Best Structural Engineering Software in the UK
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Compare the Top Structural Engineering Software in the UK as of March 2026
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What is Structural Engineering Software in the UK?
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 the UK 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
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. -
5
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 -
6
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 -
7
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 -
8
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 -
9
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 -
10
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 -
11
FRILO
ALLPLAN
FRILO is a structural analysis and design suite for civil and structural engineers that delivers a wide range of calculation, verification, and modelling tools to assess the load-bearing capacity, stability, and serviceability of components and full structures in concrete, steel, timber, masonry, foundation, and geotechnical engineering according to Eurocodes and applicable standards. It is modular and includes specialized programs (for beams, columns, plates, foundations, soil mechanics, and more) that support component-oriented calculations with intuitive inputs and verifiable results, helping engineers handle everyday structural tasks efficiently and with clear documentation. FRILO integrates tools like BIM-Connector interfaces for importing analytical models from IFC/SAF formats, a Document Designer for generating standard-compliant reports, and continuous updates to standards, workflows, and material libraries.Starting Price: €244 per month -
12
MIDAS CIVIL NX
MIDAS IT
MIDAS CIVIL NX is a next-generation analysis and design program for bridges and civil engineering structures, offering powerful simulation tools and an enhanced user experience. It supports complex structural analysis including nonlinear behavior, moving loads, staged construction, seismic events, and advanced boundary conditions. The platform introduces automation through APIs, allowing engineers to generate models directly from Excel sheets and streamline repetitive tasks. Its redesigned interface provides an intuitive workspace that helps users navigate features more efficiently and maintain smooth workflows. CIVIL NX integrates seamlessly with the broader MIDAS collection, enabling data exchange across programs and supporting end-to-end civil engineering design processes. Backed by global adoption and continuous innovation, MIDAS CIVIL NX empowers engineering teams to achieve accurate, efficient, and reliable structural designs. -
13
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. -
14
LIRA-SAPR
LIRALAND Group
LIRA-SAPR is comprehensive software package that benefits from BIM technology. The software is intended for analysis and design of building and mechanical engineering structures of different purposes. - Static (forces and displacements) and dynamic analyses - Selection and check for sections of steel and/or reinforced concrete (RC) structures - Preliminary drawings of steel structures as well as separate RC elementsStarting Price: €280/month -
15
STAAD
Bentley
You can design, analyze, and document structural projects, anywhere in the world, with any material using STAAD. It offers you a flexible solution to cover all your structural engineering needs from the foundation up. STAAD is a comprehensive structural finite element analysis and design application that allows users to perform analysis on any structure exposed to static, dynamic, wind, earthquake, thermal, and moving loads. STAAD comes in different variations so you can choose what’s best for you. STAAD is a popular structural analysis application known for analysis, diverse applications of use, interoperability, and time-saving capabilities. STAAD helps structural engineers perform 3D structural analysis and design for both steel and concrete structures. A physical model created in the structural design software can be transformed into an analytical model for structural analysis. Many design code standards are incorporated into STAAD.Starting Price: $3,000 per year -
16
ProStructures
Bentley
ProStructures is a comprehensive steel and concrete design application used to increase your productivity and profitability. With ProStructures, you can create and automatically update 3D models that include structural steel and reinforced concrete structures. ProSteel is a comprehensive application that allows you to model and detail steel structures for a variety of industries. Develop models and documentation for steel structures efficiently. Confidently deliver an accurate 3D model for steel structures and extract engineering, fabrication, and erection drawings. Leverage automatic updates whenever the 3D model is changed. Produce drawings for every steel shape, connection, and plate work from the 3D model. Generate and update in-drawing, external reports, and bills of material. Create 3D models and design drawings, fabrication details, and schedules that automatically update whenever you change the 3D model.Starting Price: $7,162 per year -
17
MasterSeries
MasterSeries
MasterSeries is the UK's leading range of integrated structural analysis, design, drafting, and detailing software with over 10,000 users worldwide. From the industry-leading multi-material BIM-enabled modeling and design environment to a collection of powerful stand-alone modules, MasterSeries features the most extensive range of technically advanced structural engineering software you'll find under one roof. For you, this means you get more done in one package, avoiding the need to swap between different incompatible software and enter the same data multiple times. No two businesses are the same, so why should their software be? That's why the MasterSeries product range is modular in nature, providing an extremely flexible and scalable software solution. In this way you aren't forced to buy a costly single large product, perhaps with many features you don't need. You simply combine the modules you need to create the ideal software solution to meet the demands of your business. -
