Modeling a Box Culvert

[CWEngineer]

I am new to modeling with STAAD or finite element software - that is why I am here to get some advice. My intention is to model a box culvert using STAAD and then compare the output with a box culvert design in-house software.

From what I understand, in STAAD you can model a structure using members and plates. For what kind of structures would I typically use members and when would I use plates? What is recommended that I use for a box culvert?

Thanks

 

[LobstaEata]

For a concrete box culvert, using plate elements would be your best bet. Members are primarily used to model framed structures. Unless there are concrete beams that drop down below the top of slab, members combined with plate elements would serve little purpose.