Advance Design
GRAITEC
#Structuralanalysis #Design #BIM
The easiest to use simulation
BIM software for structural engineers
Advance Design is a mature and easy to use FEM Structural Analysis solution dedicated to structural engineers operating in a BIM environment. It designs any type of structure, with any kind of loads, mixing concrete, timber and steel members. It includes major code standards (Eurocodes / North American).
Advance Design helps structural engineers to manage and operate projects better, safer and in more cost-effective way!
1 The best-in-class Revit integration
2 Designed by engineers for engineers
3 The fastest adoption for new users: 2 days to be productive
4 Handles multiple elements in a single platform (steel, concrete, timber)
5 Interoperability with Autodesk software, Revit and Advance Steel
5 Key benefits of Advance Design
Complete library of structural elements, advanced wizards and automatic loads generators (climatic loads, seismic loads, traffic loads…). Generate automatic reinforcement drawings for Beams, Columns, Footings, Walls, Shear Walls and Slabs
Powerful multicore FEM engine, post-processing tools and reports. Achieve a new level of computer aided engineering with Advance Design!
Advance Design acts as a structural BIM platform and guarantees the digital continuity of engineering data.
Take your projects to the next level with its advanced computational capabilities: non-linear calculation, push over, stage calculations.
Stay ahead of the curve by utilizing the latest features and improvements in your design workflow. Access expert support from GRAITEC and benefit from regular software updates.
See what our customers say about Advance Design
Ready to try Advance Design?
We guarantee dedicated support and full set of professional trainings. Contact our team to know more.
New features in Version 2024 Advance Design
The 2024 version of Advance Design places sustainability at the center of its focus. The carbon emission estimation feature, now available in Advance Design 2024, allows for accurate assessment and optimization of the environmental impact of designs. The analysis of timber structures is also improved in accordance with Eurocode 5, providing better capabilities to ensure structural integrity and compliance. The concrete and steel structure design capabilities are further enhanced in this new version of Advance Design 2024, enabling engineers and architects to effectively design safe, robust, and high-performing structures. Lastly, the new cost estimation module available in Advance Design 2024 helps teams make efficient decisions.
Carbon emission estimations
Your path to designing a more sustainable future just got easier with the new CO2 emission calculator in Advance Design 2024.
Assign specific carbon factors to individual materials or structural elements. You control the process by specifying the list of data sets for CO2 estimation.
Streamline your workflow with calculation results shown in graphical form and report tables. Track cost and carbon emission graphical results from the Results ribbon.
Cost estimations
Make better choices on structural elements and construction materials with the new Advance Design Cost Calculator. Better assess the economic impact of your design decisions.
Your decisions can be more straightforward with the dedicated Unit Prices Manager. You control the process with a list of data sets and unit prices.
Streamline your workflow with calculation results shown in graphical form and report tables. Track cost and carbon emission graphical results from the Results ribbon.
Enhanced analysis of timber structures by Eurocode 5
Increase your scope of verification with new Eurocode checks. Optimize designs for bearing, notches, compound sections, and timber elements considering deflection.
Expand your productivity with the design of spaced members using Eurocode 5.
Expand your design options by performing additional verification for timber elements according to Eurocode. Check compression perpendicular to the grain according to support sizes or on the end supports of a beam according to §6.1.5 from EN 1995-1-1.
Expand your design options by performing additional verification for timber elements according to Eurocode. Check the notch on element ends and verify support of notched beams according to §6.5.2 from EN 1995-1-1.
New features in Version 2024.1 Advance Design
Advance Design 2024.1 comes with significant enhancements and improvements to improve your efficiency. You can check your structures according to Canada’s NBC 2020 building code, get more productive with the project explorer when designing multi-story buildings, benefit from a quicker visual understanding of critical steel components, and create easier-to-read presentations with more control at your fingertips.
Take advantage of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020 implemention to optimize your design of buildings according to the latest Canadian code.
Easily duplicate a level to the top, or copy and paste entire systems from one level to others, with new options available in the contextual menu within the project explorer.
Improve efficiency using a single command to create linear releases on planar elements and using it for multiple edges to reduce the number of clicks.
