How do I change the Background color?

Run STAAD.Pro, under the 'Project Tasks', click on 'Configuration'; go to the tab 'Backgroun color'.

Once selected, click on Accept or Apply. This will change the background color to black or white as you have selected.

I am doing a buckling analysis in STAAD.Pro and getting the following message
"Warning THE LOADS IN CASE xx ARE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO THE LOADS THAT WILL CAUSE BUCKLING". What does the message mean ?

This message is generated by the basic solver during a buckling analysis.  It means that no positive factor times the load will cause global Euler buckling or in other words the direction of the load is opposite to what would cause buckling in the structure. Please try reversing the load (add a load case with a repeat load factor of -1.0) and you should be able to get buckling factor for the REPEAT LOAD.

For a similar buckling mode, an advanced solver would report a negative buckling factor.

This page contains the support solutions related to Buckling Analysis in STAAD.Pro

Buckling analysis for cases where wind or seismic is combined with DL and LL

Finding out buckling loads

THE LOADS ARE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO THE LOADS THAT WILL CAUSE BUCKLING

ProjectWise Scenario Services (PWSS) allows you to run Engineering Design Simulation using high performance cloud computing. You may run many design alternatives or scenarios to arrive at the optimal design using a number of performance indicators. You may also just run one large, complex problem and complete your analysis in a few hours instead of a few days. While adopting new versions of a software, you can use PWSS to run a library of problems in two versions of a software and compare detailed results.

As of November 2015, general purpose structural analysis using STAAD.Pro and offshore wind turbine analysis using SACS are offered in PWSS. In coming months many other engineering simulation applications will be available in PWSS.

You can sign up for free trial of PWSS at https://connect-scenarioservices.bentley.com. Alternatively, log on to CONNECT project portal (https://connect.bentley.com), select or create a CONNECTed project and click on ProjectWise Scenario Services (Technlogy Preview) button from the bottom of the screen.

What happens if I don't sign in to Bentley Service through the CONNECTION client?

With most CONNECT Edition or CONNECT Enabled products, the CONNECTION client service is installed automatically and sign in happens at start up. When starting any of the applications, if the user is not signed in the the sign in dialog will appear.

Canceling the dialog using the red x is the same as signing out and the product should perform normally but no Bentley Cloud Services will be available and no project associations can be made. 

What happens if I uninstall the CONNECTION client?

As noted on screen when uninstalling the CONNECTION client, most Bentley CONNECT Edition products require the CONNECTION client in order to function properly. 

Uninstalling the service can lead to warnings when starting the software or worse. For example, in RAM Structural System v15, the following message will appear: 

---------------------------
CONNECTION Desktop Client installation not found.
Please visit www.bentley.com to learn more about the benefits of CONNECT Edition.
---------------------------

Many of those benefits and other questions about Bentley Cloud Services are addressed on the Bentley CONNECT Overview.

A similar message appear with Ram Concept.

---------------------------
CONNECTION Client installation not found.

Run the Concept installer to install CONNECTION Client and utilize Bentley Cloud Services.
---------------------------

I am not planning to use Bentley Cloud Services, how can I access my files without registering a project?

You can always skip the step of assigning any project by canceling the dialog and still work on the files locally.

See Also

Bentley CONNECT Overview

This page is the landing page for user help for troubleshooting errors when assigning connections in RAM Connections Standalone (RC-SA), RAM Connection for RAM Structural System (RC for RAM SS), and RAM Connection for RAM Elements (RC for RE).

Common Error Messages

• "Connection is not compatible with this type of joint
• "No valid joints were found within selected member"

Beam Connections with Channels and HSS

RAM Connection only supports beams with I-shaped sections. It is not possible to assign connections to joints with beams defined with other section types, including HSS or channel sections. If a beam is not an I-shaped section and a connection is assigned, the following error will be displayed:

See frequently asked question on the following web page for more information:

RAM Connection Capabilities and Modeling FAQ

Gusset Connections (RC for RE)

In order to assign a gusset connection in RC for RE, the brace member needs to be designated as a brace. This is done in the Data Panel - Members Tab - Connectivity and Description worksheet. See below. If the Brace flag is set to "No" and a gusset connection is assigned, a "Connection is Not Compatible with This Joint" error will appear. This problem does not occur in RC for RAM SS.

