STAAD.Pro is capable of performing design operations on specified members. Once an analysis has been performed, the program can select the most economical section, that is, the lightest section, which satisfies the applicable code requirements.

The section selected will be of the same type (I-Section, Channel etc.) as originally specified by the user. Member selection may be performed with all types of steel sections listed in D8.B.12 Built-in Indian Steel Table and user-provided tables. Selection of members whose properties are originally provided from user-specified table is limited to sections in the user-provided table.

Member selection cannot be performed on members whose cross sectional properties are specified as PRISMATIC.

The process of MEMBER SELECTION may be controlled using the parameters listed in D8.B.4 Design Parameters. The parameters DMAX and DMIN may be used to specify member depth constraints for selection. If PROFILE parameter is provided, the search for the lightest section is restricted to that profile. Up to three (3) profiles may be provided for any member with a section being selected from each one.

Refer to D1.B.1.4 Member Selection for general information on Member Selection. Refer to TR.49.1 Member Selection Specification for details the specification of the Member Selection command.