Comparison of Different Structural Software for Multistory Building Design in Terms of Concrete Columns Reinforcement

The use of computers for the analysis and design of structures has become a standard
practice in today's world especially in the design of complex structures, such that space
craft, aircraft, tall building, long span bridges, etc. As a result of standard practice of
computational design of tall building structures, there are a number of software in the
market for a solution of similar problem; however, there is not exist any comparative
analysis among commercially available software for tall building design. This research
study was focused on the comparative analysis of different software. The comparison
wasmadein terms of efficiently, ease in modelling and economy of design.
Structure model with different combination of building height and bay width were used
to carryout the analytical study. In orderto maintain the consistency and accuracy of the
results output, columnsizes were kept constantfor all the models. Two software, Prokon
Version Wl.1.02 and STAAD Pro 2002 which are very common in the structural
practices in Malaysiawere used for this comparative analysis.
Based on the analytical and structural design results, STAAD Pro 2002 is found to be
more superior to Prokon Version Wl.1.02 in term of tall building modelling. STAAD
Pro software proved to be an highly efficiency software, which produced more
economical design as compared to Prokon. Moreover, the differences, similarities as
well as the limitations of both programs have been identified in this project. On the
whole, STAAD Pro software is a more advance program which is appropriate for tall
building modelling purposes.