Software for General Structural Engineering Design and Analysis 
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RFEM and RSTAB
Company: Dlubal
Description: ​General structural design and analysis software with add-on modules
Features:
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• Linear and non-linear analysis
• Automatic generation of material and sectional properties, including built-up or hybrid sections from different manufacturers and other special cross-sections that can be imported by its add-on module, SHAPE-THIN and SHAPE-MASSIVE
• Automatic generation of loads based on code requirements, such as generation of load factor coefficients for load combinations, wind load factors and pressures, etc
• Complies with different international standards, such as the AISC, ACI, Eurocode, BS codes, etc
• Guided list of structural modelling and design procedures
• Automatic conversion of area loads to member loads via planes
• Special Selection function to select members of specific type
• Able to create 3D models by traditional graphical interface or by inputting data in tables
• Multilingual printout reports
• Transparent iterative analysis process
• Installation of add-on modules for the design of different materials and for different types of analysis, such as concrete, steel, aluminium, dynamic analysis, etc
• Provides a clear and guided workflow in its user interface
• Parameterized input
• Able to input non-linearities in different members and support conditions
• Able to model eccentric members and surfaces
• Fast detection of modelling errors
• Options to reduce analyzing the number of load combinations based on selection
• Integrates with TEKLA Structures, Revit Structure,  Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Structural Detailing, Microsoft Excel, Bocad, Cadwork, etc

Special Types of Analysis

• Linear and non-linear analysis
• Large deformation analysis 

ADC
Company: Oasys
Description: Structural analysis and design software for reinforced concrete elements
Features:

• Designs reinforced concrete beams, slabs, columns, and piles
• Checks reinforcement detailing and arrangement
• Checks multi-span beams and slabs
• Designs for most critical cases via envelopes
• Works with Eurocode 2, BS 8110, and Hong Kong standards

SCIA Engineer
Company: SCIA
Description: Structural analysis and design software for various materials and structures
Features:

• Can be used to design offices, bridges, factories, etc
• Designs and analyzes for multi-material and elements, such as structural steel, reinforced concrete, composite beams, composite slabs, steel connections, aluminium, timber, cold-formed steel, prestressing members, etc
• Optimizes structural designs
• 3D modelling function
• Fast iterative finite element analysis
• Input of nonlinear material and elements
• Automatic complex finite element mesh generation
• Automatic generation of general arrangement drawings
• Automatic wind loading generation based on the Eurocode and the ASCE
• Automatic generation of calculations and checks
• Able to model curved shells and shapes with same or variable thicknesses
• Supports different coordinate systems (Cartesian, oblique, cylindrical, etc)
• Supports table input method and supports import of data from Excel
• Parametric modelling and templates
• Produces results for deformation, stresses, inter-storey drift, resultant forces, etc
• Checks for modelling errors
• Multilingual printout reports
• Add-on modules for automatically optimized design of concrete, steel, aluminium and timber structures, as well as, laminated glass, steel connections, form-finding for tensile structures
• Certified for supporting Open BIM for ease of coordinating with designers, fabricators, and contractors
• Able to integrate BIM software, including Revit, Tekla, Rhino3D, Grasshopper, etc

Special Types of Analysis

• Dynamic analysis
• Earthquake analysis
• Full time-history analysis
• Analysis on structural behaviour during different construction stages
• P-delta effect analysis

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GSA Building
Company: Oasys
Description: Structural building analysis and design software 
Features:

• Designs for 2D finite elements
• Designs for steel and concrete and soil-structure interaction in an integrated interface environment
• Designs reinforcement in concrete slabs and wall reinforcement
• Integrates with BIM programs such as Revit

Special Types of Analysis

• Vibration analysis (eg. Football response)
• Non-linear analysis including plastic yielding and sway effects
• Buckling analysis
• Dynamic response analysis
• Dynamic analysis
• Designs and analyzes models in different construction stages

SPACE GASS
Company: Integrated Technical Software Pty Ltd
Description: Structural analysis and design of 2D and 3D structures
Features:

• Linear and non-linear analysis of frames, trusses, beams, buildings, bridges, cables, etc
• Steel member and connection design
• Reinforced concrete member design
• Able to model built-up shapes and nonstandard shapes
• Can support load input including standard loads, mobile loads, thermal loads, prestress loads
• Able to interact and export to Autodesk Revit
• Produce deflection diagrams, bending moment, shear, and axial diagrams