Verify steel members with longitudinal stiffeners using the Reduced Stress Method from the EN 1993-1-5.
Use new Max Work Ratio options to display results colorized and easier-to-read
Get more readable drawings in design modules by accessing dedicated options to control text height and more.
DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW IN GRAITEC ADVANCE DESIGN
2024 New Features
2024.1 New Features
Check out this video showing
the new features of Advance Design 2024
More about Advance Design and BIM workflows
Connect Autodesk Advance Steel to Advance Design for unique BIM Workflow
In terms of Modelling, analysing and optimizing the steel structures, Advance Design is a high-end solution that integrates all these processes within the same modern and easy-to-use interface.
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Advance Design key features
Discover now how Advance Design can perfectly match your projects.
Our team of experts explains all and if you need a demo, please contact us.
BIM Workflows
Advance Design provides an outstanding BIM experience.
It enables intelligent model-based workflows for Engineers and construction professionals. Advance Design acts as a BIM platform and guarantees the continuity of geometric and analytical data through model transfers all along the design cycle.
Analysis results are also stored in the Digital Model and are part of the BIM process. For instance, they can be used to start a rebar design or a steel connection process directly from Revit. These options open new disruptive opportunities.
Connected Structural Workflow
Autodesk Revit and Advance Steel integration
IFC compliancy
Analytical model management
MODEL IMPORT/EXPORT CAPABILITY
The program provides several data exchange formats such as. .ifc, .sdnf, .gtcx, .gtc, .smlx, .stp (cis2, pss) or .dxf which allows to work with any environment
FULL COMPATIBILITY WITH AUTODESK REVIT
Possibility of bi-directional exchange of geometry and results with synchronization thanks to dedicated BIM Connect tool delivered with the program with advanced exchange settings and section mapping
FULL COMPATIBILITY WITH AUTODESK ADVANCE STEEL
Possibility of bi-directional model exchange and synchronization thanks to .smlx and .gtcx formats. Accurate exchange is guaranteed, among other things, by the implemented profile database of Advance Steel in Advance Design program
DESCRIPTIVE AND ANALYTICAL MODEL
Advance Design is distinguished by having 2 dependent models – a descriptive geometric model and the analytical model created on its basis, which is the key to correct cooperation with other environments
POSSIBILITY TO DIVIDE AND COMBINE MODELS
The program allows for arbitrary splitting and merging of separate files into one common model, which provides a variety of work scenarios
Modeling
Advance Design is probably one of the easiest to learn and use structural package. Modelling is intuitive thanks to a complete library of structural elements, advanced wizards and automatic loads generators (climatic loads, seismic loads, traffic loads…). These easily customisable elements and wizards adapt to any situation: numerical eccentricities, braces, ties with initial pre-stressing, complex loading systems…
Dynamic views
Level management
Property templates
Multi viewports
Coordinates system (Global, local, user).
Rendering display
3D animation on the model and results
INTUITIVE AND EASY MODEL DEFINITION
Very intuitive tools for model creation, with the ability to cut, extend and split elements. Plane-based drawing with the ability to set locate, trace, ortho and other modes
2D AND 3D STRUCTURE GENERATOR
Ability to insert parameterized structures such as trusses, frames and entire 3D halls/buildings using the powerful generator
FLOOR AND SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
Easy management of multi-story structures and grouping of elements due to any characteristics
DYNAMIC VIEWS
Benefit from parameterized dynamic views of structures, which can be simultaneously attached to calculation reports
SUPERELEMENTS
Ability to combine separate linear elements and slabs into a single superelement
COORDINATE SYSTEMS
Analysis of results and definition of elements possible in different coordinate systems (global, local, user)
MODEL RENDERING
Easier analysis of the model, thanks to the ability to create realistic visualizations of the object
ANIMATION OF THE MODEL AND RESULTS
Create animations for model presentation and animation of FEA results.
