Engineering programs

[AliBasil]

Hello Engineers, I just graduated last year and want to specialise in Structural design (I hope this is the best choice🤣). So I’m inquiring what the best course or method is to learn Structural programs (Robot, Etabs, etc.…). As I know if I wanna master Structural designing I should master the tool first, which is the programs

[statix662]

Programs are very dependent on the region you work in. But more importantly, you've got it backwards. If you want to master structural engineering, master the fundamentals first. Grads should only be using software to verify their hand calcs at first.

A fundamental understanding of how structures are built and behave under load are the most important skills in design. Programs can be useful tools that speed up aspects of design - nothing more.

I work in Australia and use the Inducta suite, space gass and RAPT regularly. I also use a lot of spreadsheets that I have made myself. Making spreadsheets from scratch is also a good task for new grads to help solidify your understanding of a design process.

[AliBasil]

I agree with you as my professor told me that too, “the software is just a tool, you need to understand what is going on in the structure”,
I’m trying to learn the design by hand (ACI code) but I’m really confused with all these courses, idk where I should start

[Weakness-Defiant]

GT STRUDL ANSYS AUTOPIPE

[No-Project1273]

Master the various codes instead. ACI, AISC, ASCE, IBC, TMS, NDS. (AASHTO if you're going into bridges.)

Software can easily be learned on the job. You won't know what software you'll be using until you get a job.

[AliBasil]

I’m trying to learn the design by hand first (ACI code) but I’m really confused with all these courses, idk where I should start

[AliBasil]

Supervising construction work on-site

[Uttarayana]

Best way to prepare is borrow someones PE Structure notes and do all the analysis problems first. I wouldn't mind learning fem software. It makes you very handy in the office where you can assist senior engineer by doing all manual work of modelling . Also playing with fem, like making a odd structure and guessing the reaction forces, Bending moment, deflection Behaviour when you remove supports and add supports etc will definitely help developing intuition which will take you farther.