FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING

-Jason P. Guzman

1. Aspect Ratio 1:1 (advisable) preferably less than 4:1.

2. Angles should be not much larger than 90 and not greater than 180.
3. Suggesting a simple thickness check via shear and serviceability requirements prior to modelling.
(it is very hard to edit geometry if you didn’t evaluate thickness first, avoid revisions of geometry
if possible. (which is impossible)
4. Plate should be counterclockwise always to control local axis orientation for forces extraction.
5. Consider thickness of element in meshing to get accurate results.
6. Model Corner Joints and edge with rigid infinitely stiff elements.
7. Avoid Triangular and trapezoidal plates if possible.
8. Always Check Local Axis for Corner Stresses interpretation
9. Use coarse meshing at critical areas. (ex. Columns to flatslabs)
10. Maximize Hydrostatic loading feature for easier loading.
11. Use “Advance Solver” in running to run more quicker.
12. Fully understand “Sign Convention of Plate Element Stresses and Moments”
(see STAAD Technical Reference)
13. Use Plate Mat option for spring supports. (to avoid computing tributary areas for support)
But you need to satisfy requirements before using it. (use with caution)
(see Trevor book for reference)
-Reference Loads
-Repeat loads
-Compression Springs
-Iteration convergence
Recommended References:

Finite-Element-Design-of-Concrete-Structures-2004-G-a-Rombach

Staad Technical Reference