Independent analysis comparisons

RKALC analysis verification against established structural software.

Review direct comparison studies between FEAKalc 3D and ETABS for two-dimensional frames, three-dimensional frames, truss structures and shell-element models. Equivalent geometry, material properties, boundary conditions and loading are used to verify the numerical implementation across structural actions, reactions and deformations.

Open FEAKalc 3D Back to Verification Library
Equivalent models

Geometry, material properties, section properties, restraints and applied loading are aligned between the compared models.

Engineering result checks

Comparisons focus on reactions, member forces, shell actions, deflections and displaced shapes rather than appearance alone.

Transparent evidence

The complete verification sheets are provided as downloadable PDF documents so the underlying comparisons remain visible.

Verification library

Finite element verification studies

The studies verify frame, truss and shell formulations together with stiffness assembly, coordinate transformations, member releases, load combinations and result recovery.

FEAKalc 3D and ETABS two-dimensional concrete frame verification
10 pagesFrame analysisETABS comparison

Two-dimensional concrete frame

A portal-frame comparison using equivalent geometry, loading, restraints, concrete sections and material properties.

  • Bending moments, shear forces and axial forces
  • Support reactions and joint forces
  • Horizontal and vertical displacements
  • Deflected shape comparison
  • Concrete design check for column and beam to AS3600
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FEAKalc 3D and ETABS three-dimensional frame verification
12 pages3D frameETABS comparison

Three-dimensional frame structure

A spatial frame comparison using equivalent geometry, member properties, restraints and loading to verify three-dimensional frame behaviour.

  • Major- and minor-axis bending moments
  • Shear-force diagrams
  • Axial-force diagrams
  • Three-dimensional joint displacements and support reactions
  • Steel design check for column and beam to AS4100
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FEAKalc 3D and ETABS truss structure verification
4 pagesTruss analysisETABS comparison

Planar truss structure

A two-dimensional steel truss formed from moment-released members, with self-weight and point live load combined as 1.2DL + 1.5LL for comparison.

  • Member axial-force comparison
  • Load-case superposition and ultimate combination
  • Moment-release and joint displacement behaviour
  • Overall deformed shape
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FEAKalc 3D and ETABS shell element verification
12 pagesShell elementsETABS comparison

Shell-element floor model

A shell-element study that first outlines the adopted membrane and plate-bending formulation, then compares the resulting behaviour directly with ETABS.

  • Membrane, bending and transverse-shear actions
  • Quadrilateral and triangular shell meshing
  • Displacement and reaction comparison
  • Contour plots and three-dimensional result diagrams
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Verification philosophy. RKALC verification is an ongoing process. As analysis capabilities are introduced or extended, additional benchmark studies will be published against established engineering software and documented theoretical solutions. These studies demonstrate comparison with equivalent analysis models and do not replace project-specific model review, validation, engineering judgement or independent design checks.
Technical Manuals

Concrete and Steel Design Manuals

Concrete Design Manual to AS3600-2018
Steel Design Manual to AS4100

Steel Design Manual
70 pagesSteel Design ManualAS4100

AS4100 Design Manual

Full manual explaining FEAKalc backbone code and code compliance.

  • Flanged and open sections
  • Hollow Sections
  • Design Engine
  • Verification Example
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Concrete Design Manual
54 pagesConcrete Design ManualAS3600-2018

AS3600 Design Manual

Full manual explaining FEAKalc backbone code and code compliance

  • Beam Design
  • Column Design
  • Concrete Design Engine
  • Verification Example
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Grassroots verification campaign

Contribute a verification example

Contact RKALC before commencing to agree the scope and comparison method. Approved contributors receive two weeks of complimentary RKALC access to complete the agreed verification study.

Contact RKALC