where can i get free structural design software?

Question

software or program that can compute the numbers and size of reinforcing bars in a column or beam.

Answer 1

That is such a dangerous question, heres why:

If you dont understand the math the software is using then you dont understand the limitations of the math. Modern math, like Finite Element models, have some serious restrictions, like if you use the wrong element type your results are total junk.

When you are taught the methods in college you are often shown software in the field that does the job. When you work in the field you are exposed to the software and its limits.

Because you are asking the question, that suggests you might not be solid on the math behind the models.

If what you are designing breaks, can it hurt or kill a human being? If you answer yes to that question then you need to seriously re-evaluate your asking of the question.

There are great books that you can get that will teach you the math AND the software, and if you are willing to work through them then you can make safe designs.

I dont feel comfortable pointing you to some commercial, open source, or shareware packages until I know that you arent going to hurt someone with them.

Answer 2

There are many programs out there that will do that but they are not cheap because so much effort is put into creating them.

Etabs and SAP which are the programs used in my office are CSI programs and cost around 3-5 thousand dollars per liscence

so good luck finding a free one

Answer 3

I don't know of any free software out there for ACI rebar calculations. However, once you know the stresses, the rebar calculations are not that difficult and you should be able to do it with the ACI code.