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SCIA Engineer features

Simply put, SCIA Engineer goes further than the traditional structural analysis software. 

  • Fast and efficient modelling
  • Advanced analysis & multi-material design
  • Coordinated documentation and reporting
  • Interoperability and collaboration

Highlighted features

Highlighted features

Revolutionary user interface

Save 1 hour per day with less clicks and less mouse miles

  • Revolutionary new interface with leading-edge ergonomics.
  • Easily customised to suit the way YOU work.
  • Less mouse clicks on almost every task.
  • A total workspace transformation providing you with nearly 100% screen use.
  • Bring the tools you use most to the front, hide the ones you do not - it’s your workspace now.
Highlighted features

Intuitive 3D CAD-like modelling

Model even complex geometries with ease and confidence

  • Fast and intuitive modelling of straight as well as curved members
  • Grids and templates for faster input
  • Visual control over all input data
  • Optional clear tables to look into details or exchange model with MS Excel
  • Import geometry from commonly used formats (IFC, DWG, SAF, ...) and only finalise the model in SCIA Engineer
Highlighted features

Multi-material design

Combine multiple materials in one model

  • Handle all materials in the same way in one unified user environment.
  • Get safe, economical and clearly documented design for any material:
    • reinforced concrete (incl. fibre-concrete), prestressed concrete
    • steel (incl. cold-formed sections and scaffolding)
    • steel-concrete composite floors and columns
    • aluminium, timber
Highlighted features

Safe and economical design

Deliver safe and economical design every time

  • Eurocodes including national annexes and research-based recommendations (e.g. SEMI-COMP+)
  • International codes like IBC, NBR, SIA.
  • Clear and transparent documentation of all calculation steps
  • AutoDesign for optimal sizing and maximum material savings
Highlighted features

Engineering Report

Save time on project documentation

  • Tables, images, formulas - all in one automated report
  • ChapterMaker for fast generation of report sections for all/selected members, load cases, etc.
  • Customisable level of detail from one-page summary to comprehensive report with all code references, intermediate steps, etc.
  • One-click report update after any last-minute changes to the model

What's new in version 24.0

What's new - V24.0

One version

  • ONE 64-bit version – no longer need to switch between 32-bit and 64-bit version.
  • ONE user interface – just one interface to use and remember.
  • ONE postprocessing environment – no more switching between the “default” and “v16” options.
What's new - V24.0

Licence management

  • Users are warned both on SCIA Engineer launch and in the licence settings dialog, when using more than one mandatory licence or edition, helping use licences in large offices in a more efficient way.
  • Help for licence settings accessible directly from the licence settings dialog.
What's new - V24.0

UI Improvements

  • Enlarged selector of a load case, modification group, mass group in the status bar showing the description of the entity for easier identification.
  • New drag-handle for easier repositioning of the process toolbar.
  • The Properties panel is now in the ‘advanced’ display mode by default.
What's new - V24.0

UI templates

  • Predefined user interface configurations (position and layout of toolbars, panels, ...) for typical scenarios
  • Easier swap from the previous classical interface thanks to the “Transition” configuration
  • Dedicated user interface configurations for design of steel and concrete structures and scaffolding
What's new - V24.0

Analysis

  • Parallel computing on multicore processors resulting in drastically reduced computational time for nonlinear and stability analyses.
  • Possibility to stop the calculation with a single click.
  • On-demand visualization of singularities.
  • Clear overview of the overall progress and issued warnings or error messages.
  • Better control over the steps of the nonlinear stability analysis helping the user reach the convergence in an easier and quicker way.
What's new - V24.0

Analysis

  • Automatic identification of predominant shape for corresponding load cases in seismic response spectrum analysis, producing accurate results with properly assigned signs.
  • A new, fully automated algorithm for FE mesh refinement on 2D members ensuring that the generated mesh produces results of the required accuracy.
  • The deformation due to introduced global imperfection can now be visualized, which enables the user to check the initial deformed shape before running the nonlinear analysis.
What's new - V24.0

Construction stages

The brand-new construction stages with extended possibilities: to add/remove both 1D & 2D members, add/remove all types of hinges and all types of supports, easily modify the material stiffnesses in stages and compute staged cross-sections with unlimited number of phases.

