It would be great to be able to mesh a STAAD stick model using the assigned profiles (i.e. having the software replace the beam with a set of plates to match the flange/web sizes and thicknesses) in order to do some high level finite element analysis. Would be great for structural engineers that regularly has to do this by hand.
Have been doing this by hand to visualise member stresses in highly stressed scenarios (e.g. where a large point load is applied mid-span to a beam or large anchor structures). I would say that a first generation of this feature should not worry too much about the node where profiles meet (i.e. single node or line of nodes). This will obviously result in high stresses at said "connection" but the engineer needs to take this into account of the first generation limitations and design connection elsewhere or by manual modelling in addition to the proposed STAAD function.
If it works well; second generation can focus on getting the connection detai/plate/etc. included in the plate mesh to provide REALLY good welded connection design functionality.
Once again, if successful, third generation (populating a long term wishlist here) can look at bolting and plate stresses local to bolt holes, but this is a wishlist item far beyond the original intent of this idea.
Thank you for posting this idea. What problem are you trying to solve with an fea plate model of the STAAD model frame model? Are you looking to create an FEA model of one or more joints or the whole model? What logic should be used where two profiles meet? There would need to be a clear set of principles which for general structures may not necessarily be that used in an offshore solution like SACS.
This feature is already available in SACS. Good if we implement it in STAAD.