June 26, 2024
As engineering projects evolve and become more technologically driven, selecting the right structural analysis software is essential for ensuring precision, safety, and efficiency. Engineers in industries ranging from construction to aerospace rely on these tools to simulate, verify, and optimise structural designs.
This guide explores key considerations when choosing the right software to help engineers make informed decisions that elevate project outcomes.
Whether it's a high-rise, a long-span bridge, or critical machine components, structural analysis software enables engineers to accurately predict how structures behave under various conditions, including load, stress, and environmental impacts.
With the right tools, engineers can model complex scenarios, optimise material use, mitigate design risks, and ensure compliance with stringent industry standards, such as fatigue assessments in offshore platforms or seismic compliance in tall structures.
Every engineering project has unique requirements, which dictate the necessary features in structural analysis software. For instance, seismic analysis is crucial for buildings in earthquake-prone regions, while fatigue and buckling analysis are essential for long-span bridges and offshore structures. Engineers working on industrial piping systems may require software capable of simulating thermal loads and pressure vessel design according to ASME standards.
Key Consideration: Does the software meet the specific needs of your project, such as load analysis, material modelling, or fatigue assessments?
Even advanced tools, like FEA platforms, should balance depth with usability, offering straightforward workflows without sacrificing the complex simulations needed for non-linear analysis or multi-body dynamics. Comprehensive user guides and responsive technical support are critical for a seamless user experience.
Key Consideration: How quickly can your team get up to speed on the software, and does it integrate well with other tools in your workflow?
Selecting software that supports global standards, such as Eurocode, AISC, and ABS, ensures that your design meets not only local but also international safety requirements, facilitating global certifications and approvals. For example, automated code compliance checks against numerous standards, streamlining the verification process for offshore, maritime, and heavy industrial structures.
Key Consideration: Does the software support the engineering standards required in your region or industry?
For complex projects, engineers often need to create custom scripts or integrate software with other tools, such as CAD or FEA systems. Look for platforms that offer flexibility, such as the ability to customise load combinations or automate reporting processes based on specific project needs.
Key Consideration: Does the software offer customisable modules or APIs for integration with other engineering tools?
While initial licensing fees may be high, software that reduces manual reporting, automates standard compliance, and offers seamless integration with existing workflows will offer significant long-term ROI by minimising project turnaround time and reducing potential design errors.
Key Consideration: Does the software offer flexible pricing or subscription models to match your company’s budget?
Several popular structural analysis software solutions are available today. Here’s a brief overview of some top contenders:
Ansys is renowned for its robust finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities, offering a wide range of tools for both structural and fluid analysis. It’s ideal for large-scale projects requiring advanced simulations.
SDC Verifier is known for its automated compliance verification across a wide range of industry standards, including ABS, Eurocode, and AISC. It integrates seamlessly with major FEA tools like ANSYS, enabling engineers to not only perform in-depth analysis but also generate detailed compliance reports. Its automation of complex tasks, like fatigue analysis, helps engineers ensure safety and reduce human errors in verification workflows.
SAP2000 offers powerful analysis tools for buildings and bridges, with features such as dynamic and seismic analysis. Its easy-to-use interface makes it a favourite among civil engineers.
STAAD.Pro is widely used in the construction industry for its strong capabilities in steel and concrete design. It supports a wide variety of design codes, making it versatile across industries.
According to Forbes, 50% of digital work will be automated through structural analysis software and large language models (LLMs) by 2025. So, applying such software significantly helps engineers in their projects in any industry.
Before finalising your choice of structural analysis software, consider the following questions:
Selecting the right structural analysis software is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your engineering projects. By carefully considering factors such as project requirements, ease of use, compliance with standards, and cost, you can find a solution that enhances both efficiency and accuracy. The right software not only helps in meeting design objectives but also improves overall workflow, leading to safer, more reliable structures.
