Structural Modelling Software
Structural Modelling Software
(OP)
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.
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.






RE: Structural Modelling Software
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.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
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.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
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.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Thank you very much, do you have the ISBN number by any chance? Or the name of the book to search on amazon?
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
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.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
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.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
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
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Channels are I think are classified as class 4 section if you want to classify them.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
1. Designers' Guide to Eurocode 3 Design of Steel Buildings 2e, 2011 (ICE Publishing)
2. Practical design of steel Structures by K.M. Ghosh 2010
3. Eurocode 8: Seismic Design of Buildings Worked examples by P. Bisch et al. 2012
RE: Structural Modelling Software
I put it in Mcad, and came up with
F.all.strong.axis= 30.16 ksi
F.all.weak.axis= 36.48 ksi
Does it look right? Please see attached.
C6x13
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Are you talking about Minor axis bending where I have Mrz=2.0 greater than My_z=1.9?
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
I have another question, which channel sections do Canadians use in their structural design?
Do they use Eurocode sections? Where can I get those channel sections info from? Does anybody have a PDF of channel sections they use?
Thank you.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Thank you very much, got the excel sheet.
Do you have something different uploaded in your drop box? How do we get to it?
Sorry I am new to the forum :)
RE: Structural Modelling Software
And to answer your question. Canadian steel shapes closely mimic American steel shapes. There are a few sizes that are available south of the border that we can't get without special order here in Canada.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
If I have an unsupported channel section that has an axial tension and bending, would I use clause 13.9.1 or 13.9.2?
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Also, be very careful with your load cases and 13.9.2. It relies on the tension force to reduce the stress in the compression flange and prevent lateral torsional buckling. Make sure your load cases are actually conservative for that scenario if you're going to use it.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
I think you need to sit down with a senior person and walk through of your problem. A lot of this is pretty core material on how to use the Canadian code, and it's important you understand it properly. How channels are treated is a little weird, so it's not an unreasonable thing to have a talk about.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Thank you very much but there is no Senior engineer with the Canadian code experience around me, therefore I ask you guys help here and really appreciate it.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
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RE: Structural Modelling Software
What is the latest version of Commentary for Canadian Code?
The one I have is from 1995, S136.1-95
Where can I obtain the latest one if available?
Thanks.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
If you are looking for a steel design manual (structural steel not light gauge) it is available at cisc's website. Here
Yours is very out of date. The most recent one is 2012
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
I'm not an expert in STAAD analysis by any stretch of the imagination. But, during my previous life as a design engineer designing heavy-industrial structures, I learned to treat programs (especially STAAD) with some skepticism.
I would encourage you to run through the AISC benchmark problems with STAAD just to see how good their P-little delta calculation w/o additional nodes really is. And, create the model the way you would for a real building... Where your geometric stiffness adjustment might be based on an LC that only includes the gravity loads.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Is this table you are referring to classify a channel section in CSA S136-12?
RE: Structural Modelling Software
S136 is for the design of cold form sections and would not be applicable for hot rolled channels.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Is the 10th edition the latest edition?
I am going to order it but want to make sure I am getting the latest edition.
This is what I found.
http://www.cisc-icca.ca/solutions-centre/publicati...
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Mu has Iy in the formula under 13.6.a.ii and this clause mentions about strong axis.
I am trying to find the weak axis bending of a channel section.
If the correct way is to apply 13.6b, do I still keep the Iy in the Mu formula?
Why would the code mention only about the strong axis bending and not the weak axis?
I just need some clarification on this :)
RE: Structural Modelling Software
"Where continuous lateral support is not provided to the compression flange of a member subjected to uniaxial strong axis bending [...]"
Due to the geometry of the section, a channel bent across its weak axis isn't going to be governed by lateral buckling. It's strong in the lateral direction, when looking at weak axis bending. It falls under clause 13.5 that includes this:
"[...]subjected to uniaxial bending moments about a principal axis where effectively continuous lateral support is provided to the compression flange, or where the member has no tendency to buckle laterally[...]"
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
What about 13.6e, wouldn't that apply to my case?
RE: Structural Modelling Software
I have a simply supported beam with no lateral support, does 13.5 still apply to this case?
RE: Structural Modelling Software
All I need is now the tables to see how a channel section is classified.
If somebody has a PDF of it and share it here i would appreciate it.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
I have another question regarding omega 1 value in section 13.8.5
I have a simply supported beam and 2 concentrated loads applied, one is in the middle of beam, the other is at the end of beam, so I have axial and bending.
I will be checking clause 13.8.3, need to calculate U1x which is using an omega value either 0.85 or 1.0 (13.8.5. b and c)
I am between the two values, not sure if I should use 0.85 or 1.0. Would these loads be considered as a series of concentrated loads?
What you guys think?
Thanks.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
RE: Structural Modelling Software
For a simply supported T-section (W12x27.5 Flange class 1 Web 4) , I have a concentrated load applied across the minor axis, trying to check the bending, which clause applies? 13.5 or 13.6?
RE: Structural Modelling Software
And why are you loading it in weak axis bending? either change the orientation or choose a different section type.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
That is why I was asking that case.
Why can't we check a class 4 web in bending? Does it say it somewhere in the Code? I must have missed it.
RE: Structural Modelling Software
Since your web doesn't meet class three you need to go to the next sub-clause, but alas, there isn't one. Which means, no go on the class 4 web in bending.
And you can only check laterally unsupported bending for doubly symmetric class 4 sections, not singly symmetric (limited to class 3).
For the record, you should really start your own thread when you have a question. I would be the original creator of this post is tired of receiving notifications for your questions.
RE: Structural Modelling Software