STAAD.Pro

How to Use Built-Up Member Geometry Checker

Check tapered STAAD members automatically against editable mill and geometry limits, with source-unit detection and separate flange checks.

StruTools · 28 Aug 2026 · 6 min read

Built-Up Member Geometry Checker reads TAPERED member properties from STD files or numbered ANL input listings. Upload a file or paste properties; checks update automatically.

The tool follows declared source units, including changes between property blocks. If units are missing, it infers metres or millimetres from the source dimensions and identifies the assumption. All results and mill limits use millimetres.

What is checked

Only effective TAPERED assignments are considered. Each property group appears once, with the actual number of assigned members. Later assignments replace earlier ones. Clear web depth is overall depth minus both actual flange thicknesses; start and end depths retain their source order.

A dimension fails only when it is strictly below the minimum or strictly above the maximum. Values sitting on the limit pass.

Default mill limits

  • Clear web depth: 0.175–1.500 m (175–1500 mm)
  • Web thickness: 0.004–0.020 m (4–20 mm)
  • Flange width: 0.125–0.500 m (125–500 mm)
  • Flange thickness: 0.006–0.050 m (6–50 mm)

Edit the eight values in Mill Limits. Geometry Limits adds Dw/tw ≤ 180, tf/tw ≤ 2.5, Dw/Wf ≤ 5 and Wf/tf ≤ 34 by default. These four ratios are editable. Both actual flanges are checked separately, and the largest clear web depth governs Dw/Wf.

Workflow

  1. Upload an STD or ANL file, or paste TAPERED assignments into the editable source viewer.
  2. Review the automatically detected or inferred units; results use millimetres.
  3. Edit Mill Limits or Geometry Limits if needed; checks rerun automatically.
  4. Review the highlighted properties and expand each Review result for actual values and limits.
  5. Use Review Only to show failing properties, or expand the source viewer to edit the input.

How to read the table

Each row shows assigned members, start/end clear web depths, web thickness and separate top/outer and bottom/inner flange sizes. Failing dimensions are highlighted. Review expands the individual size or ratio failures; the summary counts affected members rather than property rows.

Common mistakes

  • Declared units take priority over magnitude-based inference; check the indicated assumption when declarations are missing.
  • Catalogue and PRISMATIC members are skipped. Only effective TAPERED assignments are checked.
  • An exact mill or ratio limit passes; a value beyond the limit fails.
  • These editable geometry limits do not calculate structural capacity or buckling resistance.

This article provides general educational information. Project-specific structural design, calculations and drawings should be reviewed by appropriately qualified engineering professionals and checked against applicable project requirements and standards. StruTools does not replace engineering judgement or professional design review.

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