Ram Caddsys

World-Leading Steel Connection Design Software

Accurate analysis for complex steel connections
Have questions about selecting or buying software?

Buy

IDEA StatiCa Steel

Connection Design Simplified

Place accurate and cost-saving connection design at the heart of your projects with our steel connection design software. Handle all types of bolted, welded, shear, axial, steel beam, column base plate, and moment connections, as well as other steel connection details. Enjoy:
  • Predefined templates for simple connections and visual modeling for moderate and complex ones
  • Comprehensive reports as per code
  • Automated BIM links with your FEA and CAD software

Why Choose

IDEA StatiCa Steel

Fast Connection Design

80% time saved in Connection Design

Receive clear pass/fail checks, according to your code, in minutes. IDEA StatiCa enables you to shorten your connection design time by up to 80% by providing you with:   

  • A database of 10,000+ pre-designed 2D/3D connections, footings, CHS and HSS connections, steel-to-timber, and other connections 
  • The ability to model and design any bolted and welded connection quickly and safely 
  • Comprehensive AISC, including advanced analyses such as buckling, stiffness analysis, design resistance, and seismic
  • Fully customizable reports with equations and pictures that help prove and sell your work

Checkbot

Export And Synchronize Thousands Of Connections And Members
Use IDEA StatiCa Checkbot for the management of your BIM workflows – importing and synchronizing connections and members. Checkbot gives you complete control by providing:
  • A list of all imported items and their status – checked/not-checked 
  • 3D visualization of imported members and loads 
  • A conversion table for materials and cross-sections 
  • Management of load combinations 
How does it work? 
  1. Install plugin
  2. Run Checkbot
  3. Import structure
  4. Design and check

Viewer

Share, Open, And View Connection Projects Using Our Free Cloud App

Got a colleague or supplier without an IDEA StatiCa license who needs to see your project in detail? Just send them the IDEA StatiCa connection file, and they can open it and visualize the project, including all connection geometry and loads, in our free cloud-based app, IDEA StatiCa Viewer.

Supported integrations

Link Your Software And Extend Your Workflows
Design any steel connection or member without re-entering data you already have in another application. Import and synchronize all your connections and members and slash design time by up to 80%!
  1. STRAP 
  2. ETABS  
  3. SAP2000 
  4. TEKLA 
  5. ROBOT 
  6. RISA 3D 
  7. SCIA ENGINEER 
  8. RFEM and RSTAB 
  9. Advance Design  
  10. Modest  
  11. NextFEM 
  12. STAAD.Pro 
  13. FEM-Design   
  14. SkyCiv  
  15. Sofistik   
  16. AxisVM  
  17. ConSteel  
  18. SCADA Pro   
  19. BuildSoft Diamonds and BIM Expert

 

Inbuilt Connection Library

700,000+ ideas
Connection Library is a free cloud application that provides you with 700,000+ ideas for your connection designs from all around the world.

Browse examples matching your project, find & download the best suitable model for your project in seconds!

Connection Library has been created by structural engineers for the global community of engineers, fostering inspiration and simplifying their work.

Member Design

Design/Analyze any Steel Member
Confidently design and code-check the critical members of your projects – girders, beams, columns, frames, etc. Perform quick and accurate analysis of their load response, stability, and buckling calculations without traditional oversimplification.
What does Member Solve?
  1. Stability Issues
  2. Cold-Form Sections
  3. Frames and Sub-Frames
  4. Strengthening Structures
What analysis types are available?
  1. Materially Nonlinear Analysis
  2. Linear Buckling Analysis
  3. GMNIA Analysis

Be Safe, Save Time, Optimize

Perform accurate steel connection and member design of any complexity. From welded and bolted structural steel connections to base plates, refine your connection and member designs by leveraging:
  • Intuitive design of any simple-to-complex steel connection 
  • 2D/3D, CHS/HSS steel connections pass/fail results according to AISC, EN, etc. 
  • 250+ ready-made templates and 10,000+ connection configurations 
  • The application of any axial, shear, and moment connection loading
  • Detailed reporting, including stiffness, seismicity, and buckling 

Steel Connection Design Of Any Complexity

No matter their complexity, the IDEA StatiCa Connection application lets you safely analyze and design all necessary connections and steel connection details, fast, and generate a comprehensive report to prove it to everybody else.

3D Model Review Features

The models files parsed by eZWalker Review retain the original 3D model’s directory structure and attribute information. It also supports the customization of additional extended property information, providing an information foundation for later model and data utilization.

Through the same client end, using two different eZWalker windows (just utilizing a single license), you can achieve a comparison between different versions of the model. This facilitates the comparison between the model before and after changes, aiding in tracking the process of problem resolution.

During the model roaming and browsing process, you can perform various operations such as making the model transparent, hiding components, changing colors, conducting local or global sectioning, and taking measurements, etc.

It supports capturing model feature points and lines, allowing for precise measurements of dimensions and angles. It provides dynamic prompts for point coordinates and distances along the three axes directions.

It enables quickly searching for model nodes with specific attributes, swiftly pinpointing the position of the identified node using search results, and performing actions such as color changes, hiding, or reverse selection on the search results.

Browsing models through touchscreen operations enhances efficiency, simplifies interactions, and is suitable for various scenarios such as meetings and exhibitions.

By using a 3D model to set up inspection rules for various objects such as pipelines, equipment, and building structures, collision checks can be performed. This allows for the early detection of inconsistencies in the model before construction, facilitating timely adjustments or discussions for optimal solutions. It reduces the occurrence of errors, omissions, collisions, deficiencies, and other issues associated with traditional 2D modes, thereby improving construction efficiency, quality, and shortening the project duration.

