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, shell-element models, modal and response-spectrum analysis, and coupled shear walls. Equivalent geometry, material properties, boundary conditions and loading are used to verify the numerical implementation across structural actions, reactions, deformations and dynamic response. Technical manuals document lateral analysis, concrete and steel member design, and shear wall design.

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, displaced shapes, modal periods and participating mass.

Transparent evidence

Verification reports and technical manuals are provided as downloadable PDF documents so the comparison evidence and calculation methods 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, result recovery, modal and response-spectrum analysis, and coupled wall behaviour.

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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FEAKalc 3D thirteen-storey coupled shear wall benchmark under horizontal loading
Coupled shear wallLinear static analysisETABS comparison

Coupled shear wall and frame

A thirteen-storey concrete frame and coupled wall benchmark comparing self-weight and horizontal loading with ETABS, including automatic wall meshing.

  • Pier, spandrel, beam and column actions
  • Roof displacements and global base reactions
  • Automatic shell mesh and pier-to-spandrel connectivity
  • Graphical comparisons and remaining numerical differences
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FEAKalc 3D concrete building used for response-spectrum verification against ETABS
12 pagesOne building benchmarkCQC / SRSS

Response-spectrum analysis

A concrete building benchmark comparing FEAKalc 3D and ETABS using six Ritz modes, CQC modal combination, SRSS directional combination and 5% accidental eccentricity.

  • Spectrum function and load-case definitions
  • Modal periods and horizontal participating mass
  • Base reactions, overturning moments and torsion
  • Storey shears, diaphragm translations and drift profiles
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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

Analysis and design manuals

Lateral analysis methods, wind loads and diaphragm behaviour
Concrete frame and shear wall design to AS3600-2018
Steel design to AS4100

Steel Design Manual
78 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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FEAKalc 3D Shear Wall Design Theory Manual to AS 3600 2018
75 pagesPiers and spandrelsAS3600-2018

Shear wall design to AS 3600

The theory and application of FEAKalc 3D shear wall design, from recovered finite element actions to reinforcement checks, calculation memos and worked examples.

  • Pier axial force and biaxial bending
  • Wall shear and horizontal reinforcement
  • Boundary element screening and detailing requirements
  • Spandrel coupling beams and worked calculations
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FEAKalc 3D Lateral Analysis Theory and Methods Manual
47 pagesLateral analysisTheory manual

Lateral analysis theory and methods

A glass-box guide to how FEAKalc 3D calculates building response, with equations, assumptions, worked examples and self-contained verification summaries.

  • Mass sources, semi-rigid diaphragms and Ritz modal analysis
  • Spectrum functions, modal combinations and base-shear scaling
  • Accidental torsion, wind generation and load distribution
  • Storey shears, floor displacements and drift
View theory manual PDF Download
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