# Best Civil Engineering Design Software - Page 4 *By [Daniel Rivera](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/daniel-rivera)* Civil engineering design software are specialized computer programs that enable users to create, analyze, and optimize infrastructure planning. Civil engineering design solutions help draft complex [3D designs](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-design) of municipal buildings and structures. These tools include functionality for railway modeling, road and highway design, and mapping—essentially assisting city infrastructure planning. These tools have the functionality to help in every stage of the design and construction process, including drafting, designing, visualizing, analyzing, and more. Professionals across industries widely use civil engineering design software for project planning, determining costs, resourcing, and scheduling. Although they are intended for structural engineers, the [best civil engineering design software](https://learn.g2.com/best-civil-engineering-design-software) can be utilized by engineers in nearly every subset of the field. If they lack the specific functionality, these software solutions can typically integrate with [general-purpose CAD software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) and [3D modeling software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling). These features facilitate efficiency, accuracy, and the overall success of civil engineering projects. The tools also help streamline workflows, make informed decisions, and deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions. To qualify for inclusion in the Civil Engineering Design category, a product must: - Provide users with the ability to modify 3D primitives - Offer basic drawing tools like lines, circles and polygons - Enable users to visualize their structures in 3D ## G2 Grid® for Civil Engineering Design Software ![G2 Grid® for Civil Engineering Design Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=2994&focus%5B%5D=39302&focus%5B%5D=2981&focus%5B%5D=2993&focus%5B%5D=1383725&focus%5B%5D=159791&focus%5B%5D=40915&focus%5B%5D=104642) Highlighted products: MicroStation, GeoHECRAS, ZWCAD, Civil 3D, GeoSTORM, GeoHECHMS, OpenRoads Designer, and Tekla Tedds. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=microstation&focus%5B%5D=geohecras&focus%5B%5D=zwcad&focus%5B%5D=civil-3d&focus%5B%5D=geostorm&focus%5B%5D=geohechms&focus%5B%5D=openroads-designer&focus%5B%5D=tekla-tedds) ## How Many Civil Engineering Design Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 112 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.41/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: ZWCAD (+0.06%) - Among all products in this category, ZWCAD recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 08, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Civil Engineering Design Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 2,300+ Authentic Reviews - 112+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Civil Engineering Design Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [GeoHECHMS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohechms/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [GeoHECRAS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [GeoSTORM](https://www.g2.com/products/geostorm/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [GeoHECRAS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews) ## What Are the Top-Rated Civil Engineering Design Software Products in 2026? ### 1. [EXPANDAG HSCA Dosage Calculator](https://www.g2.com/products/expandag-hsca-dosage-calculator/reviews) The EXPANDAG HSCA Dosage Calculator is a free, web-based engineering utility designed for quarrying professionals, mining contractors, and civil engineers. It simplifies complex field calculations required for non-explosive rock breaking and controlled demolition using High-Range Soundless Cracking Agents (HSCA). Key features include precise chemical dosage estimation based on hole parameters (diameter, depth, and total numbers) and spacing pattern optimization to ensure maximum cracking pressure without material waste, even in extreme climate conditions. **Who Is the Company Behind EXPANDAG HSCA Dosage Calculator?** - **Seller:** [EXPANDAG](https://www.g2.com/sellers/expandag) - **Year Founded:** 2012 - **HQ Location:** 贺州市, CN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/expandag (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 2. [HEADS Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/heads-pro/reviews) HEADS Pro is the most complete software for engineering applications of Federal & State Highways, Access Controlled Expressways, Freeways, Urban streets, Low cost rural roads, Tunnels, Junctions, Intersections, Multi Level Grade Separated Interchanges, Pavement design for Flexible/Rigid/Overlay and AC Mix in AASHTO & IRC Standards and Drainage Design. **Who Is the Company Behind HEADS Pro?** - **Seller:** [Techsoft Engineering Services (I)](https://www.g2.com/sellers/techsoft-engineering-services-i) - **Year Founded:** 1998 - **HQ Location:** KOLKATA, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/techsoft-engineering-services (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 3. [HEADS Rail](https://www.g2.com/products/heads-rail/reviews) HEADS Rail is CAD based Railway design software which processes Survey data obtained from Total Station which is processed to create DTM with Ground Contours. HEADS Rail also processes Satellite images, Conversion from TM (Survey) to UTM (GPS) Coordinates, Communication with Google Earth to plan for Green Field Alignments, processing of Ground elevation data by Online downloaded from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) from Internet by using Global Mapper without any field Topo Survey. **Who Is the Company Behind HEADS Rail?** - **Seller:** [Techsoft Engineering Services (I)](https://www.g2.com/sellers/techsoft-engineering-services-i) - **Year Founded:** 1998 - **HQ Location:** KOLKATA, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/techsoft-engineering-services (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 4. [InfoSWMM](https://www.g2.com/products/infoswmm/reviews) InfoSWMM is a GIS-centric hydraulic, hydrologic, and water quality simulation model for urban drainage and sewer networks. It provides analysis for the planning and management of stormwater, sanitary sewer, and combined sewer networks. **Who Is the Company Behind InfoSWMM?