After completing the model review using eZWalker, the “Camera Sync” feature enables perspective synchronization between eZWalker and SP3D or PDMS design software. This allows for quickly locating the position of the reviewed issues in the design software, significantly enhancing the efficiency of model modifications.

The embedded ergonomic inspection module compliant with international standards, accurately simulating on-site operations. Supports the addition of 22 international standard ergonomic inspection models, allowing for the early detection of potential on-site issues and reducing production costs.

It supports spatial identification within 3D space, such as range indication, route guidance, widely applied in 3D scenarios for safety warnings, inspection and evacuation routes, piping medium flow direction, text labeling, etc. Additionally, it supports dynamic cyclic display, enhancing the reminder effect.

With regard to dynamic display effects for models, it supports intelligent parameter-driven animation creation functionality. It features flexible equipment joints, allowing the addition of trajectory paths, color transitions, transparency, and various temporal dynamic model effects.

Safely Design Any Steel Member

Is solving critical safety issues such as stability and buckling a struggle? Using the IDEA StatiCa Member application, you can enjoy efficient, fast, and accurate member design, and: 
  • Analyze and design any steel frame, beam, and column safely and quickly 
  • Avoid estimating buckling lengths, and understand strut stability, torsion, and deplanation 
  • Provide a clear and comprehensive design report for every critical steel member in PDF or docx

Compatible data formats and software

Rhino: V1 to V5, .3dm
SketchUp: 2014–2016, .skp
Autodesk Revit: 2014–2020, .rvt
IFC: 2X3 and later, .ifc
ACIS: Up to 2016 1.0, .sat
CATIA: V4, V5, V6, .CATPart, .CATProduct, .3DXML, .cgr
IGES: Up to 5.3, .igs, .iges
Inventor: 9 to 2021, .ipt, .iam
ProE / Creo: 2000i to Creo 4.0, .prt, .asm
SolidWorks 3D: 1999 to 2017, .sldprt, .sldasm
STEP: Ap203 (E1, E2), .stp, .step
UG NX 3D: 15 to NX11, .prt
PDMS/E3D: 2014–2017, .rvm (binary format), .ATT
SP3D: 2014–2017, .vue, .zvf (attribute file .mdb2, .xml)
Bentley OpenPlant: V8, .dgn
Autodesk Plant 3D: 2013, 2015, 2017–2020, .DWG
Intergraph CADWorx: 2012–2017, .DWG
MicroStation/PDS: V8i, V8XM, V8-2004, .dgn, .dri, .prp
PDSoft: 2.8/3.0, .revmod
CINEMA 4D: .c4d
Pointcloud: .pts, .e57, .las
OSGB: .osg, .osgb
CAESAR II: 4.5–11.0, .cii
3DS/MAX: 2014–2020, .max
AutoCAD: 2014–2020, .dwg, .DWF, .dxf, .dwfx
Navisworks: 2014–2020 (plugin), 2016–2020 (.nwd, .nwc)
FBX: .fbx

Unique Features

Costs below 2500$ per year
checkbox
Gantry frames with steel scissors and rolled I profiles
checkbox
Reinforced concrete and steel column systems
checkbox
Solve together with singular foundations.
checkbox
While performing cost analysis, this can calculate the amount and cost of paint to be used, as well as the surface area to be painted.
checkbox
By calculating the quantity of welding, the required labor force and cost as well as the quantity of steel and reinforced concrete structural elements, it can help you to make accurate quotations with realistic cost analysis and prepare business plans.
checkbox

Comosys

Analyses
Element Library
Supershell & Automatic Meshing
Loading
Foundations Analyses
General Purpose Finite Element Analysis
Post Processing
International Design Codes
Flexible Design Scenarios
Design Parameter Overrides
Intelligent Design Combo Generation
Design Evaluation
Correct Calculation of K-Factors
Deflection Checks
Special Design Checks
Color Coded Design Output and Easy to Use Output Files
Response Spectrum Analysis Combinations
General Modeling Capabilities
Extensive Connection Library
Complex Details
Comclash Technology
Auto Adjust
IntelliConnect & Intelliclone
Ancillary Steelwork
Automatic Drawings & Lists
General Modeling Capabilities
Modeling of Formwork Elements
Secondary Concrete Modeling
Embedded Steel Modeling
Generalized Anchor Bolt Modeling
Concrete and Formwork Material Take-Off
Embedded Steel Drawings
Formwork Drawings
Surface Rebar-Tracer Technology
Specific Template Macros
Automatic Numbering
Operations on Surface Bars
Template Rebar Drawings
General Rebar Drawings
Model Based – Specification Driven
Cable Tray & Raceway Modeling
Support Modeling
Cable Routing & Cable Lists
Consumer Modeling
Material Take-Off
Electrical Panels
Automatic Plans, Sections, and 3D Views
Shell Plates Modeling
Base Plates Modeling
Roof Plates Modeling
Nozzle and Manhole Modeling
Ladder Modeling
Foundation Modeling
Manual Modeling
Production of Shop Drawings
Automatic Material Take-Off
Adding Views
Taking Sections
Dimensions
Frame, Plate, Bolt, and Weld Annotations
REBAR Annotaions
Material Take-Off
Insertion of Special CAD Details
Export to Popular CAD Formats
Drawing Manager
Automatically Produce Drawings – Steel Shop drawings (Assembly drawings), Steel single-part drawings, Concrete rebar template drawings, Tank detail drawings
Manually Produce Drawings – Steel General Arrangement drawings, Concrete Formwork drawings

Why is COMOSYS different?

