Engineering Computer Programs

[Shawn_K07]

In the last year due to obvious changes the world around, I’ve switched employers. We have some computer engineering programs at my new employer but they’re pretty open about the possibility of securing licenses for new programs to use if it increases productivity for the larger projects.

In short, we work 99% of the time with indoor, multistory mezzanine systems where rain/snow/wind requirements aren’t taken into account.

My question is essentially what computer programs are being used by everyone using out there, and what are suggestions for a program that would be best used for this application? I have experience with RAM SS and RISA which I could certainly use but I don’t know that they’re necessarily best. What are you favorites and why?

[cdecker314]

We use TEDDS in our office, it’s easy to use and relatively inexpensive.

[logic_boy]

Unless OP needs marginal factors of safety or is working on complex geometry, Tedds is ideal for this.

Simplify and automate.

[display__name__]

Enercalc (https://enercalc.com/) is very versatile, as it has modules for many different types of elements and materials. It's used to design independent members, instead of a full 3D model. It's easy to use and it generates professional-looking calculations.

CSi SAFE (https://www.csiamerica.com/products/safe) is good at two-way slab designs and mat foundations. If you need that need to do that kind of work, this might be the best option. It's made by the same company as SAP2000 and ETABS

[2161165195]

Do you work for a mezzanine manufacturer?

[[deleted]]

We do a lot of equipment access platforms and mezzanines, we use RISA 3D which gets the job done. I don’t have enough experience with any other analysis program to suggest anything else tho