The Best Structural Design Software in 2025

We wrote about this topic back in 2021, a time marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, remote work, and the significant rise in the use of various SaaS systems for daily operations. Considering this, we’ve decided to refresh one of our most-read articles and provide an updated perspective on the best structural design software available in 2025.

In recent years, the industry and its technologies have advanced significantly, transforming how structural components are designed and analyzed. Structural design software has become an essential tool for engineers and designers, enabling them to quickly and accurately develop and test their projects. In this article, we will review the top software used in the industry in 2024 and expected to lead in 2025, exploring their benefits and advantages for engineers during the design process.

• Autodesk Advance Steel

Autodesk Advance Steel is a leading tool for detailed steel structure design. This software offers an intuitive interface and enables easy control and adjustment of details during the design process, addressing the critical areas engineers focus on. The latest version enhances its integration with BIM (Building Information Modeling), allowing seamless coordination with other software. Advance Steel facilitates the automatic generation of steel elements and connections, accelerating the design process and reducing errors during production. This makes it an ideal solution for engineers working with steel structures, streamlining the entire workflow from design to manufacturing. With Advance Steel, engineering projects are significantly expedited, making it a valuable tool for BIM-based projects.

• Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit is one of the most renowned and leading BIM software used for design, technical documentation, and coordination of construction projects of all sizes and complexities.
Key features of Autodesk Revit include:

• 3D modeling and documentation: Create detailed models of building structures with precise information about materials, dimensions, and performance.
• Coordination and collaboration: Revit allows teams to work simultaneously on the same model in real time, improving efficiency and minimizing errors.
• Integration with other tools: It integrates seamlessly with software like Autodesk Advance Steel, Tekla Structures, and Dlubal RFEM, enabling data exchange and process optimization.
• Energy performance analysis: Tools for analyzing energy efficiency help design sustainable and economical buildings.
• Visualization and rendering: High-quality visualizations provide clients and teams with a better understanding of the project’s final appearance and functionality.

Revit is particularly popular among architects, civil engineers, and contractors due to its versatility and powerful modeling and documentation tools.

• Dlubal RFEM

Dlubal RFEM is a structural analysis software that uses the Finite Element Method (FEM) to perform precise calculations and simulations. Ideal for engineers working on steel, concrete, timber, aluminum and tensile structures. The latest version of this software brings additional improvements to the interface and functionalities, enabling even easier use and greater efficiency in work. RFEM supports modeling complex geometries and includes advanced analysis options such as material and geometric nonlinearities. It also offers design modules compliant with European standards (EN), including national annexes, and other global codes like AISC, ACI, and CSA.

In addition to standard static calculations, RFEM offers options for dynamic analysis (modal analysis, spectral analysis, pushover analysis), geotechnical analysis, along with foundation design, as well as calculations for steel connections. Its seamless BIM integration with tools like Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit facilitates efficient collaboration across teams and platforms.

• BricsCAD

BricsCAD is a versatile and increasingly popular CAD software offering a unified 2D drafting and 3D modeling platform. BricsCAD ensures smooth data exchange with other CAD tools because it is compatible with the DWG file format. It allows users to switch between 2D and 3D modes effortlessly, enabling faster project iterations. The software features AI-powered automation for repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual effort. With competitive pricing, BricsCAD is an attractive option for both small teams and large enterprises. Its integration with tools like Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit further strengthens its value in construction and engineering projects.

• Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures is the industry leader in modeling and detailing steel and concrete structures. The latest version offers enhanced 3D modeling capabilities, ensuring greater precision and better analysis of structures. Tekla integrates seamlessly with other BIM tools like Dlubal RFEM and Autodesk Revit, making it a central component in many engineering projects. The software enables teams to optimize workflows, improve productivity, and achieve higher accuracy, all while maintaining an intuitive user interface for efficient and effective project execution.

• SCIA Engineer

SCIA Engineer is a powerful software for the analysis and design of building structures, relying on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Designed for civil engineers, this tool provides solutions for the calculation of steel, concrete, timber and composite structures. The latest version has been enhanced with faster calculation algorithms, an expanded material library, and additional functionalities that simplify work on the most complex construction projects.

One of the key advantages of SCIA Engineer is its adaptability to various building standards, including Eurocode. Engineers can perform detailed structural analyses under dynamic loads, such as seismic effects and vibrations, making it an ideal tool for designing in challenging conditions. Visualizing results through interactive 3D displays allows for a deeper understanding of structural behavior and optimization of the design process.

The software integrates seamlessly with tools like Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit, ensuring smooth data exchange and improving work efficiency. Its modular structure enables users to customize the software to their specific needs by adding functionalities such as fire resistance analysis, stability analysis, and element optimization.

• Idea StatiCa

Idea StatiCa is a specialized software for the analysis and calculation of connections between steel elements, as well as between steel and concrete. Version 24.1 introduces one of the key advantages of Idea StatiCa—the ability to perform a detailed analysis of the connection between steel and concrete elements, precisely considering the impact of reinforcement in concrete.

It is also important to mention its compatibility with leading BIM tools such as Tekla Structures, Autodesk Advance Steel, and Revit, as well as with top structural analysis software like Dlubal RFEM, SCIA Engineer, and SAP2000. This ensures seamless integration into existing design workflows, speeding up the design process and minimizing the risk of errors.

Key features:

• Analysis of steel connections, regardless of load type and joint geometry.
• Design of concrete beams, walls, and slabs using the Concrete module.
• Visualization of stresses, strains and deformations for a better understanding of connection and structure behavior.

Idea StatiCa is ideal for engineers looking for a flexible, precise, and fast tool for designing connections and structures, especially when dealing with complex or non-standard solutions.

Conclusion

Structural design software has become an indispensable tool in the construction and engineering industries. With technological advancements, these applications enable engineers to design more accurately, efficiently, and quickly than ever before.

Whether working on steel or concrete structures, or any other type of design, tools like Autodesk Advance Steel, Tekla Structures, Dlubal RFEM, and others on this list provide excellent solutions for your structural design needs in 2025.