Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
(OP)
Hi everyone,
I've seen a few older threads on this topic but I'm looking for some up-to date info on affordable structural analysis software. I work at a small structural firm that does mostly residential and small commercial jobs. I will need it for basic analysis and design of trusses, frames, buildings, etc. I currently have Woodworks Sizer and it is good but I am not able to do anything with a truss or frame. I have done a bit of research and it appears as though RISA is quite popular. I am also wondering if all software now use the annual subscription payment methods? This appears to be a controversial topic based on older threads. Any info or recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
I've seen a few older threads on this topic but I'm looking for some up-to date info on affordable structural analysis software. I work at a small structural firm that does mostly residential and small commercial jobs. I will need it for basic analysis and design of trusses, frames, buildings, etc. I currently have Woodworks Sizer and it is good but I am not able to do anything with a truss or frame. I have done a bit of research and it appears as though RISA is quite popular. I am also wondering if all software now use the annual subscription payment methods? This appears to be a controversial topic based on older threads. Any info or recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!






RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
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.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
RISA did recently get bought out by Nemechek or something like that, so who knows if things will change or not...but so far they haven't...my guess is though that there will be major changes at some point in the future. But I hope I'm wrong!
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
Like many other software companies, they've transitioned to a subscription-only model and do not sell perpetual licenses anymore.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
is a good free option for general 3d frame analysis, no design
Skyciv - https://skyciv.com/
I haven't personally used it but have reviewed output as part of submittals and find the output easy to read and follow.
Will Echo everyone else on RISA being a good bang for buck.
RAM Elements is also a low cost of entry but I cannot in good conscience recommend that anyone get into Bentley's extortion racket with how they "manage" licenses.
Open Source Structural Applications: https://github.com/buddyd16/Structural-Engineering
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
I will add that RISA has by far the best tech support of any software company out there.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
RAM is not bad, less flexibility in modeling but very good post-processing of structural info that may be needed.
I have fooled around with Robot by AutoCAD, it's good and fairly inexpensive but you'll find somewhat less community support if you run into an issue
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
I only have two minor complaints with RISA. I wish the reinforced concrete interaction diagrams were larger and showed more detailed values on each axis. They can't be enlarged as far as I know. The other issue I have is that if you are using their foundation program you have to rebuild all of your load combinations in the foundation program even if you have them in the main RISA3D program. These aren't dealbreakers though, just annoyances.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
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.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
Yeah, I remember that. I figured they would have solved that by now....but maybe not.
I also thought RISA was garbage when it came to dynamic loading problems. But it doesn't sound like the OP needs it for that.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
I also have begun developing a master spreadsheet, I feel like it will take my whole career to finish!
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
I'm somewhat biased, of course, because I helped to establish most of the content. The biggest challenge is that in each class you have a mix of experience levels using the program. The folks who are totally new to the program always say that the classes move much too fast. The folks who have been using RISA for a long time usually say the classes move too slowly. So, it's always a careful balancing act for the instructors to find some middle ground.
One word of caution though, I don't know that they have anyone to teach day three (structural dynamics). The only people who have ever taught the class are now gone (Roger, Mike, and myself). And, I don't know that there is anyone there who can pick up the baton. It takes a lot of knowledge of the program. Not just showing people what to do, but understanding why the program works the way it does. It also takes a lot of theoretical understanding of dynamics. Andrew (the new Josh) will get there eventually. But, he's never even got a chance to attend the course. Ideally, I'd want someone to take the course at least twice before trying to teach it.
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
http://dragon.ccut.edu.tw/~chucm/Free%20Structural...
https://www.bridgesite.com/softwarelinks.htm
Here is one I stumbled on. I have been curious to try it out:
http://frame3dd.sourceforge.net/
RE: Affordable Structural Analysis and Design Software
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.