The major challenge faced by a structural engineer is to balance between accuracy and
economy. It is necessary that the result should be economical and at the same time should meet
all the safety standards. The major factor which affects both these elements is the software used
for design. The usual software used for the design of a multi-storey building includes STAAD,
ETABS and so on. TSD is emerging design software that helps us to meet accuracy,
economy along time management.
TSD has many tools in the modelling part which helps in easy understanding of the model and at
the same time-saving modelling time. In STAAD, plans are drawn using coordinates. Whereas
in TSD, we can easily import plans from AutoCAD and other drafting software which reduces
the work of a modeller. TSD also includes some basic tools for drawing plan like grid lines and
construction lines with the option to draw parallel and perpendicular lines. The model generated
by STAAD includes only the centerline of structural members whereas TSD produces a model
which is 3D in all aspects and gives a clear-cut idea of how the structure actually looks like.
STAAD can’t design slabs using Indian code whereas it is easy to model and design slabs in
TSD. Also, we can model, supported slabs, flat slab, deck slabs and composite slabs in TSD.
It is easy to incorporate slab openings, balcony slabs, sunshade slabs, sunken slabs and curved
or irregular shaped slabs in TSD.
TSD can model, analyse and design all types of footings like isolated footing, mat and pile
within the same software. Whereas this is not possible in STAAD. It requires a separate
software for modelling and design of footings
On point of view of the analysis result generated, STAAD is a very accurate software. But the
design results are so overrated so that results vary to a great extend with the manual design.
This affects the economic part. At the same time, TSD generates very accurate analysis and
design results. On comparing with the manual design results, it does not show much variation
and the accuracy level is maintained in the case of each and every element. It also generates reports
and drawings which includes all the details of design like the amount of reinforcement, concrete
etc which helps in easy generation of estimate.
Considering all these points, TSD is concluded to have the better capability as design software.
It has immense options in modelling, analysis and design apart from the ones mentioned above.
The accuracy level maintained is unbeatable and the updates done on the software makes it
handy and more reliable.
