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The 14 Best ENERCALC Alternatives for Structural Engineers

September 12, 2024 | 12 min read

The 14 Best ENERCALC Alternatives for Structural Engineers

ENERCALC is a popular tool for structural engineers, especially for small to mid-sized projects. However, with the advancement of technology and varying project needs, engineers are often looking for alternatives that offer more features, flexibility, or specific functionalities. Below, we’ll explore the 14 best ENERCALC alternatives for 2024, comparing their pros, cons, pricing, and major differences with ENERCALC.

What ENERCALC Has to Offer and Why It’s a Good Option

ENERCALC is a widely respected structural engineering software known for its comprehensive suite of design tools, tailored for practicing engineers. It offers an array of modules that cover everything from beam and column design to foundation, retaining walls, and lateral analysis, making it a versatile solution for many structural design needs.

One of ENERCALC’s key strengths is its integration of various design standards, including AISC, ACI, NDS, and more, ensuring compliance with local and international building codes. The software also features intuitive, easy-to-navigate input screens, which helps engineers quickly perform complex calculations without the steep learning curve typical of other software platforms.

ENERCALC's versatility allows engineers to work across different project types, making it suitable for small firms and individual practitioners. Its ability to handle both simple and more intricate structural designs in a single platform minimizes the need for multiple software programs. Additionally, ENERCALC provides detailed reports that can be customized, allowing engineers to present their calculations in a professional, code-compliant format.

1. StruCalc

StruCalc is a versatile structural engineering software designed to simplify the design and analysis process for engineers. It provides intuitive tools for beam, column, and footing design, making it suitable for a range of projects, from residential to light commercial structures. It’s great for structural engineers, architects, plan reviewers, and builders working on small to mid-sized residential projects. It’s an ideal solution for professionals seeking to streamline their workflow without sacrificing accuracy or compliance.

Why it's great – StruCalc is perfect for engineers who want a fast, simple solution for residential and light commercial projects. Its interface is intuitive for both beginners and experienced professionals.

Perfect for – Small to mid-sized projects, residential engineering, and everyday structural design tasks.

  • Pros: Cloud-based access, simple interface, reliable for small projects.
  • Cons: Limited features for large commercial projects.
  • Pricing: Starts at $69.97/month or $755.98/year

While ENERCALC offers modules for various structural calculations, StruCalc focuses more on simplicity and mobility, making it better suited for small projects and engineers on the go.

2. SkyCiv Structural 3D

SkyCiv is a cloud-based structural engineering software that supports multiple materials and real-time collaboration.

Why it's great – SkyCiv’s cloud-based nature allows engineers to collaborate and work from anywhere, and its real-time updates mean that teams can efficiently share designs and feedback. The software is lightweight but powerful, and it supports a wide range of materials and design codes.

Perfect for – Engineers working remotely, teams needing real-time collaboration, and projects requiring multi-material support.

  • Pros: Cloud-based, supports multiple design codes, real-time collaboration.
  • Cons: Requires internet access, subscription-based.
  • Pricing: Starts at $79/month and goes up depending on what you are looking to use.

SkyCiv's cloud-based model and collaboration features are a major departure from ENERCALC’s desktop-oriented setup. It is more suitable for teams and remote working.

3. RISA-3D

RISA-3D is renowned for its powerful 3D analysis and design capabilities, making it one of the top choices for structural engineers working on complex projects. It can model and analyze different materials like steel, concrete, wood, and aluminum. The software also supports various types of structures, from small residential buildings to large industrial complexes.

Why it's great – RISA-3D is extremely versatile, allowing users to handle complex and detailed structural designs across multiple materials. Its detailed modeling features enable engineers to create accurate and sophisticated designs while maintaining control over all aspects of the structure.

Perfect for – Engineers handling complex structural systems, multi-material designs, and large-scale commercial or industrial projects.

  • Pros: Advanced 3D modeling, multi-material support, extensive design codes.
  • Cons: Steep learning curve, high cost.
  • Pricing: $2,070/year

Unlike ENERCALC, RISA-3D provides more advanced modeling and 3D visualization, ideal for complex projects that require detailed analysis.

4. STAAD.Pro

STAAD.Pro is an advanced structural analysis and design software that supports almost any type of structure, including bridges, towers, and buildings. It’s capable of performing linear and nonlinear analysis and supports a wide range of international design codes, making it a top choice for global engineering firms.

Why it's great – STAAD.Pro’s extensive range of supported codes and structure types makes it ideal for companies that work on international or diverse projects. Its powerful analysis tools, including dynamic and seismic analysis, make it indispensable for complex structures.

Perfect for – Global engineering firms, large infrastructure projects, and engineers needing comprehensive code support.

