Q1: How the provision for user defined limits of Deflection / Drift should be made or as per codal provisions, beyond which structural component should be shown as failed?
A1: For all Steel codes in STAAD.Pro, the deflection of an analytical / physical member can be checked with the code specified limit using the appropriate parameters (DFF, DJ1 and DJ2) for defined serviceability load cases. Through the DFF parameter the code specified limit can be mentioned. The members are attributed as failed member if they fail to satisfy this criteria.
For Equivalent Static and Response Spectrum analysis as per IS:1893-Part-1-2002, a “Print Story Drift” OR “Check Story Drift” command is available to check the story drift of any story so that it does not exceed 0.004 times the story height as per Clause 7.11.1. Warning message are printed if story drift exceeds this limitation. Please refer the corresponding section of the online help document for the details.
In the post-analysis Print specifications, if “Print Story Drift” command with an allowable drift factor is used, the program calculates the relative horizontal displacement between two adjacent floors. This calculated value is checked against the allowable limit. The result is reported as either "PASS" or "FAIL" in the output.
Q2: Is there any easier way to assign DJ1 and DJ2 in Steel Structure Design?
A2: Using the graphical user interface, DJ1 / DJ2, which are the assigned start / end nodes of a physical member for deflection checking of an analytical member, can be selected from a drop-down list containing all the node numbers in the model. We acknowledge that this is a tedious method, and there are plans to make this easier in future versions.
Q3: In the Limit State Method of Steel Design as per IS:800-2007, the design of Face to Face Channel is not supported.
A3: We have already taken up a plan to implement this feature in the upcoming SS6 version of STAAD.Pro, and you will get it by middle of this year.
Q4: Can STAAD.Pro design isolated footings?
A4: Yes, isolated footings can be designed in STAAD.foundation 5.3 which is installed together with STAAD.Pro and uses STAAD.Pro license. Supports from the recent versions of STAAD.Pro into STAAD.foundation can be exported via Foundation Design mode.