Best Structural Engineering Software with a Free Trial
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Compare the Top Structural Engineering Software with a Free Trial as of December 2025
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What is Structural Engineering Software with a Free Trial?
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 with a Free Trial 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
SkyCiv Structural 3D
SkyCiv Engineering
SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based Structural Analysis software that allows users to model, analyze and design complex 3D structures. It is completely online; requiring no installation to use. SkyCiv Structural 3D offers the very best in online structural analysis. It includes the following: - Powerful Analysis: Linear, P-Delta, Cables, Buckling, Plates, Frequency, RS - Integrated Design checks for steel, wood, connections, foundations, wind (AISC, NSD, AISI, EN, AS, CSA, BS plus more...)Starting Price: $79/month/user -
3
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 -
4
MicroStation
Bentley Systems
MicroStation by Bentley Systems is the trusted computer-aided design (CAD) software built specifically for infrastructure design. It enables architects, engineers, and designers to create precise 2D and 3D drawings that bring complex projects to life—from bridges and highways to utilities and smart cities. With powerful tools for design, documentation, and visualization, MicroStation helps professionals deliver projects faster, more accurately, and with greater confidence. The software natively supports DGN, DWG, and point-cloud data, eliminating file conversion hassles and improving collaboration across teams. Its robust environment connects applications, data, and users to ensure seamless project delivery at any scale. MicroStation is the foundation of modern infrastructure design—reliable, interoperable, and built for professionals who build the world.Starting Price: $250 per month -
5
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 -
6
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 -
7
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 -
8
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 -
9
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 -
10
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 -
11
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 -
12
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 -
13
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 -
14
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 -
15
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 -
16
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 -
17
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. -
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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. -
19
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. -
20
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. -
21
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. -
22
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. -
23
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 -
24
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. -
25
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. -
26
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. -
27
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. -
28
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. -
29
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. -
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Altair SimSolid
Altair
By performing structural analyses on fully featured CAD assemblies within minutes, SimSolid is the game-changing simulation technology for designers, engineers, and analysts. It eliminates geometry preparation and meshing: the two most time-consuming, expertise-extensive and error-prone tasks performed in a conventional structural simulation. Multiple design scenarios can be simulated quickly under real-life conditions. Early CAD models, in any common format, can be used. SimSolid tolerance of imprecise geometry means that, unlike CAD-embedded simulation tools, there is no need to simplify complex geometries before analyzing designs. SimSolid supports all typical connections (bolt/nut, bonded, welds, rivets, sliding) and analysis of linear static, modal, thermal properties, along with more complex coupled, nonlinear, transient dynamic effects.
