Quick Overview
- 1#1: ETABS - Integrated building analysis and design software for 3D modeling, nonlinear analysis, and code-based design of multi-story structures.
- 2#2: SAP2000 - Versatile finite element program for linear and nonlinear 3D structural analysis and design of bridges, dams, and stadiums.
- 3#3: STAAD.Pro - Comprehensive structural engineering software for 3D modeling, analysis, and design of steel, concrete, and timber structures.
- 4#4: Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional - BIM-enabled software for advanced 3D structural analysis and design with seamless Revit integration.
- 5#5: ANSYS Mechanical - High-performance finite element analysis tool for simulating complex 3D structural behaviors under static, dynamic, and thermal loads.
- 6#6: Abaqus - Advanced simulation software for detailed nonlinear 3D finite element analysis of structures and materials.
- 7#7: midas Gen - All-in-one 3D structural analysis and optimal design solution for high-rise buildings and complex geometries.
- 8#8: RFEM - Powerful 3D finite element software for structural analysis and design of arbitrary structures including shells and solids.
- 9#9: Tekla Structural Designer - Integrated analysis and design platform for 3D steel and concrete frames with automated optimization and BIM workflows.
- 10#10: SCIA Engineer - Multi-material 3D structural analysis software with cloud collaboration for efficient design of buildings and bridges.
Tools were selected and ranked by evaluating key metrics: robust feature sets (including nonlinear analysis, multi-material support, and industry-specific design), consistent performance in complex scenarios, user-friendliness, and overall value for professional and enterprise use.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading 3D structural analysis software, such as ETABS, SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional, ANSYS Mechanical, and additional tools, to highlight their key attributes. Readers will discover insights into performance, features, and suitability, helping them identify the best fit for their specific structural engineering projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ETABS Integrated building analysis and design software for 3D modeling, nonlinear analysis, and code-based design of multi-story structures. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | SAP2000 Versatile finite element program for linear and nonlinear 3D structural analysis and design of bridges, dams, and stadiums. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | STAAD.Pro Comprehensive structural engineering software for 3D modeling, analysis, and design of steel, concrete, and timber structures. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional BIM-enabled software for advanced 3D structural analysis and design with seamless Revit integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | ANSYS Mechanical High-performance finite element analysis tool for simulating complex 3D structural behaviors under static, dynamic, and thermal loads. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Abaqus Advanced simulation software for detailed nonlinear 3D finite element analysis of structures and materials. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | midas Gen All-in-one 3D structural analysis and optimal design solution for high-rise buildings and complex geometries. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | RFEM Powerful 3D finite element software for structural analysis and design of arbitrary structures including shells and solids. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Tekla Structural Designer Integrated analysis and design platform for 3D steel and concrete frames with automated optimization and BIM workflows. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | SCIA Engineer Multi-material 3D structural analysis software with cloud collaboration for efficient design of buildings and bridges. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
Integrated building analysis and design software for 3D modeling, nonlinear analysis, and code-based design of multi-story structures.
Versatile finite element program for linear and nonlinear 3D structural analysis and design of bridges, dams, and stadiums.
Comprehensive structural engineering software for 3D modeling, analysis, and design of steel, concrete, and timber structures.
BIM-enabled software for advanced 3D structural analysis and design with seamless Revit integration.
High-performance finite element analysis tool for simulating complex 3D structural behaviors under static, dynamic, and thermal loads.
Advanced simulation software for detailed nonlinear 3D finite element analysis of structures and materials.
All-in-one 3D structural analysis and optimal design solution for high-rise buildings and complex geometries.
Powerful 3D finite element software for structural analysis and design of arbitrary structures including shells and solids.
Integrated analysis and design platform for 3D steel and concrete frames with automated optimization and BIM workflows.
Multi-material 3D structural analysis software with cloud collaboration for efficient design of buildings and bridges.
ETABS
enterpriseIntegrated building analysis and design software for 3D modeling, nonlinear analysis, and code-based design of multi-story structures.
Fully integrated environment for 3D analysis, code-based design, and performance-based seismic evaluation in one seamless platform
ETABS, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), is an industry-standard software for the integrated 3D modeling, analysis, and design of building structures. It excels in handling complex multi-story buildings, supporting static, dynamic, nonlinear, and pushover analyses for steel, concrete, composite, and other materials. With built-in design optimization per hundreds of international codes, it streamlines workflows from concept to construction documentation.
Pros
- Comprehensive 3D modeling with advanced meshing and BIM import/export
- Integrated design for multiple materials and codes with automated optimization
- Powerful dynamic analysis including response spectrum, time-history, and nonlinear P-Delta effects
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High hardware requirements for large-scale models
- Premium pricing may deter small firms or students
Best For
Professional structural engineers designing and analyzing complex multi-story buildings, high-rises, and seismic-prone structures.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$5,000-$20,000 depending on modules; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost; cloud-based subscriptions available from ~$3,000/year.
SAP2000
enterpriseVersatile finite element program for linear and nonlinear 3D structural analysis and design of bridges, dams, and stadiums.