** - **Seller:** [Innovyze](https://www.g2.com/sellers/innovyze) - **Year Founded:** 1996 - **HQ Location:** Portland, Oregon - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2105120/ (75 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 5. [IWLive Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/iwlive-pro/reviews) IWLive Pro is an operational modeling tool for water supply networks. It offers both hydraulic and water quality simulations; predicts demand; and optimizes pump schedules. **Who Is the Company Behind IWLive Pro?** - **Seller:** [Innovyze](https://www.g2.com/sellers/innovyze) - **Year Founded:** 1996 - **HQ Location:** Portland, Oregon - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2105120/ (75 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 6. [LandMentor 2020](https://www.g2.com/products/landmentor-2020/reviews) Other software solutions are created to expedite production - faster – not necessarily better. From Land Surveying, City Mapping, Land Planning, Civil Engineering, Landscape Design, Architecture, Financial Modeling, and more, there has never been a single product that empowers YOU to deliver a significant improvement in quality – until now: LandMentor. **Who Is the Company Behind LandMentor 2020?** - **Seller:** [Neighborhood Innovations](https://www.g2.com/sellers/neighborhood-innovations) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 7. [Leapfrog Works](https://www.g2.com/products/leapfrog-works/reviews) Visualise and communicate ground conditions with fast, dynamic 3D geological modelling for civil & environmental projects. **Who Is the Company Behind Leapfrog Works?** - **Seller:** [Seequent](https://www.g2.com/sellers/seequent) - **Year Founded:** 2003 - **HQ Location:** Christchurch, NZ - **Twitter:** @Seequentglobal (1,351 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/seequent (777 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 8. [MSC Nastran](https://www.g2.com/products/msc-nastran/reviews) MSC Nastran is a multidisciplinary structural analysis application used by engineers to perform static, dynamic, and thermal analysis **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate MSC Nastran?** - **Quality of Support:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Who Is the Company Behind MSC Nastran?** - **Seller:** [Hexagon AB](https://www.g2.com/sellers/hexagon-ab-82cd7afb-c519-4285-8d60-9b5f99ae6850) - **HQ Location:** Stockholm - **Twitter:** @HexagonAB (13,376 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/hexagon-ab/ (852 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 33% Enterprise, 33% Mid-Market #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of MSC Nastran? **"[reliable FEA package for variety of applications](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/msc-nastran-review-4818978)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Olivia S.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/msc-nastran-review-4818978) --- **"[Fast, Reliable Results with Continuous Improvements and Helpful Support](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/msc-nastran-review-7427981)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Mariusz K.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/msc-nastran-review-7427981) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About MSC Nastran? - [What is a Nastran model?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-a-nastran-model) - [What is the difference between MSC Nastran and NX Nastran?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-difference-between-msc-nastran-and-nx-nastran) - [What is Nastran used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-nastran-used-for) ### 9. [Neara](https://www.g2.com/products/neara/reviews) Neara (formerly Power Lines Pro) is a cloud based enterprise platform making the most complex analysis, design and application accessible at every level of the infrastructure industry. **Who Is the Company Behind Neara?** - **Seller:** [Neara](https://www.g2.com/sellers/neara) - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** Sydney, AU - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/neara/ (145 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 10. [OpenFlows Sewer](https://www.g2.com/products/openflows-sewer/reviews) OpenFlows Sewer is a comprehensive hydraulic analysis application that enables engineers to design and analyze sanitary, stormwater, and combined sewer systems using built-in hydraulic and hydrologic capabilities. Now, they can meet increasing population demands, address aging infrastructure challenges, and decrease risks. **Who Is the Company Behind OpenFlows Sewer?** - **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** Exton, PA - **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,564 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,621 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY ### 11. [OpenFlows Storm](https://www.g2.com/products/openflows-storm/reviews) OpenFlows Storm is a multiplatform hydraulic and hydrologic modeling solution developed for engineers to analyze complex stormwater systems, improve pond design, and gain workflow efficiency. Detect system bottlenecks, improve capacity, and limit stormwater flooding to comply with regulations. **Who Is the Company Behind OpenFlows Storm?** - **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** Exton, PA - **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,564 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,621 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY ### 12. [OpenFlows Water](https://www.g2.com/products/openflows-water/reviews) OpenFlows Water is a user-friendly hydraulic modeling application trusted by thousands of engineers every day to understand their water distribution systems and make better decisions. From planning, designing, and building sustainable water systems, to solving everyday challenges in operations and maintenance of your system, OpenFlows Water is the application of choice for superior interoperability and flexibility. **Who Is the Company Behind OpenFlows Water?