Structural Steel Detailing Software

[129PAR]

My company is looking for software to help us detail out structural steel. We currently use Solidworks 2016 for our structural detailing and I find it rather time consuming. Should I look into some type of Solidworks add on or a new stand alone system? Our structural assemblies are small to medium in nature and usually under 100 piece parts. Thanks for your input.

 

[KootK]

Tekla if you can afford it.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[Brad805]

If Tekla is not in the cards I would could consider one of the solidworks add-ons below. We have not used them, but have tried detailing a few projects in solidworks when there were mechanical parts we wanted to include in our model. The steel detailer is from Australia. I looked at that once or twice. I am sure Javelin or your re-seller would be glad to give you a web demo. StruCad is another common package. Trimble owns both Tekla and Strucad. Strucad is cheaper from what I understand.

http://www.thesteeldetailer.com/

http://solution.javelin-tech.com/the-steel-detailer

http://www.javelin-tech.com/main/products/builtworks.htm

 

[TLHS]

If you're planning on interfacing with other people, call up those people and figure out what they use. That's really the most important thing. Like, if you're going to send models to the fabricator, check what your local shops use. If you're going to work with architects or owners, see what they use.