All categories · Q&A
🏗️ Structural BIM, Analysis & Steel/Concrete Detailing
Structural software covers three linked jobs in a BIM workflow: authoring the physical structural model (steel, concrete, timber), analysing and designing members and connections against building codes, and producing fabrication-level detailing such as shop drawings, CNC files and rebar schedules. The analytical model, the physical BIM model and the fabrication data are exchanged between tools through IFC, SAF, CIS/2, DSTV/NC and vendor-specific links. The category is dominated by Trimble Tekla, Autodesk (Revit, Robot, Advance Steel), Nemetschek brands (ALLPLAN, SDS2, RISA, SOFiSTiK), Bentley and specialist analysis vendors such as CSI, Dlubal and IDEA StatiCa.
What is Tekla Structures and who uses it?
Tekla Structures is Trimble's structural BIM software for modelling steel, precast and cast-in-place concrete, timber and other materials at fabrication level of detail. It produces shop and general arrangement drawings, reports, NC files and rebar schedules directly from the model. It is used mainly by steel detailers, precast and rebar detailers, fabricators, structural engineers and contractors. The current release is Tekla Structures 2026, published in March 2026.
About Tekla Structures · Certification
What are the Carbon, Graphite and Diamond subscriptions in Tekla Structures?
They are the three named-user subscription plans. Diamond is the full detailing configuration with modelling, drawings, analysis links and all import/export. Graphite is for design-stage modelling, general arrangement documentation and rebar scheduling. Carbon is for viewing, planning and tracking: you can open models and produce reports but not create production drawings. All plans include Trimble Connect Business Premium and Tekla Model Sharing.
About Tekla Structures · Certification
Which IFC schemas does Tekla Structures 2026 support and what is certified?
Tekla Structures supports IFC 2x3, IFC4 and IFC 4.3 (aligned with buildingSMART's IFC 4.3.2). The IFC export and the IFC2x3 reference model insert are certified by buildingSMART International, and Tekla received IFC4 export certification in November 2019. In 2026 the IFC 4.3 export offers Reference View and Design Transfer View in addition to the Bridge View. IFC models are inserted as reference models and can optionally be converted to native objects with change management.
About Tekla Structures · Certification
How can I automate Tekla Structures?
The primary route is the Tekla Open API, a .NET library that lets you create and modify model objects, drawings and reports from C# applications, plugins and macros. Grasshopper-Tekla and Rhino-Tekla live links allow parametric modelling from Rhino. Tekla Warehouse distributes components and extensions. In 2026 SP2 Trimble added the Tekla Model Assistant as a preview, an AI agent that performs modelling and drawing tasks from natural language.
About Tekla Structures · Certification
What does Tekla Structural Designer do?
Tekla Structural Designer is analysis and design software for whole buildings. From one model it runs finite-element analysis, applies wind and gravity loads and load combinations, and automatically designs steel, concrete, composite and timber members to codes such as Eurocode, AISC/ACI, British Standards, Australian and Canadian codes. It then produces reports and reinforcement drawings and passes the physical model to Tekla Structures or Revit.
What was new in Tekla Structural Designer 2026?
The 2026 release added integrated elastic-plastic portal frame design to Eurocode, a more accurate centre-of-rigidity calculation for seismic design, new slab edge releases for hinge and vertical sliding joints, virtual joists and joist girders for US practice, an AI-driven assistant, and an enhanced TrimBIM import with cloud import as a preview feature.
How do I get a Tekla Structural Designer model into Revit?
Use the Tekla Structural Designer Integrator for Autodesk Revit, a free add-in that Trimble updates for each Revit release (an Integrator for Revit 2026 exists). It exchanges the physical and analytical model in both directions with change tracking, so members updated in either tool can be merged. For non-Autodesk tools, export IFC from Tekla Structural Designer.
Is Tekla Tedds a BIM tool?
Not in the modelling sense. Tedds is calculation software with a library of code-based calculations for beams, columns, connections, foundations, retaining walls, floors and loading. It produces reviewable calculation documents, often through Tedds for Word, rather than 3D models. It has no IFC import or export, but it links to Tekla Structural Designer for frame analysis and is sold within the Tekla Structural Design Suite.
About Tekla Tedds · Certification
Which design codes does Tekla Tedds cover?
The engineering library covers Eurocodes with several national annexes (UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Singapore, Malaysia), US codes such as AISC 360, ACI 318, ASCE 7 and NDS, British Standards, Australian and Canadian codes. Tedds 2026 added steel beam torsion to AISC 360, updates to base plates, ACI 318 columns, retaining walls, NDS 2024 timber and a UK wind assessment calculation.
