Affordable Structural Analysis software
Affordable Structural Analysis software
(OP)
Hello All,
Is it still possible to actually purchase a structural analysis package for two and three dimension frame type problems? Everything seems to have gone to subscription or quasi-subscription models. I am not interested in becoming someone's "after-work" or "forever" payee.
I had wanted to purchase a copy of Microstran, but Bentley purchased them and has converted them to the "forever" payment model. Quite unfortunate as it was my favourite analysis package by a mile.
Not to side track my own thread, but I have half a mind to try to find someone's old copy for sale. Buying someone's old license might be an option; Not illegal here or in Europe.
Is it still possible to actually purchase a structural analysis package for two and three dimension frame type problems? Everything seems to have gone to subscription or quasi-subscription models. I am not interested in becoming someone's "after-work" or "forever" payee.
I had wanted to purchase a copy of Microstran, but Bentley purchased them and has converted them to the "forever" payment model. Quite unfortunate as it was my favourite analysis package by a mile.
Not to side track my own thread, but I have half a mind to try to find someone's old copy for sale. Buying someone's old license might be an option; Not illegal here or in Europe.






RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
When I worked on Canada (1989-1991) I used a Canadian program called P-Frame (2d) and S-Frame (3d). It was a great program and very advanced at the time for graphic input via grid line and mouse click for members etc. I am not sure if it is still around.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
I really wonder if they realize how many people are being driven away because of this?
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
I have to run it under an emulator now as it is not compatible with the newer operating systems, but I would be lost without it.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Now it appears as if AutoCAD is taking the same route. You can only receive reduced upgrades if you enter into a yearly agreement with them. Seems like they are looking for a way to increase profits.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Frankly what we need to do is start an Open Source project. In the mean time I'm hoping to still own my shirt after finding software...
Care to sell one of those old licenses? *sigh*
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
FYI, the software companies get mad when old licenses are transferred without their consent.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
The EU supreme court also ruled, in no uncertain terms, that you can sell used software licenses period. As much as they don't like it these companies can't legally stop you from selling used software licenses. However, I believe services can be restricted; so warranties, updates, customer support, and so on likely can't be transferred.
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Note:
You would think that I would know (seeing as I work for a structural software company, RISA). But, I spend so much time focusing on what we're doing that I don't always see what's going on with our competitors.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
I have absolutely no issue with paying fair value for a product; I take exception to paying repeatedly for something which does not continue to cost the licensor in terms of maintenance. This is not a utility grid, but a completed software package. It is not reasonable to expect to be paid for the same work completed work ad nauseum.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
then what of MS, just walking away from old versions of Windows ?
Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Frankly I would prefer to purchase someone's older license for structural analysis software!
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
They have a motivation to answer questions and keep their software up to date and we have a monthly cost, instead of getting hit every couple years with a big bill. Plus we can get updates pretty much for free.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase. -MLK
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
One is being slave to Bently regarding using licenses on multiple computers and transferring the licenses between them requiring an internet connection. We can and have run into instances where we did not have an available internet connection on-site and had to install or reinstall STAAD. As we still have our hardlocks this isn't an issue, with a subscription and requirement to connect to the internet this is.
In addition, what if Bently went out of business or their servers were down? Suddenly you can't transfer licenses or reformat your pc without losing your software. What if 20 years from now you wanted to look at your old design model. Sure you might have an old PC or operating system and can install and run the software but what if you can't get a license?
You're then not in control of your software that you bought. You don't decide if an update is worth the money or not, you can't decide to sell your software without Bently approving it. It boils down to the fact that this is DRM at it's worst and anyone who does anything digitally such as video games, audiobooks, music, etc. knows that DRM will ONLY hurt the legitimate user. The people who pirate software, music, video games, almost always get a better product when DRM is involved because their illegal version isn't tied down. It's a crap system that keeps getting perpetuated by the software industries.
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
I would love to see a tiered pricing system based on the number of users at a company, but that's not likely to happen.
As for AutoCad - check out DraftSight. It's free, does just fine at 2D drawings, and there's a whole forum here on it.
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Please remember: we're not all guys!
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Not perpetually, of course, because at some point the install routines or the program itself will cease to function on the newer operating systems. And, the farther out of date you get the more computer savvy you have to be. For example the hardware key driver that gets installed with the driver functions for the Operating Systems used when that installation routine was put together. But, when Microsoft updates to version 9.0 of Windows then you have to be smart enough to go to Sentinel's website (the maker of our hardware keys) to find and install the newer drivers.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
However, I'm not an employee of RISA so I can give you my opinion!
I am a RISA 3D user and have been for about 7 or 8 years. I've been using a variety of structural analysis programs over the past 30 years including STAAD, STAAD-Pro, ALGOR, mTAB-STRESS/FeMAP and a few others. RISA 3D is, in my opinion, very cost effective, robust and accurate. Several other active members that I know of in the forums use RISA 3D (Mike McCann, JAE, others). I would consider myself to be the biggest impediment RISA 3D has to overcome in analysis!!
When I took the plunge to purchase software after I started my business in 2005, it was a large purchase for me. I closed my eyes, pushed the button and bought it. Glad I did. At least part of the cost is deductible as a business purchase!
Any time you can get something that allows you to show more capability to your clients, helps you be more accurate with documentation and backup and saves you time...all for about $3k or less, it is worth serious consideration.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
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RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Thanks all, it is appreciated.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Not current with any costing, but Spacegass might be an option.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
http://www.cadreanalytic.com/
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
At the risk of flooding the forum with Sydney Opera Houses, I would also offer:
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/fr...
All of the downloads are free and open source, but do require Excel (sorry).
Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
Anyway, while a solver like that is a great personal project, I'm starting to think about putting what spare time I have into an open project. There are already very good solvers available (Frame3DD for example, see http://frame3dd.sourceforge.net) and, if done right, we should also be able to pass models to specialised EQ code and full FEA packages like Open Sees, Calculix, etc.
There are dozens of university based or started projects that have addressed the number crunching. What we in the industry need is for a bunch of people to start working together on a free GUI. GUI built = Job done. Sounds simple but would not be; I'm just trying to decide if I am up to the challenge!
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
1.DIANA:-This is the software which has multifunctional qualities and excellent performance.
2.MASTAN 2:- It is basically used by practicing engineers on nonlinear analysis.
3.DLUBAL:- It is mostly used for designing of constructions of steel, timber and aluminum.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis software
http://www.cadreanalytic.com/