18
Altair S-FRAME
Altair
With S-FRAME, users can model, analyze, and design any structure regardless of its geometric complexity, material type, loading conditions, nonlinear effects, or design code requirements. S-FRAME’s automated framework generators build models quickly and import models with BIM and DXF import links, and users can maximize productivity with integrated concrete and steel design tools for design, optimization, code compliance, and report generation. With S-FRAME, users can quickly define structures using modeling automation to generate regular framework structures, and standard or custom trusses, and use clone tools to replicate all or part of the model. Additionally, users can save modeling time by importing existing BIM and DXF models. S-FRAME’s advanced meshing tools create the finite element mesh, giving users the power to generate detailed analysis results in their specific areas of interest. Users can explore those areas of interest by easily converting members to multi-shell models. -
19
GPT GES
GPT
Block H125 mainly develops Qingshankou oil layer. The top structure of the Qing 1st sublayer is a broken nose structure blocked by reverse normal faults. The reservoir type is a layered lithological structure reservoir. The current injection-production scale is an encryption five-point well pattern, including 27 injection wells and 38 production wells. The main target layers in the north of Block H125 are delta front deposits. The main microfacies types of each sublayer are bars. Reservoir geological modeling technology is mainly divided into two major workflows structural modeling and property modeling. The property modeling includes sedimentary facies modeling, porosity modeling, permeability modeling, oil saturation modeling, and NTG modeling. In geological modeling, the first step is to use the well header and well picks to establish a structural model and to set the increment in I and J direction to control the grid quality and well pattern. -
20
SolidFEA
BIMWERX
SolidFEA is our innovative solid finite element analysis tool, designed to make advanced structural engineering design both accessible and affordable. Powered by the Calculix engine, it offers detailed sub-model analysis with lower cost and hardware requirements than competitors like Abaqus. Ideal for complex engineering challenges, including steel connections and bridge engineering, SolidFEA democratizes specialty software with ease of use and IFC file format compatibility, complementing our GenFEA software for comprehensive structural analysis. SolidFEA marks a transformative step in structural engineering design, bridging the gap that has long existed due to the prohibitive costs, complex learning curves, and high-end computing requirements associated with solid finite element analysis (FEA). Designed for ease of use, it supports IFC file format imports, making it a seamless addition to engineering workflows. -
21
GenFEA
BIMWERX
GenFEA stands as a testament to our dedication and enthusiasm, born from years of meticulous development and research. This 'passion project' is now set to revolutionize the industry, thanks to its AI-enhanced features that bring state-of-the-art technological advancements to the global market. With GenFEA, we are poised to make a significant impact, offering groundbreaking solutions that are ready to meet the challenges and demands of the international AEC landscape. Structural engineering software has long been characterized by its steep price tags, steep learning curves, and a noticeable lag in integrating modern technological advancements. By leveraging the latest in artificial intelligence, offering an intuitive user experience, and ensuring affordability, GenFEA is dedicated to making advanced structural analysis and design tools accessible, user-friendly, and in step with the cutting-edge technologies that define our era. -
22
IDEA StatiCa
IDEA StatiCa
IDEA StatiCa 25.0 is a world-leading structural design software that enables engineers to model, analyze, and code-check steel connections, concrete D-regions, and anchoring with unprecedented speed and accuracy. It lets you build and verify anchors or cast-in plates with U-, L-, or I-shaped rebars in custom foundations using a 3D CBFEM engine; design and fully check concrete walls and D-regions with ULS/SLS reporting; and create everything from simple bolted or welded beam-to-column connections to complex moment connections using over 250 predefined templates and parametric design workflows. Seamless BIM integration and automated links with major CAD and FEA tools ensure data synchronization, while its patented Component-Based Finite Element Model delivers true structural behavior, not approximations. Version 25.0 expands anchoring capabilities, streamlines initial connection setups, and evolves the checkbot app into an interactive design tool. -
23
Digimat
e-Xstream engineering
e-Xstream engineering develops and commercializes the Digimat suite of software, a state-of-the-art multi-scale material modeling technology that speeds up the development process for composite materials and structures. Digimat is a core technology of 10xICME Solution and is used to perform detailed analyses of materials on the microscopic level and to derive micromechanical material models suited for multi-scale coupling of the micro- and macroscopic level. Digimat material models provide the means to combine processing simulation with structural FEA. This means to move towards more predictive simulation by taking into account the influence of processing conditions on the performance of the finally produced part. As an efficient and predictive tool Digimat helps its users to design and manufacture innovative composite materials and parts with great efficiency in time and costs. -
24
Safi
Safi
