Quick Overview
- 1#1: STAAD.Pro - Comprehensive finite element analysis and design software for steel structures with international code support.
- 2#2: ETABS - Integrated analysis and design platform for multi-story steel and concrete buildings.
- 3#3: SAP2000 - Versatile general-purpose structural analysis and design tool for steel frames and trusses.
- 4#4: Robot Structural Analysis - BIM-enabled structural analysis software for advanced steel structure modeling and code checking.
- 5#5: Tekla Structural Designer - Automated analysis and design software for steel and concrete frames with BIM integration.
- 6#6: midas Gen - Advanced 3D structural modeling and analysis software with steel design optimization features.
- 7#7: SCIA Engineer - Cloud-based BIM analysis and design for steel structures with automated code compliance.
- 8#8: RFEM - Powerful finite element software for complex steel plate and shell structures.
- 9#9: RSTAB - Structural frame analysis program optimized for steel beam and truss designs.
- 10#10: SkyCiv Structural 3D - Cloud-native structural analysis tool for steel design with collaborative features.
These tools were selected based on technical excellence (accuracy, reliability), feature breadth (code support, BIM integration), user-friendliness (intuitive workflows, ease of use), and value (performance-to-cost alignment).
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines prominent steel analysis software, featuring STAAD.Pro, ETABS, SAP2000, Robot Structural Analysis, Tekla Structural Designer, and more, to guide professionals in evaluating tools. It highlights key features, strengths, and practical uses, empowering readers to make informed choices for structural engineering tasks.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | STAAD.Pro Comprehensive finite element analysis and design software for steel structures with international code support. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | ETABS Integrated analysis and design platform for multi-story steel and concrete buildings. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | SAP2000 Versatile general-purpose structural analysis and design tool for steel frames and trusses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Robot Structural Analysis BIM-enabled structural analysis software for advanced steel structure modeling and code checking. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Tekla Structural Designer Automated analysis and design software for steel and concrete frames with BIM integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | midas Gen Advanced 3D structural modeling and analysis software with steel design optimization features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | SCIA Engineer Cloud-based BIM analysis and design for steel structures with automated code compliance. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | RFEM Powerful finite element software for complex steel plate and shell structures. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | RSTAB Structural frame analysis program optimized for steel beam and truss designs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | SkyCiv Structural 3D Cloud-native structural analysis tool for steel design with collaborative features. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
Comprehensive finite element analysis and design software for steel structures with international code support.
Integrated analysis and design platform for multi-story steel and concrete buildings.
Versatile general-purpose structural analysis and design tool for steel frames and trusses.
BIM-enabled structural analysis software for advanced steel structure modeling and code checking.
Automated analysis and design software for steel and concrete frames with BIM integration.
Advanced 3D structural modeling and analysis software with steel design optimization features.
Cloud-based BIM analysis and design for steel structures with automated code compliance.
Powerful finite element software for complex steel plate and shell structures.
Structural frame analysis program optimized for steel beam and truss designs.
Cloud-native structural analysis tool for steel design with collaborative features.
STAAD.Pro
enterpriseComprehensive finite element analysis and design software for steel structures with international code support.
Comprehensive steel design optimization with direct code checks and member sizing across hundreds of international standards
STAAD.Pro, developed by Bentley Systems, is a leading structural engineering software specializing in finite element analysis (FEA) and design for steel structures, supporting static, dynamic, buckling, and nonlinear analyses. It offers automated steel member design and optimization compliant with major international codes like AISC, Eurocode, IS, and more. Widely used for buildings, bridges, towers, and industrial facilities, it integrates seamlessly with BIM workflows and other Bentley tools for enhanced project delivery.
Pros
- Extensive support for global steel design codes with automated optimization
- Powerful FEA engine for complex analyses including P-Delta, buckling, and seismic
- Seamless integration with Bentley ecosystem for BIM and detailing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to dense interface
- High licensing costs may deter small firms
- Occasional performance issues with very large models
Best For
Professional structural engineers and firms handling large-scale steel projects requiring precise code-compliant analysis and design.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at around $5,000 USD for base license, scaling up to $20,000+ with advanced modules and CONNECT Edition features.
ETABS
enterpriseIntegrated analysis and design platform for multi-story steel and concrete buildings.
Integrated nonlinear pushover analysis with automatic steel member redesign for performance-based seismic evaluation
ETABS, developed by CSI (csiamerica.com), is a premier software for structural analysis and design of buildings, with robust capabilities for steel-framed structures including linear/nonlinear analysis, dynamic response, and code-based design. It excels in modeling multi-story buildings with steel beams, columns, braces, and connections, supporting P-Delta effects, buckling, and modal analysis. The tool integrates seamlessly from 3D modeling to automated design optimization, making it a staple for professional steel analysis workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive steel design per AISC, Eurocode, and other major codes with automated optimization
- Advanced nonlinear analysis including pushover and time-history for seismic steel performance
- Intuitive 3D modeling with auto-meshing and extensive load combination tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive features
- High cost with perpetual licenses and maintenance fees prohibitive for small firms
- Resource-heavy, demanding high-end hardware for large models
Best For
Professional structural engineers and firms designing complex multi-story steel buildings requiring advanced analysis and code compliance.