PLAXIS 2D
PLAXIS 2D Advanced
PLAXIS 2D Ultimate

Consolidation deformation calculation type

null
checked
checked

Dynamic deformation calculation type

null
null
checked

Dynamic with consolidation deformation calculation type

null
null
checked

Earth Gradient thermal pressure calculation type

null
checked
checked

Field Stress initial calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Flow Only initial calculation type

null
null
checked

Fully coupled flow-deformation calculation type

null
null
checked

Gravity Loading initial calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Ignore Temperature thermal pressure calculation type

null
checked
checked

K0 Procedure initial calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Phreatic Level pore pressure calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Plastic deformation calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Safety deformation calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Steady-State Groundwater Flow pore pressure calculation type

null
checked
checked

Steady-State Thermal Flow thermal pressure calculation type

null
checked
checked

Transient Groundwater Flow pore pressure calculation type

null
null
checked

Transient Thermal Flow thermal pressure calculation type

null
null
checked

Use Pore Pressures from Previous Phase pore pressure calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Use temperatures from Previous Phase thermal pressure calculation type

null
checked
 

Automatic geotechnical model generation from/by OpenTunnel Designer 

checked
null
null

CAD import and export

checked
checked
checked

Generate stratigraphy from imported CPT logs

checked
checked
checked

Import Leapfrog cross sections from Seequent Central

checked
checked
checked

PLAXIS 2D to 3D converter

checked
checked
checked

ProjectWise integration, loading from and saving to ProjectWise server

checked
checked
checked

Remote scripting for input, output, and SoilTest

checked
checked
checked

Concrete

null
checked
checked

Hardening soil

checked
checked
checked

Hardening soil small strain stiffness

checked
checked
checked

Hoek-Brown, with parameter guide

checked
checked
checked

Jointed Rock Model

checked
checked
checked

Linear Elastic

checked
checked
checked

Modified Cam-Clay

checked
checked
checked

Mohr-Coulomb

checked
checked
checked

NGI-ADP

checked
checked
checked

Sekiguchi-Ohta (inviscid)

null
checked
checked

Sekiguchi-Ohta (viscid)

null
checked
checked

Soft soil

null
checked
checked

Soft soil creep

null
checked
checked

UBC3D-PLM (liquefaction)

null
null
checked

UDCAM-S and cyclic accumulation tool

null
checked
checked

Barcelona Basic Model

null
null
checked

Clay and Sand model (CASM)

null
checked
checked

Creep-SCLAY1S

checked
checked
checked

Fluid

null
checked
checked

Frozen and Unfrozen Soil

null
null
checked

Generalised Hardening Soil

checked
checked
checked

Hoek-Brown with Softening (strength softening and GSI softening models)

null
checked
checked

Hypoplastic Model with Inter-Granular Strain

null
checked
checked

Isotropic Jointed Rock with Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion

null
checked
checked

Masonry

checked
checked
checked

N2PC-MCT Rock Creep (Norton-based double power creep with Mohr-Coulomb and tension cut-off failure surface)

null
checked
checked

NorSand

null
checked
checked

Overconsolidated Clay

checked
checked
checked

PM4SAND

null
null
checked

PM4SILT

null
null
checked

SHANSEP Mohr-Coulomb

checked
checked
checked

SHANSEP NGI-ADP

checked
checked
checked

Swelling rock

null
checked
checked

Visco-Elastic Perfectly Plastic

checked
checked
checked
PLAXIS 3D
PLAXIS 3D Advanced
PLAXIS 3D Ultimate

Consolidation deformation calculation type

null
checked
checked

Dynamic deformation calculation type

null
null
checked

Dynamic with consolidation deformation calculation type

null
null
checked

Field Stress initial calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Flow Only initial calculation type

null
null
checked

Fully coupled flow-deformation calculation type

null
null
checked

Gravity Loading initial calculation type

checked
checked
checked

K0 Procedure initial calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Phreatic Level pore pressure calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Plastic deformation calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Safety deformation calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Steady-State Groundwater Flow pore pressure calculation type

null
checked
checked

Transient Groundwater Flow pore pressure calculation type

null
null
checked

Use Pore Pressures from Previous Phase pore pressure calculation type

checked
checked
checked

Automatic geotechnical model generation from/by OpenTunnel Designer 

checked
checked
checked

CAD import and export

checked
checked
checked

Generate stratigraphy from imported CPT logs

checked
checked
checked

Import Leapfrog surfaces from Seequent Central

checked
checked
checked

ProjectWise integration, loading from and saving to ProjectWise server

checked
checked
checked

Remote scripting for input, output, and SoilTest

checked
checked
checked

Concrete

null
checked
checked

Hardening soil

checked
checked
checked

Hardening soil small strain stiffness

checked
checked
checked

Hoek-Brown, with parameter guide

checked
checked
checked

Jointed Rock Model

checked
checked
checked

Linear Elastic

checked
checked
checked

Modified Cam-Clay

checked
checked
checked

Mohr-Coulomb

checked
checked
checked

NGI-ADP

checked
checked
checked

Sekiguchi-Ohta (inviscid)

null
checked
checked

Sekiguchi-Ohta (viscid)

null
checked
checked

Soft soil

null
checked
checked

Soft soil creep

null
checked
checked

UBC3D-PLM (liquefaction)

null
null
checked

UDCAM-S and cyclic accumulation tool

null
checked
checked

Barcelona Basic Model

null
checked
checked

Clay and Sand model (CASM)

null
checked
checked

Creep-SCLAY1S

null
checked
checked

Fluid

null
checked
checked

Generalised Hardening Soil

null
checked
checked

Hoek-Brown with Softening (strength softening and GSI softening models)

