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Open source finite element software

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s_saranya

Civil/Environmental
Oct 23, 2020
59
Can anyone suggest a suitable open source finite element software for seismic analysis of concrete and steel structures?
 
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If there were a suitable one out there, companies like RISA, RAM, and ETABS would have gone belly up long ago. There are some open source programs out there, but I'd hardly call any of them "suitable" for practical design. It's been a while since I've tried to find any, though, so perhaps some of them improved. I doubt it, though. The level of effort required is pretty extraordinary and most people realize the value of their time long before they arrive at a usable version of such software.
 
Check OpenSees, this software is meant for such purposes. Just keep in mind that open-source FEA codes are typically far from being user-friendly and you have to spend quite some time to learn how to use them (especially since they usually don't have GUI and require scripting).
 
phamENG said:
If there were one out there, companies like RISA, RAM, and ETABS would have gone belly up long ago.

Actually, I think there are. It's just that none of them are very useful / practical as you suggested.

My old company (Fluor Daniel) used mainframe SAP IV which is (I believe) public domain software. The same may be true of the original versions of GT Strudl and STAAD. Much of the original source code was developed with public funding which is why it's available to the public. Unfortunately, SAP IV was based on the old "punch card" input decks. So, you have to create a text file that mimics those old punch cards to create your model. Ugh! There virtually zero graphical interface.

The big problem is that there is no incentive for the original developers to spend money to make those programs better. Adding and revising the program for constantly changing technology is challenging. Same thing for constantly changing steel and concrete codes. Even something as simple as building a graphic interface.
 
Oh, I forgot my caveat.... I worked for RISA for 16 years before they were taken over by Darth Posturous and the Galactic Empire. Now, I work for the "Rebellion" (i.e. CSI) and have for the last 4 years.
 
Thanks, Josh. I edited my post to clarify the first sentence.
 
CSI is surely not the "Rebellion" I'd put them firmly as the Galactic Empire (Well industry wise Autodesk is probably the more fitting choice here), RISA being the Separatist Alliance, Bentley is probably the Huts in this scenario with how they handle business.

I'm making a thing: (It's no Kootware and it will probably break but it's alive!)
 
So my father-in-law using VBA in Excel to create a spreadsheet program to design trussed catwalks is the rebellion? Sweet!

...unfortunately he's never seen Star Wars. [lol]

Please note that is a "v" (as in Violin) not a "y".
 
Celt83 said:
CSI is surely not the "Rebellion" I'd put them firmly as the Galactic Empire (Well industry wise Autodesk is probably the more fitting choice here), RISA being the Separatist Alliance, Bentley is probably the Huts in this scenario with how they handle business.

Clearly I'm a biased source in every possible way.... So, take what I say with a grain of salt.

As far as "Rebellion" goes, I meant in the context that CSI is run by the founder (Ashraf Habibullah) who created it in the late 70's early 80's and many of the technological innovators are still associated with the company (Ed Wilson, Graham Powell, etc) at least in spirit. None of those other companies are "independent" and have been taken over by large conglomerates. IMO, this inherently changes the nature of the company. And, for what it's worth, CSI has never (to my knowledge) tried to "Squash" their opposition by anything other than fair methods of competition. Certainly CSI has nowhere near the resources of the parent companies of the other main programs. And, I know when I worked for RISA, those two companies always had a very cordial relationship. Lots of mutual respect there.

Compare CSI to STAAD and RAM which were sold to a large CADD company (Bentley) years ago. The only "original" person who made those companies prosper that is still with them (to my knowledge) is Allen Adams. And, Bentley is a HUGE company compared to most in the industry, excluding AutoCAD.

RISA was sold by the original founder (Bruce Bates) about 5 years ago. He sold it to (I believe) a German Company (Nemetschuk sp?) That new RISA company (or the new CEO) pretty much cleaned house, getting rid of or driving out much of the previous staff (including me). Now, the the company has very few of the people who really helped make that company what it was. Now, it's headed up by sales / marketing department (supervised by Darth Posturous [wink]). They are pretty desperate to spin their acquisition of RISA in a different light.... Telling their customers that it's still the exact same company with the exact same employees and that nothing has changed or will change. But, I'll let you guys (their customers / users) be the judge of that.

I used a playful Star Wars reference to describe RISA. But, my view is partially shaped by threats from the Numcheck legal department. Well, technically it was a 3rd party that is close to Darth Postorous, that told me their legal department wanted to sue me. Mostly because they didn't like the posts I'd made on Eng-Tips or LinkedIN. Really just posts that offered technical support on features that their tech support was not able to solve for them.

Anyway, that is why I personally view them as an 'evil empire'.
 
just busting your chops a little there Josh.

Thanks for the further context and sorry you're having to deal with that nonsense, in my opinion you've been very straightforward about your posts being your own personal views.

I'm making a thing: (It's no Kootware and it will probably break but it's alive!)
 
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