Modelling Trusses in Etabs or Staad
Modelling Trusses in Etabs or Staad
(OP)
In Truss Analysis, which software is better to produce a reliable result, Etabs or Staad?
I tried modelling thru Etabs and Staad. Etabs gives a more conservative output compared to Staad. Resulting to more failed members in Etabs.
I tried modelling thru Etabs and Staad. Etabs gives a more conservative output compared to Staad. Resulting to more failed members in Etabs.






RE: Modelling Trusses in Etabs or Staad
RE: Modelling Trusses in Etabs or Staad
Try end conditions, support conditions, load magnitude/direction, code requirements, etc.
RE: Modelling Trusses in Etabs or Staad
This was drilled into my head by my senior and I try and drill into the heads of all our young engineers. The diagrams don't care what software was used to create them and will reveal real fast any wrong member or node fixities. This advice applies for a simply beam to a full building model all these software packages are very good at visualizing the results and some can even animate the deflection which can show you weak points in a frame model and soft stories in a building model.
Also of large importance with Staad and Etabs or any node based software are member unbraced lengths and how they are captured in the software. I know a beam with a node added at mid point but not segmented in Staad will have an unbraced length eqaul to the distance between the end nodes, likewise if it was segmented the unbraced length would be the distance from end node to the mid point node.
RE: Modelling Trusses in Etabs or Staad
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Modelling Trusses in Etabs or Staad