Software, standars, etc.

[lyche]

Hi,
I`m structural engineer and interest what is best software in USA for Structural Analysis and can you tell me where to find standards for concrete and Reinforcing Steel?

 

[BadgerPE]

American Concrete Institute--ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
American Institute of Steel Construction--AISC 360: Steel Construction Manual

As far as software goes, there are many good options out there and it will be up to you to research them and determine which one best fits your needs.

 

[lyche]

Than you a lot. And can you tell me for Reinforcing Steel drawing you use autocad structural detailing?

 

[BadgerPE]

No our company does not.

 

[lyche]

In which software you work? I have addition to the AutoCAD which allows me to draw reinforcement but it works to the standards of my country so I wonder if you also have that something extra for AutoCAD?

 

[lyche]

I work in Tower software that is Serbian software for structural analysis and here is the description : Tower 7, application for static and dynamic structural analysis, concrete, steel and timber design.
Tower 7 is a graphical program for universal analysis of influences in planar and space structures. By providing strong tools that are automated, integrated, all-inclusive and intuitive, this program enables the engineers to increase the speed and quality of designing.
Software comparing static and seismic calculations for me and so interested in what kind of program that you have?
I'm sorry if I'm boring but the internet has so many programs and do not know what to look!!!

 

[JoshPlumSE]

For general purpose structural analysis and such, the US market is dominated by the following programs:
RISA-3D
SAP-2000
STAAD-Pro

There are a couple of other program that have made some in-roads in recent years:
RAM Elements
Visual Analysis

I don't understand your application very well, so I cannot say whether any of these programs fully meet your needs. Some of these programs will have Demo versions available for download. RISA's demo can be obtained easily by filling out the data on the following page:

http://www.risa.com/forms/demo_request.html

Note: I actually work for RISA. So, don't mistake me for an unbiased / neutral practicing engineer.

 

[FeliceSelene]

I suggest you used ETABS for concrete and STAADPro for steel. However for finite element analysis you could use STRAND7 and for design of slabs and foundations SAP2000 or SAFE could be a good choice.