Best Structural Engineering Software in Africa
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Compare the Top Structural Engineering Software in Africa as of June 2025
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What is Structural Engineering Software in Africa?
Structural engineering software is designed to provide engineers with the tools to efficiently and accurately analyze, design, and optimize building structures. This software often offers a wide range of calculations for steel, concrete, and timber designs, allowing the user to quickly conduct structural analysis. Structural engineering software also provides 3D modeling capabilities which enable visualization of layout plans as well as generate clear drawings. In addition, these programs are often accompanied by pre-defined library elements such as walls, beams, columns and slabs which save time during the design process. Finally, some packages may include an optimizer module that assists in finding the most economical structural design solution. Compare and read user reviews of the best Structural Engineering software in Africa currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.
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1
ActCAD Software
Jytra Technology Solutions
ActCAD is a native dwg/dxf cad software suitable for professional 2D drafting and 3D modeling projects. ActCAD is trusted by over 30000 users in over 103 countries for more than 10 years. The interface, commands, icons, dialogs, shortcuts etc. are very much similar to other popular cad software tools available in market. Flexible license types available even for single license. There is no learning for existing cad users while saving 80% of the costs. ActCAD offers free email technical support without any limitations. ActCAD can be fully customized and programs can be developed using our free API toolkit. It supports popular programming languages like , lisp dcl, .net, C++ etc. Apart from all regular commands, ActCAD offers many productive tools like pdf to cad converter, Block libraries, Image to Cad converter, handling point sets between Cad and Excel and many more. ActCAD is suitable for any high end professional projects in the domains of Architecture, Civil, Mechanical,AutomotiveStarting Price: $249.00/one-time/user -
2
g-Viewer
Geomage
Geomage g-Viewer allows visualization and QC of different geophysical and seismic data. g-Viewer allows: - Load and QC Seg-Y files of any size - Load multiple Seg-Y files – 2D and 3D - Selection of active dataset from location map - Graphical representation of trace header(s) above seismogram view - Cross-plot any 3 trace headers (horizontal-vertical-color ) - Load of geometry from trace headers - Editing trace header scheme per each dataset - Selection and representation of CS/CR/CMP gathers picked from location map - Selection and representation of active trace from seismogram/location map - Editing text and bin headers - Auto-update feature allows to get new version whenever its available.Starting Price: $300/year/user -
3
ideCAD One AEC
ideYAPI
ideCAD One AEC is an Integrated multidisciplinary BIM Software for Architecture, Structural Engineering, and Detailing with Building Information Modeling (BIM). The Integrated Package provides Structural Engineers, Architects, and detailers with Integrated BIM, AEC, and CAD tools that support projects from early-stage design to construction. Create high-quality, high-performing Architectural and structural design with integrated design tools. Optimize projects with integrated Structural analysis, Steel design, Concrete design, Connection design, visualization, and simulation tools. Improve predictability in the field with integrated tools that maximize constructability and project coordination. Accelerate design processes and improve quality with integrated workflows for integrated design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction documentation.Starting Price: $3,800 per year -
4
Ansys Mechanical
Ansys
Ansys Mechanical is a best-in-class finite element solver with structural, thermal, acoustics, transient and nonlinear capabilities to improve your modeling. Ansys Mechanical enables you to solve complex structural engineering problems and make better, faster design decisions. With the finite element analysis (FEA) solvers available in the suite, you can customize and automate solutions for your structural mechanics problems and parameterize them to analyze multiple design scenarios. Ansys Mechanical is a dynamic tool that has a complete range of analysis tools. Ansys Mechanical offers a dynamic environment with a complete range of analysis tools, from preparing geometry for analysis to connecting additional physics for even greater fidelity. The intuitive and customizable user interface enables engineers of all levels to get answers fast and with confidence. Ansys Mechanical creates an integrated platform that uses finite element analysis (FEA) for structural analysis. -
5
GT STRUDL
Hexagon PPM
GT STRUDL® is structural engineering software offering a complete design solution, including 3D CAD modeling and 64-bit high-performance computation solvers into all versions. GT STRUDL includes all the tools necessary to analyze a broad range of structural engineering and finite element analysis problems, including linear and nonlinear static and dynamic analysis, and can do so accurately in a fraction of the time of most other structural design software. Structural design software helps structural engineers create safe and effective designs, while managing the complexity of many different scenarios across a range of industries, including power, civil engineering, marine and infrastructure. Quality software includes many features, such as interoperability, structural analysis, database-driven design and quality assurance - all of which are included in GT STRUDL. -