null
checked
checked

Hypoplastic Model with Inter-Granular Strain

null
checked
checked

Isotropic Jointed Rock with Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion

null
checked
checked

Masonry

null
checked
checked

N2PC-MCT Rock Creep (Norton-based double power creep with Mohr-Coulomb and tension cut-off failure surface)

null
checked
checked

NorSand

null
checked
checked

Overconsolidated Clay

null
checked
checked

SANISAND-MS

null
checked
checked

SHANSEP Mohr-Coulomb

null
checked
checked

SHANSEP NGI-ADP

null
checked
checked

Swelling rock

null
checked
checked

Visco-Elastic Perfectly Plastic

null
checked
checked

Geotechnics

CESAR is a calculation software enabling modelling and analysis of geotechnical problems. Proven, powerful and user-friendly, it covers a wide scope of soil and rock mechanics applications (deformation, stability…). It is a valuable tool for geotechnical engineers for embankment, excavation, foundation or tunnel studies, and more.

Geotechnical Engineering Applications

CESAR is bundled with an extensive constitutive model library (linear and non-linear elasticity, Mohr-Coulomb, Hardening Soil, Cam-Clay…) relevant to the study of deformations and stresses in soil masses.

Consolidation analysis (coupling) allows the study of primary and secondary settlement of soil masses.

Finally, CESAR features the required calculation procedures in order to obtain safety coefficients in regards to stability (c-phi reduction procedure) or stresses (e.g. limit pressure search).

Failure mechanism of a slope after c-phi reduction (from Perau et al.)

Stability of a slope reinforced with nails

Bearing capacity a footing after limit pressure analysis

CESAR offers intuitive and comprehensive tools for simulating consecutive passes of embanking or excavation, integrating realistic construction stages. Numerous pre-defined elements are available to model structures and their interaction with the soil mass, or the reinforcement of soil masses (anchors, geogrids, bolts…).

These tools enable geotechnical engineers to predict ground movements induced by and endured throughout construction.

Model of retaining wall with anchors

Excavation supported by a braced sheeting wall
 

CESAR is bundled with the required tools for modelling the water table as a mechanical load. The user can also perform independent hydrogeological calculations: transient and steady state flows, in saturated or unsaturated soils (van Genuchten and Gardner models or user-defined saturation curves).

Thus, the user is able to model complex hydrogeologic problems with varying water levels and flow conditions such as dewatering or groundwater control.

Dewatering inside an excavation

Flow in a dike with drainage system

Customer Projects

mkaPEB Features

STRUCTURAL MODELLING ELEMENTS

LOADING

ANALYSIS

RESULTS OUTPUT

CONCRETE DESIGN

STEEL DESIGN

Tunnels

CESAR is a powerful geotechnical software for modeling and analyzing tunnel projects. It supports conventional excavation methods like NATM, tunnel boring machines (TBM), cut-and-cover construction, and ground support design. With its detailed tools for modeling excavation sequences, soil-structure interactions, and reinforcement strategies, CESAR is essential for ensuring stability and minimizing settlements in tunnel engineering

Tunnel Applications

The user will easily produce tunnel design projects by the Conventional Method (or New Austrian Tunneling Method, NATM, or Sequential Excavation Method, SEM). The complete set of CAD tools in CESAR 2D and CESAR 3D allows unlimited types of sketches of the tunnel. The detailed sequence of ground excavation and the activation of the structural components of the final project (shotcrete, final lining and station infrastructure) can be modelled using specific and intuitive tools (excavation forces, long-term effects on the concrete…).

Design of a tunnel section with NATM

Vertical displacements induced by 3D tunnelling in urban area

CESAR (2D and 3D) is bundled with the required tools for modelling the complex sequence of the tunnel boring machine excavation.
  • Pressure at the front,
  • Controlled excavation forces for TBM shield conicity,
  • Variable pressure for the radial grouting,
  • Modelling of the lining segments with shell or volume elements.
All these tools help the tunnel engineer for the calculation of the settlement trough and the control of the volume loss.

Modelling of the TBM excavation process

Bi-tube tunnel (vertical displacements)

This method is declined in Conventional Bottom-Up Construction or in Top-Down Construction. CESAR 2D and CESAR 3D provides the tools and analysis components for the accurate modelling of the construction stages: retaining walls, struts, the various slabs and final backfill. With structural elements (beams and bars, shells) and adapted interface elements (joints), the tunnel engineer will analyse properly the soil-structure interaction.

Cut-and-cover construction of a metro station

Covered trench analysis

In poor ground conditions or in urban projects, the design of the tunnel requires the soils reinforcement in order to reduce the settlements. CESAR is equipped with a full set of elements (1D beams and bars) for the modelling of radial or front bolts, or pipe umbrellas. User can also use specific elements with friction law for a sharp modelling of the soil-reinforcement behaviour.

Bolted tunnel

Pipe umbrella and front reinforcement

Structural Expertise

CESAR is equipped with standard features for structural analysis: beams and shell elements, springs and other links, various types of loads, static and dynamic analysis algorithms….

CESAR proposes several constitutive models dedicated to the modelling of concrete (parabolic criterion, Willam-Warnke…) or masonry (homogenization of Zucchini…). In particular, damage models are integrated for the evaluation of durability of structures: Mazars, Faria, Oliver…

In addition, CESAR is suited to analyse the concrete behaviour in service or ultimate conditions. Specific modules, named TEXO & MEXO, have also been developed to enable modelling of the early age concrete behaviour. TEXO serves to compute both the temperature and degree of hydration fields, used to express the material’s state of hardening. These results are then input in the MEXO module in order to determine the displacement and stress fields, in the aim of predicting the risk of cracking at early age.

