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Graitec Advance Design — Tutorial

Graitec Advance Design is a professional Finite Element Method (FEM)

software used by structural engineers to model, analyze, and design steel, concrete, and timber structures. Generating a technical report is the final critical step in the design workflow, providing the documented proof of structural safety and code compliance. 🏗️ Phase 1: Project Setup & Modeling

Before generating a report, the structural model must be correctly defined. Workspace Configuration:

Launch the software and set the project parameters (e.g., 3D workspace, bending rigid structure) in the Project Settings dialogue box Material & Section Definition:

Define materials (e.g., C25/30 concrete or steel grades) and cross-sections for beams, columns, and slabs. CAD Tools: Use commands like to build the geometry. ⚡ Phase 2: Analysis & Optimization A report is only as good as the underlying data. Advance Design Tutorial - Graitec

Graitec Advance Design Tutorial: A Comprehensive Guide to Structural Analysis and Design

Graitec Advance Design is a powerful software solution for structural analysis and design, widely used in the construction industry. The software offers a range of advanced features and tools that enable engineers and architects to design and analyze complex structures with ease. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive Graitec Advance Design tutorial, covering the basics of the software, its features, and a step-by-step guide to using it for structural analysis and design. graitec advance design tutorial

Introduction to Graitec Advance Design

Graitec Advance Design is a finite element analysis software that allows users to design and analyze various types of structures, including buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities. The software is developed by Graitec, a leading provider of software solutions for the construction industry. Advance Design offers a user-friendly interface, advanced analysis capabilities, and a comprehensive library of design codes and standards.

Key Features of Graitec Advance Design

Before we dive into the tutorial, let's take a look at some of the key features of Graitec Advance Design:

Graitec Advance Design Tutorial

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of designing a simple building structure using Graitec Advance Design. Graitec Advance Design is a professional Finite Element

Part 5: Meshing and Analysis (The Engine)

You have a model; now you need a mesh.

Step 3: Drawing Columns

Key tutorial sections (recommended sequence)

  1. Project & environment setup

    • Create a new project; set units, material libraries, and code (Eurocode, AISC, etc.).
    • Configure mesh settings and analysis parameters.

  2. Geometry modelling

    • Draw beams, columns, slabs, plates and walls using the built-in tools or import from CAD/IFC.
    • Organize the model with levels, groups, and layers.
    • Define supports and boundary conditions.

  3. Materials and sections

    • Assign materials (concrete, steel) with properties and design values.
    • Create or assign cross-sections (I-sections, rectangular, hollow, shell thickness).

  4. Loads and load cases

    • Apply dead, live, wind, seismic, temperature and moving loads.
    • Define load combinations (code-based or custom) and envelope analyses.

  5. Meshing & element types

    • Generate and refine finite element mesh for beams, plates and shells.
    • Choose appropriate element types (beam, shell, solid) and mesh density for accuracy.

  6. Analysis settings

    • Run linear static, nonlinear, dynamic or modal analyses as required.
    • Set solver options and convergence criteria.
    • Check model diagnostics (connectivity, rigid links, incompatible DOFs).

  7. Design checks & code verification

    • Perform steel and concrete design checks (section, buckling, RC reinforcement).
    • Review utilization ratios, required reinforcement, and design reports.
    • Adjust geometry, sections or reinforcement and re-run checks.

  8. Results evaluation

    • Visualize internal forces, deflections, stress contours and reaction forces.
    • Use diagrams, iso-contours, tables and result filters.
    • Export results snapshots, reports and drawings.

  9. Detailing & documentation

    • Generate design reports, reinforcement drawings, and calculation notes.
    • Export to DWG/DXF, IFC or BIM links for downstream workflows.

  10. Common troubleshooting tips

    • Resolve singularities by checking supports and connectivity.
    • Improve mesh where results show high gradients.
    • Verify load combinations and units when unexpected results appear.

2. Recommended Tutorial Path (by skill level)

Step 4: Drawing Beams

✅ Beginner – Simple 2D Portal Frame (Steel)

Goal: Run a linear static analysis and check a steel beam. Finite Element Analysis : Advance Design offers advanced

  1. Start a new project → set units (kN, m), Eurocode (EN 1990/1991/1993)
  2. Create grid (optional) → draw columns + beam using Line tool
  3. Assign sections (IPE 300, HEA 200) from the steel library
  4. Define supports – pinned base at column feet
  5. Apply loads – vertical load (UDL on beam) + self-weight
  6. Generate mesh (for beams → line elements, default OK)
  7. Run analysis (F9)
  8. Check results – bending moment diagram, deflection
  9. Design (steel beam module) → utilization ratio, buckling checks

📁 Graitec provides a “Getting Started” PDF with this exact example.

Part 6: Interpreting Results (Post-Processing)

This is where Graitec shines. You do not need to export to Excel.