VisualAnalysis Logo VisualAnalysis

Model * Load * Analyze * Design * Report * Succeed!

Get Design Results

Thousands of professionals leverage VisualAnalysis (VA) to meet deadlines. Customers say it is "a great value" and "so easy to learn". You need practical tools; easy on your budget.

Try VA right now: The free trial is completely functional. Solve your next problem in minutes--at zero cost or risk. It comes with free training videos and email support.

Solves Your Problems

  • Analyze just about anything
  • Design-check most materials
  • You will learn VA in an hour
  • It helps prevent costly errors
  • Custom reports keep you focused
  • Buy only features you need
  • Licensing is flexible and simple

VA Grab Your Free Trial

Frame and Finite Element Analysis

2-minute video

Engineers Enjoy VisualAnalysis

Model

Create frame, truss or FEA models of just about any structure. Sketch, generate, import CAD, or BIM (Revit).
  • 2D or 3D visual modeling
  • Members and plate elements
  • Fixed or elastic supports
  • Custom shapes & materials
  • Automatic plate meshing
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results

Load

Easily apply loads. Distribute area loads to members. Gravity and lateral loading in the same project.
  • Nodal, member or plate loads
  • Automated code combinations
  • Custom load combinations
  • ASCE 7 wind loads
  • Dynamic loading
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results

Analyze

Fast static, P-delta, AISC Direct, dynamic, and nonlinear. Proven and validated results.
  • Sparse formulation
  • Multiple-threaded engine
  • One-way element iterations
  • Forces, displacements, reactions
  • Clear graphical display
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results

Design

Check steel, concrete, wood, cold-formed and aluminum per relevant material specifications.
  • Optimize/search members
  • You control process
  • Your bracing and details
  • Intermediate values reported
  • Clear pass/fail unity checks
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results

Report

Flexible and professional output with filters, sorting, and a page-preview viewer.
  • Customize content and order
  • Copy graphics into reports
  • Save reports in your project file
  • Make templates for future use
  • Print or export
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results

Succeed!

We keep VisualAnalysis lean so you learn it quickly and get your projects out the door.
  • Standard UI (like MS Office)
  • Tooltips & error checking
  • Online user's guide, search & indexed
  • 40+ short training videos
  • Free, efficient email support
model
results
photo steel construction

VisualAnalysis Purchase Levels

Buy only the capabilities you want. Easily upgrade later if your needs change. Current prices and licensing options are available in the order form. The free trial is the advanced level.

Simple Analysis Level
FEA
$
3D static and dynamic FEA for civil, mechanical, aerospace or any other structural analysis. Optional support of building code load combinations.
2D Design Level
2D $ Basic static analysis and design of beams, columns, plane frames and trusses. With steel and wood specification checks. Watch The 2D Video
Full Design Level
DES $$ 3D models of complete buildings, tanks, towers, etc. Static and dynamic response analysis. Design code checks for steel, wood, concrete, cold-formed steel, and aluminum.
Advanced Level
ADV $$$ Complete analysis and design features including automatic plate meshing, command window, nonlinear elements, and dynamic time history analysis.
Save 20% when purchased with the Building Suite or Total Suite.

VisualAnalysis Specifications

Detailed benefits and capabilities by purchase-level. See the User's Guide for complete feature details and training videos.

