A tool/plug in is required for STAAD pro that can calculate the capacity of a section and compare it with the stored demand values (forces, moments, deflections) without running a full analysis.

It is understood that, after a complete analysis with modified stiffness, there will be a redistribution of demand. However, this approach would save significant time, since users are already doing something similar i.e. checking the available results and then adjusting section properties based on their judgment. Instead of relying on user’s judgment, if the tool can be utilized for the best-fit section based on the available results, optimized results can be achieved in much less time.

While doing so, the software can display a warning message such as: “A complete analysis is required after using this tool, and the results may change after full analysis.” This feature already exists in other commercial software like ETABS.