Structural Analysis: Modeling Rules for Plate/Shell in STAAD.Pro

Dear reader we have published a series of posts regarding import drawing from AutoCAD to STAAD.Pro. Next we have provided information about structural system, P-∆ analysis of structure and also about plate/shell that can be handled with STAAD.Pro. Now we will penetrate deep through the plate and shell. Dear reader we will also with ETABS with you. Perhaps we have provided plates in our different projects but do we know how to use it, what is the efficiency of plates. Dear reader we will discuss this fact here.


We should remember the following modeling rules related to geometry while providing plate/shell like element in our structure:


Counter-Clockwise assignment of plate in STAAD.Pro

a. Perhaps we have found many warning before completion of analysis. Most of them are related to material properties, bad shape or warping of element x,y,z…..etc. Some warning instructs to orient element clockwise or counter clockwise. Regarding plates/shells it can be concluded that in assigning nodes, in input data, to particular element; it should be specified in either clockwise or counter clockwise orientation. To have better efficiency, a sequential numbering for similar element is required.

Clockwise assignment of plate in STAAD.Pro


Generated centered nodeb. In this program a fifth node is generated automatically at the center of element. It is fictitious one.

c. There have a limitation in aspect ratio of element. These should not be beyond the limit. The limitations are as follows:

Preferred –(1:1)
Not less that (4:1)

d. No distortion of individual elements is allowed. There have limitation in the angular difference between two adjacent elements of this type:

The limitation is preferred <900
Must not >1800

Dear reader we will finish this post here. But in the next post we will meet with the solution of question how are loads specified in plate elements.

1 comment:

  1. It is better to left link for the next post so that we can be directed to your next post easily. Thanks for the post.

    ReplyDelete