D11.A.5 Member Design
There are two methods available in STAAD.Pro for checking members against the requirements of NZS 3404:
- Analytical member method (referred to as MEMBER design), and
- Physical member method (referred to as PMEMBER design)
Traditionally STAAD.Pro performed code checks
based on single analytical members (i.e., single members between two nodes). This
implementation assumes that the design inputs (except forces and section properties) remain
same throughout the length of the member. Physical member design on the other hand allows
you to group single or multiple analytical members into a single physical design member for
the purposes of design to NZS 3404. Thus the some of the design inputs related to member
strength (unbraced lengths etc.) varies along the length of the member.