Staad Rcdc

Question

Rcdc borrows analysis result from staad for design. Ok. But Rcdc has the option to change the sectional properties of columns and beams. The design forces in members in staad are dependent not only on loads but also on sectional properties. Under the circumstances how Rcdc can change the section on its own without reanalysing in staad. Please comment.

DSANJU · Accepted Answer

As you know, RCDC is design software used at many stages of the project - schematic, preliminary or final design stages. In case user wishes to change sizes of structural members, RCDC allows that because user may be doing it for trial purposes. In this case, it is user’s discretion or judgement to go ahead with that change or change the analysis files. 
 
Actually RCDC also allows user to update the analysis file with updated member properties. 
 
So RCDC provides user both the options, to change the size and continue or to reanalyse the building. 
 
We hope that this clarifies your doubt.

Aswathi A · Answer

After design if the member fails, you have the option Resign Section and Redesign Column/Beam option in RCDC which will allow you to change the size of the member