Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SkyCiv Structural 3D VS OpenRoads Designer

Compare SkyCiv Structural 3D VS OpenRoads Designer and see what are their differences

SkyCiv Structural 3D logo SkyCiv Structural 3D

SkyCiv Structural 3D is a powerful structural analysis and design software on the cloud.

OpenRoads Designer logo OpenRoads Designer

A detailed design application for roadway, surveying, drainage, and subsurface utilities that supersede capabilities previously delivered by InRoads and GEOPAK
  • SkyCiv Structural 3D Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-13
  • OpenRoads Designer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-17

SkyCiv Structural 3D features and specs

  • Cloud-based Platform
    SkyCiv Structural 3D is entirely cloud-based, allowing users to access their projects and tools from anywhere with an internet connection. This provides flexibility and convenience, enabling collaboration across different locations and increasing productivity.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible even for those who may not be professional structural engineers. This reduces the learning curve and allows for efficient model creation and analysis.
  • Comprehensive Analysis
    SkyCiv Structural 3D supports a wide range of structural analysis types, including load combinations, buckling analysis, and dynamic analysis. This versatility allows it to handle various structural design and verification tasks.
  • Integrated Design Codes
    The software includes integrated design codes for regions around the world, such as AISC, NDS, Eurocode, and more. This ensures compliance with local standards, reducing the risk of errors and increasing the reliability of designs.
  • API Access
    SkyCiv offers API access for those who require custom functionality or integration with other software solutions. This enables more advanced users to extend the capabilities of the platform and streamline their workflows.
  • Customer Support and Resources
    SkyCiv provides extensive customer support, including live chat, email, and a rich knowledge base. This ensures that users can get assistance whenever needed, minimizing downtime and helping resolve issues quickly.

Possible disadvantages of SkyCiv Structural 3D

  • Subscription-Based Model
    SkyCiv Structural 3D operates on a subscription-based pricing model, which could be a recurring expense that some users or smaller firms may find burdensome compared to one-time purchase software.
  • Internet Dependence
    Being a cloud-based platform, SkyCiv requires a stable internet connection. Users in areas with unreliable internet access may find this problematic, as it could limit access to their projects and tools.
  • Limited Offline Capabilities
    The platform has limited offline capabilities, which can be a drawback for users who need to work in environments where internet access is not available. This can restrict productivity when away from a reliable internet source.
  • Performance on Large Models
    Some users have reported that performance can degrade when working with very large or complex structural models. This can lead to longer processing times and potential inefficiencies during the project design phase.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, mastering more advanced features and functionalities can present a substantial learning curve. This may require additional training or time investment for users to become proficient.

OpenRoads Designer features and specs

  • Comprehensive Toolset
    OpenRoads Designer provides a complete set of tools for surveying, drainage, utilities, and roadway design. This makes the software versatile and useful for various civil infrastructure projects.
  • Integration Capabilities
    The software can easily integrate with Bentley's ProjectWise and other platforms, which facilitates collaboration and data management across different project teams.
  • High Quality Visualizations
    OpenRoads Designer offers advanced visualization features including 3D modeling and rendering, helping engineers and stakeholders better understand the project and make informed decisions.
  • Geospatial Intelligence
    The platform supports the use of geographic information systems (GIS), allowing for terrain and location data to be incorporated into the design process, which is crucial for civil projects.
  • Automated Workflows
    OpenRoads Designer includes automation features that can streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, allowing engineers to focus on more complex design aspects.

Possible disadvantages of OpenRoads Designer

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to the comprehensive and feature-rich nature of OpenRoads Designer, new users may find it complex and challenging to learn initially, requiring substantial training and time investment.
  • Cost
    The software can be expensive, especially for small firms or individual engineers. The licensing costs can add up, making it a significant investment.
  • System Requirements
    OpenRoads Designer has high system requirements for optimal performance, necessitating investment in powerful hardware which can be an additional cost burden.
  • Interoperability Issues
    While the software integrates well with Bentley products, users may face difficulties when trying to work with files and data from other software platforms, leading to potential workflow disruptions.
  • Overwhelming Features
    The extensive features and tools can be overwhelming and may lead to feature fatigue, where the users have difficulty navigating and utilizing the software to its full potential.

