Watch the update video and read the blog to see what’s new and how it can help on your next project.

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Performance Enhancements

Faster Solver

v7.0 delivers 2.7× faster solve times with an upgraded CPU and optimized solver algorithms. Models that previously took minutes now solve in seconds.

Improved Graphics Performance

The graphics engine has been rebuilt for 2× faster performance, ensuring smooth zooming, panning, and rotating even on models with 50,000+ elements.

Increased Capacity

v7.0 supports a 1.8× increase in model capacity, enabling complex and large-scale projects with 100,000+ elements to be modeled and solved easily.

One-Way Area Loads

One of the most exciting new updates in S3D v7 is the improved one-way area loads. All non-rectangular convex polygons are now supported, allowing you to distribute loads to angled internal members as well as continuous and intersecting members.

These options were lacking in the previous version, which has been renamed to “One-Way (Legacy)”.

Key Enhancements:

• Support for all non-rectangular convex polygons
• Distribution to angled internal members
• Ability to handle continuous and intersecting members
• Member offsets are now considered to preserve the total loading
• Advanced options for multiple load intervals (similar to Column Wind Loads)
• Option to exclude specific members and/or internal members

Non-Linear Spring Supports

Another new update is the ability to use non-linear spring supports, which allows you to define a non-linear relationship for the stiffness of the spring. The spring’s stiffness can be dependent on the support node’s displacement or reaction, providing greater accuracy in modeling complex support conditions.

As the new season begins, we’ve rolled out fresh updates across SkyCiv, including some big improvements from Structural 3D, SkyCiv Beam, to SkyCiv Load Generator. Have a quick read and try them out on the platform!

Added Import Options in Structural 3D

We’re excited to announce new import capabilities in SkyCiv Structural 3D (S3D) that make it easy to transition your structural models from other structural analysis software.

In addition to existing import options from STAAD Pro (STD file), Space Gass (TXT file), and RISA 3D (R3D file), S3D now supports:

• Strand7 (TXT file)
• Multiframe (TXT file)
• Microstran (ARC file)

That means you can bring your existing models directly into S3D without starting from scratch, saving you time and reducing errors.

SkyCiv Beam Quick Start Wizard

The new SkyCiv Beam Quick Start Wizard makes modeling beams faster and easier. With just a few clicks, you can create simply supported, cantilever, fixed, and multi-span beams, complete with distributed loads and supports.

Eurocode 2 Concrete Column Design

SkyCiv Quick Design now includes Eurocode 2 Concrete Column Quick Design, enabling the design of rectangular and circular reinforced concrete columns as per EN 1992-1-1:2004 (Eurocode 2).

Easily design slender and non-slender columns for compression, bending, shear, and detailing, with detailed reports including interaction diagrams for each axis. See a sample report here.

This tool joins SkyCiv’s growing suite of Eurocode Quick Design tools, covering Steel, Timber, Concrete, and Aluminum. Quick Design also supports US, Canadian and Australian standards. To view the full list of Quick Design modules, click the Quick Design tile on the SkyCiv Dashboard.

AS 4055 Wind Load for Residential Building (Quick Design) is now integrated in the SkyCiv Load Generator!

Great news! The AS 4055 Quick Design Wind Load for Residential Buildings standard is now fully integrated into the SkyCiv Load Generator.

This powerful update will help speed up your analysis of residential structures. Now you can:

• Get the appropriate basic wind speed value for your structure with just the site address as your input

• Analyze one or two storey structures with hip, gable, or skillion roof profiles

• Determine the wind classification for each direction using the shielding and topographic classification parameters for your site location

• Generate the design pressures for your residential structure with the detailed calculation report (using our integrated AS 4055 Quick Design module)

More Updates

Section Builder

• Added Australian > Steel (DuraGal) > Channels, Equal Angles, Flats, Rectangular Hollow Sections and Square Hollow Sections.
• Added New Zealand > Structural Steel (DuraGal) > Channels, Equal Angles, Flats, Rectangular Hollow Sections and Square Hollow Sections.
• Added Metric and Imperial > Steel ASTM A252 (Grades 1, 2 and 3) materials. Added 200+ New Zealand > Aluminium sections.
• Added 250+ New Zealand > Structural Steel sections.

