UK Structural design software

[WR4X]

I'm thinking about moving to the UK from South Africa for a couple of years. But would like to know what's the most commonly used structure design programme used.

In South Africa most consulting firms use PROKON. Any other programs worth having a look, seeing that i would like to hit the ground running if i do decide to go over.

 

[Ussuri]

A lot of the bigger packages on offer are used worldwide. The ones I have come across or seen adverts for in the Structural Engineer are:

STAAD

http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/STAAD.Pro/

S-Frame, TEDDS, FASTRAK

http://www.cscworld.com/

FS2000 (popular in Oil and Gas in Aberdeen, writer is a local)

http://www.aes-uk.com/fs2000.htm

LUSAS

http://www.lusas.org/

SAND, SCALE (one of the original DOS packages, very common a while back. Good software but lacks the visual 'bells and whistles' of more modern software. But still on the go)

http://www.fitzroy.com/

Masterseries

http://www.masterseries.com/

Prokon

http://www.prokon.com/

Robot

http://www.robobat.com/n/uk/

 

[csd72]

I wouldnt stress about it.

Half the engineers I worked with in the UK were from SA, Australia or New Zealand and I doubt many of them had looked into software before they came.

A better way, which will show you are keen, is to stay behind for an hour on a few nights to familiarise your self with their software.

I would definately familiarise your self with the health and safety issues over there as this is a really significant part of your work over there.

Rates are good, so good time to move over.

 

[rapt]

RAPT - For RC and PT analysis and design

http://www.raptsoftware.com

 

[csd72]

rapt - no bias shown there!

I agree that rapt is good software, but how popular is it in the UK?

 

[rapt]

csd72,

Completely unbiased.

Very popular. Most of the PT companies use it along with many of the large and medium sized consultants, for both RC and PT designs.