Tutorial — Graitec Advance Design
The GRAITEC Advance Design tutorial series, particularly the "My First Project" sequence, is a highly effective, structured onboarding path for structural engineers transitioning into BIM-integrated FEM analysis. These tutorials excel by breaking down complex structural simulation into a logical 12-step workflow that spans from initial modeling to final documentation. Key Strengths
- Start a new project → set units (kN, m), Eurocode (EN 1990/1991/1993)
- Create grid (optional) → draw columns + beam using Line tool
- Assign sections (IPE 300, HEA 200) from the steel library
- Define supports – pinned base at column feet
- Apply loads – vertical load (UDL on beam) + self-weight
- Generate mesh (for beams → line elements, default OK)
- Run analysis (F9)
- Check results – bending moment diagram, deflection
- Design (steel beam module) → utilization ratio, buckling checks
- Apply dead, live, wind, seismic, temperature and moving loads.
- Define load combinations (code-based or custom) and envelope analyses.
Run the FEM (Finite Element Method) engine to see how the structure behaves. graitec advance design tutorial
Step 3: Drawing Columns
- Select Column from the ribbon.
- In the properties palette (usually on the left), set the section to Rectangle: 400x400 mm.
- Set material to C30/37.
- Hover over the grid intersections. Click to place.
- Tip: Use the "Story" dropdown at the bottom to copy these columns to all 5 stories instantly.
- Use the built-in tutorials: Graitec provides various tutorials to help you get started with the software.
- Use the software's help documentation: The software's help documentation provides detailed information on its features and tools.
- Practice, practice, practice: The best way to learn Graiter Advance Design is to practice using it.
- Dead Loads: Define dead loads, including self-weight, permanent loads, and imposed loads.
- Live Loads: Define live loads, including loads from occupancy, furniture, and vehicles.
- Wind Loads: Define wind loads, including wind speed, direction, and pressure.
- Run linear static, nonlinear, dynamic or modal analyses as required.
- Set solver options and convergence criteria.
- Check model diagnostics (connectivity, rigid links, incompatible DOFs).
Analysis Mode: Used for meshing, running calculations, and viewing results. The GRAITEC Advance Design tutorial series, particularly the