This document summarizes new features and enhancements in the 2010 release of STRUDS software, including: 1) Enhanced 3D visualization and the ability to directly import architectural CAD plans and Excel data to create structural models. 2) The introduction of 6-node triangular shell elements for finite element analysis of slabs. 3) Improved seismic load calculations, irregular shaped slab design, and consideration of footing boundary conditions. 4) Enhancements to column tie design logic, industrial building modeling, and defect fixes.

1. 2010 Release

4. Import of Architectural CAD drawings - first of its kind feature Using this new feature, CAD drawing of Building Plan can be directly imported in STRUDS for generation of structural plan. Save substantial time in modeling the structure. Higher accuracy in input.

5. Architectural import with all entities All layers from original CAD drawings are available for display and can be made on/ off as required – The Structural Designer has Architectural Plan view in the background

6. Tracing of imported Architectural Drawing User can draw structural model by tracing entities from imported CAD Architectural Drawing

7. New easier option for generation of grid lines New option added for grid line generation to import excel file data

8. Generation of grid lines by importing excel file data Grid lines can now be generated by importing data from excel file. Substantially enhances the speed of creation of model using Grid approach.

9. Use grid lines to trace structural plan Structural plan can be quickly created using the grid points

10. Finite Element Analysis of Slabs as shell element (Beta release) Discretization of Surfaces using Intelligent Free Mesh Algorithm – 6 Noded Triangular Finite Elements Considered

11. View Finite Element Analysis results in postprocessor Contour Diagrams (Filled & Vector) are produced for All Stresses and Displacements With Value table. Colors are graded from Maximum to Minimum

12. Quick Modeling of Industrial Structures User defined steel Plane Trusses can be modeled and placed on concrete frames Shrinking effect at joints for better visualization