STAAD Feet vs Inches

[Althalus]

I've inherited a model that was built using inches as the base unit. But I've found problems with that when analyzing the section properties, etc. And it appears to be the case with the current model I have.

Is there a fairly easy way to just scale down the model x1/12 so I can change all the units to feet?

 

[JoelTXCive]

This probably doesn't qualify as 'fairly easy'..... but here's an idea....

You might be able to cut & paste all the node locations from the Staad editor into excel. (in separate columns)

Once into Excel you can divide all node locations by 12. (X,Y, & Z points).

Then re-paste all the nodes back into a text editor, and the paste again into the Staad editor.

This would not be my first choice of solutions....maybe someone else has a better idea.

 

[RWW0002]

In STAAD units do not all have to be consistent through the file. It can be one unit for joint coordinates and then another for Member Properties (I think.. Haven't tried this in a while..

Here is your "fix" (I think)

In the Command file - I believe units can be entered before each command For instance:
UNIT INCH KIP
JOINT COORDINATES
1 0 0 240; 2......

Then before Define Material

UNIT FEET KIP
DEFINE MATERIAL START
ISOTROPIC STEEL
E 4.176e+06
....

I believe this should work. If not I think Joel's approach above should work easily (lilely a better solution than mine honestly)

 

[TRAK.Structural]

Another option could be to export the data you are trying to review/analyze into excel and just convert the units as desired there. What's "easy" is just a matter of preference.

 

[dozer]

Can you post the STAAD model (.std file)? As RWW0002 said, you can mix units in STAAD. I can't imagine a case where this would get goofed up unless someone went into the file and changed units manually. If that happened, you could just correct the offending UNIT command. Or maybe you're using an old version of STAAD. STAAD is known for some zany bugs, but I don't remember this one