SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
Introduction to STAAD Pro.
STAAD is a popular structural analysis application known for analysis. STAAD helps
structural engineers perform 3D structural analysis and design for both steel and concrete
structures. A physical model created in the structural design software can be transformed into an
analytical model for structural analysis. Many design code standards are incorporated into
STAAD to make sure that the structural design complies with local regulations.
STAAD. Pro Stands for Structural Analysis and Design Program software widely used
in civil engineering for modeling, analyzing, and designing a variety of structures such as
buildings, bridges, towers, tunnels, and more. It offers a comprehensive and versatile set of tools
for engineers to simulate the behavior of structures under various loading conditions, including
static, dynamic, and nonlinear analyses.
It includes a state-of-the-art user interface, visualization tools and international design
codes.
It is used for 3D model generation, Analysis and Multi-material design.
The commercial version of STAAD.Pro supports several steel, concrete and timber design
codes.
It is one of the software applications created to help structural engineers to automate their
tasks and to remove the tedious and long procedures of the manual methods.
The stiffness analysis implemented in STAAD is based on the matrix displacement method.
In the matrix analysis of structures by the displacement method, the structure is first
idealized into an assembly of discrete structural components (frame members or finite
elements). Each component has an assumed form of displacement in a manner which
satisfies the force equilibrium and displacement compatibility at the joints.
First structural software which adopted Matrix Methods for the method of analysis was
STAAD.
History
STAAD.Pro was originally developed by Research Engineers International in Yorba
Linda, CA. In late 2005, Research Engineer International was bought by Bentley Systems.
Structure
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 1
SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
STRUCTURE can be defined as an assemblage of elements. STAAD can analyze and
designing structures consisting of both frame, and finite elements. Almost any type of structure
can be analyzed by STAAD.
Frame elements – Beam elements – 2 nodes,
Finite elements – Plate – 3 or 4 nodes; Solid – 4 to 8 nodes
In STAAD
Node refers to Joint -It has a number and XYZ coordinates.
Beam refers to Member -It has a number and nodes at its ends
Plate refers to Element -It has a number and node at its corners
Types of Structure
A TRUSS structure consists of truss members which can have only axial member forces
and no bending in the members.
A PLANE structure is bound by a global X-Y coordinate system with loads in the same
plane.
A SPACE structure, which is a three-dimensional framed structure with loads applied in
any plane, is the most general.
A FLOOR structure is a two- or three-dimensional structure having no horizontal (global X
or Z) movement of the structure [FX, FZ & MY are restrained at every joint]. The floor
framing (in global X-Z plane) of a building is an ideal example of a FLOOR structure.
Columns can also be modelled with the floor in a FLOOR structure as long as the structure
has no horizontal loading. If there is any horizontal load, it must be analyzed as a SPACE
structure.
STAAD.Pro Workflow Process:
All structural analysis software generally consists of three parts:
Pre-Processing: Generates the model, assembles, and organizes all data needed for the
analysis.
Processing: Calculates displacements, member forces, reactions, stresses, etc.
Post Processing: Displays the results.
The process of modeling and designing in STAAD.Pro can be summarized into the following
general workflow process, which is suggested inherently by the on-screen organization of the tabs
within the program
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 2
SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
1. Basic Geometry: Define the basic geometry of the structure using beams, columns, plates
and/or solid elements.
2. Section Properties: Define the sizes of members by width, depth, cross sectional shape, etc.
3. Materials Constants: Specify material such as timber, steel, concrete, or aluminium to
define Poisson’s Ratio, Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, density, etc.
4. Member Specifications: Define member orientations, member offsets, member releases
where moment transfer is to be limited or eliminated, and conditions that only allow a partial
transfer of certain types of forces such as tension-only.
5. Supports: Define support locations and boundary conditions including moment fixity,
support stiffness, and support angle.
6. Loads: Assign loads such as self-weight, dead, live, wind and seismic, and define load
combinations.
7. Analysis Instructions: Indicate the type of analysis to be performed (regular analysis, P-
delta, Buckling, Pushover, etc.) and define associated options.
8. Post Processing Commands: Extract analysis results, review deflected shapes, prepare
shear and moment diagrams, generate tables to present results, etc.
