Software Development in Construction
Software driven developments are increasingly being applied to construction industry, leading to perceptible improvement in terms of quality, economy,speed,and delivery. In today's highly competitive and responsive engineering environment, engineers are fully dependent on sophisticated computer software at each stage of the project i.e from concept to completion.
A variety of software tools are available relating to the different specialized disciplines of engineering such as geotechnical, structural, mechanical, transportation, hydraulic, environmental, land surveying, and so on. Some software houses have attempted to provide design software catering for the variety of infrastructure design fields in an integrated manner. These sophisticated softwares developed by the companies engaged in this task, are enabling the construction professionals to construct durable, aesthetic, higher functional and user-friendly structures which are economical and time saving.
Work is on for more innovative solutions and possibilities in the field of structural analysis and designing,which not only improves the quality and life span of the constructs but also provides protection from man-made and natural calamities. A number of expert systems are being deployed in new infrastructure development,civil engineering and management of projects to enable construction sector to perform better as is evident from the better performance of the construction sector over the years. Amidst reports on a number of state-of-the- art constructions,development of highways,airports,ports,bridges and tunneling systems in different parts of the country, breathtaking development and application of these software and sophisticated systems have taken place,raising the technological status of country's construction industry and its image.
Professionals and Readers dealing with design in architecture,engineering designs, detailing, estimation, tendering, procurement of materials and services,construction and project management are today only a click away from a realistic solution which was not possible through traditional methodologies.NBM&CW has made an attempt to present a perspective report on software used in civil construction and therefore invited some of the related companies to share information of their innovative solutions which gives the 'best value' to their customers. Responding to its invitation to contribute information on the subject,some of the companies have unveiled their offerings,products and services for the benefit of industry which are briefed here.
In Indian context,in last few years,we have noted the success of firms who have embraced Tekla's flagship product in the structural steelwork industry,and it is exciting to look forward to what the future has yet in store says Mr. Ajit Mohite,Director,Tekla.
"Tekla Structures" software is a truly interoperable building information modeling tool for the whole construction workflow. It is one tool instead of competing one-tool-for-each-phase solutions that streamlines the delivery process of design,detailing,manufacturing,and construction organizations. While integrating openly with architectural models,Tekla's strength lies in the contractor end of the process. Thousands of "Tekla Structures" software users in over 80 countries have successfully delivered BIM-based projects across the world. Tekla software supports modeling,detailing,fabrication,and project management in a collaborative environment,with focus primarily on steel and concrete. Tekla's software products and related services are used mostly in building — small to mid-sized construction companies and specialty contractors & more.
According to Mr. Mohite,for over a decade,3D modeling has been a powerful tool for detailers, designers and contractors within the steel construction sector. Now the most advanced 3D modeling system for steel structures is Tekla Structures—a solution that gives you the power and flexibility to tackle any type of detailing project. While eliminating errors,the software increases your ability to produce the drawings you need faster than ever before. Tekla Structures provides real time,accurately detailed & data rich model with accessibility through network which makes a unique software solution unlike any other software available in construction industry. It again provides seamless integration with analysis & design tools used globally. Tekla model can easily be linked to A & D products,which can be preferred choice of Structural engineers. The final A & D results can be brought in Tekla to have the model up to date in Tekla Structures.
Tekla has incorporated all the domestic needs in the product that makes our solution up to date with industry requirements. Tekla's service team ensures that customers are able to use the new features to maximize Tekla Structure usage and get maximum benefits.
Mr. Mohite further elaborates–a well-defined training course provides a jump start with the new system and later supports a continuous learning curve to allow the users to utilize the system to its fullest potential. Tekla fulfills all training needs related to its products. It provides general and customer-specific training courses for system administrators and professional end users. Tekla gives technical support to solve our customers' trickiest problems and communicates the feedback from the customers to product development. Tekla extranet provides information about Tekla events,training courses and new product releases,and offers software tips to enhance the user experience with Tekla products. There is also an interactive forum where the users can discuss issues of interest to their field of business.
Mr. Vijay Gupta,CEO, SoftTech Engineers Pvt. Ltd states that capability of SoftTech products revolves around its mission of accomplishing complete automation in the civil and infrastructure Industry. SoftTech have innovated software tools for improving the efficiency of the agents associated to entire construction life cycle. SoftTech's products are conceptualized in such a way that they are easy to learn and easy to use yet providing powerful capabilities.
SoftTech is engaged in development of software products in architectural-engineering- construction (AEC) space. Its products are classified under two categories. Off-the-shelf,ready to plug and use software products and enterprise solutions for construction vertical and e-governance.
SoftTech's off-the-shelf offerings are: "STRUDS" for structural analysis,design & detailing of RCC and Steel framed multistoried buildings as per IS & BS codes. "ESRGSR" is unique and completely integrated software for structural analysis,design & detailing of elevated service reservoirs and ground service reservoirs. "QE-PRO" facilitates quantity estimation and project management. It helps in computation of quantities from floor plans created graphically,preparation of estimates and tender documents,bid analysis,preparation of running bills. "Q-Mate" is AutoCAD based quantity computation software. It reads architectural and structural drawings in DWG format to extract quantities in LxBxD format. "e-Learning" suite of products are self–learning systems for engineering students,teachers and practicing engineers developed for educating theoretical and practical concepts of civil and construction engineering subjects leveraging multimedia,and animation technology.