Conversely, if you have a beam to girder or beam to column connection where the secondary beam has been designated as a "Brace" then simple shear and moment connections cannot be applied to that beam. The Brace flag is only intended for vertical braces types.

Finally, the program is looking for an intersection of a physical beam column and brace, but if the beam or column is a continuous physical member through the joint it won't identify this as a valid condition. In those cases segment the members at the joint in order to assign gusset plate connections.

RAM Connection will not assign a Gusset connection where the brace slope angle is not between 20 and 70 degrees.  Is this an arbitrary limit by RAM or a code restriction?

It's just an arbitrary limit, though a practical one. Furthermore, the program will not assign a CBB type gusset connection when the beam is sloped. 

Why can't a shear connection be assigned perpendicular to a gusset?

Since there are potential interference issues or requirements for full depth stiffener plates that can't be properly evaluated by the program, Ram Connection simply does not allow connections on beams framing into Chevron Brace (CVR) family of joints.

Base Plate Connections

In RAM Connection v8.0 and earlier, It may take a very long time to assign base plate connections, especially in models with a large number of load combinations. Improvements were made in RAM Connection v9.1 that significantly reduced the assign time for base plate connections. See the following web page for details:

Base Plate Troubleshooting

Column Cap Plate Connections

The beam must extend over the column in order for a column cap connection to be assigned. At perimeter column locations, a column cap connection cannot be assigned if the beam terminates at the column. A "Connection is Not Compatible with This Joint" error is displayed. To work around the problem, model an extended cantilever at the beam end in RAM Structural System. In RAM Elements, add a node on the opposite side of the column and update the member connectivity so that the beam is continuous over the column.

If beams from two directions frame into the top of the beam, then a column cap connection cannot be assigned. A "No Valid Joints Were Found Within Selected Members" error is displayed. If the beam in the other direction is intended to frame into the continuous beam over the column, it can be offset a short distance from the column grid line. A related problem occurs when attempting to assign a Beam-Girder connection at the beam intersection for this condition. A Beam-Column connection will be assigned instead. Offsetting the secondary beam from the column grid line will also resolve this issue.

RAM Connection requires that the webs of I-shaped columns in column cap plate connections are parallel to the beam span. In RC-SA, the following error is displayed if the column orientation is changed to 90 degrees:

In RC for RE or RC for RAM SS, a column cap connection will be assigned if the I-shaped column is orientated in the other direction. However, the connection will be displayed and designed as if the column was orientated in the opposite direction.

Column Splice Connections

Column splice joints are only allowed where there is only a column (vertical member) above and below the node. Where a beam or brace also intersects the same node the column splice is not allowed.

The column shape needs to be the same nominal depth and the bottom column must be equal or larger in depth.

Column splice connections are typically in two parts with a flange plates for moments and a web plate for shear.

Ram Connection for RAM Structural System Materials Problem

Some connection templates are limited to specific materials, eg. A36, A572 Gr50 only. In models imported from RAM SS only the yield stress Fy is known, so those connections types may not be allowed. For example, the Direct Weld template is limited to A36, A529 or A572 materials. A fix is in progress to allow RamFy50 or RamFy 36 to work there as well.

Similarly, the Ry and Rt values are not provided by Ram SS to Ram Connection, so those values should be checked closely. Imported Ram SS material constants can be edited through Ram Connection - Home ribbon menu - Databases - Materials. Do not edit the material names, however.