** - **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** Exton, PA - **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,564 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,621 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY ### 13. [OpenRail ConceptStation](https://www.g2.com/products/openrail-conceptstation/reviews) OpenRail ConceptStation gives you rail, electrification, tunnel, and bridge conceptual design capabilities to help you create intelligent models in context. Evaluate conceptual design options with real-world data and cost analysis to rapidly determine optimal designs. Utilize data acquisition, reality modeling, and conceptual design to eliminate high-cost and high-risk items in the preliminary and planning design stages of your rail network projects. Using OpenRail ConceptStation, you can: Locate and download online, data-rich context from a variety of sources, such as point clouds, 3D reality meshes, terrain data, images, and geospatial information to bring real-world settings to your rail project. Use 3D modeling with easy-to-use engineering sketching capabilities to quickly conceptualize rail, electrification, tunnel, and bridge designs. Rapidly generate multiple design scenarios with associated project costs, and share with project teams and stakeholders to choose the best option. Share realistic visualizations with the public and stakeholders to gather feedback, improve public engagements, and speed project approvals. **Who Is the Company Behind OpenRail ConceptStation?** - **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** Exton, PA - **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,564 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,621 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY ### 14. [OpenRail Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/openrail-designer/reviews) OpenRail Designer is an all-in-one application that handles a wide variety of complex tasks such as yard/station design, tunnels, corridor modeling, turnout and switch placement, overhead line electrification, site development, sanitary and stormwater network design, subsurface utilities, and production of construction staking reports. You can configure the application to support a wide range of international standards providing you the flexibility and control necessary to deal with real-life design scenarios on global rail infrastructure projects. The application adapts to virtually any rail design and maintenance workflow and is suitable for light rail, metros (transit) heavy rail, high-speed rail, and MAG\_LEV projects. **Who Is the Company Behind OpenRail Designer?** - **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** Exton, PA - **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,564 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,621 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY ### 15. [OpenRail Overhead Line Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/openrail-overhead-line-designer/reviews) OpenRail Overhead Line Designer brings 3D to the world of overhead line catenary systems, advancing workflows beyond traditional plan production into the development of digital twins with asset information for the entire lifecycle. Implementation of digital twin technology will significantly decrease production time of construction deliverables, including plan layouts, reports and detailed structural erection diagrams. Design overhead line electrification systems with custom design standards and 3D modeling of wires and structures Use Siemens Sicat Master functionality for advanced overhead line analysis Use OpenRail Designer for design of track and corridor models Bring real-world settings to your project by quickly gathering context data from a variety of sources, such as point clouds, 3D reality meshes, terrain data, images, and geospatial information Easily share project information across teams, locations, and disciplines with precision and security Perform regression analysis, horizontal and vertical alignment, cant design, and turnout placement to international standards Improve asset quality and reduce rework with a fully localized application Share realistic visualizations with the public and stakeholders to gather feedback, improve public engagements, and speed project approvals **Who Is the Company Behind OpenRail Overhead Line Designer?** - **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** Exton, PA - **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,564 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,621 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY ### 16. [OpenRoads ConceptStation](https://www.g2.com/products/openroads-conceptstation/reviews) OpenRoads ConceptStation enables you to create conceptual road and bridge designs to evaluate more options during the planning and pre-bid stage of your project. You can design more efficiently, identify high-risk items, and minimize costs. Easily visualize and analyze real-world traffic patterns leveraging design-time visualization with 3D modeling and traffic analysis, as OpenRoads ConceptStation provides interoperability with VISSIM. Accelerate Data Collection Assemble contextual data rapidly from a variety of sources, such as point clouds, 3D reality meshes, terrain data, images, and geospatial information, to bring real-world settings to your project. Simplify 3D Modeling Draw roads, ramps, bridges, guardrails, and streetlights in hours, not days, using engineering-friendly drawing capabilities. Understand Financial Implications Early Generate project estimates that dynamically update as design modifications are made. Identifying potential risk early to produce better, more cost-effective design options. **Who Is the Company Behind OpenRoads ConceptStation?** - **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** Exton, PA - **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,564 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,621 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY ### 17. [OpenTunnel Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/opentunnel-designer/reviews) OpenTunnel Designer is the first and only purpose-built software for tunnel modeling and design. Get the right tools for the job and say goodbye to unnecessary rework and time delays with all team members now working in one intuitive application. **Who Is the Company Behind OpenTunnel Designer?** - **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** Exton, PA - **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,564 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,621 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY ### 18. [PROFIS Engineering Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/profis-engineering-suite/reviews) Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite is a user-friendly, cloud-based software that makes designing structural connections faster and easier in construction projects with time saving productivity features. Design connections for multiple base materials and applications. Design anchors in multiple base materials such as concrete, masonry, and concrete over metal. Not just for anchors, PROFIS Engineering designs post-installed rebar, base plates, and diaphragm shear fasteners for metal deck attachments. Help save time with productivity features such as Smart Design anchor layout, import loads, running multiple load combinations and developing design templates. New to PROFIS Engineering? Sign up for a free 30-day trial of the premium version or try the free standard version. **Who Is the Company Behind PROFIS Engineering Suite?