PRESENTATION OF SYMBOLS AND MARKINGS ON STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Possibility to display on all or selected elements the indicated symbols ( releases, bracing, etc.) and markings (cross-section, material, ID, etc.) for wide and easy control of the model
EASY DEFINITION AND MODIFICATION OF ELEMENT PARAMETERS
Easy definition of parameters using the properties window. Adjust dimensioning parameters individually, in a group or through a template.
WORKING IN MULTIPLE WINDOWS
Easy model control by working in multiple windows and model views
Loading
AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF CODE COMBINATIONS
Ability to create combinations manually or automatically based on the matrix of case relations
ADVANCED 3D CLIMATE LOAD GENERATOR
3D wind and snow loads for typical and complex geometries. Snow bag determination capability for complex building geometry.
MOVING LOAD GENERATOR
Load patterns for multiple lanes, pedestrian routes, bicycle paths. Input of load patterns and determination of result envelopes
CRANE LOAD GENERATOR
Possibility to create a single or double-rail crane path with any number of cranes moving along it simultaneously. Crane loads are determined automatically based on parameters specified by the user
SEISMIC LOAD GENERATOR
Generation of seismic spectra according to American and European standards
LOCAL AND GLOBAL IMPERFECTIONS
Automatic determination of equivalent loads (consideration of 2nd order effects) for local and global imperfections; analysis of steel member elements taking into account imperfections
IMPORT AND EXPORT OF LOADS
Ability to export support reactions and import them as loads for another model, which allows for a variety of scenarios working with separated parts of the structure
Advanced FEA methods
Advance Design features a powerful mesh and multicore FEM analysis engine, automated post-processing tools and detailed smart reports, automatically updated after every iteration. Achieve a new level of computer aided engineering with Advance Design!
Advanced mesh capabilities
Non linear analysis
General Buckling
Time Hsitory analysis
Pushover analysis
Construction stages
POWERFUL MULTITHREADED MES SOLVER
Static and dynamic analysis, temporal, seismic, geometric nonlinearities, large displacements, stability, pushover analysis, rigid links….
STAGE CALCULATIONS
The ability to define structural stages with the assignment of elements and loads to the indicated stage.
NONLINEAR SUPPORTS AND EDGE RELEASES
Complex supports for which it is possible to define any nonlinear work function or with predefined characteristics (gap, force limit, compression/tension). In addition, it is possible to define edge releases for panels working on one side (e.g. compression only, tension only).
MODEL VERIFICATION AND CORRECTION TOOLS
Built-in tools for the correction of the calculation model and user control at each stage of the calculation by displaying relevant warnings
ANALYTICAL NODE CONNECTIONS AND DIAPHRAGMS
Easy introduction of analytical connections between nodes, definition of stiffeners / diaphragms, master to slave node connections, supports and elastic releases
SCISSOR JOINTS
Definition of nominal or elastic releases between continuous elements, which will allow to faithfully reproduce the work of secondary elements such as purlins, rafters or grid beams.
FAST AND ACCURATE FE MESH GENERATOR
The program generates a finite element mesh in a very fast and accurate way. The user has many possibilities to influence the shape and density of the mesh.
Postprocessing
RESULTS TABLES
Presentation of FEA results for linear, surface, node and support elements in tabular form with dynamic filtering and sorting of values.
PRESENTATION OF RESULTS IN GRAPHICAL FORM
Several methods of postprocessing are available: graphical presentation of results on the model, diagrams of results, stress diagrams, intersection diagrams. The user has a wide range of possibilities for adjusting display parameters.
RESULTS ON A GRID
Post-processing grid for surface elements with user parameters independent of grid size.
RESULTANT FORCES
Automatic generation of resultant forces for structural elements including wall group
ADVANCED REPORT GENERATION
A wide set of predefined tables in reports. Fully customizable note templates: styles, tables and screenshots, title page, user-entered texts, links to related documents, etc.
Concrete Design
Advance Design performs a global reinforced concrete design that computes theoretical and real reinforcement, crack design, interpolated cracked inertia, deflection checks, etc. All these results are available for all elements in detailed reports.
