How to Speed Up Structural Design Without Compromising Accuracy

According to multiple industry reports, automation significantly accelerates structural engineering workflows, especially in FEA environments. Automating code compliance and result post-processing reduces manual work and speeds up design iterations.

Modern structural analysis software can generate and evaluate finite element models based on defined parameters such as geometry, material, and boundary conditions.

This article walks through practical strategies, tools, and methodologies, especially the role of structural analysis software, that help engineers move faster without compromising the integrity of their work.

The Speed-Accuracy Dilemma in Structural Design

When rushing through structural design, the risk is introducing errors that can propagate into costly redesigns or, worse, unsafe structures. On the other hand, meticulous manual checking is labor-intensive and time-consuming.

This dilemma has been tackled by introducing automation and process integration in structural analysis, but it demands careful selection and mastery of software tools.

Leveraging Structural Analysis Software to Accelerate Design

Modern structural analysis software like SDC Verifier helps in speeding up the design cycle. It does so by automating routine but critical tasks such as code compliance verification, load combinations, and detailed reporting.

Automated Code Compliance Checks

Manual verification of compliance with complex standards like Eurocode 3, AISC 360, DNV, or FKM can take hours or days depending on the complexity of the structure. SDC Verifier works as a standalone and as an extension for finite element software (Ansys, Simcenter 3D, Femap) and performs automated checks directly on the FEA results. This drastically reduces human errors and speeds up iterations.

For example, instead of manually checking stress ratios, buckling resistance, or fatigue life, the software flags critical areas and generates detailed, traceable reports in minutes.

Handling Multiple Load Cases Efficiently

In offshore and civil engineering, designers must consider hundreds of load combinations including dead loads, live loads, wind, seismic, and wave actions. Generating and analyzing these manually is tedious.

Structural analysis software SDC Verifier automates this by allowing users to define load combinations once and apply them consistently throughout the model. Changes in design or load parameters automatically update all related checks, avoiding the classic problem of inconsistent data across iterations.

Parametric Modeling and Its Role in Speed and Accuracy

Parametric modeling, supported in tools like Ansys or through scripting in SDC Verifier, enables changes in geometry or loading to automatically update all dependent calculations.  Instead of static models, parametric designs allow you to define relationships and constraints between elements—meaning a change in one dimension automatically recalculates dependent features.

This approach is invaluable during preliminary design phases or when performing optimization studies, where you might want to explore how varying beam thickness or material grades impacts structural performance.

Modern software supports scripting and parameter-driven checks that can tie directly into parametric CAD or FEA models, bridging the gap between geometry changes and structural verification.

Early and Continuous Standards Verification Saves Time

Waiting until late in the design phase to check code compliance is a recipe for wasted time and effort. Discovering non-compliance after extensive design work means significant rework.

Integrating standards verification early and running it continuously ensures issues are caught as they arise. This proactive approach avoids surprises at project handoffs or during third-party reviews. And structural verification software SDC Verifier helps in standards verification to enhance your workflow.

Notably, studies in structural engineering indicate that early error detection reduces overall design time and expenses.

Simplification Techniques for Efficient Modeling

Complex models with excessive detail often bog down FEA runtimes and complicate result interpretation. The challenge is to find the right balance between model fidelity and computational efficiency.

Best practices include:

• Using beam or shell elements instead of solid elements where appropriate.
• Simplifying geometry by excluding non-structural features like small fillets or bolt holes unless their effect is critical.
• Focusing mesh refinement on high-stress or fatigue-prone areas, while using coarser meshes elsewhere.

SDC Verifier’s ability to integrate with the underlying FEA mesh and highlight critical zones helps you maintain accuracy without overcomplicating the model.

Automation of Repetitive Checks and Reporting

Many engineers spend a significant portion of their time generating reports or setting up routine checks. Automating these tasks frees up time to focus on design improvements and innovation.

For example, fatigue checks per DNV RP-C203 and weld strength validation using ASME VIII can be automated and reported consistently.

Learning From Past Projects and Templates

Utilizing validated templates and maintaining a library of past models accelerates design, particularly for common structures like platforms, cranes, or industrial tanks. These templates include pre-verified load cases, mesh settings, and code checks that can be adapted rather than built from scratch.

Combined with version control and document management systems, this practice reduces duplicated effort and provides a reliable starting point for new projects.

Conclusion

Speeding up structural design no longer requires risky shortcuts. By leveraging advanced structural analysis software like SDC Verifier, embracing parametric modeling, integrating standards verification early, and automating routine tasks, engineers can deliver high-quality, compliant designs faster.