Top 10 Best Structure Design Software of 2026

ETABS, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), is a premier software for the structural analysis, design, and detailing of building systems ranging from low-rise to super high-rise structures. It supports advanced modeling of frames, shear walls, floors, and foundations, performing linear and nonlinear static/dynamic analyses, including response spectrum, time-history, and pushover for seismic and wind loads. The software automates design per hundreds of international codes for steel, concrete, composite, and aluminum structures, with seamless BIM integration via IFC and visualization tools.

STAAD.Pro, developed by Bentley Systems, is a leading structural analysis and design software used for modeling, analyzing, and designing complex structures such as buildings, bridges, towers, and industrial facilities. It employs advanced finite element analysis (FEA) methods to handle static, dynamic, nonlinear, and buckling analyses while supporting automated design optimization. The software integrates seamlessly with BIM workflows and other Bentley tools, providing detailed code-compliant outputs for steel, concrete, and timber structures.

SAP2000 is a powerful finite element analysis and design software developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI) for structural engineers. It enables modeling of complex 2D and 3D structures, performs linear and nonlinear static/dynamic analyses, and automates design checks for steel, concrete, aluminum, and cold-formed steel per numerous international codes. Widely used for buildings, bridges, dams, and industrial facilities, it supports advanced features like response spectrum, time-history, and pushover analysis.

Tekla Structures is a premier Building Information Modeling (BIM) software from Trimble, specialized for detailed 3D modeling and design of steel, concrete, timber, and precast structures. It supports the full structural engineering workflow, from conceptual design and clash detection to automated fabrication drawings and CNC machine outputs. Widely used in construction and fabrication industries, it ensures accuracy and collaboration across project teams.

Autodesk Revit is a comprehensive Building Information Modeling (BIM) software widely used for structural design, allowing engineers to create intelligent 3D models of building structures including beams, columns, slabs, and foundations. It supports parametric modeling, automated reinforcement detailing, and integration with structural analysis tools like Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis for design validation and optimization. Revit facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration through its centralized data environment, enabling seamless coordination between structural, architectural, and MEP disciplines while generating accurate construction documentation.

Robot Structural Analysis Professional is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software from Autodesk designed for structural engineers to model, simulate, and design complex steel, concrete, and timber structures. It handles advanced analyses including linear and nonlinear static, dynamic, seismic, wind, and buckling loads, while supporting over 70 international design codes. The software integrates seamlessly with Revit and other Autodesk tools, enabling BIM workflows from modeling to detailed reporting and code checking.

RAM Structural System by Bentley Systems is a powerful structural engineering software suite specialized in the analysis and design of steel and concrete building structures, including frames, floors, walls, and foundations. It provides integrated 3D modeling, advanced analysis capabilities like linear/nonlinear static, dynamic, and pushover analysis, and automated design optimization compliant with numerous international codes such as AISC, ACI, Eurocode, and more. The software streamlines workflows from model creation to detailed design reports, drawings, and integration with fabrication tools.

RISA-3D is a comprehensive 3D structural analysis and design software developed by RISA, used for modeling, analyzing, and designing buildings, bridges, and other structures. It supports a wide array of materials including steel, concrete, wood, masonry, and cold-formed steel, with built-in code checks for AISC, ACI, ASCE, and international standards. The software offers linear/nonlinear static and dynamic analysis, pushover analysis, and integrates seamlessly with companion tools like RISAFoundation and RISAFloor for complete workflows.

SkyCiv Structural 3D is a fully cloud-based structural engineering software for modeling, analysis, and design of 2D and 3D structures including beams, frames, plates, and shells. It offers linear and nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA), dynamic analysis, and automated design checks for steel, concrete, aluminum, and timber per major international codes like AISC, Eurocode, and AS. The browser-based platform enables real-time collaboration without software installation.

ProtaStructure is an integrated BIM-enabled structural engineering software suite designed for modeling, analysis, design, and automated detailing of reinforced concrete and steel buildings. It supports a wide range of international design codes, seismic analysis, and foundation design within a single environment, streamlining workflows from concept to construction drawings. Particularly strong for multi-story residential and commercial projects, it emphasizes speed and accuracy in reinforcement detailing.