Structural Analysis&Design Software

con1982

Hello all,

I am interested in getting some feedback as to the current Structural Analysis & Design software packages on the market. I have experience with ENCAD, CADSmart and SCALE.

Robobat, RAM, STAAD, etc any feedback would be appreicated.

PM ONLY PLEASE!!!!

Regards,
Conor

godtabh

con1982 wrote: »

PM ONLY PLEASE!!!!

Why PM only? Other people might be interested to

con1982

Sorry, I am not sure on the rules in this forum about critical discussion of products. If the moderators are OK with it I think it would be great to discuss in public.

mathew

a read of the charter should let you know.. ;-)

/reads charter

Fire ahead con1982.

murfie

We use RISA 3D and RISA Foundation which i found very easy to use although looking at other programs out there just now the ones you mentioned certainly look more detailed. Risa is a more basic member analysis program it seems, but as we mainly design for the oil/chemical industry the structures are almost always steel members only and plates. It also allows for code checks due to external loading of wind and seismic.
Cant really comment on other packages as I am just getting into structural analysis but learning fast so other more experienced thoughts would be of interest to me also.

Edit: I say a more basic program, but on thinking about it I am just not yet using it to its full capabilities!

con1982

--SCALE-- http://www.fitzroy.com/scale/index.php

The program is visually basic looking. It is great for member and element design, a little dated possibly. I am only familiar with the British and Irish code version. The results page includes step by step calculations which is brilliant. Can be frustrating to make changes as you have to go back to the start of your calculation and input all the data. It is also difficult to save your calculations. It is better to PDF the results and save to a job file.

I understand that it is reasonably priced and may suit small engineering offices, budget wise.

(my rating is 3 out of 5, does what it says on the tin)

con1982

---ENCAD--- http://www.encad.ie/master.html?home.htm

This program is for plane frame, space frame & finite element analysis. There is a BS5950 steel design with the package. It is basic on the graphics side. The program itself does a great job with plane frame analysis and numerous truss variations. The Finite Element package I used had a limited node count and was of no use for anything more than a large house. I am aware that you can purchase additional nodes for a fee. I have never used the space frame function so I can not comment. The output on screen is disappointing at times. The results report is not greater either.

(my rating is 3 out of 5, good but limited)

con1982

--SMART Enginner-- http://www.cadsglobal.com/smart_engineer.html

Great member and element design. BS and Eurocode. It has timber, masonry, concrete, steel, wind cals, basic drainage, foundation design. The layout of all the options and files are simple and straightforward. The report printout is excellent and looks professional. It is easy to edit calculations.

I use this everyday and find it to be excellent.

I am not sure on the price. We only have 1 licence in our office so it may be expensive.

(my rating is 5 out of 5, excellent)