Best slab FE package 1

[MHSpurs]

Hi. This is my first post to this great site.

We are currently updating our office software (Irish based) and would like to include a concrete flat slab FE package as part of a new suite. I would greatly appreciate some help in selecting one.

We are trying to avoid overly complicated packages that need to be re learned after 3-4 months of non use. We would probably have 6-7 suitable projects per annum.

Our wish list is:

*Easy import from acad drawings
*Works to British codes
*Easy load application eg drag and drop for point/line loads.
*Effective punching shear checks and long term deflections.
*stepped slab profile
*output to acad.
*Link to and from frame analysis/design package.

Any ideas? The common names I keep coming across are:

Robot
Orion
Ram
Prokon
Sofistik
Strap
Etabs
Stadd
Safe Slab


Finally, is there a page/site that reviews and compares these products?

Many Thanks

MH

 

[MHSpurs]

Hi

went to the cads demo. Looks very user friendly and seems to be 'all singing/all dancing', however, its very new.

I for one wont be buying it for at least 18 months until all the bugs are eliminated.

Still quite a head turner in a neerdy kind of way!

 

[alf0123]

Hi,
I used Lusas, Robot, Ram Concept and Sofistik
From all of the above I find Robot as a good and reliable software especially for steel, RC structures (2-d and 3-d). Technical support was also the best from all of the above in case of Robot.
Lusas , good but not user friendly , expensve.
Ram Concept - good slabdesigner, I recommend it only for PT floors, expensive.
Sofistic generates lots of erros (I use the recent one) and it has pour technical support.

 

[almait]

Robot Millenium (Robot).
Great FE Packages, great assistance, not too difficult to learn, multi-language, multi-codes (both for concrete and steel design).
REgards

 

[chrede]

Hi

I have tried Amses Plate which I find very good and easy to use. Has anyone of you tried it? If you have, I would like to hear your opinion. you can download it for free here:

http://www.ainet-sp.si/AMSES/En/Plate.htm

Thanks Chrede (Denmark)