Structural Software Module

Structural Steel Software: Mech-Q Software Module

Our Structural Software draws structural steel members including steel shapes (beams, columns and miscellaneous), beam-connections, stairs, ladders, bracing, hand railing, frames, welding symbols, beam loading designer and much more.

Steel shapes include: AISC, BHP, CISC, DIN, RSA, JIS, IS, Chinese…The module draws both in 2D & 3D and generates a weighted auto-BOM Some modules include auto dimensioning of components to fabrication details. The structural software supports both Metric & English (Imperial) Units and is adaptable to different country codes, including the USA, Europe, AU, and Canada.

Mech-Q Structural is an add-on for AutoCAD and IntelliCAD. It is also available within our CAD standalone called AViCAD. The Structural Software / Module is both customizable and easy to learn. Not only does our Structural Module provide design and detail beam connections and steel shapes for AutoCAD, it also includes steel stairs, ladders, and more. Additionally, it allows users to import, define, and optimize various types of cross sections, facilitating better modeling and analysis of steel structures.

Overview of Structural Software

Structural software utilities like Mech-Q are essential tools for engineers, allowing them to create AutoCAD drawings efficiently and accurately. Whether you’re working on building design, a bridge retrofit, or infrastructure development, our structural software will be your go-to when laying out your project. By incorporating the various Mech-Q tools into your workflow, you will overcome pressing deadlines and meet your overall budget. The Mech-Q structural module is optimized for creating steel shapes for AutoCAD and more – it provides a seamless integration inside your CAD toolbars and ribbons, enhancing your overall drawing process. Plus, with our free program offering a 30-day download, you can explore all the features risk-free and see how it can transform your structural design projects.

Stay on track with Mech-Q Structural

The beauty of Mech-Q Structural is that we’ve taken the work out of creating professional-looking structural drawings by providing various software utilities that simplify the entire process. We have provided you an easy to understand workflow – it’s all laid out, right in front of you, so that you can stay on track with your project.

By choosing Mech-Q you can be sure that you’re on the right path to becoming the most productive you can be at 2D and 3D structural drafting and design.

We keep it simple so you can draw fast

We make it easy, not more complicated … and we want you to get your CAD project done fast and accurate with very little effort. We have designed Mech-Q software to draw the way you do, so you can focus more on the work and not complicated software.

You can fully customize Mech-Q to conform to your office layer standard – so there’s no need to change the way you already work. Mech-Q creates standard AutoCAD objects – so the drawings can be easily shared with anyone, even if they don’t have Mech-Q.

Mech-Q Structural integrates into your existing CAD menu, ribbon, drop-down or toolbar menu. It also runs in AutoCAD®, BricsCAD and IntelliCAD or as a CAD standalone called AViCAD.

Steel Structure Shapes & Beams

Our structural software add-on draws steel beams in both 2D & 3D and includes Auto-BOM with weighted BOM (fully customizable). It excels in structural steel design, validating the strength of steel members and optimizing their design according to various international standards. This structural steel design software is compatible with design codes such as AISC, AS, Eurocode, and CSA, and offers comprehensive calculation reporting capabilities. This structural steel shape routine supports data listing with a pick & match option. Layers are fully customizable. Curved beam option is also available. Annotates beams and steel shapes in AutoCAD and as needed.

Main features:

• 2D & 3D Capability
• Auto-BOM with weighted BOM (fully customisable)
• Data listing, pick & match option
• Fully customisable layers
• Curved beam option
• Annotation option

Standard Steel Shapes and sizes included:

Metric:

• Australian (BHP)
• European (DIN)
• British Standard (BS)
• Canadian (CISC)
• South African (RSA)
• Japanese (JIS)
• Indian (IS)
• Chinese

English:

• US (AISC/ASTM)
• Canadian (CISC)

Please let us know if you have questions about other standard steel shapes for AutoCAD.

Structural Stairs Utility will draw stairs to the configuration set by the user. The routine will also draw Single-flight and multi-flight stairs in Front, Plan and End views and then add the main Dimensions and Stair Data as required. Handrail outline can also be included.

Stringer Detail – With auto-dimensioning for fabrication. Use the program design feature to draw the stairs – then by simply picking the stairs stringer, it will be auto-detailed for you.

Also includes concrete Pan Style stair tread. The user has full control on the stairs design parameters, including stringer and tread sizes, slope, width, stair flights configuration.

Structural Stairs Main features:

• Draw Single-flight and multi-flight stairs
• Front, Plan and End views
• Auto-handrailing
• Several stringer & tread options – With auto-dimensioning of stringer for shop fabrication
• Fully customizable with full control on the stairs design parameters, including:
  • Stringer and tread sizes
  • Slope
  • Width
  • Stair flights configuration
• Fully customizable layers
• Easy to use and configure

NOTE:  The stairs configuration is controlled by recognized safety constraints

Ladders Utility

The Ladder Utility will draw Side Stepping and Step Thru. ladders – Front, Plan and End views. The utility can also draw safety Cages and fabrication Detail. Auto Dimensioning is included.

