Shell Element Designer 3.0: multi-threaded, with load combinations

Shell Element Designer 3.0 is our biggest release since launch. It gathers two years of improvements into one version, most of them driven by teams running the software on large production models.

Multi-threaded calculations

The design engines now spread their work across processor cores. The code-independent Clark-Nielsen module, the Eurocode 2 crack width module and the ACI flexural module all run multi-threaded, so large models finish far faster on a modern workstation.

Load combinations

You can now combine force sets inside Shell Element Designer before the design calculation, rather than preparing every combination in the analysis package. Combinations work in the interface and in batch mode, and the user manual covers the new combinations file.

ACI 318M-19 shear with the size effect

A new shear module implements ACI 318M-19, including its size modification factor for deep members, and produces a full validation calculation sheet like every other module.

Better automatic panel recognition

The way the software finds the outline of each wall and slab has been rebuilt around the element edges themselves. The result is cleaner panel outlines on complicated geometry, and plots that follow the structure more faithfully.

More control

• Choose whether the full results file is written, useful for very large runs where only the plots are needed.
• Licences can now carry a custom offline period for sites that need it.
• Faster, sharper interaction-curve plots in the validation calculations.

3.0 is a free upgrade for all customers. Try it free or talk to us about what it can do on your models.