6
VisualSFM
VisualSFM
VisualSFM is a GUI application for 3D reconstruction using structure from motion (SFM). The reconstruction system integrates several of my previous projects: SIFT on GPU(SiftGPU), Multicore Bundle Adjustment, and Towards Linear-time Incremental Structure from Motion. VisualSFM runs fast by exploiting multicore parallelism for feature detection, feature matching, and bundle adjustment. For dense reconstruction, this program integrates the execution of Yasutaka Furukawa's PMVS/CMVS tool chain. -
7
ProtaStructure
Prota Software
ProtaStructure is an innovative structural BIM solution for structural engineers to model, analyze and design buildings quickly and accurately. From one central model easily compare different schemes and automate your steel and concrete design, reducing design time and increasing project profitability. Use advanced integrated features including grouped member design, 3D FE Analysis, staged construction and seismic design, foundations and punching shear checks to quickly produce results. Handle changes with ease and seamlessly coordinate projects with architects, owners and other stakeholders with intelligent BIM integration. Save time and increase project profits with ProtaStructure. -
8
Simufact Welding
Hexagon
Simufact Welding is a modular product line, which offers comprehensive functionality for modeling the elastic-plastic behavior of materials and structural welding simulation. The software covers different welding processes. Simufact Welding is designed for modeling and simulation of a wide range of thermal joining processes by means of structural welding simulation including usual arc and beam welding processes as well as brazing. Additionally, Simufact Welding provides possibilities to model heat treatment processes, variations of cooling and unclamping setups as well as mechanical loading of welded structures. Identify critical distortions, i.e. with respect to assembly, bulging, imbalances, and clearances. Investigate and optimize clamping tools even before an investment in tools has been made. Identify optimal welding directions and welding sequences. -
9
Braceworks
Vectorworks
The Braceworks® add-on module for Vectorworks Spotlight provides design, production, and rigging professionals with an easy way to gauge the performance of temporary structures under load. This one-of-a-kind module helps ensure safety and compliance with engineering codes and standards, creating a completely integrated modeling, analysis, and documentation process in one interface. Regulatory requirements, such as the Eurocodes, and increasing requirements from venues, municipalities, and building owners, are making it necessary for event design, A/V, and rigging companies to produce load and structure calculations for sign off by structural engineers. Conduct static analyses and FEM analysis with results that display graphically on the model for easy reference. Automatically generate detailed calculation reports.Starting Price: $211 per month -
10
RFEM
Dlubal Software
The FEA program RFEM allows for quick and easy modeling, structural and dynamic calculation, as well as the design of models with member, plate, wall, folded plate, shell, and solid elements. Due to the modular software concept, you can connect the main program RFEM with the corresponding add‑ons in order to meet your individual requirements. The structural analysis program RFEM provides structural engineers with a 3D FEA program that meets all requirements in modern civil engineering. Efficient data input and intuitive handling facilitate the modeling of simple and complex structures. The structural analysis program RFEM is the basis of a modular software system. The basic program RFEM is used to define structures, materials, and loads for planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. The program also allows you to create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements.Starting Price: €697.50 rent 1 month -
11
RSECTION
Dlubal Software
Do you often spend too long calculating cross-sections? Dlubal Software and the RSECTION stand-alone program facilitate your work by determining section properties of various cross-sections and performing a subsequent stress analysis. With the stand-alone program RSECTION, Dlubal Software provides you with a time-saving solution for the calculation of thin-walled and massive cross-sections. The program determines the section properties and performs a stress analysis. The seamless integration with the FEA software RFEM and the structural frame & truss analysis software RSTAB allows for efficient cooperation. RSECTION cross-sections are available in the RFEM and RSTAB libraries, and you can easily import the internal forces in the programs.Starting Price: €292.50 rent 1 month -
12
RSTAB
Dlubal Software
RSTAB is a powerful analysis and design software for 3D beam, frame, or truss structure calculations, reflecting the current state of the art and helping structural engineers meet requirements in modern civil engineering. Use the successful structural frame & truss analysis software RSTAB for your design of beam, frame, or truss structures consisting of steel, reinforced concrete, timber, aluminum, or other materials. With RSTAB, you can easily and quickly define a structural model and then calculate the internal forces, deformations, and support reactions. There are design add-ons at your side that you can use to consider the material- and standard-specific requirements.Starting Price: €487.50 rent 1 month -