Advance Design modules also provide detailed design intent and reinforcement drawings. Advance Design includes design and detailing modules for the main structural elements: reinforced concrete beams, columns, footings, RC bearing walls and shear walls, RC slabs allowing to go deep in the level of details such as openings, depressions, precasts, flanges, 3D reinforcement cages… Advance Design modules also provide detailed drawings required for the construction site.
NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CONCRETE DESIGN
Designing of reinforced concrete elements according to European standards with national annexes, Canadian and American standards
DESIGN TEMPLATES
Definition of templates with sets of standard parameters to speed up the process of design calculations
DEFLECTION AND CRACKING ANALYSIS
Calculation and verification of deflections of reinforced concrete beams and slabs also in the cracked condition with the possibility of correction of reinforcement to the crack
CALCULATION OF THEORETICAL AND REAL REINFORCEMENT
Determination of theoretical and real reinforcement in linear and surface elements
AUTOMATIC SMOOTHING IN SLAB-TO-COLUMN LAYOUTS
Smoothing of results and consideration of stiffness of slab-to-column connection using automatic rigid constraints for any cross sections
CONSIDERATION OF SLAB-BEAM INTERACTION IN DESIGN
Automatic consideration of beam stiffness and dimensioning of T-section with effective width of slab
DETAILED CALCULATION OF SLABS FOR PUNCHING SHEAR
Verification of the punching resistance of concrete and determination of the required reinforcement in the perimeters
VISUALIZATION AND VERIFICATION OF 3D REINFORCEMENT
Generation of actual rebar layout in 3D with full editing and verification capabilities
REAL SLAB REINFORCEMENT
A module for slabs that allows you to automatically and manually define the real reinforcement of the floor slab. The theoretical reinforcement can be the result of calculations based on forces from FEM or the strip method.
GENERATION OF ELEMENT REINFORCEMENT DRAWINGS
Generation of editable drawings in beams, columns, footings, footings ,walls and slabs along with a rebar schedule
SHEAR AND GRAVITATIONAL WALLS
Analysis and design of gravitational and shear walls, also as group of walls
DETAILED CALCULATION REPORTS
Automatic generation of calculation documentation with details of the analyses carried out
Steel members and connections design
Advance Design performs an advanced analysis and optimisation of steel elements and connections according to the selected standards. Design templates, shape and deflection optimisation through automated calculation cycles, a wizard for steel structures and a detailed global report including all design checks and graphical results makes Advance Design a high-end solution to design steel structures.
DIMENSIONING OF COLD-FORMED PROFILES
Detailed calculation according to EN 1993-1-3 for thin-walled cold-formed sections such as Z, C, E, etc.
ADVANCED LATERAL TORSIONAL BUCKLING ANALYSIS OF STEEL MEMBERS (LTB)
Advanced analysis method based on a model with 7 degrees of freedom taking into account section warping
STEEL ELEMENT OPTIMIZATION
Optimization of steel elements based on strength and stiffness criteria, with sorting according to various parameters like dimensions, weight….
DETAILED AND TRANSPARENT CALCULATION REPORTS
Verification of the dimensioning process based on detailed calculation notes containing verification formulas
INTEGRATED CONNECTION ANALYSIS MODULE
Analysis of typical steel connection schemes, also in a group, with advanced calculation notes
EXTENSIVE CROSS-SECTION LIBRARY
Speed up the modeling and analysis process by being able to use a rich database of single and compound steel profiles and create user cross sections
ADVANCED TORSIONAL LENGTH DEFINITION OPTIONS
Intuitive definition of lateral torsional buckling restraints based on approaching elements or user-defined points
PARAMETRIC DEFINITION OF COLD-FORMED PROFILES
Possibility of defining typical cold-formed profiles in a parametric way specifying characteristic dimensions.
CALCULATING THE PLASTIC FACTOR FOR A USER SECTION
The section calculator allows you to define also the plastic coefficient for any user section.
SUPERELEMENT CONCEPT
Combination of multiple separate elements into a single superelement for modeling and calculation purposes
COOPERATION WITH IDEA StatiCa CONNECTION
Possibility to export structure elements with forces to an additional program for dimensioning complex steel connections using the CBFEM method
Timber
Timber is getting more and more traction in the construction space and timber design has become more complex with the application of the Eurocode 5. Advance Design also performs a complete analysis and optimisation of timber elements.