What's new - V24.0

Concrete

  • Calculation of the code dependent deflection takes into account local nonlinearities, eccentricities, orthotropy and stiffness modifications.
  • Results can be obtained in both global and local reference systems.
  • Calculation is accelerated by parallel computing.
What's new - V24.0

Concrete

  • Analysis of reinforced concrete structures takes into account the nonlinear material behaviour of both concrete and reinforcement steel in both 1D & 2D members.
  • Mazars damage law for concrete and an elastoplastic law for reinforcement steel.
  • Option to use user-defined material behaviour laws.
What's new - V24.0

Concrete

  • Concrete design template of provided 2D reinforcement now also offers a list of diameter-spacing pairs.
  • Improved settings for concrete 2nd order effects.
What's new - V24.0

Steel & aluminium

  • Deflections calculated in steel or aluminium SLS design can now be displayed as a relative value (L/xx).
  • New “restrained by sheeting” option resulting in all checks being performed with respect to cross-section local axes.
What's new - V24.0

Scaffolding

  • Improved Layher Interaction 2 check showing the limiting diagonal and its corresponding check.
  • Better handling of zero resistances with warnings about non-checked components.
  • The implemented Zulassung documents have been updated to the most recent versions.
What's new - V24.0

FRILO link

Export to FD+: all load cases are now exported for more accurate foundation block design.

Modelling & loading

Modelling & loading

Revolutionary new interface

SCIA Engineer’s revolutionary new interface works in perfect harmony with the structural engineer: Less mouse clicks on almost every task. A total workspace transformation providing you with maximum screen use, with the project taking the centre stage. And with SCIA Spotlight you instantly find the tools and functions you need.

Modelling & loading

BIM-like modelling

SCIA Engineer provides an intuitive way to work with structural objects. Unlike traditional software tools where you need to work with individual nodes and finite elements, SCIA Engineer allows you to define members with just one click or sketch complex curved shells just as easily as in today's CAD and BIM authoring tools.

Modelling & loading

Curved shapes

Curved beams and shells with constant or variable thickness, can all be easily defined through the modification of simple properties.  Additionally, intersections between surfaces can be automatically generated and used as a basis to create cut-outs. This makes it easy to model complex geometry compared to more traditional finite element design tools.

Modelling & loading

Grids & stories

To facilitate the modelling of buildings and frames, SCIA Engineer comes with a wide range of 2D and 3D Grids: Cartesian, Oblique, Cylindrical, Spherical, Arbitrary (Free) grid lines

Any number of grids can be used in the project, activated or deactivated, and freely rotated.

In the case of multi-story buildings, Stories will enable you to better navigate your model, quickly switch from one floor to another and to visualize results per floor.

Modelling & loading

Powerful filtering & selection tools

All structural objects and additional data can be easily accessed via a number of filtering and selection tools, removing the dependancy on navigation within the 3D environment:

  • By selecting a single item, one can easily filter all other items in the model that share a similar property.
  • Work with just a portion of a project active on screen. This filtering can be done based on layers in the model, on proximity to workplanes, on clipping boxes, etc.
  • Selected elements can be saved, edited and reused at another time.
Modelling & loading

Table input

When modelling a project in a 3D atmosphere may not be the most efficient, the table input can be used as a straight forward way to create geometry.  Some of the features included in the table input are:

  • Input for most of SCIA Engineer’s structural elements, loads and libraries
  • Import large data sets or functions from Excel
  • Link between table input and graphical window, so individual selections are easily identified
  • Support for parametric input and keyboard shortcuts
Modelling & loading

Parametric modelling

Parametric modelling allows users to actively adapt the model in order to quickly create design iterations of either repetitive or complex structures.  Parametric models are generated by establishing parameters, which can include any model element or property (coordinates, dimensions, cross-sections, materials, loads, etc.).

Finally, parametric templates can be established in order to allow users to create or modify projects by utilizing predefined objects, thus creating great efficiency in the modelling process.