Member Design

• Improved section classification in EN 1993-1-5 to only consider relevant loading conditions

While it’s summer for many of our users around the world, our team has been busy rolling out some exciting updates we think you’ll enjoy.

SkyCiv Load Generator Now Supports European National Annexes

Over the past months, our team has been working to expand SkyCiv Load Generator based on user demand.

You can now calculate wind and snow loads automatically for 13 new European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Just enter the address, and SkyCiv pulls the local climate data for you. Every load comes with a detailed report showing the assumptions and parameters used, so you can validate your designs with confidence.

AISI S100-16:2022 Cold-Formed Steel Quick Design

Our new AISI S100-16 (2022) Cold-Formed Steel Quick Design tool helps you run accurate compliance checks using the Direct Strength Method, with support for both metric and imperial units.

You’ll have instant access to a wide library of C, Z, and Hat sections from SkyCiv’s section database, so no more having to go through catalogs or manual inputs. Simply select your section, run your design, and get compliant results.

More Updates

• Support for New Zealand > Cold Formed Steel (Metalcraft): MC Purlins, MZ Purlins, MS Tophats & MS Tophats (Lipped) with DSM factors.
• Support for Australian > Cold Formed Steel sections (all with DSM factors):
  • Metroll: C Purlins, Z Purlins, Top Hats
  • Millform: C Purlins, Z Purlins, Extreme C & Z Purlins
  • Steeline: C Purlins & Z Purlins
  • Studco: Deflection Head Track & Steel Stud
  • Stratco: C Purlins & Z Purlins
• Geometric DSM Factors added for American > AISI > Z-Sections W Lips (I-4) & Z-Sections WO Lips (I-5).
• Updated lip length for Metroll Megaspan C & Z Purlins and associated DSM factors.

• Added/updated clauses for axial, bending, and flexural-torsional buckling checks.
• Included rupture tension check and refined formulas/parameters (e.g., shear area for T-sections, λ, C1).
• Improved section classification rules, especially for asymmetric and high-shear conditions.
• Reports now include station info, load combinations, and effective lengths.

• Integrated AS 4055 wind load for residential buildings.
• Added NBCC 2020 wind load calculation for freestanding walls.
• Improved logic and visuals for wind, snow, and seismic load calculations:
  • Updated for EN 1991-1-3, AS/NZS 1170.2/1170.3, NZS 1170.5, AS 1170.4
  • Visual improvements (e.g. wind direction, wall/roof forces).

• EN 1992-1-1:2004 Concrete Durability Calculator.
• AS/NZS 4600:2018 Cold-Formed Steel Member Design now supports full section libraries (Metroll, Millform, Metalcraft NZ, Steeline, Studco, Stratco).

Alongside improvements across multiple modules, we’ve rolled out some major upgrades to SkyCiv Beam and Quick Design. Let’s check them out!

SkyCiv Beam v3.3.0

SkyCiv Beam v3.3.0 is here! 🎉We include several updates to make your workflow faster and your results clearer. The new Quick Start Wizard helps you build simply supported, cantilever, fixed, and multi-span beams in just a few clicks.

We’ve also updated the result graphs with distinct color coding for easier interpretation, and added the option to show supports directly on the Reactions diagram, so you can visualize everything in context.

SkyCiv Quick Design Optimizer

You can now instantly find the lightest, most efficient sections for steel, aluminum, scaffolding, and timber members with the SkyCiv Quick Design Section Optimizer. The optimizer also includes a Parameter Optimization option to optimize designs for single numeric parameters.

Try it now in one of our Steel Quick Design tools:

• AISC 360-22 Steel Member Design
• AS 4100:2020 Steel Member Design
• EN 1993-1-1 Steel Member Design
• CSA S16-14 Steel I-Beam Design

Other Updates

SkyCiv Structural 3D

• Added ASCE 7-22 spectral loads.
• Added an auto-save toggle in the main UI

SkyCiv Member Design

• Improvements to AS 4600:2018 – Added warnings, user-defined input factors (kt, An, Kx, KLT), and corrections to property calculations, including Zee sections and symmetry coefficients.
• Updates to AISI S100:2016 – Removed legacy methods from other codes, renamed global bracing inputs, and introduced user-defined effective length factors.
• Update to AS 4100:2020 and NZ 3404:1997 – Added automatic load position detection for calculating the load height factor (k1).

