5 Best Software Courses for Structural Engineers You Need to Know in 2024

Structural engineering is a subset of civil engineering that focuses on creating stable, functional, and safe structures. The goal is to support different loads and resist the impact of environmental conditions, ensuring these structures remain sturdy over time. These structures include buildings, bridges, roadways, highways, towers, and various infrastructure projects. A structural engineer's role is to ensure that structures are safe and durable. They are the ones who take designs and turn them into actual structures. Their involvement is crucial for the implementation of designs into real-world frameworks.

Who are Structural Engineers?

Structural engineers are responsible for the strength and stability of structures. They analyse, modify, and research structural components and work on frameworks that fit designs to ensure the safety of occupants. Some of their roles and responsibilities include:

• Conducting comprehensive analysis using simulations
• Calculating the load and stress that structures can handle
• Assessing structures and suggesting modifications for safety and durability
• Considering project requirements and environmental factors before selecting construction materials
• Preparing cost estimates
• Obtaining regulatory permits for the structures
• Overlooking construction and supervising project managers to implement structural elements
• Collaborating with architects, engineers, project managers, and builders
• Managing contracts

Top 5 Online Structural Engineering Software Courses

1. BIM Professional Course For Civil Engineers by Novatr

Duration: Eight months

Fee: INR 2,45,000

Mode of Study: Online

Novatr’s BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers is one of the best structural engineering software. It provides a complete curriculum that teaches participants the basics of information modelling, modelling parametric structure families, documentation, and presentation, along with advanced topics like BIM for infrastructure, 3D visualisation, and 4D and 5D modelling. It also emphasises cloud collaboration, coordination, optimal workflows, and clash detection, under the guidance of industry experts. After covering these topics, participants are urged to apply their knowledge via a real-world RIBA-structured capstone project. It’s an ideal course for individuals in the architecture, construction, and engineering sectors. 

Placements: Upon completing the online structural engineering software course, individuals become sought-after candidates for leading companies like Techture, DAR, The BIM Engineers, TATA Consulting Engineers, Total Environment, Colliers, and many others, all eager to hire BIM-skilled professionals.

Also Check out: BIM for Structural Engineers: Top Benefits, Significance, and Work Opportunities

2. Civil Structural Design Training by CRBtech

Duration: Six months

Fee: INR 95,000

Mode of Study: Online

Offered by CRBtech, this course curriculum covers a comprehensive understanding of BIM and civil fundamentals for construction projects. Initially, it focuses on fundamental topics like drafting and detailing in AutoCAD, and 3D modelling in Revit, Google Sketch Up, and 3Ds Max. It then moves on to advanced subjects like structural design and analysis in Staad.Pro and multi-story build and foundation design in ETABS and SAFE, led by skilled professionals in the industry.

Placements: Some of the well-known companies that offer jobs to civil engineers after completing this online course are CADTECH, Persistent, Larsen & Toubro, Amdocs, TATA Consultancy Services, and others.

3. Master Study in Structural Engineering by Econstruct Design & Build Pvt. ltd. 

Duration: Seven-twelve months

Fee: INR 1,88,800

Mode of Study: Online

This course is an excellent option for individuals who want to learn everything about structural engineering software and can afford to commit to a long-term association. The course is designed to provide an engaging learning experience. It covers topics like 3D object-based modelling, teaches how to design concrete floor and foundation systems, design analysis, and helps in creating complex 3D models. The course teaches structural engineering software like ETABS, StaadPro, SAFE, SAP 2000, CSI Bridge, RCDC, and Prokon under the guidance of experts in the AEC industry.

Placements: After completing this structural engineering software course, some of the best companies like Larsen & Toubro, Atkins, JW Consultants LLP, Ramboll, TATA Consulting Engineers, and others offer jobs to civil engineers. 

4. Certified Structural Design Engineer by Cloud Campus

Duration: Two-three months

Fee: INR 45,900

Mode of Study: Online

This structural engineering design software can be a good option if you’re looking for an affordable course with a limited time commitment. The curriculum covers drafting and modifying drawings in AutoCAD, blocks and attributes, Xref and OLE concepts, slab creation with surface distribution, RCC detailing, bar bending schedule, and concrete, steel, and foundation design. It also emphasises bridge deck design, static and dynamic analysis, P-Delta and bulking analysis, 3D modelling of structures, analytical model of structures, work breakdown structure, assembly and validation of takeoff data, and report generation and export.

Placements: Renowned companies like Jacobs Engineer, Fichtner, Aditya Birla, Larsen & Toubro, HCL, and many others offer jobs to structural engineering professionals after completing this course.

Also Check out: 6 Best BIM Courses With Placements

5. BIM, Civil & Structural Design & Analysis of Online Training by IFS Academy

Duration: Four months

Fee: INR 56,000

Mode of Study:  Self-Study (Video and Text based)

This on-demand course provides a holistic knowledge of the software to conveniently manage and collaborate on construction projects. It teaches the fundamental aspects of design and analysis and structural engineering design software like AutoCAD Civil, Autodesk Civil 3D, Revit Architecture, 3Ds MAX, Staad Pro, ETABs, MSP with PPM, and building estimation and costing. 

Placements: After completing this structural engineering software course, some of the leading companies like IDRIS Automation, Dynamic Realty, TEP India Pvt. Ltd., In-finite Solutions, Alada Solutions, and others offer jobs to civil engineers.

Why Should You Enrol for Upskilling as Structural Engineers?

In an ever-evolving and dynamic field like structural engineering, where technology has been making advancements with every passing day, staying ahead requires continuous upskilling. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider upskilling programs:

1. Increased Productivity

New-age software and tools help automate manual work and analysis of designs for structural engineers, which saves them effort and time. This not only increases productivity but creates scope for innovations and meaningful work.

2. Improved Safety and Security

By learning BIM, structural engineers can improve the safety and security of structures by analysing designs under various environmental conditions and calculating the different loads the buildings can take up. They can also identify potential safety issues and develop ways to handle them better.

3. Enhanced Collaboration

Collaboration and real-time coordination among team members, stakeholders, and clients is one of BIM's greatest benefits. The BIM software helps in creating accurate models and keeping every member in the loop for feedback. It also helps identify potential issues and conflicts in the early design phase.

4. Higher Salaries

Engineers with BIM skills earn almost 40% more than the industry average. This is because BIM skills help them meet targets in a shorter span, contribute to a more efficient and collaborative process, and align with the evolving needs of the industry. 

In Conclusion

Structural engineering software offers excellent benefits and career opportunities for engineers. It drives collaboration, innovation, and efficiency within the industry. Hence, civil engineers must upskill and pick up various software and tools. These software enable them to design, analyse, and modify models accurately and precisely and explore complex structures. With the increasing demand for skilled engineers, learning such software can help you remain relevant and future-ready. 

You can learn industry-relevant BIM software in one comprehensive course by Novatr under the supervision of industry experts. Check out our Master Computational Design Course for Real-World Application and get started today. 

Head to our Resources Page for more information on structural engineering software.