As such, CESAR can contribute to the understanding of the overall behaviour of a project and to the expertise of failure mechanisms.

IDEA StatiCa Connection

Any Geometry and Loading

Design steel connections of any type or complexity. Start from scratch or import connections directly from your CAD or FEA software. Apply simplified or complex loading, visualize the behavior, and generate connection sketches and detailed reports. Connections include:

  • Steel moment connections in steel structures, shear and axial connections, including seismic 
  • Beam to beam, beam to column, column to column, or column to base plate connections

The Worlds Largest Database of Steel Connections

Connection Library is a cloud application that provides you with 700,000+ ideas for your connection designs from all around the world.

Browse examples matching your project, find & download the best suitable model for your project in 4 steps! 

  1. Define geometry
  2. Browse the database
  3. Sign in or create account
  4. Explore & Download the model

Bolted and welded connections, anchoring
Stress&strain analysis of steel sections and plates
Stiffness analysis
Buckling analysis (local stability)
Capacity design (seismicity)
Fatigue analysis
Joint design resistance
Fire design
Horizontal tying resistance
Rolled sections
Welded sections
Thin-walled sections
General cross-section
Cut, stiffener, rib, stub
End plate, connecting plate, gusset plate
Angles
Anchoring
Steel-to-timber connections with gusset plate
Timber-to-timber connections with gusset plate
250+ editable templates
Pre-design
Connection browser – clever templates
Connection browser – company set in the cloud
Report
Bill of material
Drawings of plates
User-defined views and cuts

IDEA StatiCa Member

No More Estimates of Buckling Lengths and Connection Stiffness

Using the easy-to-use interactive application, perform advanced analysis of members modeled in 3D by shell elements with a detailed connection model with all stiffeners, bolts, openings, etc. Accurately simulate the behavior of your structures and members and use code-based geometrically and materially nonlinear analysis with imperfection (GMNIA) for final checks.

Rolled sections
Welded sections
Thin-walled sections
General cross-section
Cut
Stiffener
Stiffening member
Opening
Stress/strain analysis (MNA)
Stability analysis (LBA)
Geometrically nonlinear analysis with imperfections (GMNIA)
Fire resistance
Report

Checkbot

Steel Design without Re-Entry

Design any steel connection or member without re-entering data you already have in another application. Import and synchronize all your connections and members and slash design time by up to 80%!

Use your FEA Model

Use your CAD Model

Share Connections

Links with FEA software – SAP 2000, ETABS, Robot Structural Analysis, STAAD PRO, RAM Structural System, STRAP, Tekla Structural Designer, Scia Engineer, RFEM/RSTAB. AXIS VM and others
Links with CAD software – Tekla Structures, Advance Steel, Revit
Automatically update models in IDEA StatiCa based on changes in the FEA/CAD application
IDEA StatiCa API, IDEA Open Model (IOM), support through Github

Features List

IDEA StatiCa Detail

Get your report in 3 simple steps
Create a model
  • Create any shape you need
  • Import from DXF
  • Add openings, hangers, supports
  • Model real reinforcement
  • Define loads and combinations
Run the calculation
  • Uses an advanced nonlinear FEA model called CSFM, enabling sophisticated code-based design
  • Concrete modeled in compression only
  • All rebars taken into account
  • Considers bonds between rebars and concrete
  • Tension stiffening and compression softening effects included
Get outputs
  • Go through the results
  • Create a detailed or simplified report
  • Export the model to DXF
  • Generate a bill of materials

Details: dapped ends, openings, hangings, frame joints
Walls, deep beams, corbels, diaphragms, pier caps, general detail
Geometry and reinforcement import from DXF file
Prestressing – pre-tensioned, post-tensioned detail
Imperial rounding
Realistic reinforcement layouts
Topology optimization
ULS checks – stress and strain in concrete, reinforcement, anchorage stress
SLS checks – crack width, crack directions, stress limitation, deflection
Limited stress check
Long-term losses
Support of regional code ANSI/AISC 360-22
Customized report including export to PDF, Word
2D drawings export
Bill of material

RCS Application

Get your report in 4 simple steps
Define cross-section
  • Use templates
  • Import shape from DXF
  • Create own template
Apply loads
  • Apply all internal forces
  • Import forces from Excel 
  • Load model from your FEA
Specify reinforcement
  • Use smart templates for common cross-sections
  • Edit or add any other rebar or tendon
  • Create your own templates
Get results
  • Quickly perform overall checks
  • Go through them
  • Generate the report
  • Export the reinforced section to DXF

Topology optimization
ULS checks – stress and strain in concrete, reinforcement, anchorage stress
SLS checks – crack width, crack directions, stress limitation, deflection
Limited stress check
Long-term losses
Support of regional code ANSI/AISC 360-22
ULS – Capacity N-M-M, Shear, Torsion, Interaction, Response N-M-M
SLS – Stress limitation, crack width
Flexural slenderness, detailing, stiffnesses, M-N-k diagram
Fire resistance
Customized report including export to PDF, Word

IDEA StatiCa Beam

Reinforced concrete beam
Pre-tensioned and post-tensioned prestressed beam (including combination)
Beam loaded in 3D
Continuous composite beam
Non-linear deflection
Bridge load rating
Tendon shape design, prestressing losses, prestressing effects
Construction stages, time dependent analysis (TDA)
Cross-section code-checks for ULS, SLS – export to the RCS application
Deflection check – short term, long term
Non-linear creep
Customized report including export to PDF, Word