Special Types of Analysis

• Linear and non-linear analysis
• Buckling analysis
• Dynamic analysis
• Dynamic response analysis
• Analysis of tension only and compression only members

Microstran
Company: Bentley Systems
Description: General purpose structural design and analysis software
Features:

• Integrative environment for structural 3D finite element analysis
• Steel connection design
• Built-in steel member design
• International standards
• Built-in load cases and load combination generator
• Designs for seismic forces and design for ductility requirements for seismic design
• Generates structural plans and elevations for project coordination
• Automatically updates structural engineering documentation due to modelling changes

Special Types of Analysis:

• Linear and nonlinear analysis
• Buckling analysis

Tekla Structural Designer
Company: Trimble Solutions Corporation
Description: Structural design and analysis software for steel and reinforced concrete structures 
Features:

• Finite element analysis with automated meshing function
• Automated analysis and design based on selected code
• Automatic wind load generation
• International codes
• Automated optimized design for reinforced concrete structures
• Automated optimized design for structural steelwork, including joists, columns, trusses, composite beams
• Automatic development of detailed reinforcement drawings and quantities
• Automated generation of calculation reports, quantity take offs, and drawings with real-time information
• BIM integration feature including Tekla Structures or Autodesk Revit

MasterSeries Building Design Suite
Company: MasterSeries
Description: Integrative structural engineering analysis, design, and drafting software
Features:

• Designs and analyzes steel, concrete, composite beams, and timber structures
• Automatic wind load and wind pressure coefficient generation and analysis
• Supports the BS & Eurocode
• Produces reinforcement details
• BIM integration feature, such as Tekla, Revit, StruCAD, MultiSteel, and IFC

Special Types of Analysis

• Linear and non-linear finite element analysis, including P-delta analysis, live load reduction, etc
• Automatic load generation based on specified code
• Frame and truss analysis
• Dynamic analysis
• Seismic analysis

Prokon
Company: Prokon
Description: Structural design and analysis software for finite element analysis
Features:

• Includes more than forty design program modules, including structural analysis and detailing
• Steel member design for axial and combined stress
• Steel connection design checks including base plate design, beam to column connections, fin plate design, etc
• Reinforced concrete design for beams, columns, and slabs, including crack width design and punching shear checks
• Prestressed concrete beams and slabs design
• Timber member design
• CAD and reinforcement detailing via Padds with general CAD drawing functionality
• Masonry section design

Special Types of Analysis

• Truss and frame analysis
• Deflection analysis
• Buckling analysis
• Linear, second-order, and non-linear analysis

SuperSTRESS
Company: GRAITEC
Description: Structural analysis and design software
Features:

• Frame and truss analysis for planes and spaces
• Can model stadium roofs, bridges, foundations, roller coasters, etc
• Reinforced concrete analysis and reinforcement detailing module
• Steel design and analysis module
• Can choose from different modules, such as SuperSTRESS SURF which generates influence lines and influence surfaces and Wood-Armer which designs for reinforcement for reinforced concrete slabs, bridge decks, voided slabs, etc

Special Types of Analysis

• Frame and truss analysis
• Non-linear analysis
• Tension-only member analysis
• Displacement analysis

ETABS
Company: Computers and Structures
Description: Structural analysis and design software for multi-story buildings
Features:

• 3D modelling
• Linear and nonlinear analysis
• Able to design and analyze for different materials
• Can import CAD drawings to ETABS models
• Supports different grid systems, such as Cartesian, cylindrical, or free-from
• Intelligent snap functions for modelling
• Able to model by editing table data
• Automatic mesh generation
• Able to model curved structural members
• Built-in library of steel, concrete, and composite section properties
• Able to model material non-linearities
• Able to model different link types, such as linear, hooks, dampers, multi-linear elastic, isolators, etc
• Can assign rigid and flexible floor diaphragms
• Automatic wind pressures and wind load coefficients based on different codes
• Automatic seismic load generation based on different codes
• Live load reduction factors assignment
• Optimization of steel frame members
• Optimization of reinforcement required in reinforced concrete members
• Designs for shell forces and stresses
• Steel connection design
• Generates video animations to show analysis, including time dependent behaviour
• Displays deformed shapes
• Generates drawings and concrete detailing

