The new release of STAAD.Pro 2007 includes 22 features added to STAAD.Pro 2007 and 115 updates. The new features include updates to the graphical user interface (GUI), a new analysis method as defined by the AISC, known as Direct Analysis, and additional steel and concrete design options.
Here are some of the most significant updates:
General
Keep informed of the latest news, update information and advise with a RSS (Really Simple Syndication) window added to the main start page.
Every time STAAD.Pro is launched the program obtains information that can be tailored to best suit the user.
Finite Element Meshing
Additional finite element meshing routines have been added to allow for better modeling.
The Parametric Modeling section has been enhanced with two additional methods of creating a finite element mesh beyond the basic method previously available. The Standard and Advanced(*) methods provide alternative solutions of triangular and quad element meshes which can be previewed prior to committing to the model.
Direct Analysis
The AISC 360-05 Appendix 7 describes a method of analysis, called Direct Analysis, which accounts for the second order effects resulting from deformation in the structure due to applied loading, imperfections and reduced bending stiffness of members due to the presence of axial load.
This is a non-linear iterative analysis as the stiffness of the members is dependent upon the forces generated by the load. The analysis will iterate, in each step changing the member characteristics until the maximum change in any Tau-b is less than the tau_tolerance; if the maximum change in any Tau-b is less than 100*tau_tolerance AND the maximum change in any displacement degree of freedom is less than the disp_tolerance, then the solution has converged for this case.
Notional Loads
The notional loads that need to be considered in a number of design codes can now be created automatically by selecting gravity load cases, choosing the direction to apply the notional load and the factor. STAAD.Pro will then convert the vertical loads into the horizontal load, constantly maintained by any change in the referenced gravity load cases.
IBC 2006
The seismic provisions of IBC 2006 are available as both the distributed base shear for use with a static analysis and as a defined response spectrum for use in a dynamic analysis.
Concrete Design Mode(*)
Additional design options have been added for the US, ACI 318-2005 beam, column and slab design, for Australia AS 3600-2001 beam and column design and for Europe Eurocode EC2 2004 beam and column design.
RAM Connection Mode(*)
The interoperability with the RAM Connection application has been enhanced to support the RAM Connection feature of having multiple connections at a joint as different templates are used to design different parts of a connection.
(*) Note: Certain features described above require access to appropriate licenses in order to operate.
For a complete list of new features and updates, check out 'What's New in STAAD.Pro 2007 Build 03' and 'Revision History' in the online help and the .txt file installed with the application.