Modelling & loading

3D wind generator

SCIA Engineer will automatically generate and apply 3-dimensional wind loads to your entire structure according to the provisions found in the Eurocode 1 and ASCE 7-05/7-10.  For the ASCE, both the Directional (All Heights) and Envelope (Low Rise) methods are supported for automatic generation of load cases (including torsional cases) on enclosed and partially enclosed structures. 

Furthermore, SCIA Engineer’s graphical interface allows users to easily review and verify the pressure coefficients and surface loads being applied to various locations of the structure.

Modelling & loading

Free loads

Free loading allows users to create loads which are defined independently of the structure geometry or meshing, creating flexibility in a variety of load applications.

The range of uses for free loads includes: equipment load on slabs that will be perfectly mapped to the underlying mesh, hydrostatic loads on complex shells and user defined wind pressure.

Modelling & loading

Straightforward Load Application

SCIA Engineer lets you model all standard load types: concentrated and distributed forces, moments, support settlements and thermal loads visually as objects. These load objects can then be moved or copied to other members or other load cases while also easily being filtered and modified through the property window just like any other data in SCIA Engineer.

Modelling & loading

Practical load panels

Load Panels in SCIA Engineer are used for the specific task of distributing applied loads to the structural elements of the model.  In most applications, load panels represent façades or other non-bearing structural elements. SCIA Engineer utilizes these elements to distribute load using 1-way or 2-way action before analysis, allowing for a reduction in model size, improvement in calculation speed and an increased transparency in applied loads and results.

Furthermore, SCIA Engineer’s graphical interface allows users to review and modify the generated loads being applied to various locations of the structure.

Analysis & results

Analysis & results

Meshing with automatic refinements

SCIA Engineer’s meshing will make sure that the transitions between complex surfaces or various mesh sizes is always smooth, guaranteeing quality results from the finite element analysis.

  • Automatic generation of finite element mesh, based on user defined global mesh settings that is consistent and error-free.
  • Local mesh refinements at specific locations including; around nodes, along lines or edges and on an entire surface
  • Automatic Mesh Refinement for optimal mesh and and feedback on the quality of current mesh
Analysis & results

Dynamics

In addition to standard eigenmode analysis to determine the eigen frequencies and mode shapes, SCIA Engineer allows you to run all standard types of dynamic analysis and then some: earthquake analysis through modal superposition, harmonic (sinus) loads, Von Karman wind on tubes and full time-history analysis with definition of time functions for loading.

Additionally, the Improved Reduced System (IRS) method vastly reduces the number of eigenmodes that need to be considered for an earthquake analysis, thereby eliminating local modes and increasing the overall speed and accuracy of the calculation.

Analysis & results

Construction stages

Construction stages in SCIA Engineer allow users to understand the time dependant behavior of a structure:

  • Progressive construction of cross-sections.
  • Gradual application of loads and prestressing.
  • Changes of boundary conditions.
  • Removal of temporary structural elements.
  • Use of deformed shape from previous stage using nonlinear functionality.
Analysis & results

Large displacements

2nd & 3rd order analysis executed on any structure type. These analyses take into account deformations of the structure (P-δ and P-Δ effects) with or without imperfections assigned to members.

  • Various iteration methods (Timoshenko, Newton-Raphson, Picard) and boundary conditions (tension only, initial stress, limit force and gap)
  • Ability to utilize Direct Analysis Method or equivalent notional loads through use of global and local imperfections
  • True cable analysis with ability to define as straight or slack (including definition of either self-weight or other load used to define cable slack)
Analysis & results

Material non-linearities

  • Various types of material non-linearities can be included in the analysis:
  • Input of nonlinear hinges and springs by the defining of functions, both on linear elements and on surfaces (edge hinges)
  • Nonlinear material behaviour (plasticity) can be employed through the use of plastic hinges on 1D members or by using general material plasticity for 2D members
  • Concrete non-linearity can be considered through a physical non-linear analysis taking into account redistribution due to precise behaviour laws of concrete and reinforcement.
Analysis & results

3D displacements & stresses

Deformations and stresses play a vital role in determining whether or not a structure was modelled properly and behaves as expected.  As a result, SCIA Engineer provides extremely precise visualization of these results, on the initial or the deformed shape, displaying results on each fibre of a 1D cross section and on both faces of a surface - thereby giving the user an in depth look into the performance of the structure.