See Also

Structural Product TechNotes And FAQs

Problem Description

PS Properties is not showing up in the right click context menu

Steps to Resolve

1. Open ProStructures
2. In the AutoCAD command line tyep in "_OPTIONS" or in the right click menu select OPTIONS
3. Under AutoCAD options > Selection > Selection modes > Noun/verb selection

See Also

Problem Description

After converting a RAM Structural System model with embedded Ram Concept files to version 15.00 and then launching Ram Concept from the Ram Manager, the following type error may occur in Ram Concept:

Badly formatted project info: "{},"

Solution

In Ram Manager use the Bentley Cloud Services menu option to Disassociate Project from the model. 

You can Associate it back to a specific project afterwards. 

You can also open Ram Concept stand-alone and them Import any concrete level using File - Sync Ram Structural System...

See Also

Unlinking Ram Concept Files from RAM SS

Buckling analysis results that I get using a basic solver and advanced solver are different. For example the advanced solver reports some higher buckling factors and the analysis results corresponding to the buckling load ( displacements, reactions, member forces etc. ) also do not match between the two solvers. Can you please explain why ?

The difference is due to the fact that each solver has it’s own way of handling buckling analysis. The basic solver calculates buckling factor for just one mode whereas the advanced solver solves for 4 modes and the higher modes obviously would have higher buckling factors. Moreover the basic solver actually analyzes the structure for the load multiplied by the buckling load factor to give you the results for the buckling load case whereas advanced solver does not do that. For an advanced solver, if you want to look at the results at or near the buckling loads, you have to create a REPEAT LOAD case with the load case multiplied by a load factor ( which may be just smaller than the buckling load factor). You can then analyze the structure using a first order or a second order analysis to get the results at near buckling load.

I am using AISC code. How can I have STAAD do deflection check for service cases and do strength check for ultimate cases ?

For AISC 360-10, the design routine can do deflection checks based on SERVICEABILITY LOAD ENVELOPES and strength checks based on STRENGTH LOAD ENVELOPES as part of the same design cycle. One needs to define serviceability envelope and strength envelope first consisting of the appropriate cases and then define a LOAD LIST ENV command  for the design to consider these as explained below.

For example if you have a strength load case 10 and a serviceability case 11, you can set up the design as shown next

…

DEFINE ENVELOPE

11 ENVELOPE 1 TYPE SERVICEABILITY

10 ENVELOPE 2 TYPE STRENGTH

END DEFINE ENVELOPE

LOAD LIST ENVELOPE 1 2

PARAMETER

CODE AISC UNIFIED 2010

METHOD ASD

*specify all design parameters here including DFF, DJ1, DJ2

CHECK CODE ALL

…

The software would then use the Load case 11 for deflection check and load case 10 for strength checks.

Problem Description

In RAM Connection Stand Alone version 11, within the Joint Dialog for any joint type that utilizes a column or a brace, the user cannot select the desired section for the Column or Brace because only one table is available. No other groups or countries can be selected. Defect #324469

Reason

An error in the program's use of tables.

Steps to Resolve

Install Ram Connection 11.00.00.177 released November 16, 2015. Release notes here. In version 11.00.00.164 the size of the brace and column could still be changed within the Connection pad (though not saved). 

Issue list

[[Cannot Select Desired Column or Brace Section]] fixed in version 11.00.00.177

[[RAM Manager slow to refresh after closing Ram Connection]]

What is the maximum model size that STAAD.Pro can handle ?

The limits are as described below. The details are provided in technical reference manual section 5.2 titled Problem Initiation and Model Title

1.Joint number 1 to 999999
2.Number of joints: 200000
3.Member/Element numbers: 1 to 999999
4.Number of Members, Plates, and Solids: 225000
5.Load Case numbers: 1 to 99999
6.Number of primary and combination cases: 10101
7.Number of modes and frequencies: 2700
8.Number of load cases that may be combined by a Repeat Load or Load Combination command: 550

However operating systems impose limits on file and memory usage by applications and such limits can be reached with smaller models specially those with large number of load cases. So for all practical purposes,  one should try to keep models within 30,000 members/plates. Bigger models with large number of load cases not only take large time to analyze but working with such models can be inconvenient too as simple operations like navigating between the pages, that require refreshing the model view, can be slow.

