Is it possible to design a built up General type section in STAAD.Pro by using Eurocode 3 (EN 1993-1-1:2005)?
Usually built up General sections are created in 2 ways in STAAD.Pro:
1) By creating a custom section in the Section Wizard and importing it into STAAD.Pro as a General section type;2) By entering the sectional properties of the General type built up section in the Specification -> User Table -> User Table Manager.
Most of the design codes in STAAD.Pro can design such steel sections, however, the design is performed by considering it as an equivalent I section. Specifically, D, B, TD and TB values are used to provide the shape of that I section. Here:
D - Depth of the sectionTD - Thickness associated with section element parallel to depth (usually web). To be used to check depth/thickness ratioB - Width of the sectionTB - Thickness associated with section element parallel to flange. To be used to check width/thickness ratio
These parameters are used to calculate the section class of the member.
Eurocode 3 (EN 1993-1-1:2005) is the only design code as of now, which can design General section not only as an I section, but also as some other standard section, like channel, angle, tube, etc. This can be selected by using the design parameter GST in the EN 1993-1-1:2005:
The meaning of D, B, TD and TB values for each section type can be found here.