Analysis & results

Storey results

After running a lateral load analysis (wind, earthquake, etc) results can be summarized per storey to include:

  • Summary storey results: center of mass, displacements, accelerations, interstorey drift, storey forces
  • Detailed storey results: internal and resultant forces on individual load bearing elements (columns and walls)
Analysis & results

Flexible graphical results

Since there is not a standard way to display results that is optimal for all situations, SCIA Engineer gives users unmatched flexibility in the display of results.  In specific, users can utilize results with: different types of colouring, flexible diagrams, filtering/selection tools and adaptable text labels/fonts in order display output that is unique to the needs of the project.

Analysis & results

Results tables

The ability to visualize output graphically is incredibly beneficial but sometimes, engineers need to review data in table format as well.  In SCIA Engineer, all result types can be viewed in a powerful table results tool complete with:

  • Customizable columns
  • Sorting and filtering of table values
  • In-cell colour bars that give visual feedback on where min and max values are located
  • Support for direct selection and copy-paste to Excel

Design & reporting

Design & reporting

Transparent reinforced concrete design

Concrete member design in SCIA Engineer combines the best of an integrated FEA solution and straightforward hand calculations in order to offer a high level of productivity without the need to worry about transferring data to other external software.

  • Transparent: all code formulas are available in the report, showing original mathematical notation, intermediate numerical values and final results
  • Complete: all cross-section shapes and internal force situations are supported; including normal force, bi-axial bending, bi-axial shear and torsion
  • Fast: supporting all available cores for parallel processing
Design & reporting

Structural steel design

Perform section design of steel members according to EN1993 and other international codes. Autodesign of a wide range of profile library cross-sections as well as built-up or arbitrary profiles.  

All necessary effects are also considered: section resistance to normal forces, bending, shear, buckling, torsional buckling, lateral-torsional buckling, local buckling, etc.  Additionally, buckling lengths are automatically determined and can be reviewed graphically and numerically. The second order analysis (required by Eurocodes in specified situations) can be also performed.

Design & reporting

Composite beam design

  • Manufacturer libraries for steel studs and decking
  • Design and optimization of steel profiles and studs per Eurocode 4 and AISC 360-10 (LRFD & ASD)
  • Detailing checks for concrete slab, steel deck and studs
  • Serviceability checks (with respect to camber) for both construction and composite stages
  • Fully transparent output with rendered formulas and all calculation steps
Design & reporting

Steel connections

SCIA Engineer provides users the unique ability to model steel connections within the 3D model.  Connections can be defined as either rigid, pinned or diagonal with various plates, bolts, stiffeners, haunches and welds defined.  Once a connection is fully modeled, its stiffness can be determined and then used as a hinge type in the larger building model.  Additionally, with the implementation of SCIA Design Forms, users can apply specific connection types to FEA nodes in order to execute a full limit state design with dynamic graphics and fully transparent output.

Design & reporting

Timber, aluminium and scaffolding

  • Timber (EN1995): section and stability checks of timber beams. Includes special checks for creep, variable height and curved elements.
  • Aluminium (EN1999): standard and custom aluminium profiles can be defined and checked. Includes calculation of effective properties, influence of heat affected zone.
  • Scaffolding checks according to EN 12810 and EN 12811: tube & fittings or system scaffolds are fully supported.
Design & reporting

Prestressed concrete

Fully integrated solution for modelling, analysing, designing and reporting prestressed and post-tensioned 1D and 2D members.  SCIA Engineer allows users to complete both linear and time dependent analysis in order to accurately achieve results over the life of the structure.  Additionally, design checks according to EN 1992-1-1 & EN 1992-2 are included.