SoftTech's enterprise solutions are: "OPTICON" is a web based ERP and decision support system exclusively for construction enterprises. "AutoDCR" is a unique solution for automatic scrutiny of building plans reading CAD drawings submitted by architects to municipal corporations or other competent authorities and map them to development rules. "PWIMS" is a completely integrated application for managing construction related activities of organizations like PWD, CPWD, municipal corporations and other government departments.
The CEO elaborates; SoftTech is aiming towards start to end comprehensive solution to address automation in entire construction cycle leveraging advanced information technology. He adds,SoftTech has many success stories associated to their products: STRUDS has 13 years of success history with about 4500+ user base. Many complex multi– storied building projects have been successfully designed using STRUDS. One of the most prestigious projects is 53 storied "Wawasan" Building at Kaula Lumpur; Malaysia,analyzed and designed using our STRUDS.
Compared to most of other software products which are developed by our competitors,SoftTech believes its products and solutions cater perfectly to the local design and detailing practices in Indian conditions as these are developed by Indian engineers with rich experience of practices followed in the country. This has reflected in the way SoftTech's softwares have been adopted by large number of local engineering firms.
SoftTech's e-Governance solutions AutoDCR and PWIMS address the specific point to point solution and has strong competition advantage in terms of implementation period and cost involved.
SoftTech's growth plans include:
For 25 years, ADAPT's mission has been to develop the industry's leading concrete design and analysis tools. Over the years,our software products and design aids have evolved to meet the ever increasing demands of structural engineering firms,says Mr. Suranjan Bhanja,CEO,ADAPT International.
Today,we deliver an integrated concrete design solution that allows structural engineers to develop their projects from conceptual design all the way through to the creation of structural drawings and details,using a single slab model. These improvements in modeling,analysis,integrated design,and detailing have led to a dramatic increase in the productivity and profitability of our clients worldwide,he added.
ADAPT- PT: The major areas of application are Beam Frames, Slabs and Floor Systems in Buildings and Parking Structures. This software is based on the proven Equivalent Frame and finds application in modern architecture that demands larger spans,flat slab with irregular shapes. A unique application for the contractors who want to shorten the construction schedule and reduce the construction costs. ADAPT-PT allows user to use a wide range of international concrete design codes including ACI 318 (1999 & 2005) and Canadian (1994 & 2004) along with Australian,European,Hong Kong,Indian,and British.
ADAPT- Builder: Developed with ADAPT Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology, the ADAPT-Builder Platform is a collection of fully integrated design and analysis tools for all types of concrete floor systems,foundation,and beam structures,whether with or without post-tensioning. The solution's intuitive and easy-to-use 3D component modeling capabilities allow engineers to quickly model any structure. In addition,the Builder Platform is the industry's only solution that gives engineers the flexibility to analyze 3D structural models using either the Finite Element Method (FEM) or the Equivalent Frame Method (EFM). With specialized design tools for concrete beam frames,one-way or column-supported flat slabs,parking structures,mat foundations,ground-supported slabs,and built-in building codes (e.g.,American,Canadian,British,European,Indian and Australian),ADAPT's Builder Platform will immediately streamline and improve the concrete design practice followed by engineers.
ADAPT ABI: ADAPT-ABI 2009 is a special-purpose programme developed for the design and analysis of prestressed concrete bridges built of either segmental or conventional construction. It provides information for geometry and stress control during construction,as well as design values for service load. ADAPT-ABI has been serving bridge design engineers worldwide for over twenty years and has found application in several important projects while conducting time dependent analysis of concrete bridges and frames both with and without post-tensioning. ADAPT- ABI 2009 can also investigate the effects of newly placed concrete creep,shrinkage,relaxation in prestressing over time,aging of concrete and variation in temperature. ADAPT– ABI also helps engineers in analysing: 1. Incrementally constructed bridges and frames 2. Retrofitting of concrete frames i.e. when new members are added or existing members are modified or frames are demolished. Other applications include composite construction and cable stay structures.
Further he says, ADAPT software solutions are very user-friendly,easy for even first time user engineers to quickly familiarize and start working on high-end projects. Training is imparted to ensure that engineers are aware of the complete range of inherent features of. ADAPT provides not only 1-2 days of customer specific training but also conducts seminars and workshops to provide mid-level and high-level trainings to clients.
Over the past 25 years,ADAPT softwares have been used in some of the world's best known projects,he added. Spread over 40 countries,ADAPT has a user base of over 3,500 satisfied users who have utilized the power of the software in analysis,design and modeling of hundreds of buildings and bridges. Some of the landmark projects where our software have been used include:
Burj Dubai,UAE, Legend Plaza,UAE, The Mecca Mall,Saudi Arabia, Kullu Bridge,India, Gurgaon Expressway,India, Ganga Bridge,India, Thakot Bridge,Pakistan, Al Sabah Mall,Syria, Shams Gateway Towers,UAE, The Pearl,Viva Bahriya,Qatar, Barjeel Tower,Qatar, Al Khalili Tower,UAE, Surabaya Toll Road,Indonesia, Arch Bridge Across Beas,India, BR8 Putra Jaya Cable Stayed Bridge,Malaysia, Mucha Road Interchange,Taiwan, Toll Highway AY 407,Canada, Mok-Dong Development Project,South Korea, Venetian Macau Cotai,Hong Kong, Television Nacional de Chile (TVN),Chile, and so on.