Support Solutions

Structural Support Solutions 

Structural Drafting and Detailing Support Solutions

Structural Analysis and Design products

See Also

• Structural Integration and the Structural Dashboard
• Structural Drafting and Detailing products
• Bridge Design and Engineering products
• Pipe Stress Analysis products

Resources

• Structural Support Solutions
• Bentley Structural Team Blog
• Structural Analysis Product Forums

How to change the orientation (local axis) of the members/plates without remodeling the structure?

First select the members or the plates for which you would like to change the local axis orientation. Then depending on the entity type ( beam or plate ) choose the appropriate option mentioned next

For beam members, go to Tools > Redefine Incidence and choose an appropriate option.

For plates, go to Command > Geometric Constants > Plate Reference Point and set the reference point to which ( or away from which ) the local Z would point.

All Structural Synchronizer and ISM content is all under the parent Structural Product line. ISM Revit Plug-in topics are under Structural Drafting and Detailing. Links are maintained here for easier searching within the Structural Analysis Community.

ISM Main Page

Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Release Notes

ISM Revit Plug-in home

1. Go to the opening page of STAAD.Pro. In this page, you will only be able to see two options in the top menu bar – “File” and “Help”. Refer to Figure 1.

2. In the “File” menu, click on the “Configure” option. Please refer to Figure 1 below.

                                                         Figure 1

3. On clicking on the “Configure” option, the following is displayed (refer Figure 2). 

4. Click on the “drop-down” switch. The current base unit settings will be shown and highlighted. Click on the required Unit Settings and click on “Apply” and “Accept”. Refer Figure 2.

                                     Figure 2

5. Your Base Unit Settings are changed now.

This change would need to have read/write permissions to the staadpro20070.ini. Please ensure that you have the write permissions to the location where the INI file is located. This is located in C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\STAAD.Pro V8i SSX.

I am analyzing a FE model made of plates in STAAD.Pro. As I go on reducing the size of the plate mesh, my plate stresses seem to bigger and bigger. I am not able to arrive at a converged solution. Please advise.

Whereas it is correct that smaller mesh size can improve the accuracy of results but at the same time there are some other factors that one should pay attention to. Check for stress concentrations in the FE model and try to take care of these. For example stress concentration can happen underneath concentrated forces at certain locations of the model or it can happen at a support point or at a re-entrant corner. If you continue reducing the plate size for such cases, the stresses are only going to get higher and higher and the solution will never converge. If there are such occurrences, try addressing those by actions like replacing the concentrated load by a pressure load distributed over a certain area or trying to define some dummy rigid members around the support to spread out the stresses or adding fillets to sharp corners etc.

Overall, in regions where there are higher variations of stress, it is advisable to use a finer mesh. As a general guideline, it is good to have an aspect ratio for the elements to be less than 4:1 (1:1 being the ideal). Another guiding factor is the solution time. Whereas a finer mesh provides more accuracy, it also increases the problem size and is more demanding in terms of computational effort which in turn can slow down the analysis. So one has to strike a balance between the two.

I defined a composite deck and I am getting the following warning during analysis

   ***WARNING: MEMBER     1 HAS COMPOSITE PROPERTY ASSIGNED TO IT AND HENCE THE MATERIAL CONSTANTS

               ARE SET AS THOSE OF STEEL. CURRENT SPECIFICATION IS IGNORED EXCEPT DAMPING RATIO.

What does the warning mean ?

Whenever one defines a composite section in STAAD.Pro, the software assumes the material for the beam to be steel and slab is assumed to be made up of concrete. The material properties for the steel beams are automatically read from the standard material properties for steel available in the software database. The warning is a generic one and is intended to inform the user that even if a different material property is assigned to these beams, STAAD.Pro will always use the properties of steel that is there in it’s database for these beams except for the damping ratio. The warnings are always generated, even if one assigns steel property to these beams, just to cover for the fact that one can actually change the properties for material Steel using the editor after defining it. So even if one does that, the software would still use the material properties in it's database for the composite beam. The warning is harmless and for information only more than anything else.