Applies To
	Product(s):	STAAD.Pro
	Version(s):	ALL
	Environment:	ALL
	Area:	Steel Design
	Subarea:	General Steel Design Solutions
	Original Author:	Sye Chakraborty, Bentley Technical Support Group

How to use the Automatic Effective Length Calculation tool. 

 

The Automatic Effective Length Calculation is a feature in STAAD that can assist in the generation of the effective length parameters (i.e., KY, KZ, LY, and LZ).  The program uses the rules outlined in AISC 360-16 Appendix 7 for this purpose.  Please note, to use this tool at least one parameter block must be defined in the model:

Here are the steps:

Go to the Steel Design – Whole Structure dialog box.

Click “Effective Length” at the bottom:

You will see the Effective Length Calculator window appear:

Enter the lateral restraint information for the members.  This includes the following:

     -The local directions (with respect to the member orientation) which are restrained.

     -The theta angle (the angle away from 90 degrees to the member at which connecting members can no longer provide sufficient restraint.)  

     -The collinearity tolerance. 

Specify the list of members to which theses parameters will be assigned.  There are three assignment methods to choose from:

     -Member List – enter the member numbers.  

     -Select on Model – use your mouse to click on members in the main window.

     -Select Group – one or more groups have been defined, select the group name containing the members. 

If you would like to see a preview of the effective length parameters, click the “Generate” button. 

Click Add to finalize the process.