** - **Seller:** [Hilti](https://www.g2.com/sellers/hilti) - **Year Founded:** 1941 - **HQ Location:** Plano, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/hilti-usa/ (3,203 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 19. [RIB Civil](https://www.g2.com/products/rib-civil/reviews) RIB Civil is one of the most modern CAD software solutions for civil engineering, road construction and sewer construction. It uses intelligent, integrated workflows to improve the predictability, productivity and profitability of civil engineering projects. RIB civil allows true model-oriented, project-accompanying work until project completion. This BIM 5D method offers a wide range of advantages in every project phase and, overall, shorter lead times with above-average transparency and quality. **Who Is the Company Behind RIB Civil?** - **Seller:** [RIB Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/rib-software) - **Year Founded:** 1961 - **HQ Location:** Stuttgart, DE - **Twitter:** @RIB_Global (1,214 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/rib-software/ (1,556 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** ETR:RIB ### 20. [SAFI Bridge Structural Analysis, Design and Evaluation Software](https://www.g2.com/products/safi-bridge-structural-analysis-design-and-evaluation-software/reviews) SAFI's Bridge Structural Engineering (BSE™) software is a comprehensive 3D analysis, design, and evaluation tool tailored for various bridge types, including steel, reinforced concrete, composite, prestressed girder, and steel-wood bridges. Designed with an intuitive ribbon-based interface, BSE™ streamlines the modeling process, enhancing workflow efficiency for engineering professionals. Key Features and Functionality: - Advanced Structural Analysis: Employs state-of-the-art methods such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with plate and shell elements, P-Delta, linear and nonlinear analyses, buckling analysis, and dynamic time-history analysis. - Comprehensive Design Tools: Supports the design and evaluation of various bridge components, including prestressed girder bridges, adhering to standards like the Canadian Highway Bridge Code (CSA S6). - User-Friendly Interface: Features a ribbon-based interface that organizes tools and commands into accessible tabs and groups, facilitating effortless navigation and operation. - Structural Insights Animation: Allows users to animate analysis results, providing clear visualizations of displacements, internal forces, stresses, reactions, mode shapes, and time-history data. - Automated Design Processes: Offers automated tools for the design and evaluation of steel girder bridges with wood decks, streamlining the engineering workflow. Primary Value and User Solutions: BSE™ addresses the complexities of bridge engineering by integrating robust analysis capabilities with user-friendly design tools. It enables engineers to efficiently model, analyze, and design diverse bridge structures, ensuring compliance with industry standards. The software's automation and intuitive interface reduce manual effort, minimize errors, and accelerate project timelines, ultimately enhancing productivity and project outcomes. **Who Is the Company Behind SAFI Bridge Structural Analysis, Design and Evaluation Software?** - **Seller:** [Safi](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safi) - **Year Founded:** 1986 - **HQ Location:** Toronto, CA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/safi-quality-software-inc/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 21. [SAFI Concrete Calculator Software](https://www.g2.com/products/safi-concrete-calculator-software/reviews) The SAFI Concrete Calculator™ is an essential engineering tool designed to streamline the analysis and design of reinforced concrete beams, slabs, columns, and footings. It enables structural engineers to perform precise calculations without the need for comprehensive 3D structural models, making it ideal for quick validations and efficient design processes. Key Features and Functionality: - Comprehensive Analysis and Design: Facilitates the evaluation and design of reinforced concrete sections, including beams, slabs, columns, and footings. - Support for Multiple Design Codes: Complies with various international standards, such as ACI 318, CSA A23.3, ECP 203-2018, and Eurocode 2-2004, ensuring versatility across different regions. - User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive platform that simplifies the input of design parameters and interpretation of results, enhancing user experience. - Efficient Validation Tool: Serves as a quick verification resource for specific elements within complex structural models, eliminating the need for full 3D analysis. - Integration Capabilities: Can function as a standalone application or integrate seamlessly with the GSE™ Concrete program, part of the GSE™ General Structural Engineering software suite. Primary Value and Problem Solving: The SAFI Concrete Calculator™ addresses the need for rapid and accurate design and analysis of reinforced concrete components without the complexity of full structural modeling. By supporting multiple design codes and offering a user-friendly interface, it enhances productivity and ensures compliance with international standards. This tool is particularly valuable for structural engineers seeking efficient solutions for both routine and complex design challenges. **Who Is the Company Behind SAFI Concrete Calculator Software?