What is This Feature?

You may import or open STAAD (.std) script files as an entirely new project, also known as command language files. To open a STAAD file you may use File | Import | STAAD File. You may also export to a pseudo STAAD file, which will require editing before importing into VisualAnalysis or any other program.

Why STAAD?

The purpose of this feature is to make possible some data transfer of basic model and load information among different structural analysis products. It may not be easy.

STAAD has been around a very long time and many programs offer STAAD import/export abilities. This command is not designed to read most .std files without some simplification!  It does not begin to support every feature of this command language. You will need to modify your .std file in order for VisualAnalysis to read it successfully.

Limitations

Many STAAD commands are not supported either for import or export. Some commands are 'accessories' to the core model and load data and will just be ignored.  Other commands will impede your ability to import the data at all. The STAAD file is text-based, you can edit it in Notepad to remove commands before importing!

We do not even expect to be able to read back a STAAD file that we write out! You may need to edit or modify any STAAD file before it will import into VisualAnalysis.

Supported Commands

The following commands are acceptable, but may be significantly restricted in terms of options or features!  You may still need to edit or remove some of them.

STAAD (SPACE)
UNIT
JOINT COORDINATES
MEMBER INCIDENCES
ELEMENT INCIDENCES
MEMBER TRUSS
MEMBER RELEASE
MEMBER PROPERTY (Prismatic and database shapes should work, names must match exactly the VA shape path and name)
ELEMENT PROPERTY (THICKNESS)
DEFINE MATERIAL
ISOTROPIC
SUPPORTS
LOADING
SELFWEIGHT
JOINT LOAD
MEMBER LOAD (UNI, CON, TRAP)
ELEMENT LOAD PRESSURE (Local only)
LOAD COMBINATION
FINISH

Unsupported Commands

These common unsupported commands may prevent your STAAD file from importing:

CONSTANT [use DEFINE MATERIAL and ISOTROPIC instead]
PERFORM ANALYSIS
REPEAT
CODE
GENERATE
PAGE
OUTPUT