About Tekla Tedds · Certification
Does a Tekla Tedds subscription include anything beyond Tedds itself?
Since the 2026 release, Tedds subscriptions include access to a starter version of Tekla Structural Designer for selected 3D analysis tasks, plus Trimble Connect. The Tekla Structural Design Suite bundles full Tedds and Tekla Structural Designer. A free trial is available from the product page.
About Tekla Tedds · Certification
What is Tekla PowerFab?
Tekla PowerFab is Trimble's fabrication management information system for structural steel fabricators. It covers estimating, project management, purchasing, inventory, nesting, production control and shipping in one database, with PowerFab Go providing shop-floor status on web and mobile devices. It is not a modelling or design tool; it consumes detailing data from Tekla Structures, SDS/2 or Advance Steel.
About Tekla PowerFab · Certification
What changed in Tekla PowerFab 2026?
The 2026 version added route validation that blocks shipment until the required manufacturing steps are complete, shop-floor task filtering in PowerFab Go so workers only see tasks for their station, and reporting that tracks material origin and recycled content with a simplified process for LEED documentation.
About Tekla PowerFab · Certification
How does PowerFab connect to detailing software and shop machinery?
PowerFab imports model and piece data from Tekla Structures, Advance Steel and SDS/2, exchanges nests with ProNest and SigmaNEST, and integrates with CNC machinery from Peddinghaus, Ficep, Voortman and Controlled Automation. It also exposes an open API for custom integrations, documented on the Tekla Developer Center.
About Tekla PowerFab · Certification
Is Revit Structure a separate product from Revit?
No. Since Revit 2013 Autodesk ships one Revit application containing the architecture, structure and MEP toolsets. 'Revit Structure' now refers to the structural discipline tools inside Revit: structural framing, foundations, walls, slabs, rebar, steel connections and the analytical model. The current release is Revit 2027, released in March 2026.
About Autodesk Revit (Structural discipline) · Certification
What did Revit 2027 change for structural engineers?
Revit 2027 consolidates concrete modelling into a dedicated Concrete tab, overhauls rebar numbering, calculates section properties automatically and tracks rebar mass. Analytical modelling gains panel splitting, automatic material thickness detection and automation and pinning improvements. The Autodesk Assistant adds natural-language model queries and view and sheet generation.
About Autodesk Revit (Structural discipline) · Certification
Is there an official Autodesk certification for structural Revit users?
Yes. The Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Structural Design is a 120-minute exam delivered through Pearson VUE test centres or online proctoring. Autodesk suggests roughly 400 to 1,200 hours of Revit experience in a structural environment. Topics include structural systems, foundations, framing, rebar, analytical models, documentation and collaboration. Autodesk publishes a free prep course.
About Autodesk Revit (Structural discipline) · Certification
What platform is Advance Steel built on?
Advance Steel runs on the AutoCAD platform and stores models in DWG files. It adds steel members, plates, bolts, welds and parametric connections, and generates shop drawings, general arrangement drawings, bills of material and CNC/DSTV files. Originally developed by Graitec, it has been an Autodesk product since 2013. The current version is Advance Steel 2027.
About Autodesk Advance Steel · Certification
How do colleagues without Advance Steel open my model?
Install the free Advance Steel Object Enabler for the matching AutoCAD release (an Object Enabler 2027 exists). It lets plain AutoCAD and other AutoCAD-based products display Advance Steel objects correctly instead of proxy graphics. For non-Autodesk users, export IFC or NWC, or share a PDF set.
About Autodesk Advance Steel · Certification
Which APIs does Advance Steel offer for customisation?
Autodesk publishes an Advance Steel SDK for each release (2027 included) containing the .NET API and COM API documentation with training, reference and how-to guides. Because Advance Steel sits on AutoCAD, the AutoCAD .NET API and AutoLISP also work alongside it. Typical uses are custom connections, drawing automation and data export to fabrication systems.
About Autodesk Advance Steel · Certification
Who owns SDS2 and what makes it different from other steel detailing software?
SDS2 is owned by ALLPLAN, part of the Nemetschek Group, having originated at Design Data in Lincoln, Nebraska. Its distinguishing feature is automatic connection design: the software engineers connections to code and checks them for clashes as it details, rather than treating connections as purely geometric components. It produces shop and erection drawings, CNC files and reports.
About SDS2 by ALLPLAN · Certification
What was new in SDS2 2026?
SDS2 2026 added support for custom materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, FRP, glulam and timber, a Custom Profile Manager for importing or creating profiles like decking and rail caps, batch editing of revision charts across sheets, automatic grouping of connections, and stronger integration with ALLPLAN's Bimplus cloud platform.