9. Design Commands: Specify (for steel, concrete, timber, etc.)
The STAAD.Pro start page is displayed as follows
STAAD Pro. key features
(A) = Title bar (B) = Menu bar
C)= Toolbars (D) = Mode bar
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SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
(E) = Page Control F) = View window
G) = Data area (H) = Status bar
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 4
SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
Experiment No: 01
Analysis of Continuous Beam
Objective: Analyze the following Two-Dimensional continuous beam (Fig: 2.1) under vertical
loads and find out the following values
a) Support reactions
b) Shear Force and
c) Bending moment
A continuous beam is a type of structural beam that extends over multiple
supports. This design provides increased structural stability and load distribution, compared
to a simple beam with only two supports. Unlike simply supported beams, which are
supported at their ends only, continuous beams have support at more than two points. This
arrangement allows them to distribute loads more efficiently and reduces bending moments
compared to simply supported beams of the same span length. The primary advantage of
continuous beams is their ability to provide greater resistance to bending moments and
deflections, resulting in a more stable and structurally efficient system. Continuous beams
are commonly used in building construction for floor and roof systems, as well as in bridges
and other infrastructure projects. They can be made of various materials such as reinforced
concrete, steel, or timber, depending on the specific requirements of the project and the
desired structural performance. Designing continuous beams involves considerations such as
span length, support conditions, applied loads, material properties, and code requirements.
Structural engineers use analytical methods and software tools like STAAD.Pro to analyze
and design continuous beams, ensuring they meet safety, durability, and functionality
standards.
Fig: 2.1 Continuous Beam
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SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
Procedure:
1. Geometry (Model creating):
Open STAAD Pro. software →File → New →Write the File Name and select
Location→ Length Units = Metric, → Create.
Now put the coordinates right side node table for point A (X=0, Y=0,Z=0), B (X=4, Y=0,
Z=0), C (X=9, Y=0, Z=0), D (X=15, Y=0, Z=0), Then add beam by giving the member nodes
at right side of beam table as member AB (node 1 to 2), BC (node 2 to 3) and CD (node 3 to
4).
2. Properties:
Property: Define →Rectangle →Material = CONCRETE → YD = 0.3 m, ZD
=0.23 m → Add →Close then for Assign select the property and click on Assign to View
→Assign → Yes.
3. Supports:
Create →Fixed → Pinned → Add. Now for Assign click on the Support type →Select the
Support point in Beam →Assign to Selected Nodes →Assign →Yes
4. Loading
Load Cases Details → Add → Loading Type = Dead →Title = Dead Load or DL → Add
→ Again Loading Type = Live →Title = Live Load or LL → Add → Close.
DL →Add →Self weight →Direction = Y, Factor = -1→Add →Close. Then
SELFWEIGHT Y-1 →Assign to View →Assign →Yes.
For Given loads: Again, Live Load or LL →Add →Member Load →Concentrated Force
→P1 = -50 kN, d1= 2 m, d2=0.115 m →Direction = Y(Local) →Add
→Close, then click on defined force and select the required Beam → Assign to selected
Beams →Assign →Yes.
The same process follows for others Concentrated and Uniform distributed forces.
Load Combination: Load Cases Details → Add →Define Combinations →Name `= UFL
→Select DL → click on > and input ai = 1.5, LL → click on > and input ai = 1.5→ Add
The same process follows for others Concentrated and Uniform distributed forces
5. Analysis.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 6
SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
From left corner side click on Analysis/print Command →Click on Static Check or All
→Add →Close
Click on Pre analysis command → Define commands → All → Add → Close.
Click on Post analysis command → Define commands → Analysis results → Add →
Close.
Click on Run Analysis → Save → Go to post processing mode →Done →Selected load
cases = DL+LL →Apply →OK.
For Support Reactions use node cursor and click on the support point →Reactions. Then
get the Table for all Support Reactions.
For Beam Forces: click on Beam →Graphs the find out Bending moment, Shear force,
and Axial force by clicking on required Beam from the following.
For Displacement (Deflection) of point go to Result (from Menu bar) →Deflection. use
node cursor and click on the required point by using Node cursor →Displacements. Then
get the Table for all Node Displacements.
6. Results:
a. Support Reaction
b. Shear Force
c. Bending Moment
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 7
SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
Experiment No: 02
Analysis of Portal Frame
Objective: Analyze the following Two-Dimensional Portal frame under vertical loads and find
out the following values
a. Support reactions
b. Shear Force and
c. Bending moment
d. Displacement (Deflection)
A portal frame is a structural system commonly used in building construction to provide
support and stability for low to medium-rise structures. It consists of vertical columns. and
horizontal beams rigidly connected to form a framework that supports the building's roof and
floors. The distinctive characteristic of portal frames is their rigid joints, which connect the
columns and beams at their intersections. These connections resist rotation, ensuring that the
frame behaves as a single structural unit capable of carrying both vertical and lateral loads.