1. Draw Step-thru and Side-step ladders
2. Front, Plan and End views
3. Ladder detailing (with auto-dimensions)
4. Safety cages optionally added
5. Customise layers used
6. Fully customizable with full control on the all the ladder design parameters.
7. Easy to use and configure.

Structural Hand Railing:

• Customizable sizes, layers & shape
• Welded, “Monowills” and Square tube
• Steel or Aluminium
• 15 types of stanchion
• Optional “kick” plates.
• Several draw options
• Easy to use and configure.
• Several draw view options:
  • Run Elevation – Pick two points and handrail + stanchions is drawn
  • Run Plan – Draw an outline polyline then simply pick polyline to draw
  • Stanchion Front view
  • Stanchion End view
  • Stanchion Plan view
  • 90-deg Bend
  • Angled Bend
  • Horizontal Closure
  • Angled Closure

Beam to Beam Connection

Drawing structural steel beams is easy with our structural software add-on. Includes several connections types: bolted & moment Plate, angle or double angle cleats. Will draw in plan or front draw views. Customizable layers & connection sizes & design w/ auto-dimensioning to fabrication details. Beam weights calculator and much more included.

Main features:

• Fully Customizable sizes & layers
• Welded, welded cleat, bolted cleat or bolted straight
• Bracing drawn in 4 easy steps:
• Select IP 1st point
• Select fixing member at 1st point
• Select IP 2nd point
• Select fixing member at 2nd point

Structural Bracing

Fully Customizable sizes & layers. Supporting welded, welded cleat, bolted cleat or bolted straight bracing. Simple to use, draws bracing in 4 easy steps! Fixing options include Welded, welded cleat, bolted cleat or bolted straight.

Main Features:

• Fully Customizable sizes & layers
• Welded, welded cleat, bolted cleat or bolted straight
• Bracing drawn in 4 easy steps:
• Select IP 1st point
• Select fixing member at 1st point
• Select IP 2nd point
• Select fixing member at 2nd point

Beam to Beam Connections:

Drawing structural steel beams is easy with our structural software add-on. Includes several connections types: bolted & moment Plate, angle or double angle cleats. Will draw in plan or front draw views. Customizable layers & connection sizes & design w/ auto-dimensioning to fabrication details. Beam weights calculator and much more included.

Main features:

• Fully Customizable sizes & layers
• Welded, welded cleat, bolted cleat or bolted straight
• Bracing drawn in 4 easy steps:
• Select IP 1st point
• Select fixing member at 1st point
• Select IP 2nd point
• Select fixing member at 2nd point

Structural Bracing:

Fully Customizable sizes & layers. Supporting welded, welded cleat, bolted cleat or bolted straight bracing. Simple to use, draws bracing in 4 easy steps! Fixing options include Welded, welded cleat, bolted cleat or bolted straight.

Main Features:

• Fully Customizable sizes & layers
• Welded, welded cleat, bolted cleat or bolted straight
• Bracing drawn in 4 easy steps:
• Select IP 1st point
• Select fixing member at 1st point
• Select IP 2nd point
• Select fixing member at 2nd point

Beam to Beam Connections:

Drawing structural steel beams is easy with Mech-Q. Includes several connections types: bolted & moment plate, angle or double angle cleats. Will draw in plan or front draw views. Customizable layers & connection sizes & design w/ auto-dimensioning to fabrication details. Beam weights calculator and much more included.

Main Features:

• Several connections types: Bolted & moment
• Plate, angle or double angle cleats
• Plan or front draw views
• Customizable layers & connection sizes & design
• Auto-dimensioning to fabrication details
• Dimensioning style & options to meet most detailing requirements.
• Beam weights calculator
• Several draw options
• Easy to use and configure….

Beam to Column Connections:

• Several connections types:
• Flexible: Angle seat
• Flexible: Bearing pad
• Flexible: End plate
• Flexible: Angle cleat
• Flexible: Web plate
• Rigid: Welded & erect cleat
• Rigid: Plate
• Plan or front draw views
• Customizable layers & connection sizes & design
• Auto-dimensioning to fabrication details
• Several draw options
• Easy to use and configure…. 

Structural Welded Frames:

• Bevel or Square corners.
• Plan, End view (X) and End view (Y)
• Plan or end draw views
• Customizable layers & sizes
• Auto-dimensioning to fabrication details
• Several draw options

Beam Design Module:

The utility is a design tool for calculating stresses and deflections for simple beam cases.