Pricing
Perpetual license ~$5,000-$20,000+ per seat depending on modules, plus ~20% annual maintenance; subscription options available; quote required from CSI.
SAP2000
enterpriseVersatile general-purpose structural analysis and design tool for steel frames and trusses.
Advanced nonlinear steel analysis with P-Delta effects, material nonlinearity, and code-compliant design optimization in a single integrated environment
SAP2000, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), is a powerful finite element analysis and design software widely used for structural engineering projects, including comprehensive steel frame analysis and design. It excels in modeling complex 3D structures with frames, shells, and solids, supporting static, dynamic, nonlinear, and seismic analyses. The software provides integrated design capabilities for steel members, connections, and cold-formed steel according to codes like AISC, Eurocode, and others, making it suitable for buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities.
Pros
- Extensive analysis options including nonlinear, pushover, and response spectrum for accurate steel behavior simulation
- Broad support for international steel design codes with automated member sizing and optimization
- Robust handling of large-scale models with advanced meshing and load combinations
Cons
- Dated user interface with a steep learning curve for new users
- High licensing costs and resource-intensive performance on complex models
- Limited native BIM integration compared to newer competitors
Best For
Experienced structural engineers designing and analyzing complex steel structures like high-rise buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $10,000 for base versions, up to $25,000+ for full modules; subscription options and annual maintenance (20-25%) available via quote.
Robot Structural Analysis
enterpriseBIM-enabled structural analysis software for advanced steel structure modeling and code checking.
Physical and geometric nonlinearity analysis for realistic steel behavior under extreme loads
Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional is a comprehensive structural analysis and design software tailored for engineers handling complex steel frameworks and multi-material structures. It leverages advanced finite element methods (FEM) to simulate loads, stresses, and deformations in steel members, while supporting extensive international steel design codes like AISC, Eurocode, and others. The tool integrates seamlessly with Autodesk's BIM ecosystem, enabling efficient model exchange and iterative design workflows for steel-intensive projects.
Pros
- Robust FEM capabilities for accurate steel stress analysis and buckling checks
- Broad support for global steel design codes with automated optimization
- Seamless BIM integration with Revit for model-based workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- High computational demands requiring powerful hardware
- Subscription model limits flexibility for occasional users
Best For
Experienced structural engineers designing large-scale steel structures in BIM environments who need code-compliant analysis.
Pricing
Subscription-based at approximately $290/month or $2,335/year standalone; included in Autodesk AEC Collection for ~$3,000/year.
Tekla Structural Designer
enterpriseAutomated analysis and design software for steel and concrete frames with BIM integration.
Automated 'Finds' and 'Wizards' for rapid steel member sizing and optimization across multiple load cases
Tekla Structural Designer is a comprehensive BIM-enabled software for structural analysis and design, supporting steel, concrete, and composite structures with integrated finite element analysis. It automates code-compliant design checks, optimization, and detailing for steel beams, columns, and connections. Ideal for multi-material projects, it seamlessly integrates with Tekla Structures for fabrication-ready models.
Pros
- Integrated 3D finite element analysis with automated steel design optimization
- Compliance with major international steel design codes (AISC, Eurocode, etc.)
- Seamless BIM workflow and integration with Tekla Structures for detailing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High cost, primarily suited for enterprise-level firms
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware for large models
Best For
Experienced structural engineers designing complex multi-story steel-framed buildings.
Pricing
Subscription-based or perpetual licenses starting around $5,000-$15,000 annually depending on modules; contact Trimble for quotes.
midas Gen
enterpriseAdvanced 3D structural modeling and analysis software with steel design optimization features.
Advanced automated steel connection design wizard that performs detailed checks for bolts, welds, and plates per multiple codes
midas Gen from MIDAS IT is a comprehensive 3D finite element analysis and design software tailored for structural engineers, with robust capabilities for steel frame analysis, design, and optimization. It supports advanced modeling of steel structures, including beams, columns, bracing, and connections, with integrated checks against major international steel codes like AISC, Eurocode, and others. The software excels in handling complex geometries, nonlinear analysis, buckling, and construction staging, making it suitable for high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, and bridges.
Pros
- Extensive steel design modules with automated connection detailing and code compliance
- Powerful nonlinear and dynamic analysis for realistic steel behavior simulation
- Seamless BIM integration and high-quality 3D visualization tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and complex interface
- High resource demands on hardware for large models
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for small firms
Best For
Experienced structural engineers designing large-scale steel structures like high-rises and bridges that require advanced analysis and code-compliant optimization.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$15,000 USD depending on modules, plus ~20% annual maintenance; subscription options from $5,000/year.
SCIA Engineer
enterpriseCloud-based BIM analysis and design for steel structures with automated code compliance.
Smart Templates for rapid, parametric modeling and automated design generation from concept to detailed output
SCIA Engineer is a comprehensive BIM-enabled structural analysis and design software primarily focused on steel, concrete, and composite structures. It offers advanced finite element analysis (FEA), automated code-compliant design checks for numerous international standards including Eurocodes, AISC, and more, and supports seamless interoperability with tools like Revit and Tekla. The software streamlines workflows from modeling to detailing, making it ideal for complex building projects requiring precise engineering calculations.
Pros
- Robust steel design modules with automated optimization and buckling analysis
- Excellent support for international design codes and BIM workflows
- Advanced FEA for nonlinear analysis and dynamic loading
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface and advanced features
- High licensing costs unsuitable for small firms or freelancers
- Limited native support for some non-European seismic codes
Best For
Mid-to-large structural engineering firms handling complex steel-framed buildings in Europe or regions using Eurocode standards.
Pricing
Enterprise modular licensing; annual subscriptions start at around €5,000-€15,000 depending on modules and users, with custom quotes required.
RFEM
specializedPowerful finite element software for complex steel plate and shell structures.
Seamless integration of full FEA modeling with automated steel design optimization for members, surfaces, and joints in a unified environment
RFEM, developed by Dlubal Software, is a finite element analysis (FEA) program specialized for the structural design and analysis of steel and other materials, supporting complex 3D models including surfaces, solids, and frames. It performs linear and nonlinear static/dynamic analyses, stability checks, and automated steel member design per international codes like AISC, Eurocode 3, and more. RFEM integrates seamlessly with companion tools like RSTAB for beam/frame analysis and offers extensive add-on modules for advanced steel buckling, fatigue, and connection design.
Pros
- Extensive steel design modules supporting global codes with automated checks for buckling, stability, and connections
- High accuracy in nonlinear FEA for complex steel structures including surfaces and solids
- Modular architecture allows tailored expansion without unnecessary features
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface and numerous options
- Dated user interface compared to modern competitors like SAP2000
- High cost with base license plus per-module pricing adding up quickly
Best For
Experienced structural engineers handling intricate steel projects requiring precise FEA and code-compliant design in Europe or internationally.
Pricing
Base RFEM 6 license starts at ~€2,500-€5,000 (perpetual or subscription), with steel design modules extra at €1,000-€3,000 each; network licensing available.
RSTAB
specializedStructural frame analysis program optimized for steel beam and truss designs.
Sophisticated torsional and warping analysis for open steel cross-sections, including bimoment and St. Venant torsion effects
RSTAB by Dlubal Software is a specialized 3D finite element analysis (FEA) program for the structural design and analysis of frame, beam, truss, and cable structures, with strong capabilities for steel members. It supports linear and nonlinear static/dynamic analyses, including buckling, torsion, and stability checks essential for steel design. The software integrates steel design modules compliant with codes like AISC 360, Eurocode 3, and others, providing automated checks for cross-section resistance, stability, and fatigue.
Pros
- Extensive steel design code compliance (AISC, EC3, etc.) with automated member checks
- Advanced stability and second-order analysis (P-Delta, imperfections)
- Seamless integration with RFEM for hybrid frame-shell steel structures
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High upfront licensing costs with add-on modules
- Limited native BIM/IFC import/export compared to rivals
Best For
Experienced structural engineers handling complex steel frames, trusses, and industrial structures requiring precise code-based analysis.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~€2,500 for base RSTAB, plus €1,000+ per steel design module; annual maintenance ~20% of license fee.
SkyCiv Structural 3D
specializedCloud-native structural analysis tool for steel design with collaborative features.
Real-time cloud collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit and analyze the same steel model simultaneously
SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based finite element analysis (FEA) software designed for modeling, analyzing, and designing steel and other structures directly in the browser. It supports comprehensive steel analysis including linear/nonlinear statics, dynamics, buckling, and plate/shell elements, with automated design checks for codes like AISC 360, Eurocode 3, and AS 4100. The platform emphasizes ease of use with intuitive modeling tools and seamless integration for optimization workflows.
Pros
- Fully cloud-based with no installation required, enabling access from any device
- Intuitive modern interface and fast modeling for steel frames and connections
- Affordable pricing with strong value for independent engineers and small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced features for highly complex or large-scale projects compared to desktop leaders like ETABS
- Requires stable internet connection, which can be a drawback in offline scenarios
- Steel design modules are capable but less mature and customizable than established software
Best For
Small to medium engineering firms or freelancers seeking cost-effective, browser-based steel analysis without heavy upfront costs.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $89/month (billed annually) for core Structural 3D access, with free trial and higher tiers up to $499/month for advanced features.
Conclusion
The reviewed steel analysis software features a diverse set of tools, with STAAD.Pro emerging as the top choice, valued for its comprehensive finite element analysis and international code support. ETABS and SAP2000 stand out as strong alternatives, offering integrated platforms and versatile design capabilities for different project needs. Together, they highlight the industry’s focus on precision, scalability, and adaptability in structural engineering.
Dive into STAAD.Pro to leverage its powerful capabilities and streamline your steel structure analysis and design processes, or explore ETABS or SAP2000 if your needs lean toward integration or versatility.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison