STAAD Pro Basic Commands

Basic commands  Snap Node/ Beam  Nodes cursor  Beams Cursor  Plates cursor  Add beam  Add 4 node plates  Add surface  Insert Node and its application Shift + B – shows the number of beams Shift + N – shows the number of nodes Graphical User Interface (GUI) Translational Repeat-This command is usually used to repeat the element in linear direction. Circular Repeat-This command is usually used to repeat the element in radial direction. Generate mirror -This command is used to create the same object at a distance. Nodal Load Under this two categories are available 

we can apply a loads and moments at nodes in different directions. It is usually used to apply loads in case of plane and space trusses and supports of different beams.



Under Nodal Load next one is Support Displacement. In this case if any of the beams supports sinks or in case the supports different levels then we can fill the magnitude and direction of displacement in this column.

Member Load - It is adopted only on horizontal members (beam) and vertical members (column). Plate loads - The next one is plate loads. Usually it is used to design the slabs, masonry walls and so on. Surface Loading - Surface loading also the same function of plate loading Seismic Load - This load is considered where the earth quake occurs. The direction of seismic is assigned.

Wind Load - When building is up growing above 3 storey the wind load should be considered. In multistory building when the height of building is higher, the winds pressure also more.

Points to be remember while designing:  First draw the structure to be designed using nodes, beams, plates, surfaces.  While drawing important thing to be considered is first complete the small element of the portion then repeat that for a whole structure.  Then assume the material, properties, dimensions of the elements.  Then define various loading conditions.  At Last analyze the structure.