Special Types of Analysis

• Linear and nonlinear analysis
• P-Delta and large displacement analysis
• Able to analyze for different construction stages
• Able to analyze for creep and shrinkage effects
• Response Spectrum Analysis
• Dynamic analysis using Eigen and Ritz vector modal analysis
• Nonlinear buckling analysis
• Pushover analysis

 
 
SAP2000
Company: Computers and Structures
Description: Structural analysis and design software
Features:

• Software for industrial structures, public works, recreation facilities, etc
• 3D modelling
• Linear and nonlinear analysis
• Automatic generation of wind loads
• Automatic generation of seismic loads
• Automatic generation of wave-related loads, such as buoyancy, flow, etc
• Designs for moving loads on frames and shells
• Parametric templates for trusses and frames, pipes, dams, vessels, etc
• Supports Cartesian and Cylindrical coordinate systems
• Supports table data editing
• Automatic mesh generation
• Built-in library for section properties
• Able to model slender cables with inherent tension-stiffening and non-linear deformation properties
• Model tendons and tendon loads
• Can model shells and solids
• Can model linear and nonlinear spring support conditions
• Optimization of steel frame members and reinforcement of reinforced concrete members
• Designs aluminium frames
• Designs cold formed frames
• Produces deformed shapes, force diagrams, virtual work diagrams, influence lines for the analysis of moving loads, etc
• Generates video animations to show analysis, including time dependent behaviour
• Section Designer to create unique shapes and arrangement, including reinforcement layout
• Can import and export data from and into Revit, Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, STAAD, STRUDL, etc

 
Special Types of Analysis

• Linear and nonlinear analysis
• Pushover analysis
• Nonlinear buckling analysis
• P-delta and large deflection analysis
• Dynamic Analysis using Eigen and Ritz vectors
• Time-dependent behaviour such as creep and shrinkage
• Construction sequence analysis
• Power Spectral Density and Steady State analysis for analyzing structural behaviour caused by cyclic loading
• Response spectrum analysis
• Time-history analysis
• Multi-step static analysis

 

STAAD.Pro
Company: Bentley
Description: Structural analysis and design software
Features:

• Linear and nonlinear finite element analysis
• Considers time dependent effects, such as creep, shrinkage, and cracking of concrete
• Designs to fulfil seismic requirements of selected building codes, including reinforcement detailing
• 3D modelling and design of slabs, decks, beams, walls, columns, braces, footings, etc
• Automatic wind and seismic load generation based on mass, shape, and design code
• Designs for cold-formed steel members
• Designs for steel connections 
• Can be imported to OpenSTAAD for other third-party applications
• Integrates with ProjectWise for project collaboration and management
• Can import CAD models to software
• Supports design for 80 international codes

SkyCiv 3D
Company: SkyCiv Engineering
Description: Structural analysis software on the cloud
Features: 

• Online 3D modelling and analysis
• Built-in library of sections used in different nations
• Able to customize different member sections
• Meshing options, including mesh type, shape, and coarseness
• Produces force results and diagrams, such as shear, torsion, and bending
• Storage and access of models and analysis in a web browser
• Able to access model and analysis from any computer and at anytime
• No license required
• No installation required
• No ongoing maintenance updates required
• No storage or disk space required
• 3D rendering

Special Types of Analysis

• Deflection analysis
• Stress analysis
• Buckling analysis
• P-Delta analysis
• Plate analysis

 

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​Software for Monopole Design

CHECKPOLE
Company: Revolutio
Description: Comprehensive structural design and analysis software for monopole structures
Features:

• Designs for monopoles or cantilever columns due to self-weight and horizontal loads, including wind loads
• Able to calculate for steel, concrete, and timber monopoles
• Customizes monopole shaft’s dimensions and geometry
• Customizes anchor bolt and baseplate layout
• Input lateral loads, wind loads, collision loads, barrier loads, etc
• Built-in ancillary library for 400 standard antennas
• Automatic generation of ancillary loads
• Supports modelling of openings at shaft
• Predefined monopole library of over 200 standard monopoles
• Automatic generation of wind pressures and wind speeds based on selected wind region on Google Maps integration in CHECKPOLE
• Designs for pad footings with concrete plinths
• Designs for the connection detail and highlights compression zones of the connection
• Fatigue design to AASHTO 2013 and ASI 2012
• Produces outputs in forces and deflection values
• Generates calculation and summary reports
• Able to export data to CAD software, such as AutoCAD, Navisworks, etc

