Introduction ASCE/SEI 41-17—“Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings”—is the industry standard for assessing seismic performance in existing structures. Moreover, it uses performance-based design principles. Consequently, the standard defines a three-tier process: initial screening, detailed analysis (linear & nonlinear), and acceptance checks against clear performance objectives. Additionally, it covers both deficiency-based and capacity-driven approaches. Finally, […]

Introduction ProtaStructure 2026’s User-Defined Acceleration Spectra guide empowers engineers to import and manage unlimited site-specific seismic spectra, assigning distinct curves for the X, Y, and Z directions. Users can effortlessly build a spectrum library by importing data from text files or pasting from the clipboard, with automatic parsing of common delimiters. Furthermore, the Compare tool […]

Introduction ProtaStructure 2026’s Subbasement Members Design Guide provides a streamlined workflow to insert and model subbasement walls, slabs, and beams within foundation systems moreover specify foundation depth to auto-recognize members for accurate load assignment, and use the detailing menu to quickly define reinforcement, slab strips, and ties. Subbasement Walls and Subbasement Wall Height  Subbasement walls […]

Introduction The ProtaStructure Design Guide RC Pedestals for 2026 introduces a powerful new feature that simplifies the design and analysis of concrete pedestals under steel columns. Users can seamlessly insert pedestals, define their dimensions effortlessly, and integrate them into structural models for optimal design workflows. When a base plate is specified beneath the steel column, […]

Introduction The “ProtaStructure Design Guide – ProtaStructure ETABS Comparison” (March 2025) offers a thorough review of two leading structural engineering software programs: ProtaStructure and ETABS. It focuses on seismic analysis by examining a 15-story reinforced concrete building that follows ASCE 7-16 guidelines. The guide covers key topics such as structural modeling methods, seismic parameter definitions, […]

The ProtaStructure Design Guide serves as a complete, user-friendly reference for calculating wind loads on buildings using Indian Standard IS: 875 Part 3 (2015). Specifically designed for engineers and structural designers, this guide covers each stage of wind load determination, including input parameters, essential calculations, and the application of ProtaStructure software for precise analysis. Key […]

Summary The design of RC beams is essential to ensuring the safety, durability, and functionality of structural projects. RC Beam Design with ProtaStructure offers engineers a streamlined, accurate, and economical solution to complete this process efficiently. This all-in-one structural engineering software provides an extensive set of tools for batch design, interactive design, and optimized rebar […]

Summary ProtaStructure addresses the effects of vertical earthquake action in design through two primary methods: Approximate Static ApproachThis method simplifies the consideration of vertical seismic effects by focusing on a modified gravity load case. Unlike other methods that incorporate vertical vibration modes or a dedicated vertical spectrum, it applies a fraction of the horizontal spectral […]

Summary Castellated Beam Design in ProtaStructure involves slicing an I-beam longitudinally along its web in a specific pattern. The separated sections are rejoined with a deeper web, increasing the beam’s depth while maintaining nearly the same weight. This design makes castellated beams highly efficient for enhancing load-bearing capacity without additional steel. By increasing their depth, […]

Summary Space Truss Design in ProtaStructure 2025 serves as the three-dimensional counterpart of planar trusses. Space trusses consist of straight members connected at their ends, forming a robust framework. These members can be made of steel, aluminum, or other materials depending on project needs. Typically, joints in space trusses use ball-and-socket connections. This allows for […]