** - **Seller:** [Safi](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safi) - **Year Founded:** 1986 - **HQ Location:** Toronto, CA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/safi-quality-software-inc/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 22. [SAFI Highway Sign Structural Engineering Software](https://www.g2.com/products/safi-highway-sign-structural-engineering-software/reviews) HSE™ Software is an advanced structural engineering solution tailored for the modeling, analysis, design, and evaluation of overhead sign structures, traffic signal supports, and high-mast lighting towers (HMLT). Developed by SAFI™, this software caters specifically to the needs of Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and engineering firms across the United States, ensuring compliance with standards such as AASHTO LTS-13 ASD (6th edition), AASHTO LTS-15 LRFD (1st edition), and CAN/CSA S6. Key Features and Functionality: - Comprehensive Structural Design Capabilities: HSE™ facilitates the design of various structures, including overhead sign structures, traffic signal supports, and HMLTs. It accounts for factors like wind, ice, and gravity loads, and supports multiple structural configurations such as latticed columns with different beam types and cantilever arms. - Automated Structural Models: The software offers a range of pre-defined structural models, enabling users to efficiently create structures like gantries, cantilevers, and high-mast lighting towers. - Robust Structural Analysis: HSE™ employs advanced analysis methods, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), P-Delta Analysis, Linear and Nonlinear Analysis, Buckling Analysis, and Seismic and Dynamic Time-History Analysis. - Support for Tubular Polygonal Sections: Users can utilize various tubular polygonal sections, such as 18-sided, 16-sided, 12-sided, 8-sided, and 6-sided tubes, enhancing design flexibility. - Structural Insights Animation: The software provides animation of analysis results, offering clear visualization of displacements, internal forces, stresses, reactions, mode shapes, and time-history data. - Advanced Custom Reporting: HSE™ enables the creation of tailored, professional reports with customizable layouts, editable titles, and options to export to Microsoft Word and Excel. - Intuitive Graphical Interface: Featuring a ribbon-based interface powered by DirectX 11 and OpenGL 2.0, the software ensures efficient modeling and analysis of complex structures. - Efficient Modeling Tools: HSE™ offers versatile tools for creating various structures, including local coordinate systems, construction lines, and automated commands like move, rotate, extrude, and subdivide. Primary Value and User Solutions: HSE™ Software streamlines the structural engineering process for overhead sign structures and related installations by automating complex calculations and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive analysis capabilities enhance productivity, reduce design time, and improve the accuracy and reliability of structural designs. By providing a robust platform for modeling and analysis, HSE™ addresses the critical needs of engineers and DOTs, facilitating the efficient design and evaluation of essential infrastructure components. **Who Is the Company Behind SAFI Highway Sign Structural Engineering Software?** - **Seller:** [Safi](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safi) - **Year Founded:** 1986 - **HQ Location:** Toronto, CA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/safi-quality-software-inc/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 23. [SAFI Petroleum Structural Engineering Software](https://www.g2.com/products/safi-petroleum-structural-engineering-software/reviews) The Petroleum Structural Engineering® (PSE) software is a specialized 3D structural analysis and design tool tailored for offshore and onshore oil and gas drilling structures, including platforms, rigs, masts, and substructures. It ensures compliance with the API Specification 4F, 5th Edition, Drilling and Well Servicing Structures. Key Features and Functionality: - Comprehensive Structural Analysis: PSE offers advanced finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities, enabling precise modeling of complex structures. - Automated Wind Load Calculations: The software automatically computes wind loads and considers wind walls, streamlining the design process. - Unbraced Length Determination: PSE automates the calculation of member unbraced lengths, enhancing design accuracy. - Dynamic Analysis: It accounts for vessel movements and wave-induced forces, providing a realistic assessment of structural behavior under dynamic conditions. - User-Friendly Interface: Built on a ribbon-based interface, PSE organizes tools and commands into intuitive tabs and groups, facilitating effortless navigation and efficient workflow. Primary Value and User Solutions: PSE addresses the critical need for accurate and efficient structural analysis and design in the oil and gas industry. By integrating advanced analysis tools with automated design features, it reduces manual calculations, minimizes errors, and ensures compliance with industry standards. This leads to enhanced productivity, cost savings, and the development of safer, more reliable drilling structures. **Who Is the Company Behind SAFI Petroleum Structural Engineering Software?** - **Seller:** [Safi](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safi) - **Year Founded:** 1986 - **HQ Location:** Toronto, CA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/safi-quality-software-inc/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 24. [SAFI Steel Calculator Software](https://www.g2.com/products/safi-steel-calculator-software/reviews) The SAFI™ Steel Calculator is an essential tool for structural engineers and construction professionals, designed to streamline the verification, design, and optimization of steel beams and columns. By eliminating the need for complex 3D analysis models, it allows users to quickly validate design results for specific elements within intricate structures. The software supports multiple design standards, including American LRFD/ASD, Canadian S16, European Eurocode 3, and Indian IS 800, ensuring compliance across various international codes. Key Features and Functionality: - Comprehensive Design Standards: Supports American LRFD/ASD, Canadian S16, European Eurocode 3, and Indian IS 800 standards, facilitating versatile application in diverse engineering contexts. - Efficient Validation and Optimization: Enables rapid verification and optimization of steel beams and columns without the necessity for detailed 3D modeling, enhancing productivity and accuracy. - User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive graphical interface that allows real-time visualization of models, support conditions, and loads, simplifying the design process. - Extensive Section Libraries: Includes standard sections from CISC, AISC, and European databases, as well as parametric sections created using the GSE™ software, offering flexibility in design choices. - Automated Load Combinations: Generates load combinations automatically according to various codes, including NBCC, BOCA, UBC, ASCE 7, and Eurocode, reducing manual input and potential errors. - Detailed Reporting: Provides comprehensive reports with summaries and detailed analyses, including graphical or numerical visualization of results, aiding in thorough documentation and review. Primary Value and Problem Solving: The SAFI™ Steel Calculator addresses the need for a swift and reliable method to verify and optimize steel structural elements without the complexity of full-scale 3D modeling. By supporting multiple international design standards and offering an intuitive interface, it enhances productivity and ensures compliance with relevant codes. This tool is particularly valuable for professionals seeking to validate design results efficiently, optimize structural components, and maintain high standards of safety and performance in their projects. **Who Is the Company Behind SAFI Steel Calculator Software?