SkyCiv Foundation Design

• Overturning checks updated – Applied to ACI, EN 1992, and CSA codes with added resisting and overturning moment formulas.
• CSA 2014 enhancements – More accurate one-way shear demand, and added SLS5a/SLS5b to load combinations and dropdowns.
• Updated concrete defaults – Adjusted Poisson’s ratio, unit weight, and compressive strength to new standard values.
• Improved outputs – Eccentricities replaced by moment tabulation and revised notes for moment checks.

Quick Design

• ACI 318-19 Reinforcement Development & Lap Length Calculator now supports the metric version of the code with full metric reporting and inputs.
• ACI 318-19 Spread Footing Quick Designnow supports the metric version of the code with full metric reporting and inputs.

This month, we celebrated SkyCiv’s 10th anniversary! Our team from around the world came together in Sydney to mark a decade of building smarter and more accessible software for structural engineers. And while we took a moment to celebrate, we’ve also been focused on continuing to improve the platform. Let’s take a look at what’s new:

SkyCiv Structural 3D

Quick Member Length Editing

The S3D interface now includes a feature that lets you quickly edit a member’s length without manually adjusting node coordinates. Just right-click the member or group of members, select “Change Member Length,” enter the new value, and choose whether to move end A or end B.

  

New Plate Mesher Update

The S3D plate mesher can now handle meshing along members crossing the plate’s borders or the plate’s holes (i.e., members partially within a plate). Previously, these members were ignored during meshing. The example below shows a complex (and somewhat unrealistic) case that highlights the new capability. Mesh nodes are now placed along members that pass in and out of the plate and its openings. This improvement means continuous members no longer need to be split where they intersect with the plate border.

Added ASCE 7-22 Spectral Loads

S3D also now supports spectral loads from the ASCE 7-22 design code for response spectrum analysis. Previously, only ASCE 7-16 was available.

SkyCiv Section Builder

SkyCiv is proud to support the full range of Hyne Timber products in our Section Builder Software! This update allows users to model Hyne Timber products in our S3D analysis package and design these members to AS 1720.

SkyCiv Quick Design

Lateral Pile Stability Quick Design

The latest addition to the SkyCiv Quick Design library, the new Lateral Pile Stability tool is designed to assist in the geotechnical analysis and design of poles or piles primarily resisting lateral loads. 

The Lateral Pile Stability Quick Design calculates lateral stability using the Broms or Brinch Hansen Method to determine internal forces on the pile under the loading conditions to be used in the structural design.

 

EN 1993-1-1 Steel Plate Quick Design

Another addition to the SkyCiv Quick Design is the EN 1993-1-1 Steel Plate Quick Design that enables structural engineers to calculate the moment and shear capacity of a steel plate bending about its minor axis for both plastic and elastic analysis.  

Other Updates

SkyCiv Quick Design:

• AS 3600:2018 Reinforcement Lap Length Quick Design now supports cogged and hooked reinforcement as well as plots for changes in stress development relative to lap/development length.

SkyCiv Section Builder:

• Added Australian > Scaffold > AT-PAC sections.
• Added Singaporean > Steel (Consteel) sections.
• Added Metric > Wood > AS 1720 > Hyne materials.

Detailed Shell FEA:

• Added a materials database.

Take a look at what our team has been working on this month. This update includes improvements to the SkyCiv Grasshopper Plugin, new Quick Design tools, and enhancements to Connection Design.

SkyCiv Grasshopper Plugin v2.0

We’re excited to share a major update to the SkyCiv Grasshopper Plugin! The new version focuses on making your modeling workflow faster, easier to control, and more transparent.

What’s New in v2.0

🔹 Improved usability and interface: You can now define geometry directly without using pop-up dialogs. It is easier to set up members, plates, loads, and supports using intuitive inputs.