Benefits & Features Simple
Analysis
$
2D
Design
$
Full
Design
$$
Advanced
$$$
Models in 2D: Beams, Plane Frames & Trusses + + + +
Any Materials: Database or Custom + + + +
Members Elements, extensive, customizable Shape Database + + + +
Parametric Model Generation + + + +
Create Models: Sketch, Generate, Copy/Paste + + + +
Import Models: Spreadsheet, CAD, Revit, SDNF + + + +
Node Loads: Forces, Moments, Settlements + + + +
Member Loads: Concentrated, Distributed, Thermal + + + +
Copy & Paste Model & Loads + + + +
Automatic Building Code Combinations (IBC, ASCE7, NBC...) + + + +
Customizable Load Combinations + + + +
Static Analysis: 1st Order, P-delta, AISC Direct + + + +
Element Forces, Stresses, Displacements; Nodal Reactions + + + +
Result Graphics and Plots + + + +
Reporting: Easy, Customizable, Professional + + + +
Model Validation, Reasonable Results Checks + + + +
Export to CAD, Revit, SketchUp,  STAAD, SDNF, + + + +
Model in 3D: Space Frames & Trusses, Tanks, Etc. + + +
Plate/Shell Elements + + +
Elastic Spring Supports + + +
Plate Loads: Pressure, Hydrostatic, Thermal + + +
Tributary Area Load Generation + + +
Dynamic Analysis: Modal & Response + + +
Design Check Features Simple
Analysis
$
2D
Design
$
Full
Design
$$
Advanced
$$$
Optimal Member Search (Database or Parametric)   + + +
Deflection Checks   + + +
Member Size Constraints   + + +
Steel AISC 360-22, 16, 10, 05  ASD and LRFD; CSA S16:19, 14 LRFD; Composite Beam   + + +
Wood NDS 2018 ASD and LRFD   + + +
Concrete ACI 318-19, 14; CSA A23.3:19, 14; ACI 350-20, 06     + +
Aluminum ADM 2020 ASD and LRFD     + +
Cold-Formed AISI 2010-2018 ASD and LRFD, Canadian LSD     + +
Advanced Features Simple
Analysis
$
2D
Design
$
Full
Design
$$
Advanced
$$$
Auto-Meshed Plates in Areas (easy wall, slab modeling)       +
Command Window with power-user scripting       +
Rigid-Link Members       +
Scissor Joints       +
Custom 'Blob' Shapes (raw A, I, S, J)       +
Catenary Cable Elements       +
Semi-Rigid Member Connections       +
Time-History Analysis with Forcing Function       +
Moving Loads: Truck & Lane; Influence Lines       +
Result Superposition       +
Design Parameter Overrides       +
Stress & Deflection Checks for Custom Members & Materials       +
Envelope Result Sets       +

VisualAnalysis Customer Projects

These customer-created projects illustrate the versatility VisualAnalysis offers.

possibilities are endless

What Will You Design in VisualAnalysis?

VA Download the Free Trial

With VisualAnalysis, your possibilities are endless. IES customers have designed all of the following:

  • Stadiums
  • Derrick Cranes
  • Sliding Skids
  • Storage Racks
  • Buried Culverts
  • Starter Castles
  • Airport Terminals
  • Scaffolding
  • Barns
  • Boat Frames
  • Guyed Towers
  • Dolphins
  • Docks
  • Crane Stays
  • Circular Tank Walls
  • Roller Coasters
  • Multi-Level Foundations
  • Octagonal Monopoles
  • That Secret Defense Thing
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Crane Girder Systems
  • Concrete Tunnel Shells
  • Temporary Shoring
  • Stage Lighting Supports
  • Mining Conveyor Supports
  • Column Transfer Girder
  • Schools & Hospitals
  • Elaborate Tree Houses
  • Highway Signs
  • Bridge Piers
  • Dam Gates
  • Boiler Tanks
  • Paint Booths
  • Artistic Sculptures
  • Church Restorations
  • Swimming Pools
  • Agricultural Bins
  • Lifting Jigs
  • Mobile tank to carry a killer whale in a 727 jet (AECOM)

Add Value to VisualAnalysis

Work more efficiently by integrating other tools with VisualAnalysis: The free trials are completely functional. Trials come with training videos and email support.

The IES Building Suite includes VisualAnalysis Advanced plus VisualFoundation, VAConnect, and ShapeBuilder at a discount. Available in the Quick Order form, this bundle is an excellent value.  These tools work together to help you get jobs out the door. Learn more about suites and IES product integration.

IES Building Suite: a practical, economical choice for engineers.