List of the Top 8 Structural Engineering Software for AutoCAD in 2025

The RFEM program for finite element analysis (FEA) facilitates rapid and straightforward modeling, along with structural and dynamic calculations, enabling the design and construction of various models featuring members, plates, walls, folded plates, shells, and additional solid elements. This modular software allows users to integrate the main RFEM program with relevant add-ons tailored to their specific needs. Designed as a comprehensive structural analysis tool, RFEM provides structural engineers with a 3D FEA solution that adheres to all contemporary civil engineering standards. Thanks to its efficient data input and user-friendly interface, users can easily model both simple and intricate structures. At the core of this modular software is the RFEM program, which serves as the foundation for generating structures, materials, loads, and plans for both spatial and planar structural systems that encompass plates, walls, shells, and members. Additionally, RFEM enables the creation of hybrid structures and allows for the modeling of contact elements, making it versatile for a wide range of applications in engineering design. This capability ensures that engineers can effectively simulate real-world conditions and interactions in their structural models.

RSTAB is an advanced software tool that enables structural engineers to fulfill the demands of contemporary civil engineering projects. It offers capabilities for the calculation of 3D beams, frames, or trusses. By utilizing RSTAB, engineers can efficiently design structures composed of various materials, including steel, concrete, wood, and aluminum. The software simplifies the process of modeling structural frameworks, allowing for swift calculations of internal forces, deformations, and support reactions. Additionally, RSTAB includes design add-ons that help incorporate specific material and regulatory requirements, enhancing its versatility and effectiveness in engineering applications. This makes RSTAB an indispensable resource for professionals in the field of structural engineering.

ClearCalcs offers cloud-based structural engineering software that enables engineers and designers to streamline repetitive calculations through user-friendly calculators designed for beams, columns, foundations, and various essential details. This platform includes calculators that comply with multiple standards, such as those from the US, Eurocode, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, enhancing both productivity and design capabilities. By allowing calculations to be interconnected with a single click, ClearCalcs minimizes the risk of errors that commonly occur with copy-pasting data. Additionally, the generated reports can be easily printed as concise one-page PDFs, facilitating quick reviews and inspections, which further contributes to efficient project management.

Revit is a powerful Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool that supports engineers, designers, and contractors in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) industries by enabling the creation of detailed models and enhancing collaboration among all project participants. By leveraging Revit, the workflow for engineering design is significantly streamlined, as users can operate from a unified model that clarifies design intentions before construction begins. This approach allows for early detection of design conflicts and simulations, thereby making the design phase more efficient. Additionally, it equips users with vital data required for energy analysis, which aids in engineering calculations. With Revit, users can effectively design, model, and document building systems while seamlessly incorporating architectural and structural components into a unified building information model. The platform also features specialized tools for automating the arrangement of fabrication models, ensuring they are ready for precise coordination during the fabrication and installation stages. Ultimately, the use of Revit not only improves the accuracy of the team’s work but also speeds up project timelines, leading to a more organized construction process. Furthermore, the software’s advanced features encourage a collaborative and integrated approach to managing building projects, enhancing overall productivity and communication among all stakeholders involved.

ProSteel software streamlines the process of creating accurate 3D models specifically for structural steel, metal projects, and assemblies. It empowers users to rapidly produce design drawings, fabrication details, and schedules that dynamically adjust whenever changes are made to the 3D model. Moreover, the software generates precise outputs for CNC machinery, enhancing the efficiency of the steel fabrication workflow. ProSteel is tailored to bolster your construction and planning initiatives for structural steel and metal work within a comprehensive 3D modeling framework. When utilized in conjunction with AutoCAD or MicroStation, it presents an intuitive, integrated multi-material modeling tool that is perfectly suited for the design of intricate structures, the production of shop drawings, the assembly of connections, and the management of bills of materials. Users can easily extract 2D drawings that automatically update based on modifications to the 3D model. Additionally, ProSteel’s compatibility with other Bentley products and third-party applications promotes effortless information exchange across various disciplines, which significantly enhances collaboration and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. This seamless integration not only improves the overall workflow but also simplifies the coordination of tasks among the diverse teams engaged in the construction process, ultimately leading to a more cohesive project execution.

S-FRAME offers users the ability to design, analyze, and model a diverse range of structures, accommodating various geometric complexities, types of materials, loading conditions, nonlinear behaviors, and compliance with numerous design codes. With automated framework generators, it facilitates quick model creation and allows for the importation of models via BIM and DXF links, significantly boosting productivity through integrated tools for both concrete and steel design that promote optimization, code compliance, and thorough report generation. Users can quickly define structures through advanced modeling automation, which includes options to create either standard or custom trusses and utilize cloning tools for duplicating any part of their models. The capacity to import existing BIM and DXF models further streamlines the modeling process, saving considerable time. Additionally, S-FRAME incorporates advanced meshing tools to create a finite element mesh, enabling users to obtain detailed analytical results for specific areas of interest. Users can also enhance their analysis by easily converting members into multi-shell models, thus expanding their analytical capabilities. In addition to these features, S-FRAME fosters collaboration among teams by allowing for easy sharing of models and results. Ultimately, S-FRAME serves as a robust solution that meets the evolving demands of contemporary structural design and analysis.

ASTRA Pro provides a selection of optional applications specifically designed for the structural analysis and design of RCC multi-story buildings, RCC tunnel linings supported by steel ribs, and RCC portals that reflect considerations of rock quality designation (RQD) and rock mass rating (RMR), in addition to facilitating the design of RCC and PSC jetties. The software features a detailed, step-by-step process for analysis and design, accompanied by a collection of customizable CAD drawings. In the demo version, users are restricted from altering the preset input data, and the drawings remain in a view-only format. Each module for design is equipped with a complete suite of reports and drawings, guaranteeing comprehensive documentation of the work performed. Furthermore, ASTRA Pro offers meticulous estimations for the Bill of Quantities (BoQ), item rates, and costs associated with multiple bridge categories, such as girder bridges, box bridges/culverts, and composite bridges. This software is adeptly crafted for the engineering design of various bridge types, including RCC 'T' Girder Bridges, Composite Bridges that utilize Steel Plate/Box Girders and RCC Deck Slabs in both single and multi-span setups, as well as PSC 'I' Girder Bridges, PSC Box Girder Bridges, Continuous PSC Box Girder Bridges, and Steel Truss Bridges. Thus, ASTRA Pro stands as an essential asset for civil engineers engaged in bridge construction undertakings, ensuring both precision and efficiency in design. The user-friendly interface and robust functionality make it suitable for projects of any scale.

Transform your infrastructure planning processes with our all-encompassing solution that enables the swift development of accurate and well-integrated design models. This innovative tool is embraced by civil and structural engineers alike, featuring critical modules for volumetric assessments, alignment configurations, drainage strategies, and vehicle path evaluations, along with capabilities for producing road markings and crafting traffic signage. By incorporating advanced 3D modeling and strong integration functions, this solution harnesses the full potential of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for civil engineering experts. Causeway PDS provides design engineers with cutting-edge 3D design instruments, allowing them to attain the best possible design results. Designed with specialized auto-design and auto-update features, this solution is uniquely aimed at conserving precious time for engineers, mitigating risks, and ensuring that each design is rich in inherent value. Furthermore, Causeway's holistic methodology not only boosts productivity but also significantly improves the overall quality and sustainability of infrastructure projects, leading to long-lasting benefits for communities.