STAAD.foundation V8i SELECT series 3 (Release 5.2)

STAAD.foundation V8i SELECT series 3 (Release 5.2) is now available on SELECT to download. Version 5.2 is a major update on version 5.1. This version tries to close the gap in terms of number of modules supported by different codes. The US code still supports most design modules, but adding Canadian pile cap design is the right step towards closing the gap.

As promised, Indian pedestal design and British pedestal design are also added. Overall 12 new features are described in the What's New document along with many major enhancements.

A pre-formatted excel file is included which can be used to import supports, load cases, reactions, column geometry and even jobs. It opens up the possibility of integration with other structural software. This spreadsheet file can be found in the program installation folder.

Some of the other new features are as follows:

1. Implementation of Context sensitive help. You can press the F1 key to launch relevant help. A toolbar button is also added to make this feature more visible. This tool can be used as an alternate method to launch context sensitive help.
   
   

• Fixed length and width options for isolated footing design are now available. In addition to "set dimension" where all dimensions need to be fixed, now there is a nice option to fix only footing length or footing width. This feature is very useful when foundation size is restricted for site conditions.
  
  

• Another nice utility feature is the new option to control the percentage of uplift allowed. This has been a common requested feature from our users. The program will automatically increase footing sizes based on given increment criteria until it satisfies the allowable uplift condition. This parameter can be controlled through "cover and soil" page and applicable only for isolated footing design.
  
  

• Now soil weight on top of a mat foundation can be added for mat analysis without the need of defining pressure loads. Soil density and height can be defined in the "soil property" page. As soil height is defined on each region separately, it allows having different soil thickness at different parts of the same mat. The calculation sheet reports applied soil pressure for each region during analysis.
  
  

For a detailed list of new enhancements and features please review "What's New" document