About SDS2 by ALLPLAN · Certification
How does SDS2 exchange data with fabrication management and other BIM tools?
SDS2 outputs KISS files that fabrication management systems such as Tekla PowerFab import, and NC/DSTV files for CNC machines. For model coordination it exports IFC and connects to Bimplus for openBIM review. Trimble's PowerFab page explicitly lists SDS/2 alongside Tekla Structures and Advance Steel as supported detailing sources.
About SDS2 by ALLPLAN · Certification
What is Bentley ProStructures?
ProStructures is Bentley's structural detailing application on the MicroStation platform. It merged the former ProSteel (steel detailing) and ProConcrete (3D rebar) products into one tool that models parametric steel connections and reinforced concrete and generates shop drawings, NC files and bar schedules. The current release is ProStructures 2024 (24.00.00).
About Bentley ProStructures · Certification
Which formats can ProStructures export?
Bentley lists IFC, ISM (Integrated Structural Modeling), iModels, 3D PDF, SDNF and CIS/2 as export formats, plus NC/DSTV for fabrication. ISM is the bridge to STAAD.Pro and RAM, and iModels feed Bentley's iTwin and ProjectWise review workflows.
About Bentley ProStructures · Certification
How is ProStructures licensed?
Bentley sells ProStructures mainly as a 12-month practitioner subscription through its Virtuosity eStore; the product page quoted a Virtuoso subscription from USD 9,536 including one licence and two training Keys in September 2026. Enterprise agreements (E365) are available on request. There is no perpetual retail option listed.
About Bentley ProStructures · Certification
What is ALLPLAN used for in structural engineering?
ALLPLAN is Nemetschek's BIM platform, strong in reinforced concrete and precast. Structural engineers and detailers use it for 3D rebar modelling with bar schedules and bending data, automated column and wall reinforcement design, precast production output, and bridge and tunnel modelling. Structural analysis comes from partner tools (SCIA, FRILO, SOFiSTiK) linked through SAF and connectors. The current release is ALLPLAN 2026.
How does ALLPLAN 2026 handle IFC and SAF?
ALLPLAN 2026 improved IFC4 import, including multilayer slabs and adjustments for IFC4 compliance, and exports IFC 2x3 and IFC4. It imports SAF (Structural Analysis Format) files so analytical models from SCIA or other SAF-capable tools land in the BIM model, and it transfers to FRILO through the FRILO BIM Connector. Bimplus adds BCF-based issue management.
What is Bimplus and why does it matter for ALLPLAN users?
Bimplus is ALLPLAN's cloud collaboration platform. Models from ALLPLAN and SDS2 are uploaded directly, and other disciplines' IFC models can be combined for review, issue management, revision control and visualisation. It follows openBIM principles, so BCF issues can be exchanged with tools like BIMcollab or Solibri. ALLPLAN 2026 also supports SAF file import for structural analysis in Bimplus.
What is IDEA StatiCa and what is CBFEM?
IDEA StatiCa is Czech software for designing and checking steel connections, members, concrete details and anchoring. CBFEM, the Component-Based Finite Element Method, models plates with shell elements and bolts and welds as nonlinear components, so connections of any topology can be checked to Eurocode, AISC, CSA, AS and other codes without hand-derived load paths. Version 26.0 was released in April 2026, with 26.0.5 in September 2026.
About IDEA StatiCa · Certification
Can I buy IDEA StatiCa outright or is it subscription only?
Both. IDEA StatiCa sells time-limited subscriptions (monthly, quarterly or annual) that include maintenance, and perpetual licences on which annual maintenance must be purchased separately. Licences are floating seats allowing up to seven users per seat and are limited to the country of purchase unless you buy the Enterprise tier. A 14-day trial and a free 12-month educational licence are available.
About IDEA StatiCa · Certification
How do I get members and forces from my analysis model into IDEA StatiCa?
Use Checkbot, the IDEA StatiCa application that imports members, loads and internal forces through BIM links with analysis and detailing tools such as Tekla Structures, Revit, Advance Steel, SAP2000, ETABS, RFEM, Robot, STAAD.Pro and Graitec Advance Design. Version 26.0 supports bulk connection workflows and one consolidated report for all connections in a project. Tools without a link can use the IDEA Open Model (IOM) or SAF.
About IDEA StatiCa · Certification
What is Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional?