Special Types of Analysis

• Non-linear second order analysis
• Buckling analysis
• Dynamic analysis

 

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​Software for Writing Structural Engineering Reports
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​VCmaster
Company: VCmaster
Description: Structural engineering software that produces professional engineering reports and documents and produces structural engineering calculations
Features: 

• Engineering word processor
• Integrates text, calculations, graphics, tables, and structural analysis information into one centralized interface
• Able to export model graphics and output data from CAD and other structural engineering software into VCmaster using VCt2w-interface
• Built-in library of editable calculation templates according to the Eurocode
• Able to reuse and call for specific engineering reports and calculations via the intelligent search function
• Produce text to explain calculations
• Built-in material and section properties data
• Automatic recalculation when modifications are made
• Calculation presented in standard mathematical formulae and notations
• Effectively organizes and stores large structural engineering data
• Built-in library of structural engineering sketches, such as support conditions, load distribution, etc

 

Pensolve
Company: Pensolve 
Description: Software that converts engineering spreadsheets into handwritten calculations
Features:

• Able to integrate with Google Sheets
• Can present Pensolve’s handwritten calculations for governmental review and approval
• Produces calculations in an organized format
• Presents the building code clause and references used for the calculations in the right-hand columns
• Presented in a transparent manner for review and navigation 

 

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Software for Composite Beam Design

Compos
Company: Oasys
Description: Structural analysis and design of composite beams
Features: 

• Automatically optimizes design of composite and non-composite steel beams with studs
• Determines structural behaviour of composite elements using damping systems
• Calculates vibration response factors
• Analyzes beams with web openings and notches

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​Software for Reinforced and Post-tensioned Concrete Structures

RAPT
Company: Prestressed Concrete Design Consultants
Description: Structural design and analysis software for reinforced and post-tensioned concrete structures
Features:

• Designs and analyzes concrete members and slabs (including drop panels, beams and bands, changing slab thicknesses, etc)
• Designs for concrete columns
• Designs for composite concrete structural systems
• Complies with different national concrete codes, such as ACI, AS, BS, Eurocode, etc
• Adapts partial prestressing in concrete design, where concrete structures designed comply with both ultimate and serviceability limit state designs
• Generates span pattern loading
• Automatic or manual tendon profiling
• Stiffness analysis
• Produces deflection checks, reinforcement sizes and spacings, shear reinforcement checks, shear enhancement checks, flexure and shear checks in detailed reports
• Checks for ductility and minimum reinforcement
• Cracked section analysis and automatic crack control calculations

 

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Software for Yield-Line Slab Analysis

LimitState:SLAB
Company: LimitState
Description: Yield-line Slab Analysis Software
Features:

• Automatically generates yield-line analysis for concrete slabs by using the Discontinuity Layout Optimization plastic limit analysis method
• Determines potential yield lines and critical patterns
• Analyzes new and existing slab designs
• Yield-line method generates results that use less reinforcement and thinner thicknesses for new slabs and more capacity for existing slabs than that of traditional methods for cost saving purposes
• Inputs and slab geometries can be imported via a CAD layout
• Outputs clear graphical results and animations of critical failure mechanisms
• Determines collapse load for slabs
• Determines collapse mechanism from optimization techniques and collapse load factor

Special Types of Analysis

• Yield-line analysis

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​Software for Tensile Structure Design

​inTENS
Company: Tensys Limited
Description: 3D finite element analysis program for tensile structure design
Features:

• Designs for geometric non-linearity
• Models membrane wrinkling
• Dynamic Relaxation
• Includes library of cables, membranes, beams, etc
• Form finding function for equilibrium form
• Produces resultant stresses and deflections
• Patterning of membrane
• Outputs results for fabrication

 

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​Software for Pile Design

Alp
Company: Oasys
Description: Structural design and analysis software for laterally loaded piles
Features:

• Determines soil shear failure
• Analyzes non-linear soil behaviour
• Input of varying soil properties due to changing depth
• Input hydrostatic or piezometric water pressures
• Graphical output of compressive and tensile strength and capacity of pile
• Determines maximum bending of piles due to lateral loads

Special Types of Analysis

• Pile settlement analysis

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