ADAPT is facing the same global challenges as others in the industry due to the ongoing recession. However,due to our presence across international market,the adverse affects have been lessened. Simultaneously,the growth in the housing and road infrastructure in a number of APAC countries have helped contain recessionary effects to a large extent. We are undertaking steps such as cost control measures and proactive marketing and business development to tackle recessionary effects,says Mr. Bhanja.
RISA-3D, the flagship software of RISA Technologies,enjoys quite a lot popularity among structural engineers for 3D structural analysis and design,says Mr. Pradut Roy,Director,RISA. This is due to following reasons: First and foremost reason is ease-of-use. In fact,user friendliness is what makes this software #1 in US and differentiate itself from other software products available in this segment. Secondly,price what has been offered in India is very competitive and affordable. Thirdly,it covers most of the features,which can be covered by any single software of this kind and all the International Design Codes like IND,US,BS,EURO,CAN,AUS,NZ without any extra cost for the additional design codes. Fourthly,RISA at present is providing the analysis and design link to AutoDesk's premier BIM package: REVIT Structure. In addition to this,RISA also has the ability to import and export DXF,STAAD,DESCON,SDNF,CIS/2,and Structural Desktop files.
It is designed with intention to help structural engineering professionals everyday and well–customized for the Indian codes like IS-800:1984 (re-affirmed in 1998),IS-456:2000,IS-1893: 2002 (Static & Response Spectrum methods),IS-875 Part-III,Auto Load Combinations as per Indian Codes as well as user define auto load combinations and many more.
Apart from this,RISA Technologies provides RISAFloor,RISATower, RISAFoundation, RISABase, RISAFoot, RISASection,and RISAMasonry for serving the different component design and analysis of the structures.
RISA-3D and other tools available with RISA Technologies' offers its foremost benefit: as ease of use that has actually helped structural engineers and professionals in improving their productivity and work more efficiently as it facilitates in analysing (including high end dynamic analysis very easily through GUI),designing and optimizing of all types of structures and all common structural materials.
Main strength of this software is user–friendliness and accuracy in result and that contributes substantially in enhancing efficiency of structural engineers. To ensure this,RISA provides full fledged training along with the product sale. Our Technical Support team facilitates prompt and specifically needed support to the practicing engineers/consultants. RISA facilitates trainings through its authorized training centers.
The 2006 survey indicates RISA-3D has grown to the point that it equals the market penetration of Staad,a program that appeared unassailable in 2002. After RISA-3D and Staad,the next most widely used general purpose program is RISA-2D. RISAFloor has grown from non–existence in 2002 to over 50% of the penetration of Etabs and over 20% of the penetration of Ramsteel in 2006.
To name a few prominent customers and sites where RISA products were used include,Airborne and Special Operations Museum,Location Fayetteville,North Carolina,Art Museum of Western Virginia Roanoke,Va.,Crystal Cathedral,Garden Grove,Calif,Hunley Submarine Recovery,Charleston,South Carolina,Plate Stress Analysis for Carbone of America Corp.,Salem,Va.,Specialized Process Vessel are the few prestigious projects where RISA's software solutions are used.
According to Mr. Ravi Singh, Asst VP-Global Marketing Cranes Engineering,its flagship software's in the civil engineering domain are NISA/CIVIL and NISA DesignStudio. NISA/CIVIL is a finite element based software to solve a wide variety of problems encountered in the analysis and design of reinforced concrete and steel structures like buildings,bridges,water tanks,irrigation structures,water retaining structures,etc. The software provides excellent tools for modeling and is backed by a powerful NISA II analysis engine. Structural consultants from the SME space who do not need the extensive capabilities of full-fledged commercial codes have always faced the dilemma of having to pay much higher for software than their actual needs. NISA DesignStudio is feature rich civil engineering software developed precisely to fulfill this need.
Specialty of Cranes Software Int. Ltd's software include: Finite Element Analysis Capabilities, Structural Design Capabilities,RC Detailing Features,Drawing Capabilities,Codes of Practice, User–friendly Features.
Further Mr. Ravi Singh elaborates; there is couple of features in its software that makes it unique as compared to the other commercial software packages in the market. For starters, NISA/CIVIL has got an integrated offline mode of design,which results in minimizing the iterations required for designing members,considering that iterations usually force companies into huge time and space constraints,this feature makes work simple and easy for many a structural engineer. Secondly,apart from its supremacy in producing robust design and analysis,NISA/CIVIL comes equipped with presentable and meaningful drawing and report generation options. Usually,this part is the most time consuming component of any structural engineer,but with the advent of NISA/CIVIL,generating meaningful reports is no more a concern.
The after sales benefits that professionals in the construction industry would receive out of Crane's software are endless says Mr. Ravi Singh. One can receive training on full fledged FEM software and make sure that they are up to date with the latest technology. In fact,the training program that company offers has been extremely well–received by both the education segment and the corporate alike.
User meets and road shows form integral part of any organization's marketing activities. Cranes Software has been organizing NISA User's Conference for the last two years and response from the customers and prospects have been tremendous.