IDEA StatiCa Member

General beams, columns, frames, tepered members
Linear analysis, Materialy non-linear analysis (MNA)
Linear buckling analysis (LBA)
Geometricaly and materialy non-linear analysis with imperfections (GMNIA)
Slender columns analysis
Thermal analysis of concrete members
Customized report including export to PDF, Word

BIM links

RFEM/RSTAB. AXIS VM, SAP 2000, Robot Structural Analysis, ETABS, STAAD PRO
Midas Civil/GEN, AXIS VM, SCIA Engineer
Advance Design, AXIS VM, RFEM/RSTAB, Robot Structural Analysis, SAP 2000

National codes and languages

EN 1992-1-1, EN 1992-2, EN 1992-3; national annexes CZ, SK, AT, BE, DE, UK, NL, PL, SG, SIA 262, and ACI
English, German, French, French, Spanish, Polish, Hungarian, Russian, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, Chinese, Czech, Slovak

Features

mkaPEB has a wide range of template types defined for portal frame and steel roof truss systems with variable cross-sections. All the features of the roof systems in these templates are parametric. If needed, they can be defined side by side and at different levels.

Snow Loads

Recognisıng the building structure and understanding the regional snow loads within the areas where snow accumulates on the roof, dependent on the load standards selected by the user.

It automatically loads varying loads according to the regions where the roof purlins are located.

When an engineer makes a change in the dimensions and shape of the structure, the most time-consuming load analysis is done in less than 1 second.

Wind Loads

Wind loads are the most complex of loads acting on the structure. The value of the load on the roof and facades varies regionally.

mkaPEB is familiar with the structure and knows the Eurocode, ASCE-07, IS-875 standards, automatically performs this complex calculation when the structure properties change.

The calculation which has been made by the software is automatically transferred to the roof and facade purlins and the main carrier system.

Crane Loads

For overhead crane loads, the overhead crane runway beam should be designed first. mkaPEB calculates this according to the rules given in AISC-Design Guide 7 and EN-1991-3 and automatically assigns loads to the columns.

Earthquake Loads

TDY-2018, AISC-341-16, Eurocode-8, EAK-2000 (Greece), IS 1893 Earthquake regulations are implemented in mkaPEB.

Tension-only member design for wall and roof bracings.

Elements on roofs and facades, especially central braces, buckle under compression loads due to their slenderness. mkaPEB can identify which element will buckle under which load and analyzes the system so that it is only supported by the tension-only members. Whilst making this analysis, it takes into account the thermal effects of Summer-Winter temperature differences and wind and earthquake loads coming from the facade. After solving each one separately, it superposes and controls the element strengths according to this last situation.

By doing this, mkaPEB was able to use tension-only rods in the braces.

Design of main members

Detailed design will be carried out according to various international codes.

Connections Design

mkaPEB steel truss automatically performs joint calculations for many joints on roofs and facades.

It resizes the connection plates according to the welding lengths calculated in the steel shears. Thus, the processing time is shortened and the possibility of error is eliminated.

If the selected steel structure design regulation is AISC-360, Connections is based on AISC-360-16 and design guides published by AISC.

If Eurocode 3 is selected, the strength of the connections is checked based on EN-1993-1-8.

The design of other combinations can be done after static calculations are made from the combination design page.

The properties of the combination can be changed parametrically.

The distances of the bolts to the edges and the limits of the welds are checked.

While calculating the strength of the connection, the changes can be followed on the 3D model.

2D technical drawing of the connection can also be taken.

Pad footing design

In our single-story warehouse-hangar type structure, the columns are under the effect of one-way bending. Especially when calculating foundations in structures with overhead cranes or under the influence of high wind force – Soil capacity It is thought that geotechnical controls should be done in addition to the reinforcement calculation.

The general bearing capacity formula recommended by Hansen Vesic in Eurocode -7 is used. Our aim with mkaPEB is to make all the elements of the steel structure, from the roof to the timeline, resistant to disaster situations.

Detailed design reports

Today, many structure analysis software gives their calculations within tables. And they show the accuracy of their calculations with verification solutions. This view was not adopted in mkaPEB. For this reason, the load calculations are given with detailed calculation reports for the design of steel structural elements and connections. The engineer can follow the reference, formulas, and process steps of the calculation.

We came to the first question asked by the engineer or the investor who prepared the proposal or made the analysis. What is the cost of this structure we calculated?

mkaPEB can extract all the material lists used in the building. The user can change the unit prices of the materials. Amended new unit prices are saved for future projects. Prices can be updated automatically according to the daily changing exchange rates. The ratio of scrap quantities for the offer can be changed from the table. On the table, the total used steel, m2 used steel, m2 unit cost, and the total cost can be examined.

mkaPEB prepares 3D solid model along with connections, which practically represent real-life structure.

DSTV-NC files for CNC machines

Today, CNC machines are widely used in the manufacture of steel structures. The biggest feature of 3D modeling software such as Tekla, Advance Steel, Bocad, SDS/2 is that it can produce DSTV-NC files. This issue was primarily targeted when mkaPEB was started to be developed

