• Schematising the construction
• Determining the internal forces and moments (= global analysis)
• Checking the cross-sections (= design):
  • Strength
  • Stability 
  • Stiffness

The explanation below covers the design of steel.

In Diamonds

• Calculate the internal forces (syn. global analysis) F9 or .
• Set the buckling lengths.
  Don’t skip this step! Without the correct buckling lengths the stability results have no meaning.
• Define the lateral torsional buckling supports (if relevant).
• Select the correct steel standard using the menu Analysis > Steel standard.
  A list with all available standards in Diamonds can be found here.
• Click on F3 or  to start the verification (more info).
• Decide whether global imperfections are necessary or not.
• View the results with . For the results of the strength check click , for those of the stability check click .
  The results of the strength and stability check are displayed as a percentage of the total capacity (= 100%) of the section.
  • A structure is sufficient for strength, if the percentage is less than 100% for all bars.
  • A structure is sufficient for stability, if the percentage is less than 100% for all bars.

  Based on the percentage no judgment can be made on the extent to which a section is sufficient or not. This is because the used formulas are not always linear.

• Optionally, optimize the cross-sections.
  You can use the Optimization-function for this , but it might take a few iterations (and thus time).
  We recommend that you change the cross-sections manually to one (or more) size(s) bigger/smaller depending on the result you had then recalculating the model. Exspecially for experienced engineer, this works faster than the Optimization function.
• Don’t forget to verify the stiffness! Thus the vertical and horizontal deformation.
  Diamonds can calculate the relative deformation, but it’s still up to you to verify it.
  A structure is sufficient if the strength, stability and stiffness are sufficient.