He further adds,the consulting division of Cranes Engineering has done projects with many prestigious clients from PSU's,Govt. Departments,Research Labs,Corporates and Educational Institutions. We work in collaboration with them in solving their complex technical problems. Some of the areas we have worked on include power projects,machine foundations,highrise buildings,bridges etc. The experiences gained from many big projects have been successfully compiled into NISA/CIVIL that has empowered it to be the industry preferred software for structural analysis and designing.
The recession has had little impact on product sales. The full-featured and cost-effective NISA DesignStudio is gaining much popularity these days. Cranes Civil-Structural Engineering related products will have a 15-20% market share in the next 2-3 years. The Civil-Structural Engineering business which will involve products and services should grow by more than 100% at the end of 3 years. Company's civil-structural clientele is presently India specific,we plan to enter the US,UK and EU aggressively by the end of this year.
Mr. Hemant Kumar,Executive Director,CSI India says,his Company is offering 5 different software tools for meeting varying demands from our users. These are SAP2000 with Bridge Modeler,Staged Analysis and Offshore modules,ETABS,SAFE P/T,Perform-3D and CSICOL.
SAP2000 is a general purpose finite element software which can analyse and design a variety of structures like building frames, bridge structures, machine foundations,sports facilities, base isolated structures,systems with dampers etc. ETABS is special purpose software suitable for analysis and design of building systems of arbitrary plan and elevation with/without shear walls and/or flats slabs/plates. In addition,ETABS can also be used to analyse and design buildings with base isolators and dampers. SAFE P/T is special purpose software for analysis and design of flat slabs and mat foundations with/without post tensioning. SAFE P/T can also analyse and design foundations under uplift. Perfrom-3D is primarily a non-linear analysis tool used for performance assessment of a structural system under applied gravity and lateral loads. CSICOL is used to design any shape concrete column with arbitrary reinforcement and shape.
Bandra Worli Sea Link project used SAP2000 for analysis of this important bridge. Besides that most multistory buildings have been analysed and designed using ETABS/SAFE. Burj Dubai and Petronas Towers were also analysed on ETABS. Recently,an isolated hospital in Himachal Pradesh was analysed and designed using SAP2000. Many companies have used ETABS to study the use of dampers in high–rise buildings.
AceCad leverages over 20 years of acquired specialist knowledge of the international structural steelworks industry and this unrivalled experience is intrinsically delivered through StruCad and StruM.I.S .NET. According to Mr. Abhilash Joseph,Regional Manager India,the main features of StruCad include: Rapid model detailing; Leading 3rd party integration; Integrated joint connection design system; Model management and revision control/roll back; Multi-user via LAN,WAN and Internet; Complete reporting and listing functionality; Automated accurate drawing production,Leading integration with CNC manufacturers - including scribing,Integrated estimating system,and Freeware for model and drawing collaboration.
The StruM.I.S .NET Fabrication Management System brings the steel fabrication industry up to date with the very latest processing,tracking,planning and reporting facilities. StruM.I.S .NET streamlines the estimating,procurement and fabrication process by providing seamless interaction between departments,suppliers and clients. Advanced.NET technology makes real-time progress reports available anytime and from anywhere around the world.
AceCad Software is dedicated in providing world-class technical support for all our products ensuring our customers that they can use the software to its full potential. AceCad's global StruSupport - support teams provide regular information on the latest product updates and enhancement to all our customers,enabling them to retain maximum productivity. Experienced and committed StruSupport - support teams provide fast and efficient responses to all users' technical queries via telephone,e-mail or web based technologies.
AceCad trains any individual or group of users at any appropriate venue that is convenient for the client, whether on-site or at any of its own or of distributor's offices around the world.
AceCad's softwares are used in Essar Steel Plant Facilities in Hazira Gujarat,Essar Steel Algoma Inc Toronto,CVRD Oman,Paradeep Orissa,and Dabuna Orissa. Apart from these projects,it is also used at Swiss RE Tower (Gherkin) in London,Wembley Stadium in London,AlKazim Towers in Dubai,Khalifa Sports Hall in Doha and many more.
Mr. Abhilash Joseph said that AceCad's software tools are one of the world's software products leading with 35,000 software users in over 80 countries and expect significant growth from regions and markets new to 3D modeling and with growing structural steel sectors. We are still growing in all areas. There is now also optimism in many industry reports and the structural steel industry is resilient and not as affected as domestic building sectors. By providing maximum benefits – in terms of both productivity and efficiency,we benefit our clients both in slower periods and future proof them for forthcoming booms. Their successes are our success and by focusing on meeting and exceeding our client's needs,we expect future is extremely positive.
According to Mr. Subodh Shinde Technical Support Engineer MIDAS India,MIDAS offers four software products for civil and structural engineering and they are:
All MIDAS products form inter-related interface providing "one stop solution" to most problems of civil engineering,adds Mr. Subodh Shinde. MIDAS has strong technical support team in Indian office providing appropriate technical support (24 hours turn around average) through phone,email etc to MIDAS customers. It provides complimentary training for one day to all customers and thereby gives them the complete knowledge about the software and structures as per the requirements. MIDAS also provides pre-purchase training to its users. The training period can be extended according to the mutual convenience.
MIDAS views user meets to facilitate technical discussions about the latest trends in the construction industry,and also to impart knowledge to the users about the new features been added in products. It also gathers requirements,if any,about specific features from its users.