Our success is driven by the ability to correctly understand our customers needs to resolve their problems. Communications are straightforward, up to the level of the company CEO when needed, ensuring our customers goals for project success and within schedule. We care for the safety of structural projects carried out using our technologies, for the interest of our customers and the well-being of our employees. Our customers know that we are their reliable partners for the long run and the best to come. We deliver technologies that are innovative and reliable. We know that quality products are produced by quality companies for quality customers. We serve all customers equally, from practicing engineers starting business to the largest well established engineering organizations and government departments. Modeling and designing with SAFI software is user-friendly and intuitive. -
25
ProtaDetails
Prota Software
ProtaDetails is revolutionary system for automatically creating and organising all your structural concrete detail drawings in one go. Save hours of drafting time by seamlessly extracting design details from ProtaStructure and automatically arranging them onto your company drawing sheets. Use focused CAD editing and detailing capabilities tailored to structural engineering to fine tune your drawing production. Make informed design choices with full quantities extraction to value engineer projects and offer improved design services to clients. Handle changes efficiently by seamlessly updating project design changes from ProtaStructure. Use ProtaDetails growing library of component macros to instantly design and detail common project elements including retaining walls, stairs, piles and foundations. Save hours of drafting time, deliver projects faster, be more productive and profitable with ProtaDetails. -
26
ProtaSteel
Prota Software
ProtaSteel allows structural engineers and detailers to perform automated steel connection design and produce high quality steel detail drawings in minutes. Take models designed in ProtaStructure directly into ProtaSteel and save hours with automated design of a comprehensive range of bolted and welded steel connections of your choice. Visualize and coordinate your models in 3D, add ancillary steelwork, and fully quantify and value engineer your projects. Significantly reduce design and detailing time by automatically producing high quality engineering drawings for all steelwork and connection details. Increase your design teams productivity and business project profitability. Save valuable project management time by coordinating your projects with other leading BIM platforms including Tekla Structures and Revit. -
27
ProtaBIM
Prota Software
ProtaBIM has been designed to allow engineers to easily create, communicate and coordinate models with other project stakeholders including architects, fabricators, BIM specialists and owners. Using our revolutionary ProtaHUB technology we can easily create models from a range of both 2D and 3D information including 2D and 3D DXF, IFC and Revit. Using intelligent physical objects means ProtaStructure models can also be accurately and directly shared with other leading BIM platforms including Autodesk Revit without wasting time re-creating model data and fixing building setout. Save hours of modelling time by starting in either your chosen BIM platform or ProtaStructure and simply sharing your model back and forth, as many times as you wish. Make changes and enhancements along the way and seamlessly synchronize projects to keep your BIM models up to date. -
28
Oasys Software
Oasys Software
Oasys software’s innovative solutions are characterized by attractive, intuitive interfaces and the speed and power with which they allow users to test ideas quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling engineers to define and solve the most complex of design problems accurately, with complete confidence in their compliance with international standards and compatibility with other leading packages. Oasys software tools are offered individually or as discounted bundles of related tools. Oasys Software offers a range of analysis and design solutions for building, bridges, geotechnical engineering, and pedestrian movement. Providing architects, engineers, constructors, students, consultants, planners, and many other disciplines with comprehensive engineering solutions. From the most basic low-rise structure to the most complex high-rise or specialist structure with challenging loading conditions, Oasys has the tools that you need to complete a rigorous analysis and design. -
29
MSC Nastran
MSC Software
MSC Nastran is a multidisciplinary structural analysis application used by engineers to perform static, dynamic, and thermal analysis across the linear and nonlinear domains, complemented with automated structural optimization and award winning embedded fatigue analysis technologies, all enabled by high performance computing. Engineers use MSC Nastran to ensure structural systems have the necessary strength, stiffness, and life to preclude failure (excess stresses, resonance, buckling, or detrimental deformations) that may compromise structural function and safety. MSC Nastran is also used to improve the economy and passenger comfort of structural designs. Optimize the performance of existing designs or develop unique product differentiators, leading to industry advantages over competitors. Remedy structural issues that may occur during a product’s service, reducing downtime and costs. -
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Simcenter Nastran
Siemens
Simcenter Nastran is a premier finite element method (FEM) solver for computational performance, accuracy, reliability and scalability. Simcenter Nastran includes powerful solutions for linear and nonlinear structural analysis, structural dynamics, acoustics, rotor dynamics, aeroelasticity, thermal analysis, and optimization. The advantage to having all these solutions available in a single solver is that input/output file formats are the same for all solution types, which greatly simplifies modeling processes. Available as a standalone enterprise solver or as an integrated solver in Simcenter 3D, Simcenter Nastran helps manufacturers as well as engineering suppliers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, heavy machinery, medical device, and other industries for their critical engineering computing needs so they can produce safe, reliable and optimized designs within ever shorter design cycles.