🔹 New component capabilities: Use a wider range of geometry inputs, including Brep, Line, Curve, Surface, and Mesh. You can also define plate pressures based on IDs or geometry.

🔹 More section and material options: Choose from custom sections or use SkyCiv’s built-in database. The same flexibility applies to materials, with support for both custom definitions and standard entries.

🔹 Advanced load definitions: Specify loads with either magnitudes or vectors. The plugin supports point loads, distributed loads, area loads, and more across various structural elements.

🔹 Built-in structural analysis: Run analysis directly inside Grasshopper and view results in table format without leaving the environment.

How to Get the Update

You can download the SkyCiv Grasshopper Plugin v2.0 from these sources:
🔹 SkyCiv Grasshopper Plugin Page
🔹 Grasshopper PackageManager (search for “SkyCiv”)
🔹 Food4Rhino

Updated Documentation

Full instructions and examples are available in the SkyCiv Grasshopper Plugin Docs.

New SkyCiv Quick Design Calculators

ACI 318-19 Concrete Beam Design

The latest addition to the SkyCiv Quick Design module, the ACI 318-19 Concrete Beam Design, allows users to design rectangular and T-beams in accordance with ACI 318-19 for axial, bending, and shear loading. It also verifies reinforcement spacing, ratio requirements, and concrete cover compliance per ACI 318-19, Chapter 9.

Load Combination Generator

Our new Load Combination Generator in the SkyCiv Quick Design automatically generates all possible load combinations based on the selected design standard. Simply select a standard, choose the desired criteria to filter load combinations (such as Ultimate Limit States (ULS) or Serviceability Limit States (SLS)), then define load cases and patterns to generate combinations that align precisely with project-specific requirements and design codes.

Supported design codes include:

• ASCE 2022 LRFD
• AS 1170.0-2002
• EN 1990-2002
• NBCC-2022

SkyCiv Connection Design Update

The latest update provides an example of connection detailing in steel design, covering shear, moment, and splice connections. It is intended to assist both structural engineers and detailers by demonstrating how connection design information can be communicated in drawings, supporting better coordination and clarity in the design and documentation process.

Check out our Column and Beam Splice Connection Calculations below!

Column Splice Connection Calculations

Beam Splice Connection Calculations

Let’s dive into the key highlights from SkyCiv Load Generator and SkyCiv Quick Design to see what’s new!

Added Sweden Wind and Snow Load Calculation

This month, we added wind and snow load calculation for Sweden using Boverkets konstruktionsregler EKS 12 to SkyCiv Load Generator. This is part of the European Load Generation improvements our team has been working on. Stay tuned as we’ll be sharing a major update once the full rollout is complete!

SkyCiv Quick Design – New Calculators

This month, we introduced the AISC 360-22 Steel Member Design to the Quick Design library. Key features:

• Extensive Section Database: Fully integrated with SkyCiv’s library of 1200+ standard sections. Updated for the AISC 16th ed. Steel Construction Manual!
• Custom Sections: Easily design custom I-sections, T-sections, Channels and Hollow Structural Sections (HSS).
• Fully Verified: Verified extensively against design examples from the AISC Steel Construction Manual (16th Edition).
• Batch Run Support: Design multiple members in a single Quick Design, with seamless Excel/CSV export functionality.
• Support for both metric and imperial reporting.

Another addition is Bearing Capacity Calculators to the quick design library with the key features:

• Fully Verified: Verified extensively against Bowles Foundation Analysis and Design & Das Principles of Foundation Engineering.
• Extensive Design Methods Support: Allows for calculations with Terzaghi, Hansen, Vesic and Meyerhoff methods.
• International Standard Support: Integrated with popular standards and National Annexes:
  • EN 1997-1:2004 Bearing Capacity Quick Design
  • AS 4678 & AS 5100  Bearing Capacity Quick Design
  • General Bearing Capacity Quick Design
• Sensitivity Analysis Graphing: Graph the bearing capacity against a range of design inputs automatically to optimize designs.
• Batch Run Support: Design multiple foundations in a single Quick Design File with seamless Excel/CSV export functionality.