DRAWINGS – Footing plan

DRAWINGS – Anchor and base plate details

DRAWINGS – General arrangement

DRAWINGS – Assembly

DRAWINGS – Parts

Export model to Tekla with macros

Design Codes

EN-1991-1-3 (Snow Load + 16 EU-National Annexes)
EN-1991-1-4 (Wind Load + 16 EU-National Annexes)
EN-1991-1-5 Temperature Load
EN-1991-3: Crane Loads
EN-1992-1 (RC Column Design)
EN-1993-1-1 (Hot rolled Steel Design)
EN-1993-1-3 (Cold Formed Steel Design for purlins and girts)
EN-1993-1-8 (Steel Connection Design)
EN-1998-1 (Eearhquake Loads + 16 EU-National Annexes)
ASCE-07-16/22 (Wind Loads – Chapter27, Chapter28, Chapter30)
ASCE-07-16/22 (Snow Loads)
ASCE-07-16/22 (Eearthquake Loads)
AISC-Desgn Guide 7: Crane Loads
AISC-360-10/16 (Hot Rolled Steel Member)
AISC-341 (Seismic Design for Steel Members)
AISI-S100-16 (Coming soon: Cold Formed Steel Design for purlins and girts)
ACI-318-2014 (RC Column Design)
AISC-358 (Steel Connection Design)
IS-875-1-3 (Wind Loads)
IS-875-1-4 (Snow Loads)
IS-1893 (Eearhquake Loads)
ACI-318 (RC Column Design)
IS-800 ( Hot Rolled Steel Design)
EN-1993-1-3 (Cold Formed Steel Design for purlins and girts)
AISC-358 (Steel Connection Design)
TS–EN–1991–1–3 (Snow loads)
TS–EN–1991–1–4 (Wind loads)
TS–EN–1991–1–5 Thermal effects
AISC-Desgn Guide 7: Crane Loads
2018 Earthquake Code
2016 Steel Structures Code
2016 AISC-358 Steel Connection Calculations

Earthquake Codes

IS 1893 : 2016 Indian Standard: Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures
GB50011: 2010 Chineese Standard: Code for Seismic Design of Buildings
SBC-301: 2016 Saudi Arabia: Seismic Provisions in the Saudi Building Code
DUBAI: 2013 United Arab Emirates: Seismic Design Code For Dubai, Dubai Municipality
BNBC: 2020 Seismic Provisions in the Bangladesh National Building Code
BCP: 2021 Seismic Provisions in the Building Code of Pakistan
NSCP: 2010 Seismic Provisions in the National Structural Code of the Philippines
SI-413: 2019 Israeli Standard: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance
TAIWAN:2019 Seismic Force Requirements for Buildings in Taiwan
MALAYSIA: EC-8 NA Malaysia National Annex to MS EN 1998
SINGAPORE: EC-8 NA Singapore National Annex to SS EN 1998
TCXDVN 375-2006 Vietnamese Earthquake Design Code (Based on EN-1998)
ASCE/SEI 7-16 USA Standard: Minimum Design Loads For Buildings And Other Structures
ANSI/AISC 341-16 USA Standard: Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings
NBCC-2020 Canada: Seismic Provisions in the National Building Code of Canada
INPRESS-CIRCOS-103 Argentinean Standards for Earthquake Resistant Constructions
NDBS: 2006 Bolivia: Norma Boliviana de Diseño Sísmico (2006)
NCH433: 2012 Chile: Chilean seismic code
NSR-10 Colombia: Reglamento colombiano de construcción sismo resistente
CRSC- 2010 Costa Rica: Código sísmico de Costa Rica 2010
MOC-2008 Mexico: Normas Técnicas Complementarias para Diseño por Sismo
ECP‑201: 2012 Egyptian Code of Practice for Calculation of Loads and Forces in Structures and Buildings (Based on EN-1998)
RPA-99: 2003 Algerian Earthquake Resistant Regulations
RPS-2011 Morocco: D’utilisation Du Reglement De Construction Parasismique
SANS-10163-4 South Africa: Seismic actions and general requirements for buildings (Based on EN-1998)

Export Options

Export to Trimble Tekla Structures V.2020
Export to Trimble Sketchup
Export to SAP2000

National codes and languages

EN (Eurocode), AISC (USA), AS (Australia), CISC (Canada), SNiP (Russia), GB (China), IS (India), HKG (Hong Kong)
English, German, French, Hungarian, English, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, Chinese, Czech, Slovak

Workflow and Capabilities

BIM links

RFEM/RSTAB. AXIS VM, SAP 2000, Robot Structural Analysis, ETABS, STAAD PRO
Midas Civil/GEN, AXIS VM, SCIA Engineer
Advance Design, AXIS VM, RFEM/RSTAB, Robot Structural Analysis, SAP 2000

Become an expert on IDEA StatiCa

Learn how to use IDEA StatiCa efficiently with our self-paced e-learning courses

Types Of License We Offer

Perpetual Licenses

Duration: Lifetime

Subscriptions Licenses

Duration: Customisable

Customer's Feedback

Frequently Ask Questions

IDEA StatiCa Steel has been introduced to the engineering world in 2014. Since then, it brought to its users a true revolution and significant advantages on time-saving, productivity and safety of steel structures.

Watch this short video to understand the key features, methods used for the software, validation of results and case studies from all around the world:

IDEA StatiCa Connection can design all types of welded or bolted connections, base plates, footing, and anchoring. It provides precise checks, results of strength, stiffness and buckling analysis of a steel joint. Bolts, welds and concrete blocks are checked according to various codes of practice. Templates for most-used connections are available as well as a wide range of predefined hot rolled and sheet welded members.

New CBFEM method inside changes the game of structural joint design

Together with two top technical universities, we created a new method for analysis and check of steel joints of general shapes and loading. It is called the Component-Based Finite element model (CBFEM). After 5 years of primary research and theoretical preparations, the first version of the application was coded in 24 months and released in May 2014.

How CBFEM works

We combine two well-known and trusted methods used by engineers all around the world–the finite element method and component method:

  • Joint is divided into components.
  • All steel plates are modeled by the finite element method assuming ideal elastic-plastic material.
  • Bolts, welds and concrete blocks are modeled as nonlinear springs.
  • The finite element model is used for analyzing internal forces in each of the components.
  • Plates are checked for limit plastic strain – 5% acc. to EC3.
  • Each component is checked according to specific formulas defined by the national code, similarly as when using the component method.

Validation and verification

Results of all tests performed to confirm the safety and reliability of the CBFEM method and IDEA StatiCa Connection are published and available. Visit our website to examine them. Professor Wald and his team are also publishing a book devoted to structural steel connections design using the CBFEM method

Are you thinking about trying our newest application IDEA StatiCa Member? Are you not sure about what it is capable of?

See the short presentation which will introduce Member to you.

IDEA StatiCa Connection was created by a team of experienced software developers at IDEA StatiCa internal team and two technical universities.

The CBFEM method

The CBFEM is the core of IDEA StatiCa software. CBFEM (Component Based Finite Element Model) is a new method for design and analysis for steel connections developed by a joint effort of the IDEA StatiCa team and two university bodies—the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Prague and the Faculty of Civil Engineering of Brno University of Technology. Read more about the CBFEM method or order the verification book written by prof. Frantisek Wald and his team.

Partners

We build partnerships with key companies in the field and link IDEA StatiCa with their software. IDEA StatiCa is a part of a global workflow that improves productivity of structural engineers and fabricators.

We are AEC Solution Associate of Autodesk, a recommended 3rd party solution for Autodesk users. IDEA StatiCa works with Robot Structural Analysis, Advance Steel and Revit. We partnered up with Trimble to create a seamless link between Tekla Structures and IDEA StatiCa. IDEA StatiCa has a strong synergy with Tekla Structures.

We closely cooperate on designing and implementation of BIM links with most of the key players providing CAD and FEA software.

The CBFEM – Component-based finite element method. It’s a method for the design and code-check of steel joints, anchors and steel members. The steel joints can be created step by step using manufacturing operations, the model is automatically transferred to the analysis model by the CBFEM and the results according to the code are provided.

CBFEM is a synergy of the Component Method and FE analysis. This method is based on the idea that most of the verified and very useful parts of the Component Method should be kept. The weak point of the Component Method – its generality when analyzing stresses of individual components – was replaced by modeling and analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEA).

The CBFEM method provides clear information about the behavior of the joint or member.

​The method is quick, efficient and compliant with the code.

Watch the webinar recording  explaining what is the CBFEM method and what is it based on:

Using the unique CBFEM method, IDEA StatiCa Member provides three types of analysis:

  • MNA – Materially Non-linear Analysis
  • LBA – Linear Buckling Analysis
  • GMNIA – Geometrically and Materially Non-linear Analysis with Imperfections

MNA and LBA analysis are used in Stress-strain analysis regularly in IDEA StatiCa Connection. GMNIA is a special feature of the Member application.

Using the unique CBFEM method, IDEA StatiCa Member provides three types of analysis:

  • MNA – Materially Non-linear Analysis
  • LBA – Linear Buckling Analysis
  • GMNIA – Geometrically and Materially Non-linear Analysis with Imperfections

MNA and LBA analysis are used in Stress-strain analysis regularly in IDEA StatiCa Connection. GMNIA is a special feature of the Member application.

IDEA StatiCa BIM links were developed to speed up the analysis and design process by importing data models from FEA  programs. BIM links to the most widespread FEA programs are being developed and maintained by IDEA StatiCa and are a part of the installation setup. For any other FEA program, the BIM link can be created using the public API interface IDEA Open Model (IOM).

After installation, IDEA StatiCa automatically integrates the BIM links to your FEA programs. For later installed programs, BIM links can be activated in the BIM link installer.

The data transfer from FEA projects to IDEA StatiCa is realized via the Code-check manager. The code-check manager is an application to import and manage structural joints and connections or members that you want to analyze and code-check in IDEA StatiCa. It also allows merging imported models from CAD and FEA projects into one, synchronizing the imported models after you update the source FEA or CAD project and more.

BIM links to the most widespread FEA and CAD programs are being developed and maintained by IDEA StatiCa and are a part of the installation setup. For any other FEA and CAD program, the BIM link can be created using the public API interface IDEA Open Model (IOM).

After installation, IDEA StatiCa automatically integrates the BIM links to your FEA and CAD programs. For later installed programs, BIM links can be activated in the BIM link installer.

The data transfer from FEA and CAD projects to IDEA StatiCa is realized via the Code-check manager. The code-check manager is an application to import and manage structural joints and connections that you want to analyze and code-check in IDEA StatiCa. It also allows merging imported models from CAD and FEA projects into one, synchronizing the imported models after you update the source FEA or CAD project and more.

Currently, existing programs are based on a component method which is a perfectly fine solution. But their drawback is that for each topology, a new model has to be put together.

IDEA StatiCa came up with a new method called component-based Finite Element Model, CBFEM which is a synergy of component method and finite element method. We use finite elements to get the stress-strain analysis of the joint and then to apply standard checks like in the component method.

We came with a different approach for steel joint design, that is why we paid special attention to its verification and validation, right from the start for years ago.

The first level of testing the new software was to take dozens of standard joints from Eurocode and US design guides and calculate them with IDEA StatiCa.

The second level was to laboriously create models in FEA programs and comparing them to results achieved in IDEA StatiCa Connection in minutes.

The third level of testing was live lab tests. Again, the same results. Two university teams spent over 3 years on this.

And published it in various articles, benchmark studies, and most importantly, verification book.

Find out more about the safety and verifications of the CBFEM method.

Talk With An Expert

Our IDEA StatiCa experts are available round the clock to assist you, go ahead and connect now.