Designing a Strip Footing in Robot Structural Analysis

3D model of a multi-storey reinforced concrete structure in Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2026, showing columns, slabs, and strip footings.

Robot Structural Analysis offers powerful tools for designing concrete foundations—especially strip footings, a feature often overlooked in other software packages. In this video, we walk you through the initial steps of designing a strip footing using Robot Structural Analysis, including how to generate and print design notes for documentation purposes. Ideal for structural engineers and […]

Extracting Point Coordinates from a Point Cloud

A point cloud visualization in Autodesk ReCap Pro showing a large circular cutout or hole in a structure, with dense point data surrounding the opening and a dark void in the center.

Introduction Point clouds have gained significant traction, with specialized service providers dedicated to collecting data and generating them. However, taking the next step isn’t always as straightforward as one might expect (see blog My Problem with 3D Point Clouds). Depending on the intended application and the number of points—a crucial factor—it can sometimes feel nearly […]

Revit Geometry Missing in Navisworks

A Navisworks model showcasing a simple structure with a gabled roof, gridlines, and labeled structural components. The structure includes wooden columns, beams, a roof framework, and concrete bases.

Introduction Navisworks seems to be relatively unknown in the structural engineering space, and at first glance, this makes some sense. As structural engineers, we’re generally not as concerned with clashes between different services. This responsibility often falls to architects and MEP engineers/designers. If there are clashes, it might seem like they don’t have much to […]

Modeling 101 in Robot Structural Analysis

Structural model displayed in Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2025. The model shows a steel-framed structure with various member types and cross-sections, including IPE and HEA profiles, with loads applied.

Introduction to Modeling 101 in Robot Structural Analysis Autodesk’s Robot Structural Analysis is widely recognized as a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) tool. Among its many features, it includes a built-in wind tunnel simulator, making it a standout choice for structural engineers. However, its complex and sometimes cumbersome user interface can present challenges, especially during […]

Avoiding Mistakes with Revit Member Lengths

A 3D view of a portal frame structure in Autodesk Revit, showing universal beams and columns with the properties panel and project browser open on the left side. In the properties panel there are two key parameters: Cut Length and Length.

Revit is a powerful BIM tool, but mastering its nuances is essential for accurate project outcomes. One key aspect to understand is the difference between the Cut Length parameter and the Length parameter. Misinterpreting this distinction can lead to significant overestimations in quantities, impacting your project’s precision and costs. In this clip, we break down […]

Master the Wind Load Profile in RSAP

Wind Load Profile

Conventional code-based methods for wind load calculations often have limitations when applied to non-standard scenarios. For example, asymmetric building layouts, which are far more common than neat, rectangular ones, pose challenges. In SANS 10160-3, there’s no straightforward way to determine design pressure magnitudes across zones, nor clear guidance on defining the zones themselves. Even simple […]

My Problem with 3D Point Clouds

3D Point Clouds

Point clouds have become incredibly popular, especially with brands like Leica making substantial investments in technology that is truly groundbreaking. However, I have a significant issue with point clouds: they are too good. The level of detail and accuracy achievable with 3D scanning far surpasses what traditional hand measurements can provide. So, what’s the problem? […]

Advance Steel & Robot Structural Analysis Link

Advance Steel & Robot Structural Analysis Link

In the world of structural engineering, efficiency is key, especially when working with steel structures. Autodesk’s Advance Steel & Robot Structural Analysis Link is a free tool that makes it easy to integrate design and analysis by allowing seamless synchronization between Advance Steel and Robot Structural Analysis. The Advance Steel & Robot Structural Analysis Link […]

SANS Codes Available in Robot Structural Analysis

SANS Codes Available in Robot Structural Analysis

The following SANS Codes are supported for specific workflows in Robot Structural Analysis Professional (RSAP): The support for South African codes in RSAP is limited. It is advisable to gain a basic understanding of the Eurocodes or familiarise yourself with the relationship between South African codes and British Standards, as much of the content is […]

Modelling Downstand Beams in Robot Structural Analysis

Downstand beams can significantly influence the reinforcement needs of the parent slab. Different software packages have varied approaches for modeling these beams. In Prokon SUMO, the workflow involves defining the beam’s width, depth, and, finally, adjusting the offset to accurately model it as a downstand beam. In contrast, Robot Structural Analysis Professional (RSAP) simplifies this […]

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