Sophisticated nonlinear analysis for pushover, time-history, and response spectrum methods with automatic P-Delta effects
SAP2000 is an advanced structural analysis and design software developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), renowned for its capabilities in modeling, analyzing, and designing complex 3D structures such as buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities. It supports finite element analysis (FEA) for linear and nonlinear static/dynamic behaviors, various material models, and integrated code-based design checks. The software's interactive graphical interface allows for efficient model building, load application, and result visualization.
Pros
- Comprehensive finite element analysis including nonlinear and dynamic simulations
- Integrated design for international codes and standards
- Versatile modeling tools for frames, shells, solids, and tendons
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High licensing costs and resource demands for large models
- Interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Professional civil and structural engineers handling complex, multi-material 3D structures like bridges and high-rises.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses range from $5,000 to $25,000+ based on edition and modules; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
STAAD.Pro
enterpriseComprehensive structural engineering software for 3D modeling, analysis, and design of steel, concrete, and timber structures.
Physical Modeling environment for intuitive 3D model creation with automatic meshing and real-time analysis feedback
STAAD.Pro, developed by Bentley Systems, is a leading 3D structural analysis and design software used for modeling, analyzing, and designing complex structures including buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities made from steel, concrete, timber, and aluminum. It offers powerful finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities for static, dynamic, nonlinear, and buckling analyses, supporting a vast library of international design codes and standards. The software integrates seamlessly with BIM workflows and Bentley's ecosystem, enabling efficient design optimization and automated detailing.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for over 90 international design codes and standards
- Robust FEA engine handling linear/nonlinear, dynamic, and stability analyses
- Strong integration with Bentley products like OpenBuildings for BIM workflows
Cons
- Outdated graphical user interface compared to modern competitors
- Steep learning curve, especially for non-expert users
- High cost with complex licensing options
Best For
Experienced structural engineers and firms tackling large-scale, code-compliant 3D projects in civil and industrial sectors.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at around $5,000-$10,000 per user depending on modules; perpetual licenses and project-based pricing available.
Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional
enterpriseBIM-enabled software for advanced 3D structural analysis and design with seamless Revit integration.
Advanced nonlinear pushover and seismic analysis for performance-based design
Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional is a powerful BIM-enabled software for 3D structural modeling, analysis, and design of buildings and civil structures. It supports linear and nonlinear static/dynamic analyses, seismic and wind simulations, and various materials including steel, concrete, and timber. Seamlessly integrated with Revit, it streamlines workflows from modeling to code-compliant design outputs.
Pros
- Robust finite element analysis for complex structures
- Extensive support for international design codes
- Strong BIM integration with Autodesk Revit
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Resource-heavy for very large models
- Subscription-only model limits flexibility
Best For
Structural engineers handling large-scale building projects requiring advanced analysis and BIM interoperability.
Pricing
Subscription-based: standalone ~$2,590/year; included in AEC Collection ~$3,045/year.
ANSYS Mechanical
enterpriseHigh-performance finite element analysis tool for simulating complex 3D structural behaviors under static, dynamic, and thermal loads.
Advanced nonlinear contact and material modeling for simulating real-world structural failures with exceptional precision
ANSYS Mechanical is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software suite specialized in 3D structural simulations, enabling detailed analysis of stress, strain, vibration, fatigue, and thermal effects in complex assemblies. It integrates seamlessly with the ANSYS Workbench platform for preprocessing, solving, and post-processing, supporting linear and nonlinear behaviors, contact mechanics, and multiphysics coupling. Widely used in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors, it delivers high-fidelity results validated against experimental data.
Pros
- Industry-leading solver accuracy for nonlinear and dynamic analyses
- Extensive multiphysics integration with fluids, electromagnetics, and more
- Advanced meshing tools and large validated material database
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High computational resource demands
- Expensive licensing costs prohibitive for small teams
Best For
Enterprise engineering teams and research organizations handling mission-critical, complex structural simulations in high-stakes industries.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise subscriptions starting at $20,000+ annually per seat; academic and startup discounts available.
Abaqus
enterpriseAdvanced simulation software for detailed nonlinear 3D finite element analysis of structures and materials.
Unified Abaqus/Standard (implicit) and Abaqus/Explicit solvers for seamless handling of both quasi-static and high-speed dynamic events
Abaqus, developed by Dassault Systèmes (3ds.com), is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software suite designed for advanced 3D structural simulations, including linear and nonlinear static/dynamic analyses. It excels in modeling complex material behaviors, multiphysics interactions, and large deformations, making it ideal for industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy. The software supports implicit and explicit solvers, extensive customization via Python scripting, and integration with CAD tools like CATIA.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy for nonlinear, dynamic, and multiphysics structural analyses
- Vast library of material models and advanced user subroutines for customization
- Robust integration with Dassault Systèmes ecosystem and high-performance computing
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a complex interface requiring extensive training
- High licensing costs prohibitive for small firms or individual users
- Resource-heavy, demanding powerful hardware for large-scale simulations
Best For
Experienced engineering teams in R&D-intensive industries like aerospace and automotive needing precise, complex 3D structural simulations.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing typically starts at $20,000-$50,000+ per seat annually, with perpetual options and custom bundles via Dassault Systèmes sales.
midas Gen
specializedAll-in-one 3D structural analysis and optimal design solution for high-rise buildings and complex geometries.
