Various Software/Tools for Civil Engineering Field

1.    ETABS (Extended Three-dimensional Analysis of Building Systems)

ETABS is a very famous structural engineering software tool, its role is for the analysis and design of the building. Most of its focus is on multi-level structures and it has such features as:

·      Advanced modeling techniques for floors, walls and frames.

·      Dynamic and static analysis instruments.

·      Integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows.

2.    SAP2000

SAP2000 is a universal structural analysis and design software. As a versatile tool, SAP2000 applied in the design of bridges, industrial structures, buildings has become known world wide. Main features include the following:

·      User-friendly interface for modeling and analysis.

·      Compatibility with various codes of design.

·      Advanced dynamic analysis instruments.

3.    STAAD.Pro

STAAD.Pro, another common tool for structural analysis and design, is used primarily in building structures. accord STAAD.Pro offers engineers with the following benefits:

·      The ability to handle a wide range of materials (Steel, Concrete, Timber).

·      Compliance with international standards of design.

·      Powerful 3D visualization instrument.

4.    AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a famous name in engineering and architectural design. This multipurpose tool is employed to model at 2D or 3D. Major features include these:

·      Large symbols library and variety of templates.

·      Custom toolsets for particular fields.

·      Integrating easily with other Autodesk products?

5.    SketchUp

SketchUp is a user-friendly 3D modeling software that is often used by architects and civil engineers. This intuitive design of the software have made it excel for:

·      Conceptual design and fast visual. Which uses rendering plugins to integrate with photographic quality output.

·      Various formats exporting so that these data can be used in other programs.

6.    Bentley SewerGEMS

Bentley SewerGEMS is an advanced software for sewer and stormwater modelling. The strength of this product lies mainly in these abilities:

·      Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis.

·      Drawing a drainage or sewer network.

·      Scenario management for multiple design options assessment.

7.    SAFE

SAFE software was specifically developed for the analysis and design of concrete slab or foundation. The main uses for SAFE are as follows:

·      Post-tensioned slabs designs.

·      Detailed foundation analysis.

·      Easy to link up with other CSI products.

8.    CSI Bridge

CSI Bridge is designed for bridge engineering. Consequently it offers these abilities:

·      Model and design complicated bridge structures.

·      Seismic and wind load dynamic analysis.

·      Integrating with construction phase analysis.

Other well-known tools

MATLAB: Used in mathematical modeling and simulations for a range of engineering disciplines.

ANSYS: A leading tool for simulation and analysis in structural, fluid and thermal fields.

SolidWorks: Ideal for mechanical design and 3D modeling.

Revit: A building information modelling tool widely used in architectural and structural design projects.

Choosing Appropriate Software

To make final approaches to decide which software in a project would be, it should depend on individual needs of the project. For example:

·      ETABS, STAAD.Pro and SAFE are the mainstays of structural engineers.

·  Civil engineers working on infrastructure projects may like SAP2000, Bentley SewerGEMS or CSI Bridge.

·      AutoCAD, Revit and SketchUp are often turn to by architects and designers.