As software increasingly becomes an essential tool for structural engineers, the variety of product offerings is growing to meet demand. Software solutions exist for structural design and analysis, creation and production of contract drawings, reference materials, business and project management, and capacity calculations, to name a few.

In response to a request from Structural Engineer, a number of companies provided the following information about their products. Some companies declined to participate by failing to return the questionnaire by our deadline. We apologize for inadvertent omissions. To be added to our contact list, please e-mail Jennifer Goupil, P.E., at jgoupil@zweigwhite.com.

AceCad Software Inc., is the developer and seller of the 3-D detailing software, StruCad and StruM.I.S. StruCad places an array of powerful modeling and detailing tools into the hands of detailing professionals. StruM.I.S. is a management information system for steelwork fabricators. It brings the steel fabrication industry up to date with the latest processing, tracking, and reporting facilities, along with streamlining the fabrication process by providing seamless interaction between departments, suppliers, and clients.
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ADAPT-Builder suite from ADAPT Corporation is a comprehensive suite of integrated design software for concrete slabs, beams, and mat foundations—conventionally reinforced or post-tensioned. Based on ADAPT-BIM technology, it offers a modeling environment, a true 3-D FEM analysis engine that analyzes and designs projects, and features a Dynamic Rebar Design module.
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The AF&PA American Wood Council’s Online Span Calculators perform calculations for all species and grades of commercially available softwood and hardwood lumber as found in the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction 2005 Supplement-Design Values for Wood Construction. Joists and rafter spans for common loading conditions can be determined. A "span options" calculator allows selection of multiple species and grades for comparison purposes.
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MASTERSPEC specifications, published by ARCOM, include reference materials on products, technologies, manufacturers, and standards. Specifications documents coordinate with those used by the rest of the construction team, and are available in both MasterFormat ’95 and ’04. Each library comes with free specification-editing software and free tech support.
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Autodesk, Inc.’s Revit Platform for building information modeling (BIM) provides purpose-built solutions for architects and structural and MEP engineers, and enables integration and coordination throughout the design process. Customers can model from scratch or over CAD files, and can link directly with models from Revit Architecture and Revit MEP.
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According to Avatech Solutions—an engineering technology solutions provider that assists companies in making the transition successfully—structural engineering firms will need to use a workflow based on BIM and investigate the use of Autodesk Revit Structure. Real-world structural engineering expertise helps clients gain a competitive edge by leveraging technological innovations.
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Bentley Systems, Inc., welcomes RAM, STAAD, and ProSteel to the Bentley family. Offering a comprehensive suite of analysis, design, detailing, and construction documentation tools, Bentley’s products allow seamless workflow throughout the entire project for building, plant, and civil applications. Integrated solutions are available for reinforced concrete, post-tensioned concrete, steel, wood, cold-formed steel, aluminum, and masonry.
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Designed by structural engineers, BillQuick from BQE Software Inc., manages employee, client, and project information, including document management, budgets, Gantt charts, WIP, and receivables. It allows unlimited billing rates for employees, tasks, and projects; and invoicing is based on T&M, fixed fee, percent complete, and recurring. BillQuick also accommodates phasing and billing against retainers.
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CADRE Analytic’s CADRE Pro 5 for Windows 98/NT/2000/XP and Vista with advanced modeling tools includes CAD importing via DXF. CADRE Pro solves structures for internal loads/stresses, displacements, vibration modes, and natural frequencies. It contains advanced features for stability, buckling, shock and seismic loads, and automatic external loading features for projecting loads such as pressure, wind, and snow.
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StruCalc, developed by Cascade Consulting Associates, Inc., is used for the design or analysis of beams, columns, and footings. Users can switch between different materials, including solid-sawn lumber, Glulams, I-joists, and several manufactured lumber products, as well as steel and composite flitch beams.
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Computers & Structures, Inc. (CSI), develops software tools for analysis and design of structures. SAP2000 is intended for use on civil structures such as bridges, dams, stadiums, and industrial structures. ETABS and SAFE have been developed specifically for multistory buildings and foundation systems for high-rises, apartments, and hospitals. PERFORM 3-D is a highly focused nonlinear software tool for earthquake-resistant design.
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Multiframe from Daystar Software, Inc., provides linear and non-linear analysis, along with a full range of modeling tools, including 3-D drawing, tension only/compression only members and springs, automation, thermal effects, and dynamic analysis. Other modules allow users to draw section shapes quickly and install them in the section library and perform design checks for a wide range of design codes.
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Deltek’s Vision integrates all critical business processes of the project-driven firm into one central database, including project planning and management, resource management, time and expense collection, financial management, project accounting, HR management, document management, business development, and proposal automation. It is an entirely web-based solution that allows instant access to mission-critical information from anywhere with Internet connection.
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Devco Software, Inc.’s LGBEAMER v7 Pro provides modeling and design of cold-formed cee’s, channels, zee’s, and structural HSS shapes with uniform, concentrated, partial span, sloping, and axial loads. Single, boxed, back-to-back, and built-up cee and channel members can be designed. Modules for framed openings (header, sill, and jambs), shearwalls, x-braces, and general interactions are also included.