13
AxisVM
InterCAD
The primary applications of AxisVM are in the design of buildings, and industrial and geotechnical structures. Due to its powerful finite element solver and practical modeling tools, it has also been used in bridge design, and in the design of composite structures, machines, and vehicles. Besides the basic configurations, optional design modules are available for structures made of reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and masonry members and connections. In addition, thanks to the special elements and analysis capabilities, users have successfully applied AxisVM to the design of innovative and custom structures. Reports can be created based on tables, drawings, and detailed design calculations with additional headings and text lines. Reports are auto-updating, i.e. generated based on the most current model data and results.Starting Price: $500 one-time payment -
14
123Build
Buildsoft
Within 123Build’s user-friendly environment, you simply draw a beam of frame structure on the screen. Next, the model is completed graphically and interactively with boundary conditions, permanent loads and variable loads. 123Build does all the work for you and always delivers an optimal result: the beam with the smallest height, the steel profile having the lesser weight or the girder with the maximum deflection limits. That way you can design as well economical as fast. 123Build is a complete solution which offers you all necessary functionality for optimal structural design, up to the creation of a concise and highly readable analysis report. On top of that, 123Build presents you a reinforcement sketch and list of material quantities: total volume timber and concrete, total weight and volume of reinforcement, painting surface and weight of steel.Starting Price: €800 one-time payment -
15
ClearCalcs
ClearCalcs
ClearCalcs is a cloud structural engineering software that enables engineers and designers to streamline their repetitive calculations with easy-to-use calculators for beams, columns, foundations, and more. With calculators available for the US standards, Eurocode, Australian standards, New Zealand standards, and Canadian standards, ClearCalcs is a one-stop shop for improving your productivity and design capability. Calculations can be linked together with one click, saving on time and errors, copy-pasting loads, and reports print to a simple, one-page PDF for easy checking.Starting Price: $79.00 USD / month -
16
Revit MEP
Autodesk
Revit Building Information Modelling software helps engineers, designers and contractors across the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) disciplines model to a high level of detail and co-ordinate with building project contributors. Streamline the engineering design process with Revit. Use a single model to enhance the communication of design intent, before construction begins. Conduct simulations and interference detection earlier in the design process. Use conceptual energy analysis data for engineering-driven calculations. Design, model and document building systems in the context of a full building information model, including architectural and structural components. Model for MEP fabrication with tools that automate the fabrication model layout. Prepare a model for detailed co-ordination of fabrication and installation. Revit helps team improve accuracy, and speed delivery.Starting Price: $1,503 per year -
17
ArtiosCAD
Esko
The world’s most popular structural design software for packaging. The world’s most popular structural design software for packaging, ArtiosCAD is designed to boost productivity for packaging professionals handling structural design, product development, virtual prototyping and manufacturing operations. With ArtiosCAD you don’t need to be a math genius to create challenging designs. The software handles all the metrics for you. It builds a perfectly fitting package around any imported 3D CAD product model. This way you’ll be able to focus solely on your creativity. ArtiosCAD saves hours of design work by turning custom designs into resizable design templates and adding them to your corporate library. A full integration of structural design and graphic design with production files also eliminates costly mistakes downstream in the workflow. Fold your design in 3D to check for inconsistencies before going to print.Starting Price: $206.67 per user per month -
18
MechaniCalc
MechaniCalc
MechaniCalc, developed by MechaniCalc, Inc., is a suite of web-based calculators focused on machine design and structural analysis. These calculators perform analysis with a level of detail and comprehensiveness that would be expected in industry while also being intuitive and accessible. Use these calculators to move through design and analysis cycles more quickly and with greater confidence. We provide a comprehensive suite of calculators designed to automate mechanical engineering design and analysis. Each calculator comes with thorough documentation giving instructions on use as well as validation cases to show how the results of the calculators stack up against textbook solutions to example problems. We provide detailed reference material on mechanical engineering subjects as well as the methodology behind the calculators. Unrestricted access to all calculators and other content on the site. Ability to create new materials and cross-sections for use in the calculators.Starting Price: $9.99 per month -
19
SPACE GASS
SPACE GASS
