At present in the world of Structural Engineering, a lot of design enhancement and developments arise since the beginning of the structural design. These developments include the use of structural design software which aims to enhance our ability as a structural engineer to come up with safe and sound designs especially when dealing with complex structures. Although this structural engineering software helps us to make our life easier, bear in mind that the fundamental knowledge and experiences theoretical or practical is still important at the end of the day. Because these software development are based on the fundamental knowledge that can only be understood by Structural Engineers. The author lists the top 5 Structural Engineering Softwares that a Structural Engineer should learn. They are the following:
ETABS
ETABS is integrated building design software developed by Computers and Structures Inc, also known as CSI. This software is perhaps the most powerful software in structural engineering when the design
To know and learn more about ETABS you can visit their website at www.csiamerica.com/products/etabs, you can also download a trial or evaluation version of the latest ETABS at this link. Download it now!
SAFE
SAFE is a structural engineering software that belongs to the CSI family as well and has been developed to carry out the design of foundations and concrete slabs. SAFE integrates all aspects of the
To know and learn more about SAFE you can visit their website at www.csiamerica.com/products/safe, you can also download a trial version of the latest SAFE at this link. Download it now!
STAAD.Pro
STAAD.Pro is a 3D Structural Analysis and Design Software developed by Bentley. It considered also as the most complete structural engineering software that can design and analyze almost every type of structure. It can perform comprehensive analysis and design for any size or type of structure. It allows to design with confidence structures such as steel, concrete, timber, aluminum, and cold-formed steel structures anywhere in the world using more than 90 international codes. It designs and analyzes simple or complex structures for a wide range of loading conditions, including those induced by gravity such as dead and live loads, including skip conditions, in combination with lateral loads including wind and seismic. Some design capabilities of STAAD.Pro are the following:
- Design and analyze by the finite element method.
- Design and analyze structural models.
- Design beams, columns, and walls.
- Design lateral resistance structures
- Generate design loads and load combinations.
- Integrate foundation and block designs.
- Integrate designs of steel joints.
- Produce structural design documentation
- Share structural models.
To know and learn more about STAAD.Pro you can visit their website at www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/structural-analysis-software/staadpro, you can also download and request a free trial of the latest Staad.Pro in this link. Download it now!
PROKON
Prokon is a commercial software application developed by Prokon Software Consultants and it is widely used worldwide. It composed of more than forty structural analysis, design, and detailing programs for finite element method and structural engineering analyzing and designing of structures. This software is a very comprehensive software with a user-friendly interface. The software provides quick and reliable answers to everyday structural engineering problems such as:
- Frame and finite element analysis
- Steel member design
- Steel connection design
- Reinforced and prestressed concrete design
- CAD and reinforced concrete detailing
- Timber member design
- Masonry design
To know and learn more about PROKON you can visit their website at www.prokon.com you can also download and request a free trial of the latest PROKON in this link. Download it now!
Featured Software
SkyCiv
SkyCiv is a cloud-based structural analysis and design software that is powerful and easy to use. It is completely online, requiring no installation, and is compatible with both PC and Mac computers. SkyCiv structural engineering software allows users to model and solve complex 3D structures, with capabilities handling beam & plate elements, cables, buckling, P-delta, frequency, and response spectrum
As a constantly evolving company, SkyCiv is committed to innovating and challenging existing workflows to save engineers time in their work processes and designs. With the recent launch of the SkyCiv API v3, engineers can now use the SkyCiv API to access a wide range of analysis, design, rendering, reporting, and modeling features directly, which will help engineers innovate in the field of structural engineering and design and complete tasks more efficiently.
Other Structural Engineering Software
There is a lot more structural engineering software development over the years. They are usually developed according to its use. Although it is not necessary, other structural engineering software that you should learn are SAP2000, TEKLA, RAM Structural, Robot Structural Analysis, Limcon, ACI RCM, Midas, Tedds, ADAPT, and RAPT to name a few.
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Every engineer has its different perspective on what software to learn for at his convenience. But the lists above are based on the author’s experience as a structural engineer when he started his career in Structural Engineering. What about you? Did you learn the same? Feel free to share your thoughts and leave your comment below. You can also subscribe also to our newsletter for any updates.
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Check out ProtaStructure. It’s a very powerful, easy to use, building design and detailing software. Comprehensive analytical capability, design to a range of international codes, full drawing and calculation documentation, industry leading BIM integration. A rapidly growing user base globally. http://www.protasoftware.com has more info
I am doubtful of Prokon on this list, only commonly recognised in South Africa. User friendly but has it fair share of bugs. none the less, not bad at all if you are planning to design in South Africa only.
There are lots of design categories in PROKON. In fairness with Prokon, so far using it I didn’t see any bugs. So I guess it is up to the designer’s judgment whether which of these categories to use in your design. You can always counter check your design using manual calculations or other software if you have doubt in the result.
I would definitely add Cross Section Analysis & Design software (here: https://www.engissol.com/cross-section-analysis-design.html) in order to perform check/design of arbitrary concrete, steel, composite cross sections under biaxial loading. This is a must for every structural engineer in my opinion
sure it is a must
Robot is the best same as Midas gen
I guess each of the available 3D Software is unique in its own way and best in its own way as well!
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How could you not include RISA-3D? It’s the most popular structural software in the US by a wide margin; more engineers use RISA than SAP and Staad combined (in the US). I would also put Enercalc ahead of Prokon, at least in the US. I’m the original author of RISA-3D so I’m biased, but my assertions on software popularity are based on extensive unbiased market surveys.
The TOP 5 Structural Softwares to Learn as listed above were categorized accordingly from the analysis and design to individual member design needed to complete a full structural design project. RISA 3D is no doubt one of the top 3D structural software, but ETABS is already on the list. We based the top 5 list not only for popularity in a certain area but for the number of users worldwide.
What is the best software to design multi story building RC in Europe and USA ? I have been studying Civil structural Engineering in Italy, I want to know, with what software I can structurally design RC Multistory Buildings in Europe and USA online. I have good experience in AutoCad and Learning staadPro
To give you an idea, check out these 3D Structural Engineering Software https://www.thestructuralworld.com/2019/09/06/top-10-3d-structural-analysis-and-design-software-for-building-design/.
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Engissol cross section tool is probably unique. Check here https://www.engissol.com/worked-examples-on-cross-section-analysis-design.html
Analysis can be carried out using any of the available tools on the market. The design of arbitrary cross sections can only be accomplished by engissol.
Great share, at Applied Science International we also provide Structural Design Software to efficiently model, analyze, and design any structure. Visit – https://www.appliedscienceint.com/
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Best article.
For residential or small commercial builds I think https://www.thevitruviusproject.com/ is best. It has a comprehensive set of modules for all your builds and is really easy to use. Calculations are spot on. Also, with a subscription, you get access to StruCalc legacy version. If you have been in the business as long as me then you know StruCalc is a very simple and straightforward calculations software.