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ENERCALC Engineering Software, Inc., provides engineers with structural engineering software, specializing in providing a suite of programs for common design tasks in steel, concrete, wood, masonry, and various general analysis modules. The company is releasing its sixth major version this fall. Version 6.0 provides an increase in capabilities and is in accordance with all the latest codes.
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Software from the Georgia Tech - CASE Center is used for industrial, nuclear, offshore, transportation, utility, and civil works facilities. According to the company, GTSTRUDL integrates modeling, analysis, and design into a powerful information processing system. Key features include linear and nonlinear static and dynamic analysis, plastic hinges, pushover analysis, and buckling analysis. A wide range of 2-D and 3-D elements are available, including cable and base isolation elements.
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The engineers at IES, Inc., develop VisualAnalysis 6 for thousands of clients who need quick, easy, and versatile structural analysis and design. According to the company, the newest version offers performance boosts, area loading, IBC 2006 wind and seismic support, and automated design.
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iLevel by Weyerhaeuser’s iLevel TJ-Beam software is a single-member sizing tool that sizes engineered wood and lumber products for joist, beam, and column applications, including appropriate accessories and hangers. The software provides automatic calculation of design spans based on a building’s dimensions, and "smart bearing logic" calculates exact bearing lengths based on support conditions.
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TurboCAD Pro 14 from IMSI/Design LLC delivers design productivity and visual results with integrated 2-D drafting, 3-D surface and solid modeling, and 3-D photorealistic rendering. LightWorks 7.5 and LightWorks Archives of materials and effects achieve visual presentations for architectural and mechanical designs. According to the company, the IDX Beam Analysis Tool provides complete analysis of deflection and stresses on any beam.
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Interactive Design Systems offers products for bridge design and analysis: Bridge Designer II (BD2) for 2-D design and MC3D for bridge construction and geometry control. BD2 provides design and analysis for pre-stressed concrete bridges in a wizard-driven user interface, conducting a time simulation of construction stages for concrete pre- and post-tensioned structures. MC3D enables bridge builders to control the geometry of segmental (box-girder) bridges constructed using factory-produced pre-cast concrete.
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Jager Engineered Wood Products’ fully integrated software solution, QuickTools Enterprise Suite, provides a robust layout and design solution, as well as the full engineering analysis and load transfer required by the major code organizations and building officials throughout North America.
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SPACE GASS from King and Associates LLC is a graphical-based 3-D structural analysis and design program. Analysis modules include non-linear static analysis, dynamic analysis, earthquake analysis, buckling analysis, and cable analysis. Modeling features include rigid, pinned, sliding, and elastic supports; tension-only members; mixed units; semi-rigid joints; standard section libraries; shape builder; filters; all load types; combinations; enveloping; structure wizard; and analysis optimizer.
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LEAP Software has developed LEAP Bridge, a fully integrated bridge geometry, substructure and superstructure analysis, design, and load rating application. LEAP fully integrates its building analysis and design products, PRESTO and AXSYS with leading BIM systems, including Tekla Structures for Precast and StructureWorks.
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LUSAS civil and structural analysis software can be used for all types of structural analysis, including seismic, fatigue, blast, buckling, impact, and fire. It is employed on a full range of structures from simple slabs, buildings, frames, masts, towers, and tanks to heavy civil engineering structures such as cooling towers, dams, and tunnels.
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Meridian Systems offers two solutions to solve the unique business challenges associated with construction projects and programs: Prolog, in-depth project management features for small- to medium-sized organizations; and Proliance, an infrastructure lifecycle management solution for large enterprises.
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MIDASoft Inc.’s midasGen is FE software for building and general structures: static, dynamic, prestressing, post-tensioning, column-shortening reflecting creep and shrinkage, P-Delta, buckling, thermal stress, pushover, moving load, masonry wall, cable structures, damper and base isolator, material nonlinear, inelastic time history, and heat of hydration analyses. Design features for beam, column, and shear wall (steel, concrete, and SRC) to AISC (LRFD and ASD), CSA S16.1, BS 5950, and Eurocode3 and ACI 318, CSA-A23.3, BS 8110, and Eurocode2.
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According to MultiREBAR CAD, it details rebar drawings with automatic bar lists and exports to production, offering the only rebar detailing software application powered by the latest AutoCAD OEM technology combined with structural tools in the one package, as well as solutions for AutoCAD. MultiSTEEL drafts and details software for AutoCAD.
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Noran Engineering, Inc. (NEi), provides solutions for civil engineering infrastructure such as power plants, bridges, roads, railways, structures, and water systems. Its NEi Nastran Finite Element Analysis (FEA) performs structural analysis of slabs, frames, trusses, guyed masts, innovative thin shells, geodesic structures, and composite roofs. Loading environments include seismic, impact, wind, snow, ice, and thermal.
