ProtaStructure Design Guide – ProtaStructure ETABS Comparison
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, and performance comparisons.
Analytical Model and Building Description
ProtaStructure and ETABS each modeled the same building to ensure unbiased results. The structure includes standard elements like reinforced concrete slabs, beams, and shearwalls. These features keep the analyses consistent.
Load Definitions and Seismic Parameters
Both software programs use ASCE 7-16 guidelines to define seismic loading cases. They define parameters such as spectral accelerations (Ss for short periods and S1 for longer periods), site-specific coefficients (Fa and Fv), and Seismic Design Category D. ProtaStructure covers vertical seismic spectrum requirements in more detail.
Comparative Results in ProtaStructure ETABS Comparison
The two programs closely match in calculating story masses, seismic weights, and base shear forces. Differences in modal characteristics stay low at around 1–1.5%. Variations in base shear calculations are about 2%, which shows strong consistency between the software.
Joint Displacements and Internal Forces
The comparison finds minor differences in joint displacements, shearwall responses, and beam internal forces. These variations mainly arise from each software’s modeling techniques and mesh discretization.
Mesh Sensitivity and Vertical Earthquake Analysis
ProtaStructure includes advanced mesh refinement features that improve vertical seismic analysis. A finer mesh distributes loads more accurately and produces more precise results for vertical earthquake effects.
Conclusion
Both ProtaStructure and ETABS reliably perform seismic analyses. However, ProtaStructure stands out for its advanced meshing technology and detailed post-processing tools.
Additional Resources
You can find more resources and practical examples on the Prota Software Community Page. This page includes Webinar Recordings, a Project Gallery, and our YouTube Channel.