SPACE GASS is a multi-purpose 3D analysis and design program for structural engineers. Its extensive range of features make it suitable for anything from beams, trusses and frames to buildings, towers, tanks, cable structures and bridges. Capabilities include a 64-bit multi-core solver, silky smooth 3D rendered graphics, plate finite elements, frame elements, cable elements, tension/compression-only elements, moving loads and links to many CAD and building management programs. Why SPACE GASS Save time, money, and get a safe and efficient design. Silky smooth graphical interface that lets you see your changes visually as you go. A fast sparse matrix solver that fully utilizes the parallel processing power of multi-core computers. A wide range of structural modeling tools, analysis options and design modules. Comprehensive video tutorials to walk you through some of the tricky stuff. Configurable for stand-alone or floating network systems.Starting Price: $600 per month -
20
Fatigue Essentials
AppliedCAx
Fatigue Essentials is a desktop application used to efficiently conduct structural fatigue analysis. Fatigue Essentials provides a user-friendly tool for conducting stress-life analysis either using classical stress calculations or linked with FEMAP™ and using the finite element generated stresses. The program is structured to guide the user through the analysis by following a tree structure. General analysis options are selected following loads, materials, and spectrum branches. Within each branch are options for analysis variations or input methods. Analysis results are available on-screen to paste into a report and/or as a damage contour plot in FEMAP. Covers most engineering requirements. Classic mode with user input stresses. Professional mode (FEMAP-linked) with the ability to read nodal stresses and push back results in a damage contour plot. Option for either interactive input or file input for stresses and cycles.Starting Price: $695 one-time payment -
21
progeBILLD MEP
progeCAD
progeBILLD, professional MEP Building Services design software, includes modules for Electrical, Mechanical/Structural, and HVAC/Piping, including export of Bill of Materials information, and representation of manufacturer libraries for each industry application. progeBILLD Building Services software is very user-friendly. The program contains an intuitive, clear user interface, allowing you to begin designing without intensive software training. ProgeBILLD Mechanical/Structural is a powerful application to create mechanical and structural projects. It contains numerous libraries of standardized elements, steel profiles and other elements conforming to DIN, EN, ISO and other standards. Ready-to-use objects and commands automate the creation of details, schematics, and multi-view drawings. Thousands of industry standard bolts, screws, nuts, pins and other elements.Starting Price: $499 one-time payment -
22
PowerPad
MasterSeries
MasterSeries PowerPad is a complete structural analysis and design suite. It is the ideal software choice for engineers who require a wide range of design capabilities at an extremely affordable price. By bundling lite versions of the core analysis and design programs, MasterSeries PowerPad delivers a wide range of well-established programs (not pro-forma's) at less than a third of their full version price. At the heart of PowerPad is our powerful MasterFrame analysis module. This integrates directly with our steel, concrete, composite, and timber design modules to give you a seamless, fully integrated, 3D analysis and design environment. PowerPad (Student Edition) is a free version of our commercial PowerPad Plus structural analysis and design software suite. PowerPad is not a set of proformas, but lite copies of our real programs bundled together. Simple steel, concrete, and timber beam designer. Analysis of beams, trusses, plane frames, grillages and space frames.Starting Price: $102.50 per month -
23
RISA-3D
RISA
Our user interface was created to be as easy to use as possible. Whether you’re creating geometry graphically in multiple views using advanced modeling tools or using spreadsheets to input data directly, RISA-3D has you covered. RISA-3D’s analysis and design features allow you to rapidly design structures of all types using a wide range of materials. Design buildings, bridges, tanks, culverts, and everything in between. Create reports with both graphical and numerical results including robust detailed output, giving you and your colleagues full confidence in your design. The latest user interface of RISA-3D was created with a structural engineers' workflow in mind. The familiar left-to-right, tab-by-tab ribbon approach, makes it effortless to progress through a model from conception to final design optimization by simply following the icon sequencing. Additionally, users have the ability to customize the interface so that their most used tools are available at all times.Starting Price: $1,970 per year -
24
Home Designer
Chief Architect
Home Designer Software is the top-rated 3D interior design, remodeling and home design software. Based on technology from Chief Architect's professional architectural software, Home Designer is made easy for DIY. Discover why Home Designer is the best home design app to visualize and design your next house project. Chief Architect software is the professional tool of choice for architects, home builders, remodelers, and interior designers. Smart building technology makes it easy to create construction drawings, floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings, and 360 panoramic renderings. Chief Architect's software is purpose‑built for residential design with building tools that can automatically generate roofs, foundations, framing, and dimensions. As you draw walls, windows, and doors, the program simultaneously creates a 3D model. These 3D models can be shared with homeowners, structural engineers or subcontractors using the 3D Viewer app.Starting Price: $79 one-time payment -
