Economical 3-D frame analysis software 1

[tnteng]

My company is considering the purchase of Multiframe 3-D with code AISC checking software to do some minor 3-D frame analysis. I have reviewed their demo and it seems to do what we need. Does anyone know if there are other packages that do about the same thing as Multiframe for about the same price that may be a superior program?

Thanks,

Tony Billeaud
Mechanical Engineer
Franks Casing Crew

 

[mrMikee]

tnteng,

I don't know what Multiframe 3D costs but two programs I recently looked at were RISA 3D ($2000) and SAP2000 ($2000/$5000/$8000) for the Basic, Plus, and Advanced versions. All are 3d analysis programs with code checking capabilities. While SAP2000 seems to be a nice system, I think RISA is more intuitive. In other words, I got farther in RISA without reading the manual than with SAP.

From what I can remember RISA doesn't have any limits to the model size except computer memory. The Basic SAP is limited to 1500 nodes but can do solid modeling, I think.

If this is your price range check these out.

Regards,
-Mike

 

[fleisher]

We use a myriad of software (good and bad) in house. We have ETABS, STAAD and ROBOT (got rid of a few lately). Most people we come across with use STAAD so it is much easier to transport files. We use ROBOT if we have some really high end stuff to do. But the support for them is terrible - I think they are based in Europe somewhere. For cost, they are all on the higher end. STAAD is about $3-4k and ETABS and ROBOT are a little higher. A colleague of ours at Parsons said they have a limited version of STAAD that costs like $1000. It does only steel design (no concrete or timber, I guess). That may be what you are looking for.

 

[miecz]

What is the price of Multiframe?

 

[tnteng]

Multiframe 3D Bundle Costs:
(includes Multiframe 3D, ASD, LRFD & Section Maker) $ 995

Tony Billeaud
Mechanical Engineer
Franks Casing Crew

 

[EddyC]

I believe that there is still a product called WinStrudl (not the same as GTStrudl). It analyzes 3d frame structures and is relatively inexpensive.

 

[miecz]

My only experience is with RISA, STAAD, and STRUDL. All more expensive packages. I've stuck with RISA and I'm very happy with it.

 

[jike]

I recommend Visual Analysis.

 

[mrMikee]

tnteng,

I've checked out the Multiframe website and have to admit that the software does look interesting, and reasonably priced. Since I do code checking with a spreadsheet, an analysis only program ($595) would work for me. And if someday I want to go to a 'black box' approach with steel design, it's nice to know they have that too. As I said before I do like RISA (its interface does work well) but it is more than I need.

If anyone has experience with Multiframe, I too would like to hear your opinions.

http://www.daystarsoftware.com/index.html

Regards,
-Mike

 

[JStephen]

I used an older version of software from IES- haven't used newer ones.

http://www.iesweb.com.

This is the "Visual Analysis" listed above.