• Beam cases Include:
• Simply Supported
• Cantilever
• Propped Cantilever
• Build-in
• Several load cases and load combinations are supported Output:
• Reactions at supports
• Calculated Deflections and Stresses
• Plot of stress and deflections
• Printed Result
• Minimum Steel Sections for the given load cases.
• Several configurations & calculation options…

Welding Symbols

• Several welding symbols Include:
• Fillet
• Bevel-butt
• Vee-Butt
• Square-Butt
• U-Butt
• J-Butt
• Flare-V
• Flare-bevel
• Plug
• Spot welding
• Seam welding
• Stud welding
• Bead welding
• Surface welding
• Welding note option
• Configurable size & layers
• Several options & auxiliary symbols: Site, all round, leader, intermittent…

Many other modules & utilities included

Steel Shapes included:

• Metric:
  • Australian (BHP):Hot Rolled sections, including: UB, UC, PFC, EA, UA, Welded UB & UC and RHS.
  • European (DIN):INP & IPE, HEA & HEB, UNP & UPE, LE & LU, & RHS
  • British Standard (BS): UB, UC, PFC, EA, UA, CHS & RHS
  • Canadian (CISC): W, WWF, S, M, HP, C, MC, L & HSS.
  • South African (RSA): I , H, Channels, Angles, & RHS.
  • Japanese (JIS): I , H, Channels, Angles, & RHS.
  • Indian (IS):Beams , Channels, Angles, & RHS.
  • Chinese: HW, M &N Beams, Channels, Angles, & RHS sections,
• English:
  • US: AISC/ASTM: W & WT, S, M, HP, C, MC, L & RHS
  • Canadian (CISC):W, WWF, S, M, HP, C, MC, L & HSS.

Structural Beam Design Analysis

Structural beam design will allow you to simulate and evaluate the behavior of a structure under different conditions. TThe Beam Design Module is an intuitive tool designed to calculate stresses and deflections in simple beam scenarios. It supports various beam types, including:

1. Simply Supported Beams
2. Cantilever Beams
3. Propped Cantilever Beams
4. Built-in Beams

To utilize this module, follow these straightforward steps:

A. Choose the type of support from the “Type” list. B. Enter the necessary beam support details, such as beam length and support location, under the “Beam Support Detail” tab. C. Select the beam section, which can be either standard or user-defined.

This streamlined process ensures accurate analysis, making it easier for engineers to design efficient and reliable structures.

Integrated Design Codes and Standards

One of the significant advantages of structural software is the inclusion of integrated design codes and standards. These codes and standards, developed by professional organizations and government agencies, provide a set of rules and guidelines for designing structures. They ensure that structures are safe, durable, and meet minimum performance requirements. Examples of integrated design codes and standards include the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7-16, the International Building Code (IBC), and the Eurocode. By adhering to these standards, structural software helps professionals ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, ultimately leading to safer and more reliable structures.

Benefits and Applications

Structural software offers numerous benefits and applications that enhance the design and construction process:

• Improved Accuracy and Efficiency: By automating complex calculations and simulations, structural software increases the accuracy and efficiency of structural design and analysis.
• Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: These tools facilitate better collaboration and communication among architects, engineers, and contractors, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
• Reduced Costs and Project Timelines: By streamlining the design and analysis process, structural software helps reduce costs and shorten project timelines.
• Increased Safety and Reliability: The ability to simulate various conditions and loads ensures that structures are designed to be safe and reliable.
• Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations: Integrated design codes and standards help ensure that structures meet regulatory requirements.
• Optimization of Structural Performance and Material Usage: Structural software allows for the optimization of structural performance and material usage, leading to more efficient and sustainable designs.

These benefits make structural software an indispensable tool in the construction industry, driving better project outcomes and enhancing overall safety and efficiency.

A Case Study and Success Story

In Eastern Canada, a small engineering firm of five professionals has been harnessing the power of Mech-Q for several years, with the weld utility being their standout AutoCAD tool. Used daily, this utility has become essential for their structural steel design projects, ranging from commercial buildings to complex industrial structures.

Prior to adopting Mech-Q, the team struggled with consistency and accuracy in their welding details, leading to delays and frusteration. The weld utility has transformed their workflow by automating and standardizing welding documentation, reducing errors and improving project timelines.

Mech-Q has enabled the firm to tackle larger projects with ease, making it an indispensable tool in their operations. The weld utility, in particular, has enhanced their productivity and improved their quality. The end result is their clients are overly satisfied and their reputation has syrocketed.

Download this Structural Design Software Module!

A free program is available for trial. Additionally, free structural design software is offered, featuring integration with Building Information Modeling, comprehensive design checks, and the capacity to handle various materials and design standards.

See also Mech-Q Network Bundle

Download this Structural Software Module!

Trial is available.

Still want to explore some more? The image below is interactive. Click on each module “gear” to find out more about the other modules.