** - **Seller:** [Safi](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safi) - **Year Founded:** 1986 - **HQ Location:** Toronto, CA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/safi-quality-software-inc/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 25. [SAFI Steel-Wood Bridge (SWB) Software](https://www.g2.com/products/safi-steel-wood-bridge-swb-software/reviews) The Steel-Wood Bridge (SWB) Software by SAFI is an automated engineering tool designed for the analysis, design, and evaluation of steel girder bridges with wood decks, adhering to the CSA S6 code, including Chapter 14 for bridge evaluation. This program facilitates the efficient assessment of one- and two-lane bridges, utilizing both standard and parametric steel section shapes. It incorporates extensive libraries of standard metric and imperial material properties, while also allowing for the creation of customized materials to meet specific project requirements. Key Features and Functionality: - Versatile Bridge Analysis: Supports the evaluation of one- and two-lane bridges using both standard and parametric steel section shapes. - Comprehensive Material Libraries: Includes extensive libraries of standard metric and imperial material properties, with the flexibility to create custom materials. - Advanced Load Analysis: Facilitates analysis with standard CL-625 and CL-625-ONT truck models for road classes A, B, and C, and allows for the definition of custom truck configurations. - Customizable Element Dimensions: Provides default values for transverse beam spacing and timber sizes, which can be easily edited to suit specific project needs. - Automated Design Process: Offers a fully automated design process based on user-defined parameters, optimizing bridge design and calculating the resistance of steel and wood elements with known dimensions. - Comprehensive Structural Analysis: Automatically determines element weight, skew angle effects, and the impact of lateral stiffener beams or diaphragms. - Evaluation and Analysis: Calculates the resistance of steel beams and wood components, including transverse shear and bearing capacity of transverse beams, and assesses deflection in bridge girders and elements. - Code-Compliant Evaluation: Evaluates existing steel-wood bridges in accordance with Chapter 14 of the CSA S6-19 code, incorporating specific equations from the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ). - Detailed Reporting: Generates comprehensive reports compatible with Microsoft Word, including all relevant design and evaluation results, intermediate calculations, limit states, live load capacity factors, and visual representations of the bridge design. Primary Value and User Solutions: The SWB Software streamlines the complex process of designing and evaluating steel girder bridges with wood decks, significantly enhancing productivity for structural engineers. By automating intricate calculations and providing customizable parameters, it reduces manual effort and minimizes the potential for errors. The software's adherence to the CSA S6 code ensures compliance with industry standards, while its comprehensive analysis capabilities and detailed reporting equip engineers with the necessary tools to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient bridge designs. **Who Is the Company Behind SAFI Steel-Wood Bridge (SWB) Software?** - **Seller:** [Safi](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safi) - **Year Founded:** 1986 - **HQ Location:** Toronto, CA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/safi-quality-software-inc/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ## What Is Civil Engineering Design Software? [CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Civil Engineering Design Software? ### What You Should Know About Civil Engineering Design Software ### Civil engineering design software overview Civil engineering design software revolutionizes infrastructure development, offering advanced tools for planning, modeling, and optimizing projects. These solutions empower engineers to create efficient, safe, and sustainable structures, from structural analysis to transportation and environmental design. Civil engineers use software for designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructures such as roads, culverts, buildings, airports, railways, etc. The tool helps engineers draft technical drawings and view and analyze the designs to identify areas of improvement. [Engineering document management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/engineering-document-management) can also assist with the documentation process.  These tools help calculate costs associated with the construction and maintenance of infrastructure over a given period. These solutions can be used for creating simple and complex technical drawings.  ### Who uses civil engineering design software? The following personas most commonly use civil engineering software: - **Civil engineers:** Civil engineering design software is most commonly used by those in the field of civil engineering itself. A civil engineer designs and maintains the construction of major public works projects, ranging from buildings to highways to airports. This software is helpful at every step of the construction process, from design to completion. Some civil engineers focus on a more niche function, such as transportation, structural, or geotechnical engineering. - **Construction managers:** This tool aids in construction management by providing detailed information related to the project. The software offers functionalities to help them efficiently manage the entire construction lifecycle. Features such as cost estimation, budgeting, resource allocation, and progress monitoring allow them to coordinate better and control their projects. - **Land surveyors:** In a construction project, responsibilities overlap between civil engineers and land surveyors. Both work together on construction projects to ensure the project reaches completion. Civil engineering design and[landscape design software](https://www.g2.com/categories/landscape-design) help surveyors examine a 3D landscape by collecting geological data, such as the distance between a series of points. The engineers then use this data to create blueprints for the project. ### Benefits of civil engineering design software  Civil engineering software provides several benefits to users, such as: - **Effective collaboration:** Whether a project is small or large, users can leverage civil engineering design software to communicate better. 