Advanced nonlinear analysis with tension/compression-only elements and construction stage analysis for realistic sequencing simulations
midas Gen is a comprehensive 3D structural analysis and design software tailored for civil and structural engineers, enabling detailed modeling of buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other complex structures. It supports advanced finite element analysis including linear/nonlinear static and dynamic analyses, buckling, seismic, and blast loading simulations. The software integrates modeling, analysis, design checks for steel, concrete, and composites per international codes, and provides high-quality visualization and reporting tools.
Pros
- Powerful finite element engine for large-scale models with fast solvers
- Integrated design modules compliant with major international codes
- Intuitive 3D modeling and automated meshing tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users despite improved UI
- High cost with modular pricing structure
- Resource-intensive for very large models on standard hardware
Best For
Experienced structural engineering firms handling complex high-rise buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects requiring advanced nonlinear analysis.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licenses or annual subscriptions starting at ~$5,000 USD per user/year, plus maintenance; custom quotes via midasuser.com.
RFEM
specializedPowerful 3D finite element software for structural analysis and design of arbitrary structures including shells and solids.
Advanced nonlinear analysis combining contact, imperfections, and large deformations in a unified 3D environment
RFEM by Dlubal Software is a powerful 3D finite element method (FEM) software for structural analysis and design of complex structures like buildings, bridges, and towers. It enables modeling of surfaces, solids, beams, and trusses with support for linear and nonlinear static/dynamic analyses across materials such as steel, concrete, timber, and composites. RFEM integrates with companion tools like RSTAB for frames and provides automated design checks per international codes including Eurocode, AISC, and ACI.
Pros
- Extensive FEM capabilities for nonlinear geometric and material analyses
- Broad support for global design standards and material libraries
- Seamless integration with Dlubal's ecosystem for design optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customization
- High resource demands for very large models
- Pricing can escalate quickly with required add-on modules
Best For
Experienced structural engineers handling intricate 3D projects like high-rise buildings or bridges requiring precise FEM simulations.
Pricing
Perpetual node-locked licenses start at ~€2,500 for base RFEM, plus €1,000+ per module; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
Tekla Structural Designer
enterpriseIntegrated analysis and design platform for 3D steel and concrete frames with automated optimization and BIM workflows.
Physical modeling approach that automatically creates and updates analytical models from intuitive 3D physical representations
Tekla Structural Designer is a comprehensive 3D structural analysis and design software for buildings, supporting steel, concrete, timber, and composite structures. It uses physical modeling to automatically generate analytical models and performs advanced finite element analysis, including seismic, wind, and dynamic simulations. The software integrates design optimization and code-compliant checks in a single environment, facilitating seamless workflows from model to construction documentation.
Pros
- Integrated 3D modeling, analysis, and automated design for multi-material structures
- Excellent support for international design codes and BIM interoperability with Tekla Structures
- Fast iterative analysis with physical-to-analytical model generation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- High licensing costs with subscription model
- Primarily optimized for building structures, less flexible for bridges or custom geometries
Best For
Structural engineers and firms specializing in multi-story commercial and residential building design requiring integrated analysis and optimization.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at around $6,000 USD per seat, scaling with modules and user count; custom quotes available.
SCIA Engineer
specializedMulti-material 3D structural analysis software with cloud collaboration for efficient design of buildings and bridges.
Automatic load combination generator that intelligently creates and optimizes combinations per specific design codes, saving significant manual effort.
SCIA Engineer is a powerful 3D structural analysis and design software tailored for civil and structural engineers, enabling the modeling, analysis, and optimization of complex steel, concrete, timber, and composite structures. It features an advanced finite element method (FEM) solver for linear, nonlinear, stability, and dynamic analyses, with seamless integration into BIM workflows via IFC and other formats. The software excels in code-compliant design checks for international standards, making it suitable for buildings, bridges, and industrial projects.
Pros
- Robust FEM engine for accurate nonlinear and stability analysis
- Comprehensive multi-material design with 100+ international codes
- Strong BIM interoperability and automation tools for large projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to dense interface
- High subscription costs limit accessibility for small firms
- Occasional performance issues with very large models
Best For
Experienced structural engineers designing complex multi-material buildings, bridges, and industrial structures requiring precise code compliance.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at around €3,000-€5,000 per year per user depending on modules, with custom enterprise licensing available upon request.
Conclusion
The reviewed software spans diverse applications, with ETABS emerging as the top choice due to its seamless integration, robust nonlinear analysis, and code-aligned design for multi-story structures. SAP2000 and STAAD.Pro, while second and third, stand out as strong alternatives—SAP2000 for versatile projects like bridges and stadiums, and STAAD.Pro for comprehensive steel, concrete, and timber design. Together, they underscore the industry's focus on specialized tools that enhance efficiency and precision across varied structural challenges.
Begin your next project with ETABS to experience its integrated power, whether modeling complex high-rises or tackling nonlinear analyses—its intuitive workflow sets it apart as a top-tier solution for structural success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison