Top 10 Best Structural Design And Analysis Software of 2026

ETABS, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), is an industry-leading software for the structural analysis, design, and detailing of building systems. It provides an integrated environment for 3D modeling, linear and nonlinear analysis, and code-based design optimization for materials like concrete, steel, and composites. ETABS excels in handling complex multi-story structures with advanced features for seismic, wind, response spectrum, and performance-based earthquake engineering analyses.

STAAD.Pro is a leading structural analysis and design software developed by Bentley Systems, enabling engineers to model, analyze, and design complex structures including buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities using steel, concrete, timber, and aluminum materials. It performs linear and nonlinear static/dynamic analyses, supports seismic, wind, and earthquake simulations, and automates design checks per over 90 international codes. The software integrates seamlessly with BIM platforms like Revit and offers physical modeling for intuitive workflows.

SAP2000, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), is a premier finite element analysis and design software for structural engineers. It enables detailed modeling of complex structures like buildings, bridges, dams, and industrial facilities, supporting static, dynamic, and nonlinear analyses under various loading conditions. The software integrates design checks for steel, concrete, aluminum, and cold-formed steel according to numerous international codes, streamlining the workflow from analysis to optimized design.

Autodesk Revit is a leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software tailored for structural engineers, enabling the creation of intelligent 3D models for beams, columns, slabs, walls, and foundations. It supports detailed reinforcement design, scheduling, and documentation, while integrating with Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis for finite element analysis (FEA) and load simulations. Revit excels in collaborative workflows across AEC disciplines, allowing iterative design refinement based on analysis results.

ANSYS Mechanical is a leading finite element analysis (FEA) software for structural simulations, enabling engineers to model stress, strain, vibration, fatigue, and thermal effects on components and assemblies. It supports linear and nonlinear analyses, dynamic simulations, and optimization for industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy. Integrated within the ANSYS Workbench platform, it facilitates multiphysics coupling and advanced customization via scripting.

Robot Structural Analysis Professional is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software from Autodesk designed for structural engineers to model, analyze, and design complex building structures. It supports a wide range of materials including steel, concrete, timber, and masonry, while offering compliance with over 70 international design codes. The software excels in advanced simulations like nonlinear analysis, seismic response, and wind loading, with seamless BIM integration to tools like Revit.

Tekla Structures is a premier BIM software for structural design, detailing, and fabrication, specializing in steel, concrete, and timber structures. It enables precise 3D modeling, automated rebar placement, connection design, and clash detection, while integrating with analysis tools for design validation. Widely used in construction for generating fabrication-ready drawings and CNC outputs directly from the model.

RISA-3D is a comprehensive 3D structural analysis and design software developed by RISA Technologies, enabling engineers to model, analyze, and design complex structures like buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities. It supports multiple materials including steel, concrete, wood, masonry, and cold-formed steel, with capabilities for linear/nonlinear static/dynamic analysis, response spectra, and pushover analysis. The software integrates modeling, analysis, and automated code-based design checks for major international standards such as AISC, ACI, and Eurocode.

Dlubal RFEM is a professional finite element analysis (FEA) software designed for the structural design and analysis of complex 2D and 3D structures, including plates, shells, solids, and frames. It supports a wide range of materials like steel, concrete, timber, and composites, while offering compliance with international design codes through modular add-ons. RFEM performs static, dynamic, buckling, and nonlinear analyses, integrating seamlessly with Dlubal's RSTAB for comprehensive structural workflows.

SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based structural analysis and design software that enables engineers to model, analyze, and design 2D and 3D structures directly in a web browser without installation. It supports linear/nonlinear static analysis, buckling, modal, and response spectrum dynamic analysis, plus automated member design for steel, concrete, timber, and aluminum per major international codes like AISC, Eurocode, and AS. The platform integrates seamlessly with other SkyCiv modules, Excel, and APIs for enhanced workflows and collaboration.