Constant dialog that appears, enter 22 in the Enter Value box. Since the value has
to be assigned to all the members of the structure, the current setting of the assignment method,
namely, To View, allows us to achieve this easily. Then, click OK.

Figure 2-139:

3. For specifying the DENSITY constant, it will be convenient if we change our length units to
meters. To change the length units, as before, select the input Units tool from the Structure
toolbar, or select the Tools > Set Current input Unit menu option from the top menu bar. In the Set
Current input Units dialog that comes up, specify the length units as Meter.

Figure 2-140:

4. Following the steps 1 and 2 above, we choose Commands > Material Constants > Density, specify
the value as 25 KN/m3, and assign To View.

5. To define the Poisson's Ratio, using the similar procedure as described above, provide the value
0.17 to all members in the View.

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 20 of 43

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.6 Specifying Supports

The base nodes of all the columns are restrained against translation and rotation about all the 3 global
axes (see section 2.2). In other words, fixed supports are to be specified at those nodes. The commands to
be generated are:

SUPPORTS

1 4 5 FIXED

Steps:

1. Select the Support Page tool located in the Structure Tools toolbar as shown below.

Figure 2-141:

or

select the General | Support page from the left side of the screen.

Figure 2-142:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 21 of 43

The Supports dialog opens.

Figure 2-143:

2. Since we already know that nodes 1, 4 and 5 are to be associated with the Fixed support, using the

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 22 of 43

Nodes Cursor tool , select these nodes.

3. Click Create.

The Create Support dialog opens.

Figure 2-144:

4. Select the Fixed tab and click Assign.

After the supports have been assigned, the structure will look like the one shown below.

Figure 2-145:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 23 of 43

5. Click anywhere in the drawing area to un-select all selected nodes and prevent accidental
assignment of unwanted data to those nodes.

Remember to save your work by either selecting File > Save, the Save tool, or pressing CTRL+S.

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.7 Specifying Loads

Five load cases are to be created for this structure. Details of the individual cases are explained at the
beginning of this tutorial.

z Load Case 1
z Load Case 2
z Load Case 3
z Load Case 4
z Load Case 5

The corresponding commands to be generated are listed below. Notice that cases 4 and 5 are to be
generated not as the standard combination type, but using a combination load type called REPEAT LOAD.
The instructions at the beginning of this tutorial require us to analyze this structure using an analysis type
called PDelta. A Pdelta analysis is a non-linear type of analysis. In STAAD, to accurately account for the
PDelta effects arising from the simultaneous action of previously defined horizontal and vertical loads,
those previous cases must be included as components of the combination case using the REPEAT LOAD
type.

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 24 of 43

UNIT METER KG

LOAD 1 DEAD LOAD

SELFWEIGHT Y -1

MEMBER LOAD

2 5 UNI GY -400

LOAD 2 LIVE LOAD

MEMBER LOAD

2 5 UNI GY -600

LOAD 3 WIND LOAD

MEMBER LOAD

1 UNI GX 300

4 UNI GX 500

LOAD 4 DEAD + LIVE

REPEAT LOAD

1 1.2 2 1.5

LOAD 5 DEAD + WIND

REPEAT LOAD

1 1.1 3 1.3

Steps:

LOAD CASE 1

STAAD has a limitation in that one cannot change the units while editing load cases. An error message is
displayed if this is attempted.

Before creating load cases, we have to change the force unit to Kilogram. See "Tutorial 2 – Reinforced
Concrete Frame" for related information on the required steps.

(The load values are listed in the beginning of this tutorial in kg and meter units. Rather than convert
those values to the current input units, we will conform to those units. The current input units, which we
last set while specifying Density, are KN and METER.)

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 25 of 43

1. To create loads, select either

the Load Page tool located on the Structure Tools tool bar.

Figure 2-146:

or

select the General | Load page from the left side of the screen.

Figure 2-147:

The Load & Definitions dialog opens on the right-hand side of the program window.

2. To initiate the first load case, select the Load Case Details section in the list and click Add….

Figure 2-148:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 26 of 43

The Add New Load Cases dialog opens.

3. Select the Loading Type if you wish to associate the load case with any of the ACI, AISC or IBC
definitions of Dead, Live, Ice, etc. This type of association needs to be done if you intend to use the
program's facility for automatically generating load combinations in accordance with those codes.

Notice that there is a check box called Reducible per UBC/IBC. This feature becomes active only
when the load case is assigned a Loading Type called Live at the time of creation of that case.

As we do not intend to use the automatic load combination generation option, we will leave the
Loading Type as None. Enter DEAD LOAD as the Title for Load Case 1 and click Add.

Figure 2-149:

The newly created load case will now appear under the Load Cases Details option.

Figure 2-150:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 27 of 43

4. To generate and assign the selfweight load type, first select 1: DEAD LOAD. You will notice that
the Add New Load Items dialog box shows more options now.

Figure 2-151:

5. In the Add New Load Items dialog box, select the Selfweight Load option under the Selfweight
item. Specify the Direction as Y, and the Factor as -1.0. The negative number signifies that the
selfweight load acts opposite to the positive direction of the global axis (Y in this case) along
which it is applied. Click Add button. The selfweight load is applicable to every member of the
structure, and cannot be applied on a selected list of members.

Figure 2-152:

6. Load 1 contains an additional load component, the member loads on members 2 and 5.

To create the member load, first, select 1: Dead Load followed by the Add… button. Then, click on
the Member Loaditem in the Add New Load Items dialog box.

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 28 of 43

Figure 2-153:

7. Select the Uniform Load option and specify GY as the Direction and -400 as the Force. For these
members, since the local Y axis coincides with the global Y axis, one may choose the direction of
the load as either “Y” or “GY”, they will both have the same effect. (One may view the orientation
of the member local axes by going to View > Structure Diagrams > Labels > Beam Orientation .)
The negative value signifies that the load acts along the negative GY direction. Click Add and then
Close.

8. The member load we just created has to be assigned to members 2 and 5. Select the UNI GY -
400kg/m entry in the Load & Definitions dialog.

Figure 2-154:

9. Next, select members 2 and 5 using the Beams Cursor tool . (Please refer to the ‘Frequently
Performed Tasks’ section at the end of this manual to learn more about selecting members.)

Then, select Assign to Selected Beams and then Assign.

Figure 2-155:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 29 of 43

As we click on the Assign button, the following dialog box appears. This message box appears just
to confirm that we indeed wish to associate the loadcase with the selected beams. Click Yes.

Figure 2-156:

After the load has been assigned, the structure will look as shown below:

Figure 2-157:

LOAD CASE 2

1. The next step is to initiate the second load case which again contains MEMBER LOADs. Select
Load Case Details and then click Add…. Once again, the Add New Load Cases dialog opens.

Figure 2-158:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 30 of 43

In this dialog box, once again, we are not associating the load case we are about to create with any
code based Loading Type and so, we will leave that box as None. Specify the Title of the second
load case as Live Load and click Add.

Figure 2-159:

2. To create the member load, select 2: Live Load.

Figure 2-160:

3. Follow steps 6 to 9 of the previous task to create and assign a uniformly distributed force of -600
Kg/m on members 2 and 5.

After the second load case has been assigned, the structure will look as shown below:

Figure 2-161:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 31 of 43

Click anywhere in the drawing area to un-highlight the members.

LOAD CASE 3

1. Creating the third load case, which again has MEMBER LOADs, involves the same procedure as
that for load case 2. As before, first select Load Case Details in the Load dialog box to initiate the
third load case. Enter Wind Load as the Title for Load Case 3.

2. To apply the load on member 1, follow the procedure similar to that in steps 6 to 9. The only
differences are, the member which receives this load is 1, the Direction is GX and the Force is
+300 Kg/m.

3. Similarly, for member 4 and the third load case, specify the Force as 500 Kg/m and the Direction
as GX.

After the third load case has been assigned, the structure will look as shown below:

Figure 2-162:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 32 of 43

LOAD CASE 4

1. We now come to the point where we have to create load case 4 as (1.2 x Load 1) + (1.5 x Load 2).
We saw in the beginning of this section that we should be creating a “REPEAT LOAD” type of
combination, and not the “LOAD COMBINATION” type. To initiate load case 4, select Load Case
Details in the Load dialog box and specify the title as DEAD + LIVE.

2. Then, click on 4: DEAD + LIVE in the Load & Definitions dialog box as shown below.

Figure 2-163:

3. In the Add New Load Items dialog box, select the Repeat Load option. Then, select Load Case 1
(DEAD LOAD), click [>] and enter the Factor as 1.2. (This indicates that the load data values from
load case 1 are multiplied by a factor of 1.2, and the resulting values are utilized in load case 4.)

4. Similarly, select Load Case 2 (LIVE LOAD), click on the > button and enter the Factor as 1.5. The
Add New Load Items dialog box will now look as shown below. Click on the Add button.

Figure 2-164:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 33 of 43

No further operation is required for load case 4. The recipients (members) of the loads in load case
4 are automatically chosen to be the very same ones to which the components of the REPEAT
LOAD cases (loads 1 and 2) were assigned.

The structure will now look similar to the one shown below.

Figure 2-165:

LOAD CASE 5

1. Since load cases 4 and 5 are near identical in nature, the same procedure used in creating load case
4 is applicable for case 5 also. Let us select Load Case Details in the Load dialog box to initiate the
fifth load case. Enter Dead + Wind as the Title for Load Case 5.

2. Follow steps 16 to 19 except for associating a Factor of 1.1 with the first load case and a Factor of
1.3 with the third load case.

The Add New Load Items dialog box will now look as shown below. Click on the Add button.

Figure 2-166:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 34 of 43

Since we have completed creating all the load cases, we may now click Close.

The structure will now look similar to the one shown below.

Figure 2-167:

Remember to save your work by either selecting File > Save, the Save tool, or pressing CTRL+S.

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 35 of 43

2.6.8 Specifying the analysis type

The analysis type for this structure is called P-Delta. Since this problem involves concrete beam and
column design per the ACI code, second-order analysis is required and has to be done on factored loads
acting simultaneously. The factored loads have been created earlier as cases 4 and 5. Now is the time to
specify the analysis type.

The command for a pdelta analysis will appear in the STAAD file as:

PDELTA ANALYSIS

Steps:

1. Select Analysis/Print | Analysis Page on the left side of the screen.

Figure 2-168:

The Analysis/Print Commands dialog opens.

Figure 2-169:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 36 of 43

2. Select the PDelta Analysis tab.

3. Click Add and then Close.

Remember to save your work by either selecting File > Save, the Save tool, or pressing CTRL+S.

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.9 Short-listing the load cases to be used in concrete design

The concrete design has to be performed for load cases 4 and 5 only since only those are the factored
cases. To instruct the program to use just these cases, and ignore the remaining, we have to use the
LOAD LIST command.

The command will appear in the STAAD file as:

LOAD LIST 4 5

Steps:

1. Select Commands > Loading > Load List.

The Load List dialog opens.

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 37 of 43

Figure 2-170:

2. Select load cases 4 (DEAD + LIVE) and 5 (DEAD + WIND) by holding the Ctrl key down.

3. Click [>].

Load cases 4 and 5 will be selected and placed in the Load List selection box.

4. Click OK.

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.10 Specifying concrete design parameters

Among the various terms which appear in the equations for design of concrete beams and columns, some
of these can be directly specified; such as the grade of concrete or the maximum size of reinforcing bar
you may wish to use. Such terms are called concrete design parameters. For the ACI code, a list of these
parameters is available in Section 3 of the STAAD.Pro Technical Reference Manual. The parameters we
wish to use and the corresponding command which ought to appear in the STAAD input file are:

UNIT MMS NEWTON

CODE ACI

CLT 25 ALL

CLB 30 ALL

CLS 25 ALL

FC 25 ALL

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 38 of 43

FYMAIN 415 ALL

TRACK 1 ALL

Steps:

1. Set the force units as Newton and the length units as Millimeter.

See "Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame" for details.

2. Select the Design | Concrete page from the left side of the screen and select ACI as the Current
Code in the Concrete Design dialog.

Figure 2-171:

3. Click Define Parameters in the Concrete Design dialog.

The Design Parameters dialog opens.

Figure 2-172:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 39 of 43

4. Select the CLT (Clear Cover for top) parameter. Then, provide the value as 25mm and click Add.

5. Repeat step 4 to define the remaining parameters to the following values:

Parameter Value
Clb 30
Cls 25
Fc 25
Fymain 415
Track 1.0

When all the above parameters have been assigned, click Close in the Design Parameters dialog.

After all the design parameters have been assigned, the Concrete Design dialog will look as shown
below.

Figure 2-173:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 40 of 43

The next step is to assign these parameters to all the members in our model. The easiest way to do that is
to use the Assign To View method:

1. Highlight the parameter in the Concrete Design | Whole Structure dialog you wish to assign to
model elements.
2. Select the Assign to View option.
3. Click Assign.

Figure 2-174:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 41 of 43

Remember to save your work by either selecting File > Save, the Save tool, or pressing CTRL+S.

Getting Started and Tutorials

Tutorial 2 – Reinforced Concrete Frame

2.6.11 Specifying design commands

Design commands are the actual instructions for the design of beams and columns. We intend to design
beams 2 and 5 and columns 1, 3 and 4. The commands to be generated are:

DESIGN BEAM 2 5

DESIGN COLUMN 1 3 4

Steps:

1. Design commands are generated through the dialogs available under the Commands button in the
Concrete Design dialog. So, let us click Commands as shown below.

Figure 2-175:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 42 of 43

2. In the Design Commands dialog that comes up, select the Design Beam option and click Add.

Figure 2-176:

3. We also need to add a command for designing columns. So, select the Design Column option and
click on Add

4. Click Close.

The next step is to associate the Design Beam command with members 2 and 5 and the Design Column
command with members 1, 3 and 4.

1. Select the Design Beam option and then select members 2 and 5 using the Beams Cursor tool .
2. Click on Assign to Selected Beams and then Assign.

Figure 2-177:

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014
2.6 Building the STAAD.Pro model Page 43 of 43

As we click Assign, the following dialog appears. This message box appears just to confirm that
we indeed wish to associate the design command with the selected beams. C Yes.

Figure 2-178:

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to assign the Design Column command to members 1, 3 and 4

Remember to save your work by either selecting File > Save, the Save tool, or pressing CTRL+S.

file:///C:/Users/muhammad.noramin/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhD45.htm 9/6/2014