Top 10 3D-Structural Analysis and Design Software for Building Design

Top 10 3D-Structural Analysis and Design Software

for Building Design
https://www.thestructuralworld.com/2019/09/06/top-10-3d-structural-analysis-and-design-software-for-
building-design/

Nowadays, computer programs had a major role in the design and development of a certain project.
It may not only help to speed up the process of modeling and design but more importantly, it can
mimic the behavior of the building when all the forces lateral and vertical are applied and by then,
the designer can predict the behavior of such proposal as early as the concept stage before it is being
built. Using structural software models, you can also be revised the structure easily and adjust
accordingly. As Structural Design Engineer, you should have at least known how to use the
available structural software so that you will not be behind in every Structural Engineering
development. Of all the structural engineering software available in the market, a 3-dimensional
model of the project being design is a must to know how the building reacts according to the load
applied. The 3D model can be used to analyze and eventually design the structure to come up with a
structurally sound structure. Here are the top 10 list of structural analysis and design software
capable of modeling the full structure in 3D and uses design features needed in the static and
dynamic analysis of a building.

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 Top 10 3D-Structural Analysis and Design Software for Building Design

1. ETABS

Perhaps the most popular Structural Analysis and Design Software developed by CSI. ETABS is
the most powerful tool used by structural engineers in the analysis and design of building structures
for both concrete or steel structures from one story to high-rise structures. The good thing about this
software is that it is a user-friendly software from modeling, analysis, and design. It has its unique
features developed, enhanced and updated according to the needs of the designer for more
productivity.

2. Autodesk ROBOT Structural Analysis Professional

Developed by Autodesk, Robot Structural Analysis can perform advanced structural analysis, verify
code compliance, and use BIM-integrated workflows to exchange data with Revit. It provides a
comprehensive set of tools to model and analyze buildings from usual to a larger size and complex
type of structures. It has a feature of linking and coordinated with Building Information Models,
thus reduces the possibility of mismatched models with the architectural.

3. Staad Pro

Staad Pro by Bentley can perform comprehensive analysis and design for any size or type of
structure faster than ever before. It can be used to design steel, concrete, timber, aluminum, and

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 Top 10 3D-Structural Analysis and Design Software for Building Design

cold-formed steel structures which included international design codes. It can simplify your BIM
workflow by using a physical model in STAAD.Pro that is automatically converted into the
analytical model for your structural analysis. It can also share synchronized models with confidence
for multi-discipline team collaboration and, most importantly, deliver safe, cost-effective designs.

4. SAP 2000

SAP 2000 is also a product of CSI with a proven practical purpose, it is the most integrated and
productive software specialized in structural calculations. The interface of SAP2000 allows you to
create the structural model easily. From a simple small 2D static frame analysis to a large complex
3D nonlinear dynamic analysis, SAP2000 is the easiest, most productive solution for your structural
analysis and design needs. Integrated design code features can automatically generate wind, wave,
bridge, and seismic loads with comprehensive automatic steel and concrete design code checks per
US, Canadian and international design standards.

5. Tekla Structural Designer

Tekla Structural Designer is also a 3D structural analysis and design software that has the capability
of analyzing the structure efficiently. It has unique features for optimized concrete and steel design
and can be collaborated with BIM. Tekla Structural Designer includes a fully automated design to
your chosen building code. You can design all members and consider the overall 3D building
design in one seamless process, regardless of the complexity of the project.

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 Top 10 3D-Structural Analysis and Design Software for Building Design

6. RISA-3D

RISA-3D is popular among structural engineers and widely used especially in the U.S. It is user-
friendly structural software with advanced analysis capabilities that make it as one of the powerful
tools in the analysis and design of structures. It has a multiple view interface; spreadsheets feature
and advanced selection and drawing tools. This software has the capability to design all types of
structures rapidly at ease when practicing properly.

7. MIDAS

Midas software for structural design and analysis includes Midas Gen and Midas nGen. Midas
Gen uses contemporary computer graphics and powerful Solver to perform structural analysis and
design for conventional to the complex type of structure. These features contribute to higher and
unprecedented standards of convenience, efficiency, versatility, and productivity for structural
design. Midas nGen is one of the most advanced structural engineering systems, with a complete
design package capability from 3D modeling, analysis, and design to 2D drawings. Its all-in-one
design system can produce high-quality design deliverables and gain productivity and generates a
comprehensive structural drawing, structural calculation reports and quantity takeoffs, which helps
the designers lessen their time in the preparation of the structural design.

8. RAM Structural System

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 Top 10 3D-Structural Analysis and Design Software for Building Design

RAM offers a complete solution for analysis, design, drafting, and documentation for the steel and
concrete buildings from simple to complex. It can also design foundations and even individual
structural components in compliance with local and international building codes. You can save a lot
of time using this software as a result, you can increase your productivity. Analyze gravity and
lateral loads, integrate slab and foundation design, design lateral resisting frames and detail and
scheduling of concrete reinforcement are few of its capabilities.

9. Adapt Edge

ADAPT-Edge can analyze an entire concrete building structure from roof to foundation, including
load reactions to the foundation. Edge simplifies the analysis and design process using one model
for a slab, foundation and building analysis and design. This software is specifically designed for
the rapid modeling of concrete structures with an option of adding pre-stressing or post-tensioning
to any slab or beam member. Modeling the building structure is never being easy as using this
software, the designer can easily create building models with accuracy as this software can be
integrated with Revit Structure.

10. Prota Structure

Prota Structure is a 3D structural software for modeling, analyze and design of steel and building
structures. Through its innovative BIM integration, the designer can quickly and accurately design a
proposed project at ease. You can compare different schemes and automate your design using one
central model, thus reducing your time spent in modeling and design. As a result, you will be more
productive. It has a Prota Details and Prota Steel option that produces high-quality drawings and all
design documentation.

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 Top 10 3D-Structural Analysis and Design Software for Building Design

Honorable Mention
There is a lot more 3D Structural Software available in the market. Each with its own unique
features and capabilities. This software has been developed according to designers needs and
international standards. In no particular order, the lists below are worth mentioning.

 Advance Design
 Analysis 3D
 Axis VM
 CADS Analyze 3D Max
 CYPECAD & CYPE 3D
 Dlubal
 Diamonds
 FEM-Design
 INDUCTA
 MasterSeries Building Design Suites
 RFEM
 S-FRAME ANALYSIS
 SCIA Engineer
 SkyCiv
 Sofistik FEM
 Strand7
 StruBIM Suite
 Struct4u
 Tower