Robot is Autodesk's finite element analysis and design software for buildings and other structures. It runs linear, nonlinear, dynamic, buckling and wind-simulation analyses and checks steel, concrete and timber members to a wide range of international codes. Its main advantage is the bidirectional link with Revit's analytical model. The current release is 2027 and it ships in the AEC Collection.
About Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional · Certification
Which design codes were added in Robot 2027?
Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2027 added steel member design to the Brazilian NBR 8800:2024 with its 2025 annex, Canadian CAN/CSA-S16-2024, the French national amendments for Eurocode 3, and seismic design to the Algerian RPA 2024 regulations.
About Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional · Certification
What should I check before sending a Revit analytical model to Robot?
Make sure analytical members are connected at nodes, that supports and releases are defined, that material and section mappings exist in the Robot mapping tables, and that load cases and combinations are set consistently. Use Revit's analytical automation tools to align members before export. After analysis, update results back to Revit only for the elements you intend to change to avoid overwriting coordinated geometry.
About Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional · Certification
What is the difference between ETABS, SAP2000 and SAFE?
All three come from Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI). ETABS is specialised for multi-storey buildings with storey-based modelling, diaphragms and shear wall design. SAP2000 is a general-purpose analysis tool for any structure, including bridges, towers and industrial frames. SAFE designs concrete slabs, mats and post-tensioned floors. The 2026 releases are ETABS v23, SAP2000 v26 and SAFE v22.
What is CSI Cloud Sign-In licensing?
Since 1 July 2025 all new major CSI releases use Cloud Sign-In licensing only; standalone, network and USB key licences are no longer offered for new versions (USB keys ended in October 2024). Users authorise the software with their CSI credentials, but ETABS, SAP2000 and SAFE still install and run locally and model data stays on the user's machine. Existing licences for recent versions can be converted at no cost through the CSI Customer Center.
How do ETABS and Revit exchange models?
CSI's 2026 major release supports data exchange between Autodesk Revit 2026 and SAP2000, ETABS and SAFE through the CSiXRevit add-in, which transfers the analytical model with sections, materials, loads and releases in both directions. For other BIM tools use IFC, CIS/2, SDNF or SAF exports. Connection checks go to IDEA StatiCa through Checkbot.
What is Dlubal RFEM 6?
RFEM 6 is Dlubal Software's finite element analysis program for members, plates, walls, shells and solids. The base program handles modelling and linear analysis; add-ons provide nonlinear analysis, dynamics and steel, concrete, timber and aluminium design to Eurocode and other codes. RSTAB 9 is the frame-only sibling. Dlubal ships monthly updates; version 6.15 was released in September 2026.
About Dlubal RFEM 6 · Certification
What licensing options does Dlubal offer for RFEM 6?
RFEM 6 can be purchased, rented for 1, 3 or 6 months, or subscribed for 12 months with automatic renewal, and add-ons can be mixed across these models. Dlubal's website states the base program starts at EUR 4,750. Students receive a free full licence for one year with proof of enrolment, graduates get six months free, and anyone can use a 90-day trial.
About Dlubal RFEM 6 · Certification
How do I automate RFEM 6 from Python?
Dlubal provides a gRPC-based Dlubal API with Python and C# packages (alongside the older WebService API) that can create geometry, loads and combinations, run calculations and read results. Grasshopper components give a visual parametric route from Rhino. Cloud calculation can be used to offload large models.
About Dlubal RFEM 6 · Certification
What is STAAD.Pro and what is its current version?
STAAD.Pro is Bentley Systems' general structural analysis and design software, originally created by Research Engineers International and acquired by Bentley in 2005. It supports static, P-delta, nonlinear and dynamic analysis and member design to more than 90 international codes. Bentley now uses year-based naming: STAAD.Pro 2025 (25.00.00) shipped in June 2025 and update 25.00.01 in December 2025.
About Bentley STAAD.Pro · Certification
What did STAAD.Pro 2025 add?
STAAD.Pro 2025 added Eurocode EN 1990 load combination rules, ASCE 7-22 wind loading for buildings, new member attributes that carry extra data when exporting to ADINA, and the RAM Connection 2025 module with new connection types.
About Bentley STAAD.Pro · Certification
How does STAAD.Pro exchange models with BIM tools?
STAAD.Pro exchanges physical models through Bentley's ISM (Integrated Structural Modeling) and Structural Synchronizer, which link to ProStructures, RAM and Revit, and it reads and writes CIS/2, SDNF and DXF. The OpenSTAAD API lets you automate the text-based .std input from VBA, Python or C#. For openBIM exchange, route the model through ISM or a partner tool to produce IFC.
About Bentley STAAD.Pro · Certification
What is the difference between structural BIM authoring, analysis and detailing software?