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Omnitech Associates’ DesconWin and DesconBrace are used for designing the connections of steel structures. DesconWin designs shear and moment connections of beams to column flange, column web, girder, HSS columns, as well as beam and column splices, including seismic moment design. DesconBrace designs braced-frame connections, diagonal, chevron, K, and knee-brace connections; W and HSS columns, W, WT, L, 2L, HSS, C, and 2C braces are also available.
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Opti-Mate, Inc., provides software for analysis, design, rating, investigation of concrete deck placement, and AASHTO code check of bridges. Software titles include MERLIN DASH for constant-depth, tapered, or haunched steel I-girders, reinforced concrete girders or prestressed concrete girders; DESCUS I for curved I-girders; DESCUS II for curved box girders; SABRE for sign and luminaire structures; and TRAP for truss bridges.
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As part of the Portland Cement Association (PCA), pcaStructurePoint combines PCA’s suite of concrete design software with its collective expertise and resources in structural engineering. pcaStructurePoint offers a convenient, single point of access for resources: design software, product specs, educational tools, and technical support.
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According to POSTEN Engineering Systems, its POSTEN Multistory V-7 and CONCRET provide comprehensive, powerful, efficient, and easy-to-use software for design of post-tensioned or reinforced concrete frame structures. POSTEN designs tendons for the user; and designs columns and multistory post-tensioned concrete frame structures for lateral forces.
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Retain Pro 2007 from Retain Pro Software designs or analyzes nearly any retaining wall, masonry, or concrete. The software includes cantilevered, restrained, gravity, and segmental walls with or without geogrids, as well as all loading conditions, including seismic.
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RISA Technologies has been developing structural design and optimization software for more than 20 years. The complete, seamless integration of RISAFloor, RISA-3D, and RISAFoundation creates a versatile and intuitive structural design environment, ready to tackle most any design challenge.
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Robobat North America Inc., provides sales, support, and training for Robot Millennium structural analysis and design software. Robot has a completely open interface (which can be utilized by partners and clients) and is integrated with many popular software products. It has key strengths in the BIM market and Robobat has quality bidirectional integration with Revit Structure, in addition to "Extensions for Revit."
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For small contractors, Sage Software’s Peachtree by Sage Premium Accounting for Construction offers all of the accounting functionality plus construction-specific features and analysis tools needed to get started. Sage Master Builder provides more sophisticated construction management features and increased support for managing the profit cycle. For medium to large companies, Sage Timberline Office offers integrated financial and operations software.
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Saint Joe, Inc., features patent-pending technology in its online data repository for data management and data translation. The author posts original documents, and with the author’s permission, a user can download a copy of a design in a preferred data format. The author manages his or her space where only invited subscribers enter and download pre-authorized and traceable copies, and a fee is charged for data use and transformation.
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The Simpson Strong-Tie new Anchor Tiedown System (ATS) Selector software helps engineers choose the most effective lateral force-resisting system for multistory wood structures. The program allows users to create a standard system design or customize the system to meet the specific needs of a project. It includes CAD drawings, calculations, installation details, and elevation drawings to help simplify specification.
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With SPECTEXT Master Guide Specifications the designer makes conscious choices regarding the most appropriate suppliers, equipment, and materials for the project to support the standard of quality delineated in the design drawings and demanded by the owner. SPECTEXT’s specifications provide a foundation for creating and maintaining a customized master specifications system in the CSI format.
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Standards Design Group, Inc., produces software utilizing common design standards. Wind Loads on Structures 2005 and Wind Loads on Signs 2005 apply design wind loads to user-structure design to generate pressures and loads according to Section 6 of ASCE 7. Window Glass Design 2004 allows the user to design one-, two-, three-, or four-sided supported glass units and test short- and long-duration loads with a pass/fail result. Blast Resistant Glazing Design 2007 provides glass design results for UFC 4-010-01, ISC/GSA, or user-defined explosive threats.
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Strand7 Pty Ltd.’s Strand7 is an FEA system designed for Windows. It is used for civil, structural, mechanical, marine, and aeronautical applications. It comprises pre-processing, solvers, post-processing, and powerful API—fully benchmarked and distributed with detailed verification manuals. It is well-suited for staged construction, tension structures, steel and concrete structures, bridges, tall buildings, and geotechnical applications.
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Structural Desktop (SDT) from Structural Desktop, Inc., integrates the analytical programs with AutoCAD. Users can build an analytical model inside AutoCAD, import the model into an analytical program where the model is analyzed and designed, then import the model back into SDT for adjustment and automatic creation of annotated AutoCAD 2-D and 3-D drawings.
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According to Struware, Inc., its Struware Code Search program provides all pertinent wind, seismic, snow, live, and dead loads in just minutes. The program simplifies ASCE 7 and IBC by catching the hidden items that are often missed. Struware also offers programs to analyze tilt-up concrete wall panels, concrete beams with torsion, and steel framed-floor vibrations.
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Tekla Structures from TEKLA, Inc., is a BIM tool that streamlines the delivery process of design, detailing, manufacture, and construction organizations. It provides a 3-D collaboration tool, allowing engineering firms to model and manage multi-material structural systems from conceptual design through construction.
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