More Updates

•  Added DSM Factors for Australian > Cold Formed Steel (Lysaght) > Topspan (Hat).
•  Added DSM Factors for Australian > Cold Formed Steel (FrameCAD) > Channels (Lipped).

• Cable Tension Quick Design Calculator now supports new cable systems and more advanced calculations as well as full imperial reporting and dynamic graphics.
• AS 4055 Wind Loads for Housing Quick Design now supports the 2021 version of the code.

This month has been another exciting one at SkyCiv! We hosted the 2025 SkyCiv AI Hackathon where our team members got the opportunity to team up, innovate, and compete to build cutting-edge solutions for our users. We can’t wait to share the winning projects with you!

But that’s not all. Our team also introduced other updates across the platform, so scroll down to explore these new features!

Key Highlights

• SkyCiv AI Hackathon Winners Announcement!
• SkyCiv Platform: Software now supports Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Hindi, Portuguese, Serbian, Thai, and Vietnamese.
• SkyCiv Structural 3D: New AI Image Generator!
• SkyCiv Connection Design: Stiffeners for Flange Plate Moment Connections (AISC 360-16).
• SkyCiv Quick Design: New ACI 318-19 Concrete Column Calculator.

SkyCiv AI Hackathon Winners

SkyCiv Hackathon is the annual tradition that challenges us to build innovative solutions for structural engineers. This year, the top 3 submissions really blew away and we’re so excited to share them with you:

• 🥇DWG Converter – Convert 2D floor plans into SkyCiv S3D models.
• 🥈AI Model Generator – Transform hand-drawn sketches, textbook images, or text prompts into SkyCiv S3D models.
• 🥉SkyCiv Interpreter – Convert any image of an equation into code, including MathJax and JavaScript.

Watch our video for a sneak peek of these solutions!

Expanded Language Support!

Our platform now supports Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Hindi, Portuguese, Serbian, Thai, and Vietnamese for Structural 3D, Beam, and Section Builder.

Change your language via Account Settings → Software Settings → Software Language.

AI Image Generator – Now in Structural 3D!

One of our Hackathon-winning solutions is now live!

This new feature brings your designs to life, allowing you to visualize how your structural models might look once built.

How to use the AI Image Generator:

1️⃣ Open an S3D model in the 3D Renderer
2️⃣ Navigate to Output → AI Image Generator in the top menu
3️⃣ Generate and explore your model’s AI-powered visualization!

We’d love to see what you create.

Try this new tool and share your best images with us via Live Chat or on social media!

SkyCiv Connection Design – New Update

We’ve made a key update to the wide flange beam-to-column moment connection using flange plates in SkyCiv Connection Design. This improvement adds column stiffeners, which significantly improve the column’s capacity to resist axial and moment loads transferred from the beam while ensuring compliance with AISC standards.

Key benefits:

• Improved load distribution: Stiffeners help distribute the forces more effectively, reducing localized stresses and increasing the overall strength and stability of the connection.
• Enhanced structural integrity: This update ensures better performance in high-load applications and minimizes potential deformations or failures at the connection points.

SkyCiv Quick Design – ACI 318-19 Concrete Column

The latest addition to the SkyCiv Quick Design module, the ACI 318-19 Concrete Column Calculator, enables users to design reinforced concrete rectangular and circular columns for tension, compression, axial load, bending, and shear. It also verifies reinforcement spacing, ratio requirements, and concrete cover compliance per ACI 318-19, Chapter 10.

Other updates

• SkyCiv Structural 3D
  • Improved speed of solver on very large models with over 100 load combinations.
  • Center of Gravity tool now considers offsets of both members and plate.
• SkyCiv Section Builder
  • NEW: Added Australian > Timber (Dindas LVL).
  • NEW: Added Ultimate Strength (Fu) for all AS/NZS 4671 materials
• SkyCiv Quick Design
  • UPDATED: AS 4055 Wind Loads for Housing Module support the 2021 version of the code.

Nestle Purina Montfort Dryer Expansion – France

Type: Industrial Engineering
Engineer: Intelect UK Ltd

With over 25 years of experience, Intelect UK specializes in delivering global engineering solutions across electrical installation, mechanical engineering, pipework, and design.