According to Mr. Vinay Kasture, Managing Director,Kanix Infotech Pvt. Ltd., "Highrise – Construction ERP" can be considered as India's first specialized ERP for Construction Industry available with implementation guarantee. Key features of Highrise are audit trails,built in quality management and knowledge banking, directly read CAD drawing,multilevel user security,auto alert using sms/internet and direct connect to site using internet.
Kanix' offers Highrise - Construction ERP as its flagship product. Kanix has invested 12 long years in research,designing & fine tuning proprietary business processes. This has resulted in making Highrise fills the gap between theoretical business/construction management and practical site operations giving the organizations multitude of benefits. Development of Highrise started way back in 1996 and the product has grown in strength in terms features,stability,Implementation procedures to the extent that the maker of this ERP feel confident to sell the product with Implementation Guarantee.
Highrise Construction ERP is very useful for Townships, SEZ's, Residential, Infrastructure & Turnkey Projects. It offers multiple flavors/versions to suite requirements of Large,Mid-size and small businesses. Its focus is to provide ERP solution in construction management space adds Mr. Vinay Kasture. He further adds,Highrise helps engineers through various ways like accurate Estimation (Directly converting CAD Drawings),Project Scheduling (Using Pert/CPM & Other techniques),Project Planning,Costing & Budgeting,Computation of Activity-wise and Material wise Variance for Quantity & Cost,Incorporation of Quality Checks using quality check lists and Tender Management.
Highrise – Construction ERP software is specialized for Construction Industry and offers huge advantages to the industry as compared to Generalized ERP software available in market. The Implementation time expected to be just 90 days.
Kanix has an arm focusing on management training for construction and real estate businesses. It helps traditional construction businesses in making successful transition to a corporate through trainings in construction management and in turn builds trained manpower for its products.
The state-of-the-art support centre of Kanix can remotely connect to its users spread across India and abroad and observes an SLA of 24Hrs. Additionally,all the software products are continuously upgraded in terms of features and performance and are deploys to its users using periodic service packs.
Kanix is serving an Industry which is worst affected by the recession. Keeping this in mind,Kanix has launched schemes with aggressive pricing and easy payment option. Due to recession the importance of cost cutting and better management control has got importance as never before for construction houses.
A variety of software tools are available relating to the different specialized disciplines of engineering such as geotechnical, structural, mechanical, transportation, hydraulic, environmental, land surveying, and so on. Some software houses have attempted to provide design software catering for the variety of infrastructure design fields in an integrated manner. These sophisticated softwares developed by the companies engaged in this task, are enabling the construction professionals to construct durable, aesthetic, higher functional and user-friendly structures which are economical and time saving.
Work is on for more innovative solutions and possibilities in the field of structural analysis and designing,which not only improves the quality and life span of the constructs but also provides protection from man-made and natural calamities. A number of expert systems are being deployed in new infrastructure development,civil engineering and management of projects to enable construction sector to perform better as is evident from the better performance of the construction sector over the years. Amidst reports on a number of state-of-the- art constructions,development of highways,airports,ports,bridges and tunneling systems in different parts of the country, breathtaking development and application of these software and sophisticated systems have taken place,raising the technological status of country's construction industry and its image.
Professionals and Readers dealing with design in architecture,engineering designs, detailing, estimation, tendering, procurement of materials and services,construction and project management are today only a click away from a realistic solution which was not possible through traditional methodologies.NBM&CW has made an attempt to present a perspective report on software used in civil construction and therefore invited some of the related companies to share information of their innovative solutions which gives the 'best value' to their customers. Responding to its invitation to contribute information on the subject,some of the companies have unveiled their offerings,products and services for the benefit of industry which are briefed here.
Tekla Corporation
Tekla Corporation is engaged in development of innovative 3D modeling BIM (Building Information Modeling) solution for building and construction industry. "Tekla Structures" is one of the world's leading 3D modeling,detailing and automatic drawing generation software solutions,while it is highly used software by a large number of construction companies."Tekla Structures" software is a truly interoperable building information modeling tool for the whole construction workflow. It is one tool instead of competing one-tool-for-each-phase solutions that streamlines the delivery process of design,detailing,manufacturing,and construction organizations. While integrating openly with architectural models,Tekla's strength lies in the contractor end of the process. Thousands of "Tekla Structures" software users in over 80 countries have successfully delivered BIM-based projects across the world. Tekla software supports modeling,detailing,fabrication,and project management in a collaborative environment,with focus primarily on steel and concrete. Tekla's software products and related services are used mostly in building — small to mid-sized construction companies and specialty contractors & more.
According to Mr. Mohite,for over a decade,3D modeling has been a powerful tool for detailers, designers and contractors within the steel construction sector. Now the most advanced 3D modeling system for steel structures is Tekla Structures—a solution that gives you the power and flexibility to tackle any type of detailing project. While eliminating errors,the software increases your ability to produce the drawings you need faster than ever before. Tekla Structures provides real time,accurately detailed & data rich model with accessibility through network which makes a unique software solution unlike any other software available in construction industry. It again provides seamless integration with analysis & design tools used globally. Tekla model can easily be linked to A & D products,which can be preferred choice of Structural engineers. The final A & D results can be brought in Tekla to have the model up to date in Tekla Structures.
Mr. Mohite further elaborates–a well-defined training course provides a jump start with the new system and later supports a continuous learning curve to allow the users to utilize the system to its fullest potential. Tekla fulfills all training needs related to its products. It provides general and customer-specific training courses for system administrators and professional end users. Tekla gives technical support to solve our customers' trickiest problems and communicates the feedback from the customers to product development. Tekla extranet provides information about Tekla events,training courses and new product releases,and offers software tips to enhance the user experience with Tekla products. There is also an interactive forum where the users can discuss issues of interest to their field of business.
SoftTech Engineers
SoftTech is engaged in development of software products in architectural-engineering- construction (AEC) space. Its products are classified under two categories. Off-the-shelf,ready to plug and use software products and enterprise solutions for construction vertical and e-governance.
SoftTech's off-the-shelf offerings are: "STRUDS" for structural analysis,design & detailing of RCC and Steel framed multistoried buildings as per IS & BS codes. "ESRGSR" is unique and completely integrated software for structural analysis,design & detailing of elevated service reservoirs and ground service reservoirs. "QE-PRO" facilitates quantity estimation and project management. It helps in computation of quantities from floor plans created graphically,preparation of estimates and tender documents,bid analysis,preparation of running bills. "Q-Mate" is AutoCAD based quantity computation software. It reads architectural and structural drawings in DWG format to extract quantities in LxBxD format. "e-Learning" suite of products are self–learning systems for engineering students,teachers and practicing engineers developed for educating theoretical and practical concepts of civil and construction engineering subjects leveraging multimedia,and animation technology.
SoftTech's enterprise solutions are: "OPTICON" is a web based ERP and decision support system exclusively for construction enterprises. "AutoDCR" is a unique solution for automatic scrutiny of building plans reading CAD drawings submitted by architects to municipal corporations or other competent authorities and map them to development rules. "PWIMS" is a completely integrated application for managing construction related activities of organizations like PWD, CPWD, municipal corporations and other government departments.
The CEO elaborates; SoftTech is aiming towards start to end comprehensive solution to address automation in entire construction cycle leveraging advanced information technology. He adds,SoftTech has many success stories associated to their products: STRUDS has 13 years of success history with about 4500+ user base. Many complex multi– storied building projects have been successfully designed using STRUDS. One of the most prestigious projects is 53 storied "Wawasan" Building at Kaula Lumpur; Malaysia,analyzed and designed using our STRUDS.
Compared to most of other software products which are developed by our competitors,SoftTech believes its products and solutions cater perfectly to the local design and detailing practices in Indian conditions as these are developed by Indian engineers with rich experience of practices followed in the country. This has reflected in the way SoftTech's softwares have been adopted by large number of local engineering firms.
SoftTech's e-Governance solutions AutoDCR and PWIMS address the specific point to point solution and has strong competition advantage in terms of implementation period and cost involved.
SoftTech's growth plans include:
- Scale up Operations to 6 times the current size in next 4 years to address the growing market by March 2013.
- Scale up Yearly Revenues to INR 450 Million by partnerships and organic growth targeting domestic markets as well as international markets.
- Be a flagship company using indigenous technology to capture a new area in AEC in the global market.
ADAPT International
Today,we deliver an integrated concrete design solution that allows structural engineers to develop their projects from conceptual design all the way through to the creation of structural drawings and details,using a single slab model. These improvements in modeling,analysis,integrated design,and detailing have led to a dramatic increase in the productivity and profitability of our clients worldwide,he added.
ADAPT- PT: The major areas of application are Beam Frames, Slabs and Floor Systems in Buildings and Parking Structures. This software is based on the proven Equivalent Frame and finds application in modern architecture that demands larger spans,flat slab with irregular shapes. A unique application for the contractors who want to shorten the construction schedule and reduce the construction costs. ADAPT-PT allows user to use a wide range of international concrete design codes including ACI 318 (1999 & 2005) and Canadian (1994 & 2004) along with Australian,European,Hong Kong,Indian,and British.
ADAPT- Builder: Developed with ADAPT Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology, the ADAPT-Builder Platform is a collection of fully integrated design and analysis tools for all types of concrete floor systems,foundation,and beam structures,whether with or without post-tensioning. The solution's intuitive and easy-to-use 3D component modeling capabilities allow engineers to quickly model any structure. In addition,the Builder Platform is the industry's only solution that gives engineers the flexibility to analyze 3D structural models using either the Finite Element Method (FEM) or the Equivalent Frame Method (EFM). With specialized design tools for concrete beam frames,one-way or column-supported flat slabs,parking structures,mat foundations,ground-supported slabs,and built-in building codes (e.g.,American,Canadian,British,European,Indian and Australian),ADAPT's Builder Platform will immediately streamline and improve the concrete design practice followed by engineers.
ADAPT ABI: ADAPT-ABI 2009 is a special-purpose programme developed for the design and analysis of prestressed concrete bridges built of either segmental or conventional construction. It provides information for geometry and stress control during construction,as well as design values for service load. ADAPT-ABI has been serving bridge design engineers worldwide for over twenty years and has found application in several important projects while conducting time dependent analysis of concrete bridges and frames both with and without post-tensioning. ADAPT- ABI 2009 can also investigate the effects of newly placed concrete creep,shrinkage,relaxation in prestressing over time,aging of concrete and variation in temperature. ADAPT– ABI also helps engineers in analysing: 1. Incrementally constructed bridges and frames 2. Retrofitting of concrete frames i.e. when new members are added or existing members are modified or frames are demolished. Other applications include composite construction and cable stay structures.
