Dlubal RFEM
Dlubal RFEM is a powerful 3D finite element analysis software that allows engineers to model, analyze, and design complex structures consisting of members, surfaces, and solids.
SkyCiv
SkyCiv is a cloud-based structural engineering software providing a comprehensive suite of modeling, analysis, and design tools accessible from any web browser to streamline your complex engineering projects and workflows.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Dlubal RFEM | SkyCiv |
|---|---|---|
| Website | dlubal.com | skyciv.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 90 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1987 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Tiefenbach, Germany | Sydney, Australia |
Overview
Dlubal RFEM
RFEM is a versatile finite element analysis (FEA) program that helps you handle structural engineering projects of any complexity. You can model diverse structures including buildings, bridges, towers, and industrial plants using a combination of members, surfaces, and solid elements. The software provides a modular system where you start with the base program and add specific design modules for materials like steel, concrete, timber, or glass as your project requires.
You can perform linear and non-linear calculations, stability analysis, and dynamic investigations within a unified graphical interface. The platform integrates into your existing BIM workflows, allowing you to synchronize data with Revit, Tekla Structures, and AutoCAD. Whether you are designing a simple beam or a massive stadium, you can verify your results against international standards and generate professional, verifiable documentation for your clients.
SkyCiv
SkyCiv is a cloud-based structural analysis and design platform that lets you work from any device without installing heavy desktop software. You can model, analyze, and design structures ranging from simple beams to complex 3D frames and trusses directly in your web browser. The platform integrates seamlessly with international design codes, allowing you to perform checks for steel, concrete, wood, and cold-formed sections with automated report generation.
By moving your engineering workflow to the cloud, you can collaborate with your team in real-time and access your projects from anywhere. It solves the problem of expensive hardware requirements and rigid licensing, making it a flexible choice for solo engineers and large firms alike. You can also automate repetitive modeling tasks using their powerful API, significantly cutting down your project turnaround time.
Overview
Dlubal RFEM Features
- 3D Finite Element Modeling Create complex models using members, surfaces, and solids in a single environment to simulate real-world structural behavior.
- Modular Design System Customize your workspace by adding specific modules for steel, concrete, or timber design based on your project needs.
- BIM Integration Exchange data with Revit, Tekla, and Rhino to keep your structural models synchronized with the architectural design.
- Non-linear Analysis Perform advanced calculations for large deformations, cable structures, and material non-linearity to ensure structural safety.
- Automatic Mesh Generation Generate high-quality finite element meshes automatically for surfaces and solids to get accurate results with less manual effort.
- Professional Documentation Create detailed printout reports with graphics and tables that update automatically when you change your model.
SkyCiv Features
- 3D Structural Analysis. Model and analyze complex structures with linear, non-linear, and buckling analysis tools directly in your web browser.
- Integrated Design Codes. Perform automated member design checks against American, Australian, British, Canadian, and European standards with ease.
- Section Builder. Calculate properties for standard shapes or build custom sections to analyze stress distributions and capacity.
- Automated Reporting. Generate professional, open-calculation PDF reports that show every step of the math for easy verification.
- Real-time Collaboration. Share your models with colleagues or clients instantly via a simple link for faster project approvals.
- Cloud Storage. Save and access your structural models from any device, ensuring your work is always backed up and available.
Pricing Comparison
Dlubal RFEM Pricing
SkyCiv Pricing
- Basic beam analysis
- Limited 3D modeling
- Public file storage
- Standard section library
- Educational resources access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Full 3D structural analysis
- International design codes
- Private file storage
- Full PDF reporting
- Priority email support
Pros & Cons
Dlubal RFEM
Pros
- Highly flexible modular system saves money on unused features
- Exceptional technical support from qualified structural engineers
- Intuitive graphical interface compared to other FEA packages
- Robust integration with popular BIM and CAD software
- Extensive library of international design codes and standards
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced non-linear modules
- Initial setup and module selection can be complex
- High hardware requirements for large-scale solid modeling
SkyCiv
Pros
- No installation required for immediate browser access
- Transparent calculation reports simplify the auditing process
- Intuitive interface reduces the typical engineering learning curve
- Responsive technical support from actual structural engineers
Cons
- Requires stable internet connection for all tasks
- Advanced non-linear analysis can be slower than desktop
- Interface can lag with extremely large models