  • Pros: Supports international design codes, handles large and complex projects.
  • Cons: Expensive, steep learning curve.
  • Pricing: Starts at $3,435 and ranges to $5,017 depending on what you are looking for.

STAAD.Pro is designed for large-scale, complex structures, whereas ENERCALC is more tailored for smaller, quicker calculations.

5. SAP2000

SAP2000 is a general-purpose structural analysis software developed by CSI, known for its versatility and ease of use. It can handle a broad spectrum of projects, from simple beams to complex skyscrapers, and integrates well with Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, which is crucial for modern engineering projects.

Why it's great – SAP2000 provides a balance between ease of use and advanced analysis features, making it perfect for engineers who need a flexible tool that can scale with project complexity. Its integration with BIM workflows adds value for firms already working with advanced modeling systems.

Perfect for – Engineers working on both simple and complex projects, especially those involving BIM workflows.

  • Pros: Versatile, integrates with BIM, handles complex structures.
  • Cons: High learning curve, costly.
  • Pricing: Starts at $2860 and ranges up to $17,160 with an annual maintenance fee.

SAP2000 excels in detailed structural analysis and BIM integration, making it more suitable for complex, large-scale projects compared to ENERCALC.

6. ETABS

ETABS is a powerful software specifically designed for building analysis and design. It provides detailed capabilities for modeling multi-story structures and is particularly strong in performing seismic, wind, and dynamic analysis. ETABS is commonly used for high-rise buildings and other vertical structures, offering advanced tools for structural analysis and design optimization.

Why it's great – ETABS excels in analyzing and designing building structures, making it ideal for engineers focused on architectural projects. It’s also one of the best software solutions for seismic and wind analysis, which is essential for high-rise and complex buildings.

Perfect for – Building designers, high-rise structures, and engineers focusing on seismic design.

  • Pros: Excellent for building systems, seismic and wind analysis.
  • Cons: Limited to building structures.
  • Pricing: Starts at $7,150 and can range up to $17,160 with an annual maintenance fee.

ETABS focuses heavily on building systems, which is more specialized compared to the broader range of calculations ENERCALC provides.

7. Tedds

Tedds simplifies everyday structural engineering calculations, automating repetitive tasks to save engineers time and reduce human error. It supports the design of structures made from steel, concrete, timber, and masonry and allows users to build their own custom calculations.

Why it's great – Tedds is perfect for engineers looking to streamline routine calculations and save time on everyday design tasks. Its automation features reduce manual work, making it highly efficient for standardized designs.

Perfect for – Engineers focusing on repetitive, standardized calculations for multiple materials.

  • Pros: Automates calculations, saves time, simple interface.
  • Cons: Limited to routine calculations.
  • Pricing: Contact Tedds for pricing

Tedds excels in automating and streamlining common calculations, whereas ENERCALC offers more manual input flexibility across various modules.

8. MIDAS Gen

MIDAS Gen is an integrated solution for building and general structure analysis and design. Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful analysis tools, it supports a range of structures, including high-rise buildings, bridges, and towers. MIDAS Gen is widely used for seismic and nonlinear analysis, making it a valuable tool for challenging engineering projects.

Why it's great – MIDAS Gen’s robust analysis capabilities make it perfect for tackling complex and large-scale engineering projects. Its interface is relatively user-friendly compared to other advanced analysis software, offering a more accessible experience for engineers.

Perfect for – Large projects requiring seismic or nonlinear analysis, including high-rise buildings and infrastructure.

  • Pros: Powerful for complex structures, seismic analysis, and nonlinear behaviors.
  • Cons: Expensive, steep learning curve.
  • Pricing: Contact Midas Gen for pricing.

MIDAS Gen's advanced analysis capabilities far surpass ENERCALC’s, which is more focused on basic to mid-level calculations.

9. S-FRAME

S-FRAME offers integrated structural analysis and design software with strong finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities. Its strength lies in its ability to handle complex structural behavior, making it ideal for projects where advanced analysis is required. S-FRAME is suitable for a variety of materials, including steel, concrete, and timber.

Why it's great – S-FRAME’s finite element analysis capabilities make it perfect for engineers working on complex projects that require detailed analysis of structural behavior. It’s also user-friendly, allowing both beginners and experts to benefit from its powerful tools.

Perfect for – Complex structural projects, FEA analysis, and engineers needing multi-material support.

  • Pros: Great FEA capabilities, intuitive interface, multi-material support.
  • Cons: Limited in advanced design features.
  • Pricing: Contact S-Frame for pricing.

S-FRAME offers stronger FEA tools than ENERCALC, making it a better option for engineers focusing on detailed analysis for complex behaviors.

