Building Design Software

[strguy11]

Is anyone using FastTrack from CSC?

We had a demo today, and it seems like a robust piece of software, and we really like some of its features, however, it appears it is new in the US, but has been a standard in the UK for a long time. (Similar to how widespread RAM SS is here in the states).

Anyone have any experiences?

 

[SamETABS]

I am working in a Consultant Firm in London,
and we've been using it for 3-4 years period.
it is very specific and to the point.
but still in the office the engieers tend to use more genereal packages as ETABS, SAP2000 and STAAD.
I think it is beneficial to have it for quick,fast kind of analysis or calcs., but not useful for very advanced analysis.
Sam

 

[strguy11]

Can you tell me a little more about what you mean by advanced analysis, or what type of products it would not be good for? How would it compare to RAM?

 

[SamETABS]

by the term "advanced analysis" I mean Nonlinear, or time history analysis, also its push over analysis package is very weak. you might find it helpful for daily based modelings and calcs. but definitely not good for complex structures (in my opinion!). to be honest in our office we just use it for portal frame calcs!.
I have n't used RAM for building structure, but I have used RAM Concept which is from the same company (Bentely) and it is quite powerful for PT floor plate analysis, but still kind of inapropriate for long term deflection and cracked section analysis.
Sam