Staad question: difference between surface element, plate element, and shell element?

Thanks so much.  I like the answers.

Dear Bruce,

if we take surface element as chess board and plate elements as assemblage of 64 square elements then

what happens to inplane moment ( Mz ) that appears in output of surface element analysis while only out of plane moments (Mx & My ) are avilable in output of plate element anlaysis. How to judge in-plane moment of the plate element.

thanks and regards

Santoshg

Dear Bruce,

if we take surface element as chess board and plate elements as assemblage of 64 square elements then

what happens to inplane moment ( Mz ) that appears in output of surface element analysis while only out of plane moments (Mx & My ) are avilable in output of plate element anlaysis. How to judge in-plane moment of the plate element.

thanks and regards

Santoshg

In the post-processing mode, in the Plate-Results Along Line page, cut a section through the wall. On the right side of the screen, a table will appear. It will have two tabs, one of which is called Total Force. In that tab, you will see an item called Mz (Line) In-plane moment. That will give you the value you are looking for.

i got what i wanted

thanks SKLose

regards

Santosh

Dear Sirs:

Can anyone tell me how to interpret the results of Surface design in STAAD. I modeled a surface having opening and the reinforcement  summary mentions:- Horizontal, vertical and Edge Rebar. What is the meaning  of this edge bars. for my result, the value is very high 70-10 DIA. What could be the reason for it? Along, sides of opening, it says horizontal boundary element 1- 16 dia..what does it mean??

Also under plate stress, I get MZ value along local X and local Y. How to interpret the same and why there are two MZ values. PL. EXPLAIN...Thanks in advance for support.

Alok