Further he says, ADAPT software solutions are very user-friendly,easy for even first time user engineers to quickly familiarize and start working on high-end projects. Training is imparted to ensure that engineers are aware of the complete range of inherent features of. ADAPT provides not only 1-2 days of customer specific training but also conducts seminars and workshops to provide mid-level and high-level trainings to clients.
Over the past 25 years,ADAPT softwares have been used in some of the world's best known projects,he added. Spread over 40 countries,ADAPT has a user base of over 3,500 satisfied users who have utilized the power of the software in analysis,design and modeling of hundreds of buildings and bridges. Some of the landmark projects where our software have been used include:
Burj Dubai,UAE, Legend Plaza,UAE, The Mecca Mall,Saudi Arabia, Kullu Bridge,India, Gurgaon Expressway,India, Ganga Bridge,India, Thakot Bridge,Pakistan, Al Sabah Mall,Syria, Shams Gateway Towers,UAE, The Pearl,Viva Bahriya,Qatar, Barjeel Tower,Qatar, Al Khalili Tower,UAE, Surabaya Toll Road,Indonesia, Arch Bridge Across Beas,India, BR8 Putra Jaya Cable Stayed Bridge,Malaysia, Mucha Road Interchange,Taiwan, Toll Highway AY 407,Canada, Mok-Dong Development Project,South Korea, Venetian Macau Cotai,Hong Kong, Television Nacional de Chile (TVN),Chile, and so on.
ADAPT is facing the same global challenges as others in the industry due to the ongoing recession. However,due to our presence across international market,the adverse affects have been lessened. Simultaneously,the growth in the housing and road infrastructure in a number of APAC countries have helped contain recessionary effects to a large extent. We are undertaking steps such as cost control measures and proactive marketing and business development to tackle recessionary effects,says Mr. Bhanja.
RISA Technology
It is designed with intention to help structural engineering professionals everyday and well–customized for the Indian codes like IS-800:1984 (re-affirmed in 1998),IS-456:2000,IS-1893: 2002 (Static & Response Spectrum methods),IS-875 Part-III,Auto Load Combinations as per Indian Codes as well as user define auto load combinations and many more.
RISA-3D and other tools available with RISA Technologies' offers its foremost benefit: as ease of use that has actually helped structural engineers and professionals in improving their productivity and work more efficiently as it facilitates in analysing (including high end dynamic analysis very easily through GUI),designing and optimizing of all types of structures and all common structural materials.
Main strength of this software is user–friendliness and accuracy in result and that contributes substantially in enhancing efficiency of structural engineers. To ensure this,RISA provides full fledged training along with the product sale. Our Technical Support team facilitates prompt and specifically needed support to the practicing engineers/consultants. RISA facilitates trainings through its authorized training centers.
The 2006 survey indicates RISA-3D has grown to the point that it equals the market penetration of Staad,a program that appeared unassailable in 2002. After RISA-3D and Staad,the next most widely used general purpose program is RISA-2D. RISAFloor has grown from non–existence in 2002 to over 50% of the penetration of Etabs and over 20% of the penetration of Ramsteel in 2006.
To name a few prominent customers and sites where RISA products were used include,Airborne and Special Operations Museum,Location Fayetteville,North Carolina,Art Museum of Western Virginia Roanoke,Va.,Crystal Cathedral,Garden Grove,Calif,Hunley Submarine Recovery,Charleston,South Carolina,Plate Stress Analysis for Carbone of America Corp.,Salem,Va.,Specialized Process Vessel are the few prestigious projects where RISA's software solutions are used.
Cranes Engineering
Specialty of Cranes Software Int. Ltd's software include: Finite Element Analysis Capabilities, Structural Design Capabilities,RC Detailing Features,Drawing Capabilities,Codes of Practice, User–friendly Features.
Further Mr. Ravi Singh elaborates; there is couple of features in its software that makes it unique as compared to the other commercial software packages in the market. For starters, NISA/CIVIL has got an integrated offline mode of design,which results in minimizing the iterations required for designing members,considering that iterations usually force companies into huge time and space constraints,this feature makes work simple and easy for many a structural engineer. Secondly,apart from its supremacy in producing robust design and analysis,NISA/CIVIL comes equipped with presentable and meaningful drawing and report generation options. Usually,this part is the most time consuming component of any structural engineer,but with the advent of NISA/CIVIL,generating meaningful reports is no more a concern.
The after sales benefits that professionals in the construction industry would receive out of Crane's software are endless says Mr. Ravi Singh. One can receive training on full fledged FEM software and make sure that they are up to date with the latest technology. In fact,the training program that company offers has been extremely well–received by both the education segment and the corporate alike.
User meets and road shows form integral part of any organization's marketing activities. Cranes Software has been organizing NISA User's Conference for the last two years and response from the customers and prospects have been tremendous.
He further adds,the consulting division of Cranes Engineering has done projects with many prestigious clients from PSU's,Govt. Departments,Research Labs,Corporates and Educational Institutions. We work in collaboration with them in solving their complex technical problems. Some of the areas we have worked on include power projects,machine foundations,highrise buildings,bridges etc. The experiences gained from many big projects have been successfully compiled into NISA/CIVIL that has empowered it to be the industry preferred software for structural analysis and designing.
