During my last project I kept track of time lost as a result of deficiencies, bugs, outdated technology, and lack of proper tools in STAAD Pro. I estimated that approximately 32% of the total hours were wasted. This time could be saved if I were using high quality software like Scia Engineer, Dlubal RFEM, SAP/ETABS, or Midas. As I don’t have choice to use other software, I would appreciate comments, guides, links to add-on(s), etc. that can help me to resolve some of the issues listed below and use software more effectively:
Geometry/Modeling/GUI
Loads
Results
Note: Format and structure of the output file is arguably the worst I have seen among not only commercial, but also free structural software. I hope developers will do something about this.
Design (all the items relate to Canadian Steel Code):
Thanks
Ram_STAAD,
Some of the limitations that exist in STAAD.Pro are difficult to correct as the program's architecture makes it difficult to do. That is one the reasons why Bentley is developing STAAD(X) as the program that will replace STAAD.Pro in a few years. The goal is to include as many of the popular features of STAAD.Pro as possible, and to implement them in a manner that the limitations that exist in STAAD.Pro are addressed.
Kris,
I understand that. And I appreciate the effort put in to developing a better product. My concern and question is whether or not will we be able to make use of the new package under existing product licenses.
Surely, if we have to go for a new license for STAAD (X), it is as good as purchasing a new package altogether!
That said, I am really alarmed that any new product would invalidate the support and further development of the existing product. In our case, STAAD Pro. Since we have pointed out existing issues with the package, can we expect them to be addressed in subsequent release versions of the product? Or are you going to leave us stranded in no man's land?!