Program mission
The Scia Engineer software system has been designed and developed to provide structural engineers and designers with an efficient, comprehensive and robust tool.

Theoretical background
Scia Engineer is a software system for a static and dynamic analysis of structures and their design to standards. It is grounded on the displacement-based finite element method.

Scia Engineer does not work with finite elements directly but it exploits structural elements (referred to as members) on which a finite element mesh is automatically generated just before the calculation.

Scia Engineer can be used to calculate and design structures consisting of 1D members (modelled by linear finite elements) and planar parts such as walls, plates, and curved slabs (modelled by 2D finite elements).

Types of calculation

• Scia Engineer comprises calculation modules for the following types of calculation:
• linear static calculation (including some non-linear features),
• geometrically non-linear calculation,
• dynamic natural vibration calculation,
• seismicity calculation,
• buckling analysis.

Code checks

In addition to the calculation itself, Scia Engineer enables the user to carry out the final design of a structure in accordance with appropriate technical standards.

The “Code Check library” of Scia Engineer contains a multi-national set of technical standards for various material types, mainly for steel and concrete.

Important note: A proper and exhaustive application of program features assumes that a user is well accustomed to the principles of the finite element method, is familiar with appropriate technical standards and conventions, and is a skilled professional in the field of design and calculation of engineering structures.