Structural Modelling Software 1

[CBEngi]

I currently work for a Canadian Structural Engineering Consultant. We are looking at expanding our modelling software and I'm looking for some opinions with respect to how each program preforms overall and if it uses the Canadian Codes.

We currently use SFrame and are looking at purchasing the SConcrete/SFoundation and SSteel.

I have done some research online and found some other programs that seem to offer the same package (i.e. a full program to offer general analysis, Steel design and Concrete)

The other programs I have noted that may include the Canadian codes are:
STAAD Pro
Robot Structural analysis (AutoCAD Plugin)

I also found these programs along the way
RISA 3D
ISEWEB

I am wondering what other people use, what they thought about the learning curb and how it performs overall. Throughout school we used SFrame and I'm fairly comfortable using the basic program. But we have completed a trial with SFoundation and I didn't find it that competent.

Our office completes a lot of one off projects, but we also do foundation design, concrete buildings and steel buildings for an idea of what we typically do, along with a lot of marine work.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KootK]

I vote IES for general production with RISA in the hunt. CSI products if you need the 19th mode of rotational oscillation and you can tolerate clumsy input.

RAM might be a good fit for you as well. RAM Structural System is pretty slick for steel. ConcePT is, in my opinion, the best concrete slab production tool hands down.

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

 

[KootK]

Oh, and I frickin' love S-Concrete as a stand alone. Best friend a shear wall ever had.

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

 

[sedesigner06]

I have had the best experience with Ram for easy floor framing and lateral system. For more complex structures i would reccommend Risa or Staad. The CSI product i have used in my opinion can get clumsy and not very user friendly as stated above. That being said i did not invest alot of time in programs like SAP and Etabs so that may be the reason i never felt comfortable with them.

 

[Brad805]

We use ETABS and SAP, but one of the deciding factors in our case was the interoperability with Tekla. We are in Canada and CSI products have CSA codes for all aspects of their design except for steel connections.

Make sure to test out each product. If the software company does not have a download or youtube video that satisfies your curiosity have them prepare a demonstration of a typical project you send. All of these companies will prepare a video demonstration that can be done via gotomeeting, skype or whatever method they have.

 

[jayrod12]

We pretty well solely use RISA my only complaint with it is the lack of Canadian wood design. However I believe for complicated lateral design our guy uses ETABS.

 

[850R]

Hey guys,

I would also recommend Staad Pro.

I am also working on a project with Canadian Code but don't have any reference book.
Can you guys recommend me a good structural steel design guide book for Canadian code?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KootK]

Kulak and Gilmore. Andrew Metten has a good book too but it's much harder to get your hands on.

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

 

[850R]

KootK,

Thank you very much, do you have the ISBN number by any chance? Or the name of the book to search on amazon?

 

[jayrod12]

Kulak and Grondin also have a book but the one I have is out of date in some of the shear aspects since the last code change. The isbn of the one I have is 978-088811-119-7. It's a black book called Limit States Design in Structural Steel Eighth Edition.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

Jayrod - RISA should have Canadian wood design by the end of the year! I haven't been working on the feature at all. But, others tell me that it is "finished". Not sure if it has been fully tested yet though.

AaronKen -

I work for RISA, so I certainly should be considered a somewhat biased observer. But, my general thoughts on your search are the following:
1) Anyone who is an expert in the structural software (be it RISA, STAAD, or whatever) can make modeling in their software look really easy. Especially if it is a structure that they've worked with before. But, the key is how quickly YOU (the practicing engineer) can come up to speed on the new software.

2) My recommendation would be to contact the individual vendors and getting a Demo or Trial version of each product that is in serious contention. Then spend a morning or afternoon attempting to learn each product. Some companies will allow this easily / automatically (like the link to RISA's Demo Request page) and some will make you go through a salesperson. But, most everyone should eventually allow it.

If you do this, you should quickly see which ones are easy to use and which are not. You should see which ones have good help files that answer your questions. You may even get a chance to test the quality or responsiveness of their tech support group.

3) Obviously features and cost are important and should be one of your primary considerations. But, ease of use, quality of documentation and tech support can end up being just as important. You might also check to see what sort of training options are available. Webinars / on-line movies, tutorials, or on-site training.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

There is a ninth edition of the Kulak & Grondin book. Available in the provided link to CISC's website.

 

[KootK]

That's the book that I had in mind -- thanks Jayrod. I'm curious to see if anyone has other recommendations. The two books that a I mentioned are, frankly, the only two that I can think of.

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

 

[850R]

Thank you JoshPlum, can you guys also recommend a couple for the Eurocode steel design?

 

[JoshPlumSE]

I don't have any single EuroCode reference that is as good as Kulak's book is for Canadian Steel or Salmon and Johnson is for US steel.

We've relied mostly on the code itself up to this point. Beyond that we've got some "worked examples" that we got from BSI (the British Steel Institute). But, I'd be just as interested if someone else knows of a good reference for EuroSteel.

 

[850R]

Hey guys,

Working on a channel section with Canadian Code S16-14. Trying to classify the section by using table 2 but this table doesn't mention about the channel section. I just want to check a simply supported beam, can anybody help me understand how to classify a channel section, lets say C6x13?

Thanks

 

[jayrod12]

Check clause 13.6.(b)

Channels are I think are classified as class 4 section if you want to classify them.

 

[canwesteng]

Class 4 means you reduce yield strength or cross section until you reach class 3. But like jayrod said, apply Cl. 13.6b as long as it's a standard channel. Effectively like using a class 3 section

 

[850R]

Thank you guys, does this clause apply to both strong and weak axis?

 

[jayrod12]

I would say yes.