OPTIMIZATION OF TIMBER COMPONENTS
Optimization of wooden elements based on strength and stiffness criteria, with sorting according to various parameters such as dimensions, mass…
DETAILED AND TRANSPARENT CALCULATION REPORTS
Verification of the dimensioning process based on detailed calculation notes containing verification formulas
DESIGN IN FIRE SITUATION
Verification of elements in a fire situation including protection by strength reduction and section reduction methods
Foundations
KTZ GROUND STIFFNESS CALCULATOR
Ability to define elastic supports with automatic determination of ground stiffness for point, linear and surface supports
ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF PUNCTUAL AND LINEAR FOOTINGS
Possibility of geotechnical analysis for direct foundations in terms of bearing capacity of multilayer foundation, sliding, overturning, compression surface, eccentricity and settlement in conditions with and without drainage
VERIFICATION FOR MULTILAYER SOIL
Ability to calculate bearing capacity under the foundation base for single and multilayer soils by the method indicated by the user
CALCULATION OF THEORETICAL AND REAL REINFORCEMENT IN FOUNDATIONS
Calculation of reinforcement and verification for shear/punching of foundations with selection of real reinforcement
WIDE RANGE OF FOUNDATION SHAPE
Possibility of calculations for rectangular, trapezoidal and socket footings. Calculation of continuous foundations reinforced and without reinforcement
DATABASE OF SOILS WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING USER SOILS
Extensive library of soils with required parameters that can be supplemented with new user soils
AUTOMATIC REINFORCEMENT DRAWING
Generation of detailed drawing for foundations based on user drawing template
Masonry
DESIGN CALCULATIONS OF MASONRY WALLS
Possibility of design calculations of masonry walls according to the detailed and simplified method (EN 1996-1-1 and EN 1996-3 with national annexes including Polish, Czech, Slovakian, French, English, Romanian and Italian NTC standard) for vertical loads, under concentrated loads, for bending and shear as well as basement walls subjected to soil pressure loading
SIMPLIFIED CALCULATIONS OR BASED ON FORCES FROM FEM
Ability to run the module as a standalone with manual definition of geometry, external loads and determination of bending moments according to Annex C, among others. In addition, the ability to design walls defined in the FEM model based on reduced forces in pillars
WIDE RANGE OF WALL SECTIONS
Calculation of one- and two-layer walls, walls stiffened by pillars and cavity walls made of ceramic, silicate, aggregate concrete, cellular concrete and stone masonry elements. The wall cross-section can be saved for use in subsequent projects.
ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE PILLARS SIMULTANEOUSLY
Verification of all pillars formed in the wall by door and window openings, carried out for a complex load condition (all verifications are carried out simultaneously – vertical loads, bending, shear and verification under concentrated forces without the need to define multiple calculation positions).
DETAILED CALCULATION NOTE
Basic calculation results are available immediately after the calculation in the results panel. A detailed note with the entire calculation flow is available in pdf and docx formats and can be configured by the user.
EASY DEFINITION OF GEOMETRY AND LOADS
Intuitive and easy definition and change of wall geometry using dialog boxes or directly from the graphical interface. All options are provided with graphical prompts and descriptions.
MASONRY ELEMENTS DATABASE
Full library of masonry materials and mortars according to Eurocode, with the possibility to add your own catalogs.
Complete your structural analysis with the design modules
Use integrated design modules to make detailed design checks, generate detailed reports and get automatically detailing drawings
Shear Walls
With the integrated design module, you can desigh RC shear walls or groups of shear walls, generate corresponding 3D rebar cages and get automatically the final drawing
RC Slabs
Apply specific methods to design and reinforce a RC slab, using strips method for example, reinforce the element using bars and fabrics and get automatically the final drawing
Steel Connections
Use the integrated module to design Steel connnections from the 3D model and get automatically design reports and drawings
Report non valid use
Please contact us to report any unauthorized use of GRAITEC software. All provided information will solely be utilized by GRAITEC License Compliance and Legal Departments.
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