Authoring tools such as Revit and ALLPLAN create the physical structural model for design coordination. Analysis and design tools such as ETABS, RFEM, Robot, STAAD.Pro and Tekla Structural Designer work on an analytical model of nodes, members and surfaces to compute forces and check members to code. Detailing tools such as Tekla Structures, Advance Steel, SDS2 and ProStructures add fabrication-level information: connections, bolts, welds, rebar, shop drawings and CNC files. Connection specialists such as IDEA StatiCa sit between analysis and detailing.
Certification: Structural BIM, Analysis & Steel/Concrete Detailing
Which exchange formats matter most in structural workflows?
IFC is the openBIM format for geometry and properties between disciplines. SAF (Structural Analysis Format, an Excel-based schema) exchanges analytical models between analysis tools and BIM authoring tools such as ALLPLAN and RFEM. CIS/2 and SDNF are older steel exchange formats still used by STAAD.Pro, ProStructures and Advance Steel. NC/DSTV files drive CNC machines, and KISS files carry piece lists to fabrication management systems such as Tekla PowerFab. Vendor links (Revit-Robot, Revit-ETABS, Tekla Structures-Tekla Structural Designer) usually carry more data than neutral formats.
Certification: Structural BIM, Analysis & Steel/Concrete Detailing
Which steel detailing software should I choose: Tekla Structures, Advance Steel, SDS2 or ProStructures?
Tekla Structures is the most widely used and scales best for large multi-material projects, with certified IFC export and Tekla Model Sharing, but it is the most expensive and hardest to learn. Advance Steel suits AutoCAD-centric offices coordinating with Revit and is included in the AEC Collection. SDS2 is strong in North America because of its automatic engineered connection design. ProStructures fits firms standardised on MicroStation and ProjectWise, and covers concrete rebar as well as steel. Check which format your fabricators and clients require before deciding.
Certification: Structural BIM, Analysis & Steel/Concrete Detailing
Which analysis software is best for buildings?
ETABS is the global reference for multi-storey and seismic buildings. Tekla Structural Designer automates whole-building design in Eurocode and US markets and links to Tekla Structures. Robot Structural Analysis is a natural choice for Revit-based practices in the AEC Collection. RFEM offers the most open interfaces and flexible licensing and is strong in Central Europe. STAAD.Pro suits industrial, plant and infrastructure structures. Regional tools such as SOFiSTiK, midas Gen, RISA-3D, AxisVM and Graitec Advance Design are also common in their home markets.
Certification: Structural BIM, Analysis & Steel/Concrete Detailing
How does ISO 19650 apply to a structural engineer's models?
ISO 19650 defines how information is managed through a common data environment with work-in-progress, shared, published and archived states. For structural teams this means agreeing the exchange information requirements, level of information need and file naming in the BIM execution plan, issuing analytical and physical models at defined milestones, and using IFC and BCF for federated coordination. Detailing models are usually a separate information container from the design-intent model and are checked against it before publication.
Certification: Structural BIM, Analysis & Steel/Concrete Detailing
What is the difference between a structural BIM modeller, a steel detailer and a structural engineer?
A structural BIM modeller builds and maintains design-stage models in Revit, ALLPLAN or Tekla Structures and coordinates them with other disciplines. A steel detailer produces fabrication drawings, connections and NC data from a detailing model in Tekla Structures, Advance Steel or SDS2, often for a fabricator. A structural engineer is responsible for analysis, design and code compliance using tools such as ETABS, RFEM or Tekla Structural Designer, and signs off the design. Many careers move between these roles; certifications such as Trimble Learn Tekla certificates or Autodesk's Revit for Structural Design exam support the move.
Certification: Structural BIM, Analysis & Steel/Concrete Detailing
How did the structural software market consolidate?
Trimble bought Tekla in 2011 and later CSC (Tedds, Fastrak, which became Tekla Structural Designer) and FabSuite (now Tekla PowerFab). Autodesk added Robot from Robobat in 2008 and Advance Steel from Graitec in 2013. Nemetschek assembled ALLPLAN, SCIA, FRILO, SOFiSTiK, RISA and SDS2. Bentley acquired Research Engineers (STAAD) in 2005 and merged ProSteel and ProConcrete into ProStructures. CSI, Dlubal and IDEA StatiCa remain independent specialists.
Certification: Structural BIM, Analysis & Steel/Concrete Detailing
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About this database
Product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Facts are verified against vendor documentation and dated sources; pricing is described by model only. Spotted an error or a missing tool? Write to [email protected] and we will correct it. Database updated: 2026-09-15.