Also checkout – The role of structural analysis software in structural engineering

10. RAM Structural System

RAM Structural System is a comprehensive software package for designing and analyzing buildings. It’s part of Bentley’s extensive software suite and integrates well with other Bentley tools. RAM Structural System is particularly strong in handling steel, concrete, and timber building designs, offering full support for building codes.

Why it's great – RAM’s integration with Bentley’s ecosystem makes it a great choice for firms already using Bentley products. It’s specifically designed for buildings, offering a range of tools for materials and structures commonly used in construction.

Perfect for – Building projects, engineers already working with Bentley tools, and multi-material design.

  • Pros: Comprehensive for building projects, integrates with Bentley tools.
  • Cons: Expensive, steep learning curve.
  • Pricing: Starts at $4,175 depending on region.

RAM's integration with Bentley tools and focus on building structures makes it a more holistic solution for complex building designs compared to ENERCALC’s focused modules.

11. Advance Design

Advance Design by Graitec is known for its strong finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities and integration with design tools for concrete, steel, and timber structures. It’s widely used for building structures, offering a comprehensive set of analysis and design features.

Why it's great – Advance Design is perfect for engineers looking for an integrated analysis and design tool with powerful FEA capabilities. Its detailed material and structure support make it suitable for a range of building projects.

Perfect for – Building structures requiring detailed analysis and engineers focusing on FEA.

  • Pros: Powerful FEA tools, integrated design workflow.
  • Cons: Steep learning curve.
  • Pricing: Contact Graitec for pricing.

Advance Design’s FEA capabilities and integrated workflow surpass ENERCALC in handling complex, multi-material projects.

12. ProtaStructure

ProtaStructure is a well-rounded structural analysis and design software that integrates seamlessly with detailing tools for steel and concrete structures. It’s designed to save time with features like automatic load generation and model validation, making it ideal for busy engineers.

Why it's great – ProtaStructure’s efficiency-focused features, like automatic load generation, make it a great choice for engineers who need to handle large volumes of design work quickly. It’s perfect for multi-material designs and projects where time is critical.

Perfect for – Engineers needing efficient, multi-material support for concrete and steel structures.

  • Pros: Efficient, automatic load generation, steel and concrete detailing.
  • Cons: Limited support resources.
  • Pricing: Contact ProtSoftware for pricing.

ProtaStructure is optimized for steel and concrete projects, offering more advanced design capabilities than ENERCALC’s simpler calculation models.

13. ClearCalcs

ClearCalcs is a cloud-based software designed for quick and accurate structural design calculations. It allows engineers to create custom calculation templates, which makes it ideal for engineers who want to streamline and automate their workflows. ClearCalcs also supports various design codes and provides detailed reporting.

Why it's great – ClearCalcs is perfect for engineers looking for a cloud-based solution that offers flexibility and customization. The ability to create custom calculations is a huge advantage for those needing non-standard designs or frequent updates to calculations.

Perfect for – Engineers who need efficient design calculations without complex modeling tools.

  • Pros: Affordable, cloud-based, customizable calculation templates.
  • Cons: Limited to smaller, straightforward designs.
  • Pricing: Starts at $35/month but for full access to their calculation is $119/month

ClearCalcs’ flexibility with custom calculations and cloud-based access contrasts with ENERCALC’s more traditional desktop setup.

14. Tekla Structural Designer

Tekla offers an automated structural design process with seamless integration into Building Information Modeling (BIM). It's particularly suited for building structures made of concrete and steel, and its automation reduces the chances of manual errors.

Why it's great – Tekla Structural Designer stands out for its BIM integration, making it ideal for firms that prioritize collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors. Its automation of design optimization saves time and ensures compliance with regional codes.

  • Pros: Excellent BIM integration, automated design optimization, multi-material support.
  • Cons: Expensive, steep learning curve.
  • Pricing: Contact Tekla for pricing.

Tekla’s BIM integration and advanced 3D modeling make it a far more robust tool for larger, complex projects compared to ENERCALC’s calculation-focused modules.

Conclusion

Each alternative to ENERCALC offers unique features, pricing, and functionalities to suit a variety of structural engineering needs. While ENERCALC is great for straightforward, cost-effective calculations, other tools like Tekla Structural Designer, RISA-3D, and STAAD.Pro offer more comprehensive solutions for complex and large-scale projects. Whether you’re a small firm looking for budget-friendly options like StruCalc or a large firm seeking advanced tools like MIDAS Gen or Tekla, this guide can help you find the best fit for your project and budget.

Try StruCalc’s 30 free trial today and get started utilizing structural analysis software with your projects.