Analysis of SkyCiv Structural 3D

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SkyCiv Structural 3D is a versatile and efficient tool for structural analysis and design. Its cloud-based approach makes it particularly appealing for teams needing to work remotely or across different locations. The software's broad feature set and updates driven by user feedback further solidify its reputation as a reliable choice for engineers.

Why this product is good

  • SkyCiv Structural 3D is considered a good structural engineering software by many users because it offers cloud-based access which enhances collaboration and accessibility. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for a variety of structural analysis and design tasks, supports multiple international design codes, and features an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Additionally, it offers a wide range of tutorials and support resources to help both beginners and advanced users effectively utilize the software.

Recommended for

  • Structural engineers who need a comprehensive analysis tool with cloud accessibility.
  • Engineering firms looking to improve collaborative workflows.
  • Students and educators in structural engineering seeking an educational resource with robust support materials.
  • Freelancers or small firms that benefit from the flexibility and affordability of cloud-based software options.

Analysis of OpenRoads Designer

Overall verdict

  • OpenRoads Designer is considered a strong choice for infrastructure design projects, particularly in the transportation sector. Its robust feature set and integration capabilities make it a valuable tool for professionals in the field. However, like any software, it may have a learning curve and requires appropriate training for optimal use.

Why this product is good

  • OpenRoads Designer by Bentley is widely regarded as a good software for civil engineering projects due to its advanced capabilities in designing, analyzing, and modeling transportation infrastructure. It offers comprehensive tools for roadway design, drainage, subsurface utilities, and bridge modeling, supported by powerful data management and integrated visualization options. Its compatibility with various data formats and user-friendly interface further enhances its utility in complex projects.

Recommended for

  • Civil engineers working on transportation infrastructure projects
  • Designers and planners involved in roadway and highway design
  • Consulting firms that require advanced civil design capabilities
  • Departments of transportation and local government agencies
  • Educational institutions offering civil engineering and design courses

SkyCiv Structural 3D videos

Result Limit Warnings on SkyCiv Structural 3D

OpenRoads Designer videos

OpenRoads Designer Review Borehole Data from gINT

More videos:

  • Review - OpenRoads Designer Review 3D Borehole and Stratum Surface
  • Review - Curso de OpenRoads Designer

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SkyCiv Structural 3D and OpenRoads Designer)
Software Engineering
100 100%
0% 0
3D
36 36%
64% 64
CAD
31 31%
69% 69
Office & Productivity
39 39%
61% 61

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SkyCiv Structural 3D seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 4 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

SkyCiv Structural 3D mentions (4)

  • What software would you recommend for simple structural analysis?
    For what it's worth I did find an online structural analysis tool that seems simple enough to use and affordable called SkyCiv that I might try, but from your suggestions and the small amount of research I did since, I think I might feel more comfortable doing the calculations by hand and maybe compare my results to the software simulation as confirmation. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Tool/Toy for Civil Engineering Education
    Https://skyciv.com Skyciv is a beautiful tool really worth it for students and I believe it is reasonably within your budget. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Recommendations for simple analysis software?
    I've found SkyCiv which looks like it has the right level of functionality. However it's all online and if the company ever went under we'd lose the ability to access and run the models. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Good general Mechanic Calculation Suite?
    You should checkout skyciv its 14$ a month no contract for students I checked it out for a month and it was pretty cool has alot of the stuff you mentioned too. Source: almost 4 years ago

OpenRoads Designer mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OpenRoads Designer yet. Tracking of OpenRoads Designer recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SkyCiv Structural 3D and OpenRoads Designer, you can also consider the following products

Civil 3D - Civil 3D supports BIM for civil engineering design and documentation for rail, roads, land development, airports, water and wastewater, and civil structures.

Robot Structural Analysis Professional - Structural Analysis and Design

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Site3D - Site3D is a fully featured software product for the engineering design of road systems, roundabouts, residential developments and earthworks.

AutoDesk InfraWorks 360 - InfraWorks 360 preliminary engineering and design software provides tools to work on infrastructure projects in a real-world context.

Carlson Civil - Carlson Civil Carlson Civil is a complete civil engineering software featuring 'Fair Price.