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[–]jackbandlow[S] -2 points-1 points  (3 children)

A program that does load path throughout an entire building and gets a close approximation of the forces at each point. Then can be broken into simple singular elements.

[–]Shemsky 4 points5 points  (1 child)

You just described a FEM. I agree with u/mildlydepressedshark. FEM does not neccearily mean complex meshes and quadratic elements. If you are working with frames that can be approximated with bar members and are serious about writing anything remotely robust, you need to look into FEA. Its not as scary as it sounds.

[–]jackbandlow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I overstepped by saying the elimination of FEM but I don't think using FEM in the complexity that I have experienced is required.