BuildSoft

BuildSoft develops finite element software that structural engineers use to analyse and design buildings in steel, concrete and timber. The Belgian company belongs to the StruSoft Group and puts short learning time at the centre of its products, saying users can build a first model within an hour. Its design checks follow Eurocode as well as the American AISC and ACI codes.

What BuildSoft offers

• Diamonds — FEM analysis for 2D and 3D structures, covering strength and stability of steel halls, trusses and frames, reinforced concrete slabs, foundations and walls, and timber trusses including creep.
• PowerConnect — design of steel joints such as tubular, moment and shear connections and column bases.
• BIM Expert — keeps BIM models in step when a project moves between several software packages.
• ConCrete and 1•2•Build — further tools in the range, sold alongside StruSoft's FEM-Design and Matrix.

Who it works with

Structural engineering offices handling projects of any size, from simple frames to large industrial halls. Students and teachers can register for access, and support comes from engineers rather than a general helpdesk.

Key facts

• Based in: Belgium
• Group: part of StruSoft
• Design codes: Eurocode, AISC and ACI
• Materials: steel, concrete and timber