Design & reporting

Cold-formed Steel

  • Derivation of effective shape for arbitrary members, taking into account local buckling and distortional buckling of internal and edge stiffeners.
  • Overall design includes allowances for shift of neutral axis, use of average yield strength and steel core thickness. 
  • Advanced design verifications include web crippling and shear under local transverse forces, also in the case of sections with stiffened webs
  • Specialized purlin design includes the derivation of free flange geometry, advanced loading determination, etc.
Design & reporting

Engineering Report

The Engineering Report is an integrated documentation platform that allows users to create detailed calculation reports with table of contents, model input, loading, analysis and design results as well as model views and graphics.  Items added to the report are available in the navigator, allowing for simple user modification.  Additionally, since the report is dynamically linked to the model, all items will regenerate automatically to reflect recent changes.

Design & reporting

Report Templates

Templates allow users to save custom report layouts (including all results and graphics settings) in order to accelerate the creation of everyday reports.

Design & reporting

(3D) PDF Support

Exporting from the Engineering Report to Word, Excel or PDF (including 3D PDF) makes finalizing and sharing reports straightforward.

Design & reporting

General Arrangement Drawings

  • Automatic creation of plan and section views of the structure according to predefined building stories and line grid planes.
  • Views and sections can be added to customizable layout pages which can include labels, dimensions, additional graphical model views and table results.
  • All drawings are directly linked to the model and therefore will automatically update after any model modifications.
  • Export to PDF or other image based file types, while also being saved as DWG, DXF or VRML files.

BIM & collaboration

Exchange models with other CAE programs

SAF / STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS FORMAT

SAF is a neutral, MS Excel-based, file format. It improves collaboration between structural engineers and allows them to easily exchange analysis models between different analysis software. It is practical, simple, and intended to be used in daily practice. Originally a Nemetschek Group initiative, the SAF open format has already been implemented or is in progress by many software providers like: SCIA, Graphisoft, Allplan, RISA, FRILO, Axis VM, Dlubal, Sofistik, IDEA StatiCa and more.

BI-DIRECTIONAL LINK WITH REVIT

Revit link

The link between Revit and SCIA Engineer allows you to start a project in either software with all changes made in one software easily updated in the other one.

  • All types of geometry and materials: slabs, floors, walls, shells, beams, columns and bracing in a variety of materials
  • Analytical elements: supports, hinges, loads and load combinations.
  • Results back into Revit: Deflections, stresses and beam end reactions.
  • All changes are tracked and highlighted so you can easily see the edits coming in from the other program.
BI-DIRECTIONAL LINK WITH Tekla Structures

TEKLA Interoperability

SCIA and Tekla are both part of buildingSMART alliance’s OpenBIM initiative and promote IFC as the preferable format for data exchange of 3D structural models.  In addition SCIA Engineer offers a bi-directional link that makes it easy exchange of steel models.
Steel structures and components can be easily modelled in SCIA Engineer, analyzed and optimized, then sent to Tekla for final documentation and detailing. Reversely, models created in Tekla can be pushed to SCIA where the design can be optimized and then pushed back to Tekla for final documentation.

IDEA StatiCa CheckBot

IDEA StatiCa link

The link between SCIA Engineer and IDEA StatiCa allows for design and code-checks of steel connections and also for checks of whole steel members in IDEA StatiCa applications.

  • All required data are automatically synchronised via IDEA StatiCa Checkbot: geometry, cross-sections, materials, members, loads
  • Any changes made later in SCIA Engineer are easily synchronised and the IDEA StatiCa project is automatically updated
  • Exchange of data using SAF format
Streamlined parametric modelling

Rhino3D and Grasshopper

An emerging workflow, particularly among high end designers, is utilizing Rhino and Grasshopper to create complex geometry. There is a number of ways that this data can easily be plugged into SCIA Engineer.

  • Complex 3D geometries can be imported into SCIA Engineer where they can be easily converted into analytical members, loaded, analyzed and designed.
  • Text based output from Rhino can be copied and pasted into SCIA’s tables for automatic model generation. This can be be made more robust with the use of XML.
Seamless OpenBIM workflow

IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 support

As a co-founder of the OpenBIM Program, SCIA Engineer was the first structural analysis software to implement import and export support for the IFC 2x3 format. It is now possible to exchange data utilizing IFC (Industry Foundation Class) files with over 150 different BIM tools, making the OpenBIM workflow the most robust and flexible interoperability solution on the market.

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