Nestle Purina Montfort is a key production facility in France. This project focused on expanding an existing dryer system, with two additional modules extending the dryer by 2.4 meters in each direction. This expansion required extensive structural analysis, careful clash detection, and platform redesign to ensure optimal functionality and safety in a highly regulated environment.

The Challenge 

The dryer expansion posed significant challenges for both structural integrity and operational accessibility. The extension reduced the footprint of the surrounding platforms, making it difficult to adhere to walkway standards outlined in BS EN ISO 14122:2016 (Safety of Machinery) and NPPE Quality – Hygiene Design Environment 2023. Specifically:

• Walkway Space Constraints: The minimum recommended walkway width (500mm for temporary access, 600mm for general access) was reduced to approximately 450mm. This tight space made routine operations and equipment cleaning difficult.
• Tank and Extruder Alignment: With the dryer expansion, the feeding tank needed relocation, altering the angle of the ‘screw’ alignment with the extruder machines. This adjustment required a complete redesign of the surrounding steelwork to maintain efficient access and alignment.
• Vibratory Loads: The new platform needed to withstand both the imposed static loads from machinery and the vibratory loads during operation.

These challenges demanded a comprehensive structural analysis and innovative design solutions to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with both local and international standards.

How it was Designed

The project began with an extensive 3D Laser Scanning of the existing factory room, capturing intricate details of steelwork, machinery, and spatial constraints. Using SkyCiv Structural 3D, the engineer modeled both the existing structure and the proposed expansion, allowing for precise clash detection and structural analysis.

Key Design Steps:

• 3D Modeling: The existing structure and dryer modules were meticulously modeled in SkyCiv, integrating machinery and structural elements.
• Platform Redesign: New platforms were designed to replace outdated steelwork, improving structural integrity and gaining better access to machinery.
• Load Analysis: SkyCiv’s advanced analysis tools were used to simulate and evaluate static and vibratory loads, ensuring the redesigned platforms could withstand operational stresses.
• Refined Adjustments: The alignment of the tank and screw extruder was recalculated and optimized within SkyCiv.

Expansion Infeed – Steel Work (Second Floor)

How SkyCiv Helped

SkyCiv’s advanced tools facilitated:

• Advanced 3D Capabilities: The intuitive modeling environment enabled precise representation of both the existing and proposed structures.
• Clash Detection: Potential clashes between steel members and machinery were identified early in the design phase, minimizing rework during construction.
• Load Analysis and Verification: SkyCiv’s detailed load analysis tools provided confidence in the platform’s ability to handle both static and vibratory loads.
• Clear Reporting: The open calculation reports from SkyCiv offered clarity and transparency, simplifying communication with stakeholders.

“SkyCiv is a great calculation tool which has helped our company massively, due to the speed at which we can get results for a structure. Normally, we would use SkyCiv to perform in-house and initial calculations on a structure then once it has passed using our chosen steelwork section sizes we can start modelling in detail, while in the background we would have a sub-contracted structural engineer complete the final sign-off of the platform. As you can imagine this cuts out a lot of time waiting for the sign-off as we already know the answer.”
— Connor Dowson, Junior Design Engineer, Intelect UK Ltd

Infeed – Steelwork Supporting Platform and Schenk Tank (Final Installation)

Mid-Installation

Final Installation Photos

The blurred section represents an oscillating conveyor that vibrates, pushing the product along and depositing it into the dryer (on the right). The red steelwork above and the rotary valve (circular flange) are also visible.

Turnover Steelwork & Expanded Dryer Section

Infeed – Extruders

Conclusion

The Nestle Purina Montfort Dryer Expansion project showcases the power of SkyCiv in tackling complex structural challenges with precision and efficiency. From detailed 3D modeling and load analysis to effective clash detection and platform redesign, SkyCiv played a pivotal role in delivering a successful outcome. This project not only enhanced the factory’s operational efficiency but also set a standard for future structural expansions in similar facilities.

The combination of advanced tools and an intuitive platform ensured that every design challenge was met with confidence and clarity.

Melissa Koepsel
UX | Onboarding Engineer
BSc (Civil)
LinkedIn