G.2 Types of Structures
A STRUCTURE can be defined as an assemblage of elements. STAAD.Pro is capable of analyzing and designing structures consisting of frame, plate/shell, and solid elements. Almost any type of structure can be analyzed by STAAD.Pro.
- SPACE
- A3D framed structure with loads applied in any plane. This structure type is the most general.
- PLANE
- This structure type is bound by a global X-Y coordinate system with loads in the same plane.
- TRUSS
- This structure type consists of truss members which can have only axial member forces and no bending in the members.
- FLOOR
- A 2D or 3D structure having no horizontal (global X or Z) movement of the structure [FX, FZ, and MY are restrained at every joint]. The floor framing (in global X-Z plane) of a building is an ideal example of a this type of structure. Columns can also be modeled 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.
Specification of the correct structure type reduces the number of equations to be solved during the analysis. This results in a faster and more economic solution for the user. The degrees of freedom associated with frame elements of different types of structures is illustrated in the following figure.