Procedure:
1. Geometry (Model creating):
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 8
SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
Open STAAD Pro. software →File → New →Write the File Name and
select Location→ Length Units = Metric, → Create.
Now put the coordinates right side node table for point A (X=0, Y=4,Z=0), B
(X=4, Y=4, Z=0), C (X=4, Y=0, Z=0), D (X=8, Y=4, Z=0), E (X=8, Y=0, Z=0)
Then add
beam by giving the member nodes at right side of beam table as member AB (node 1
to 2), BC (node 2 to 3), BD (node 2 to 4) and ED (node 4 to 5).
2. Properties:
Property: Define →Rectangle →Material = CONCRETE → YD = 0.3 m, ZD
=0.23 m → Add →Close then for Assign select the property and click on Assign to
View →Assign → Yes.
3. Supports:
Create → Pinned → Add. Now for Assign click on the Support type →Select the Support point
in Beam →Assign to Selected Nodes →Assign →Yes
4. Loading
Load Cases Details → Add → Loading Type = Dead →Title = Dead Load or DL →
Add
→ Again Loading Type = Live →Title = Live Load or LL → Add → Close. DL →Add
→Self weight →Direction = Y, Factor = -1→Add →Close. Then SELFWEIGHT Y-1
→Assign to View →Assign →Yes.
For Given loads: Again, Live Load or LL →Add →Member Load →Concentrated
Force
→P1 = -60 kN, d1= 1.5 m, d2=0.115 m →Direction = Y(Local) →Add →Close,
then click on defined force and select the required Beam → Assign to selected
Beams→Assign →Yes.
The same process follows for others Concentrated and Uniform distributed forces.
Load Combination: Load Cases Details → Add →Define Combinations →Name =
UFL
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SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
→Select DL → click on > and input ai = 1.5, LL → click on > and input ai = 1.5→
Add
5. Analysis:
From left corner side click on Analysis/print Command →Click on Static Check or
All→Add →Close
Click on Pre analysis command → Define commands → All → Add → Close.
Click on Post analysis command → Define commands → Analysis results → Add →
Close.
Click on Run Analysis → Save → Go to post processing mode →Done →Selected load
cases = DL+LL →Apply →OK.
For Support Reactions use node cursor and click on the support point →Reactions.
Then get the Table for all Support Reactions.
For Beam Forces: click on Beam →Graphs the find out Bending moment, Shear force,
and Axial force by clicking on required Beam from the following.
6. Results
a. Support Reaction
b. Shear Force
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 10
SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
c. Bending Moment
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SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
d. Displacement
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SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application developed by Microsoft. It's
widely used for data organization, analysis, and visualization across various industries and
professions. Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is available on Windows,
macOS, and through web and mobile apps.
What is Excel Used For?
Data entry and organization
Mathematical calculations
Data analysis
Charting and graphing
Financial modeling
Budgeting and forecasting
Database management
Project planning
Basic Terms You Should Know
Cell: The intersection of a row and a column (e.g., A1).
Range: A group of selected cells (e.g., A1:B5).
Formula: An expression that calculates the value of a cell (e.g., =A1+B1).
Function: Predefined formulas (e.g., =SUM(A1:A5)).
Ribbon: The top menu that contains tools and options organized in tabs like
"Home", "Insert", "Formulas".
Popular Excel Functions
Function Description
SUM(range) Adds all numbers in a range
AVERAGE(range) Calculates the mean
IF(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false) Performs logic tests
VLOOKUP() / XLOOKUP() Searches for a value in a table
COUNT() Counts numbers
MAX() / MIN() Finds the highest / lowest value
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 13
SOFTWARE APPLICATION LAB (BCVL606)
Function Description
Experiment No 7
Design the rate of superelevation for a horizontal highway curve of
radius 500 m and speed 100 kmph
Given,
Radius R= 500 m
Velocity V= 100 kmph
2
Elevation e = V /225R
e= 0.09
If it exceeds more than 0.07 then the actual value is neglated
2
f= V /127*R - 0.07
0.08748
As the value is less than 0.15, the design is suitable for
superelevation of 0.07
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VNEC, SHORAPUR 14