this will be a series of posts where i will give out my comments about the listed design structural softwares where i utilize on my daily basis. besides locating the pro and cons of the software, i will also cover the function and my experiences with these softwares.
1. ETABS (Extended Three Dimensional Building System)
this is a frequent software i use in work. throughout my experience with this software, i found it quite stable. i have never experience any difficulties, nor encounter any bugs with this software, except for once but i managed to copy the whole model and paste it in a new file. The Model HARDLY corrupts. No problem dealing with this one at all.
As its name implies, this software is mainly for Building System. it is one of the most popular software in the United States, and i believe so in worldwide. It is very powerful for Global analysis, and suitable for advanced analysis such as Lateral (Wind and Seismic Analysis). It can import CAD files in .dxf format to allow you to model your structure easily. but it is advised to create your own grid line to build up your model. Very user friendly, divides every floor on a separated plan making it easier for user to handle the modifications of the model. Also Capable of viewing the model in every single angle.
Although ETABS performs complicated analysis, however it can only give you output like Moment, Shear, Deflection etc. It can perform design (concrete, steel & composite), and provide calculation details, it however does not export detail CAD drawings (in .dxf format). Therefore, only big consultants who has big building jobs which requires advanced analysis would be more favor to this software. dont expect a ciplak 1 cent 1 man show consultant to perform a lateral analysis using this complicated software.
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