Applies To
	Product(s):	STAAD.Pro
	Version(s):	ALL
	Environment:	ALL
	Area:	Postprocessing workflow
	Subarea:
	Original Author:	Bentley Technical Support Group

I am modelling a concrete slab using plate elements. I am looking for the moments in the slab at the center of each element. I noticed that the output gives the bending moments per unit width. What is the per unit width? Would that be the thickness of the plate element?

For Mx, the unit width is a unit distance at the center of the element, parallel to the local Y axis.

For My, the unit width is a unit distance at the center of the element, parallel to the local X axis.

Diagrams explaining the various plates forces, moments and stresses are available at section General Engineering Theory > G.5 Finite Element Information > G.5.1 Plate and Shell Elements of the STAAD.Pro Help.