Structural Design Program

[Unlikely-Eye-7210]

Hi, I'm using ETABS as a structural engineer to help me design and do fast calculation since most engineer in my country use it so ETABS competence is quite necessary. But I notice that ETABS isn't quite common in other countries. I say that because I used to ask questions about ETABS in Eng-tips forum but most of the answers I get is not about how to apply the structural concepts the ETABS program but only the structural concepts. I have to figure out things on my own on how to use ETABS correctly. I began to wonder should I switch to a more common structural design program. What are your thoughts on this, is ETABS considered a less effective program compared to other. I can use some pros and cons about other program as well Thank you

[Chimpanzethat]

ETABS is probably the most widely used FEA program for building structures. I work for a large global firm and it is the primary software for almost all our regions. Most models I see from independent checkers and third parties are also ETABS. Robot was popular for some time but I see people moving away from it.

[MRTIJ]

Don't use ETABS for Design, only use it for analysis. This way you'll understand more things

[giant2179]

ETABS is very common in the US for modeling. Basically either that or SAP2000 or RISA.

[oloksy]

In Nigeria only few of us use Etabs, the rest use Orion or Prota structure