SkyCiv is thrilled to launch another upgrade for the Foundation Design module this 2024. Months after the release of the revamped UI, the FEA solver is now available for shallow foundation types, specifically the isolated and combined footings. This brings a powerful capability to the module and produces accurate results used in the design checks.   New Key Features Users can analyze and design footings in the same configurations, with additional inputs including the modulus of subgrade reaction and the mesh size for the FEA model. From the old analytical pressure distribution approach ..read more

The SkyCiv Load Generator just got a new look! For the past few months, we’ve been working hard to enhance your design experience in generating loads in SkyCiv! We are eager to share with you our fresh and improved SkyCiv Load Generator! Let Chris show you what the SkyCiv Load Generator is capable of through the demo video below! Responsive UI! Whether you use it on your desktop computer or with your mobile phone, you can now produce detailed wind, snow, and seismic load calculations wherever you are!   New Design Codes! From the first version of our software, we’ve added new design cod ..read more

S3D to Drawings in Seconds! It’s no secret that generating drawings and documentation of your designs can be a slow and frustrating task. You’ve put all the work into designing the structure, reducing material usage and finally creating the drawings, only to have the plans change last minute by the client. Today we’re showcasing a new feature, that allows SkyCiv users to instantly export clear and well-documented drawings with a single click! At a high level, the new feature allows users to: Export both steel and concrete structures Preload local settings from US and Australia standards to n ..read more

In any construction project, two disciplines stand out for their impact on a building’s form and functionality: structural and mechanical engineering. While structural engineering ensures the building stands strong and stable, mechanical engineering integrates systems that provide essential services like heating, cooling, and plumbing. Though distinct, these fields often overlap, making their coordination vital. Missteps or miscommunication can lead to costly delays, design revisions, or even safety concerns.  This blog delves into the key intersections of these disciplines, highligh ..read more

Sandbox Solar is a Colorado-based solar company with decades of experience, providing customers with a smooth and exciting solar journey. The company is committed to making solar power accessible to all, promoting self-sufficiency and energy independence. Today we speak to Sandbox Solar CEO and Owner, Ian Skor about his experience and how they “have saved thousands of dollars each quarter in engineer review time and costs.” The Problem The Solar Industry is a fast-paced space, where designs and estimates need to be turned around quickly. For growing companies such as Sandbox Solar, the nee ..read more

Structural dynamics and vibration analysis play a crucial role in the design and analysis of beams. Beams are fundamental components of structures, and understanding their dynamic behavior is essential to ensure their performance and safety. This article provides an overview of structural dynamics and vibration analysis in beam design, covering key concepts, analysis techniques, and design considerations. Structural Dynamics Structural dynamics is the study of how structures respond to dynamic loads and forces. In the context of beam design, it involves analyzing the behavior of beams under va ..read more

Purlins are longitudinal beams installed to brace together trusses or rafters. Its primary function is to transfer external loads applied on the roof to the top chord of the truss. The design of purlins is idealized from a pin-connected structure where the distance of the trusses is treated as the span and its ends as its joints. Gravity and wind loads are commonly applied on the purlin and will cause the member to sag. In order to provide lateral support for the purlins, sag rods are added on discrete points. Aside from being used in roofing systems, purlins can also be applied as girts for w ..read more

Structural Engineering is riding the digital wave and embracing the future! By leveraging the power of automation and technology, the industry is revolutionizing the way we design and analyze structures. From automating tedious tasks to facilitating collaboration between architects and engineers, automation is making structural engineering more efficient, effective and cost-effective than ever before. Thanks to the cloud, data storage and sharing have never been easier and with API integration, data can flow seamlessly between different software and tools. It’s time to say goodbye to the old ..read more

Beam Dimensions - A Free Resource for Engineers If you have been using SkyCiv for a while you would have undoubtedly come across and used the SkyCiv Section Builder. It is also likely that you have come across our section library as you have loaded section shapes into our Beam, S3D, or design modules. This library runs off a database of thousands of shapes that have been collated, maintained, and processed by SkyCiv Engineers to include sections from all around the world. Having built this database got us thinking about what else could we use it for. Powered by the SkyCiv database, Beam Dimens ..read more

Since its first release last 2019, there have been numerous updates for the SkyCiv Foundation Design module. This year, we are excited to announce that a new and improved UI is now available on our platform. From the old 2D graphics, we upgraded to 3D for better visualization of the actual foundation layout. The user can adjust the foundation and column dimensions, soil height, groundwater, loads, and reinforcements and automatically see it on the 3D renderer. When running the solver, it also shows the soil pressure behavior for isolated and combined footings. Figure 1: Isolated Footing UI Sa ..read more