The recession has had little impact on product sales. The full-featured and cost-effective NISA DesignStudio is gaining much popularity these days. Cranes Civil-Structural Engineering related products will have a 15-20% market share in the next 2-3 years. The Civil-Structural Engineering business which will involve products and services should grow by more than 100% at the end of 3 years. Company's civil-structural clientele is presently India specific,we plan to enter the US,UK and EU aggressively by the end of this year.
CSI India
Bandra Worli Sea Link project used SAP2000 for analysis of this important bridge. Besides that most multistory buildings have been analysed and designed using ETABS/SAFE. Burj Dubai and Petronas Towers were also analysed on ETABS. Recently,an isolated hospital in Himachal Pradesh was analysed and designed using SAP2000. Many companies have used ETABS to study the use of dampers in high–rise buildings.
AceCad
The StruM.I.S .NET Fabrication Management System brings the steel fabrication industry up to date with the very latest processing,tracking,planning and reporting facilities. StruM.I.S .NET streamlines the estimating,procurement and fabrication process by providing seamless interaction between departments,suppliers and clients. Advanced.NET technology makes real-time progress reports available anytime and from anywhere around the world.
AceCad Software is dedicated in providing world-class technical support for all our products ensuring our customers that they can use the software to its full potential. AceCad's global StruSupport - support teams provide regular information on the latest product updates and enhancement to all our customers,enabling them to retain maximum productivity. Experienced and committed StruSupport - support teams provide fast and efficient responses to all users' technical queries via telephone,e-mail or web based technologies.
AceCad trains any individual or group of users at any appropriate venue that is convenient for the client, whether on-site or at any of its own or of distributor's offices around the world.
AceCad's softwares are used in Essar Steel Plant Facilities in Hazira Gujarat,Essar Steel Algoma Inc Toronto,CVRD Oman,Paradeep Orissa,and Dabuna Orissa. Apart from these projects,it is also used at Swiss RE Tower (Gherkin) in London,Wembley Stadium in London,AlKazim Towers in Dubai,Khalifa Sports Hall in Doha and many more.
Mr. Abhilash Joseph said that AceCad's software tools are one of the world's software products leading with 35,000 software users in over 80 countries and expect significant growth from regions and markets new to 3D modeling and with growing structural steel sectors. We are still growing in all areas. There is now also optimism in many industry reports and the structural steel industry is resilient and not as affected as domestic building sectors. By providing maximum benefits – in terms of both productivity and efficiency,we benefit our clients both in slower periods and future proof them for forthcoming booms. Their successes are our success and by focusing on meeting and exceeding our client's needs,we expect future is extremely positive.
MIDAS India
- Midas Civil - Analysis and design of all types of bridges
- Midas Gen - Analysis and design of all vertical structures as well as large space structures
- Midas Dshop - Detailing shop drawings
- Midas GTS - Geotechnical software
All MIDAS products form inter-related interface providing "one stop solution" to most problems of civil engineering,adds Mr. Subodh Shinde. MIDAS has strong technical support team in Indian office providing appropriate technical support (24 hours turn around average) through phone,email etc to MIDAS customers. It provides complimentary training for one day to all customers and thereby gives them the complete knowledge about the software and structures as per the requirements. MIDAS also provides pre-purchase training to its users. The training period can be extended according to the mutual convenience.
MIDAS views user meets to facilitate technical discussions about the latest trends in the construction industry,and also to impart knowledge to the users about the new features been added in products. It also gathers requirements,if any,about specific features from its users.
Kanix Infotech
Kanix' offers Highrise - Construction ERP as its flagship product. Kanix has invested 12 long years in research,designing & fine tuning proprietary business processes. This has resulted in making Highrise fills the gap between theoretical business/construction management and practical site operations giving the organizations multitude of benefits. Development of Highrise started way back in 1996 and the product has grown in strength in terms features,stability,Implementation procedures to the extent that the maker of this ERP feel confident to sell the product with Implementation Guarantee.
Highrise Construction ERP is very useful for Townships, SEZ's, Residential, Infrastructure & Turnkey Projects. It offers multiple flavors/versions to suite requirements of Large,Mid-size and small businesses. Its focus is to provide ERP solution in construction management space adds Mr. Vinay Kasture. He further adds,Highrise helps engineers through various ways like accurate Estimation (Directly converting CAD Drawings),Project Scheduling (Using Pert/CPM & Other techniques),Project Planning,Costing & Budgeting,Computation of Activity-wise and Material wise Variance for Quantity & Cost,Incorporation of Quality Checks using quality check lists and Tender Management.
Highrise – Construction ERP software is specialized for Construction Industry and offers huge advantages to the industry as compared to Generalized ERP software available in market. The Implementation time expected to be just 90 days.
Kanix has an arm focusing on management training for construction and real estate businesses. It helps traditional construction businesses in making successful transition to a corporate through trainings in construction management and in turn builds trained manpower for its products.
The state-of-the-art support centre of Kanix can remotely connect to its users spread across India and abroad and observes an SLA of 24Hrs. Additionally,all the software products are continuously upgraded in terms of features and performance and are deploys to its users using periodic service packs.
Kanix is serving an Industry which is worst affected by the recession. Keeping this in mind,Kanix has launched schemes with aggressive pricing and easy payment option. Due to recession the importance of cost cutting and better management control has got importance as never before for construction houses.
NBMCW August 2009
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