DXF geometry import to STAAD

[SteveGregory]

We are using STAAD.Pro 2007 and I had a problem importing a 2-D plane frame using AutoCad DXF files. I have been using DXF files for years to import geometry into STAAD without any problems. But recently, I got 2 similar "parallel" structures. Is this a new STAAD "feature"?

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[SteveGregory]

All of the members had offset parallel members. Strange!!!

 

[dozer]

I tried to duplicate the bug but couldn't and I'm the king of finding bugs in STAAD. Of course, they make it so easy. It did crash the first time I tried it and I got the message from MS, "STAAD Rapid Model Generator has encountered a problem and needs to close." I've got 2007 Build 03. This is the latest build. If you don't have it, I would get it. If you do have it, let Bentley know about this. That's why you pay those maintenance fees.

 

[SteveGregory]

The answer from the REI/Bentley gurus... For 2-D frames, use the Structure Wizard from the Geometry pull-down menu to import DXF files. For 3-D frames, use the Import command under the File pull-down menu.

I have always used the 2nd method for 2-D frames without any problems.

Try my DXF file!

 

[dozer]

Let me guess, they don't consider this a bug. Here's what happened when I tried. First time, I used the structure wizard and it crashed giving me the same message I stated in my last post. (By the way, Autocad failed to start after this happened. I think they may be related). Anyway, I tried again with structure wizard and it worked ok. Then I tried import and it did the same thing it did to you. Just for grins, I took your dxf and arrayed the frame around so that it was now a 3D structure. I imported it into STAAD and . . . guess what? . . . your original frame had a duplicate like you described but the part I added didn't.

Good luck convincing them they have a bug. They always treat me like I'm an idiot until they finally understand the problem.