3D models stored on a cloud platform make them easily and simultaneously accessible to different stakeholders. This makes it easy for them to view infrastructure plans, survey observations, and work on modifications while maintaining a steady flow of communication. Since every team member views the same 3D design plan and the latest project data, they can work together as a well-integrated team. - **Fast calculations:** An important aspect of civil engineering is that calculations must be exact so the constructed structures are safe and stable. With this software, such calculations can be made much more quickly. Structures often have to go through some variation of a redesign. Civil engineering design platforms allow engineers to accomplish that while maintaining high accuracy of the calculations quickly. Some tools have formulas built in to include safety standards. - **High productivity:** The tool increases overall productivity by reducing the chances of errors in the design and construction process. It helps engineers estimate the materials required for production and their cost. 3D visualizations of the design make it easy to examine the various components and identify areas of improvement prior to production. ### Challenges with civil engineering design software Civil engineering design software provides many benefits to users. However, it does come with its own set of challenges, such as: - **Learning curve:** Civil engineering is a complicated field; therefore, various software functionalities can often be challenging to master. The learning curve may be tough for those new to this field.  - **Storage:** Those working with this software often create designs that need to be saved as large files. This means that civil engineering design platforms may take up a large portion of the memory on a user’s computer. - **Cost:** The cost of this software is often high, making it too expensive for small businesses and individual users.  ### Civil engineering design software features  The following are some core features within civil engineering platforms that can help users: - **3D modeling:** The software helps with civil engineering design and construction documentation. Depending on the type of infrastructure project an engineer is working on, [3D models](https://www.g2.com/glossary/3d-model-definition)of structures can be created. In transportation engineering projects, these tools help produce digital models of transportation scenarios and aid in planning transportation systems. For geotechnical engineering projects, the tool helps in viewing and evaluating underground data and incorporating that data to create more realistic 3D representations of management systems. Hydraulic engineering projects would require the functionality to model and analyze drainage systems, stormwater, and sewer networks. Likewise, the tool is useful in various other engineering projects as it enables the project members to visualize the outcome in a real-world context. - **Design modification:** This feature allows users to change the design easily. Various options are available to edit and adjust variables to meet client specifications. The software feature assists users in modifying the initial draft, and they do not need to start the work from scratch. Engineers can create replicas, rotate, resize, and crop the design to simplify the process. - **Photorealistic rendering:** This feature takes a 3D model and places it into a fully realized 3D environment to provide users with visualizations of the final product. - **Design automation:** It refers to the process of using engineering data for the automation of time-consuming, repetitive tasks such as modeling, designing, and analyzing structures. It makes the design process more efficient and reduces the chances of errors. ### Civil engineering design software pricing The pricing varies based on several factors, such as features, capabilities, license models, the size of the organization, and more. Additionally, each software may offer different subscription plans depending on varying levels of functionality.  Some general considerations are: - **Trial periods:** Several software providers offer free trial periods, allowing users to explore the software's features before making a purchase decision. - **Subscription models** : Users have access to subscription models where users pay a recurring fee (monthly or annually) for access to certain features. Different subscription models may offer different features. - **License types** : Brands offer different types of licenses, such as single-user licenses or multi-user licenses. The pricing structure may vary based on the number of users. - **Student discounts** : Some software vendors offer discounted pricing for educational institutions or students, making it more accessible for academic purposes. - **Customization:** Software that allows customization or integration with other tools may have additional costs associated with these features. Due to the dynamic nature of the software market, it's advisable to check with the specific vendors for the most up-to-date pricing information. Be sure to consider the project's specific needs and the technical support the software vendor provides when evaluating pricing options. ### How to choose the best civil engineering design software #### Requirements gathering (RFI/RFP) for civil engineering design software If a company is just starting and looking to purchase its first civil engineering design software or needs to update a legacy system—wherever a business is in its buying process, [G2](https://www.g2.com/) can help select the best solution. Users should think about the pain points and jot them down, and these should be used to help create a criteria checklist. The checklist is a detailed guide that includes necessary and nice-to-have features, budget, number of users, integrations, security requirements, cloud or on-premise solutions, etc. Additionally, the buyer must determine the project scale—the larger the project, the more users will need to use this software. This would drive the number of licenses they are likely to buy. Depending on the deployment scope, it might be helpful to produce a request for information (RFI), a one-page list with a few bullet points describing what is needed from the tool. #### Compare civil engineering design software products **Create a long list** Vendor evaluations are important during the software buying process, from meeting the project functionality needs to implementation. It helps prepare a consistent list of questions regarding specific requirements and concerns to ask each vendor. Buyers should start by creating a long list containing different civil engineering design tools keeping in mind the following considerations: - **Type of application:** Depending on the project's purpose, the organization can determine specific features the software should have to suit functional requirements. There are different infrastructure projects for which a civil engineering design tool may be used, such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, hydraulic engineering, environmental engineering, and more. For instance, hydraulic engineering projects would require software that helps create hydraulic schematics and design hydraulic systems. The organization may look for solutions that help simulate the hydrologic processes of watershed systems. Transportation simulation and analysis software will be ideal for transportation engineering, providing engineers with insights to build secure and efficient transportation systems. - **User-friendly interface:** The user interface should be intuitive to allow engineers to easily create and modify the 3D design. A user-friendly interface helps in the effective analysis of different structures. It also facilitates communication across teams. Some solutions offer many built-in templates to help the engineer quickly start designing a model. - **Deployment:** The tool may be cloud-based or an on-premises solution. If the organization opts for a cloud-based platform, it can be used anywhere and anytime. Engineers in different locations can share their work using cloud technology with contractors and receive real-time feedback. Some vendors may offer the capability to scale the solution from on-premises to the cloud. **Create a short list** From the long list of vendors, narrowing the list of contenders is pragmatic. Buyers must read user reviews, view ratings on the [G2 Grid](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design#grid)Ⓡ for the Civil Engineering Design software category, read useability ratings, and shorten the list of vendors in the G2 “My List” down to a handful_._ **Conduct demos** Demos allow buyers to see how a civil engineering design platform works. While pre-recorded demonstrations and slide decks are available online, it is lucrative to request the vendor for a live demo of the software to dive deep into their technical capabilities.  #### Selection of civil engineering design software **Choose a selection team** Creating a team that will collaborate throughout the entire process, from identifying problem areas to deploying the tool, is essential. The selection team should consist of members with the right interests, skills, and time to contribute to this process. The software selection team should consist of three to five people who fill the required roles. This may include the civil engineering project manager, project planners, and senior civil engineers on the team. They should compare data, facts, and analyses noted during the process, such as the availability of advanced capabilities suited to a particular civil engineering discipline, usability, and security features to optimize the software selection process. **Negotiation** It is important to discuss their pricing structure, subscription fees, and licensing costs with the vendor. For instance, the vendor may discount multi-year contracts or give discounts to recommend the tool to other users. **Final decision** Selecting a vendor with a product offering aligned with the company’s project requirements will accelerate growth. Before going all in, it is recommended to roll out a test run or pilot program to test adoption with a small sample size of users. If the tool is well used and received, the buyer can be confident that the selection is correct. If not, it might be time to evaluate other offerings. ### Software and services related to civil engineering design software Related solutions that can be used together with civil engineering design software include: - **Building information modeling (BIM):** BIM is a computer-aided design tool commonly used in architecture, engineering, and construction. It assists in creating digital representations of buildings used across various stages, such as construction planning, design, construction, and operations. Integration of [BIM software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) enhances the overall design process. Civil engineers can use this software to model workflows and share design information with project stakeholders to make better decisions. The tool can create accurate 3D models and simulate the infrastructure. This helps them view and detect potential design, construction, or operations flaws and reduce rework, saving time and money.  - **General-purpose CAD:** This software enables users to create 2D and 3D drawings and models of structures. Many civil engineering design solutions offer general-purpose CAD software functionalities to help users draft the basics of their designs. - **Geographic information system (GIS):** Civil engineers can use [GIS software](https://www.g2.com/categories/gis) to gather and evaluate geospatial data. GIS software is useful in different disciplines. For instance, GIS mapping is useful in structural analysis, where 3D GIS maps are integrated with traditional design methods to enable engineers to evaluate a structural design. This helps them learn from past mistakes and make the design more efficient. GIS applications are also valuable for site examination as they help determine whether a particular location is suitable for infrastructure construction. - [Construction project management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/construction-project-management) **:** Construction project management software assists engineers with project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, resource allocation, and monitoring. It also streamlines the flow of information among project stakeholders. _Reviewed and edited by_ [_Sinchana Mistry_](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=true&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAAC1dbjEB3lcJNusAFxvyIzscLliWvzy7fXg&keywords=sinchana%20mistry&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=63abd15b-56c9-41e7-9405-286b2e0ba318&sid=*.8&spellCorrectionEnabled=false)