Thanks for pointing that out. I see it in the Build 1001 Release Report now that you mention it. Notice though that I said "linear buckling" or in other words eignevalue buckling. This is like no eigenvalue buckling analysis I've ever seen. By their own admission in the release report the buckling deformed shape is simply the deformed shape from a static analysis with near buckling load applied. I tried checking a pinned-pinned column and, what da ya know, it got the correct buckling factor. But, as they warn you the buckling shape was totally bogus.
They also say to see section 5.37 for more explanation, but this section doesn't even mention buckling in the on-line help. Yes I have the latest version (build 03). And why are they hiding Stardyne? Unless it's as yo intimate, that it's not fully compatible with STAAD. If that's the case, then why have it at all? I personally don't care because I have the advanced analysis engine so I don't see myself ever usig Stardyne again.
Anyway, my point remains the same. This buckling analysis only gives you the first mode, it doesn't show the correct mode shape and they've moved something that used to be obvious to the realm of you gotta call to get it, without bothering to mention that. In my book this is reduced functionality from previous versions.
I am appreciative of you pointing it out though but I just don't see what good it is for complex structures if I can't even look at the mode shape to see if it makes sense.