25
Simright
Simright
Simright Simulator can import a CAD model, setup and execute the structural analysis in web browser. It is designed to be very easy to use. Even you have no experience about CAE analysis, you can complete a simulation quickly. Simright Simulator can help you solve complex structural problem in many different industries online. The CAE technology can greatly reduce costs of physical experiments and help you to make wiser decisions. -
26
GRAITEC Advance Design
GRAITEC
Advance Design is a mature and easy to use FEM Structural Analysis solution dedicated to structural engineers operating in a BIM environment. It fully designs any type of structure, with any kind of loads, mixing concrete, timber and steel members. It includes major code standards (Eurocodes / North American). Advance Design provides an outstanding BIM experience. It enables intelligent model-based workflows for Engineers and construction professionals. Advance Design acts as a BIM platform and guarantees the continuity of geometric and analytical data through model transfers all along the design cycle. Analysis results are also stored in the Digital Model and are part of the BIM process. For instance, they can be used to start a rebar design or a steel connection process directly from Revit. These options open new disruptive opportunities. Powerful, Easy to use and operate, fully compliant with Revit®. Supported by a strong team of experts. Flexible licensing model. -
27
Tekla Structural Designer
Tekla Software
Seamlessly combine design & analysis into one easy and efficient single model-based process. Our simple, integrated design & analysis software enables engineers to deliver safe, effective, and rationalized design more quickly, regardless of structural material. Try it for yourself and revolutionize the way you work today! Tekla Structural Designer is software that gives engineers the power to analyze and design buildings efficiently and profitably. Fully automated and packed with many unique features for optimized concrete and steel design, Tekla Structural Designer helps engineering businesses to win more work and maximize profits. From the quick comparison of alternative design schemes through to cost-effective change management and seamless BIM collaboration, Tekla Structural Designer can transform your business. Achieve faster design times and maximize profitability. Because you are creating a single model with a single data set, BIM integration is smooth and effective. -
28
AutoPIPE
Bentley
AutoPIPE provides you with a comprehensive and advanced software tool specializing in pipe stress analysis. Increase your productivity and improve quality control with an intuitive modeling environment and advanced analysis capabilities. Ensure efficient workflows between pipe stress engineers, structural engineers, and CAD designers through interoperability with leading plant design applications. AutoPIPE includes special features for advanced buried pipeline analysis, operational (hot) clash detection, wave loading, fluid transients, and FRP/GRP or plastic pipe, as well as time-saving integration with other Bentley and third-party applications such as OpenPlant, AutoPLANT, PlantSpace, Hexagon PDS and SmartPlant, Autodesk Plant 3D, and Aveva E3D Design. AutoPIPE automatically determines the optimal pipe support locations to satisfy your design requirements with the most cost-effective solution, without sacrificing quality or safety. -
29
ProSteel
Bentley
With ProSteel software you can efficiently create accurate 3D models for structural steel, metal work, and steel assemblies. You can then quickly generate design drawings, fabrication details, and schedules that automatically update whenever the 3D model changes. Additionally, detailed output to CNC machines automates the steel fabrication process. ProSteel fully supports your construction and planning tasks for structural steel and metal work in a 3D modeling environment. Working with AutoCAD or MicroStation, you get an intuitive and integrated multi-material modeler perfectly suited to layout complex structures, produce shop drawings, assemble all your connections, and manage your bills of materials. Quickly extract 2D drawings that automatically update when the 3D model changes. Easily exchange information with other disciplines thanks to interoperability with other Bentley and third-party applications.Starting Price: $4,193 per year -
30
Altair Inspire
Altair
Applied early in the product development lifecycle, Inspire accelerates the creation, optimization, and study of innovative, structurally efficient parts and assemblies through collaboration. Inspire's award winning user experience for geometry creation and modification can be learned in just a few hours, and delivers dependable Altair solver power. Structural analysis with the speed and accuracy of Altair® SimSolid®, as independently validated by NAFEMS, provides the ability to analyze large assemblies and complex parts. Dynamic motion simulation, including loads extraction, using the reliable multi-body systems analysis of Altair® MotionSolve®. The industry standard for structural efficiency, topology optimization by Altair® OptiStruct®, for the generative design of practical, viable, and manufacturable geometry. Inspire enables both simulation analysts and designers to perform what-if studies faster, easier, and above all earlier, encouraging collaboration.