STAAD Foundation Mat control region issues

Instead of quadrilateral elements, if you use the Mixed Quad and Triangle Meshing, the program is able to generate the mesh. However, there is a warning regarding orphan nodes which we are investigating.

One of the sides of the control region that you have specified shares a common boundary with the mat. But it has the same thickness as the rest of the mat. So, what is the purpose of this control region? What we mean is, what physical attribute in the model are you trying to simulate using this region?

Good day, 

Thanks for your response. However, I have tried several iterations, therefore the model I uploaded is only representative of one of the many options tried. I have used mixed quad, but it still gives me the error "SFA is unable to mesh....", and when I use triangular meshing I have problems with the orphan nodes. 

To answer your question - I am trying to replicate a beam/slab thickening for specific sections in my slab, however, due to the errors I was receiving, I ran a check to see what would happen if the control region was the same depth as the rest of my slab. A key point to note: I have modelled this slab in previous versions of STAAD foundation advanced without errors or warning. If possible, could you provide an example file with a control region for my observation?

We acknowledge the orphan node error and some other discrepancies in meshing when control regions are present. We will get back to you ASAP with a sample model and a workaround if any.

Ok, thanks. I look forward to receiving positive feedback. 

Many of the problems associated with meshing have been corrected. Here is the meshed view of your model from the current version - 9.3.0.14.

Many of the problems associated with meshing have been corrected. Here is the meshed view of your model from the current version - 9.3.0.14.