Member Design for Combined Stress vs. Member Design for Strut
Both Member Design for Combined Stress (COMBINE) and Member Design for Strut modules in Prokon assess the strength and stability of structural members. However, they serve different loading conditions, design objectives, and structural applications. Both modules support two design modes: Below is a detailed comparison: Purpose Member Design for Combined Stress Member Design for Strut Key Design Parameters Member […]
Real Time Steel Member Design in Prokon SUMO
In this video, I show how to use Combine Design Groups to design steel members directly inside Prokon SUMO. This workflow allows you to check your steel sections and update them within SUMO, without needing to export to the separate Combine Design Link module. Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your feedback!
Class 4 Members in Compression — Explained
Introduction When designing steel members in compression, engineers must consider both the global behaviour of the member (e.g., column buckling) and the local behaviour of individual plate elements (e.g., flange or web buckling). Many standard hot-rolled or built-up sections contain slender elements that may buckle locally before the steel reaches its yield stress. When this […]
Specifying Effective Length Factors in Prokon SUMO
Overview of Analysis Capabilities Prokon SUMO supports a comprehensive range of both static and dynamic analysis types, making it a versatile tool for structural engineers. The static analysis options include: The dynamic analysis options extend SUMO’s capability further and include: For most of these analysis types, users can customize their parameters and settings within the […]
Lateral Torsional Buckling vs Torsion
One of the most challenging aspects of structural design, in my opinion, is ensuring that all relevant checks are accounted for. How many checks are necessary to confirm that a structural member can safely resist the imposed loads? The type of loads and their resulting effects often guide this process. For example, a member subjected […]
Understanding Torsion – Part 01
To kick of this series, please read our blog: Difference Between Lateral Torsional Buckling & Torsion. Torsion has proven to be more complex than many initially assume. Not only does it manifest in distinct forms—St. Venant torsion and Warping torsion—but it also introduces various load effects, including axial, shear, and bending stresses. Adding to this […]
IDEA StatiCa as a Design Link for Prokon SUMO
Today, we’re exploring IDEA StatiCa as a Design Link for Prokon SUMO — a powerful design link that significantly enhances structural workflows for pro-consumer users. My name is Jacobus Oberholster, and I’m a technical consultant for AEC and Prokon at Micrographics. If you have any questions after reading this or would like a personalized demo, […]
Comparison of Crane Beam and Girder Plate Design Modules in Prokon
Both modules cater to distinct structural needs, with Crane Beam focusing on dynamic loads and Girder Plate handling long-span static loads. Crane Beam Design Module Purpose: Key Features: Application: Girder Plate Design Module Purpose: Key Features: Application: Key Differences at a Glance Feature Crane Beam Design Module Girder Plate Design Module Primary Function Supports moving […]
Baseplate & Anchor Bolt Integration
Designing a steel baseplate is only half the process—what about the concrete base below and the embedded anchors? This is where the Anchor Bolt module comes in, offering powerful capabilities on its own. Its impact is further amplified through integration with the Baseplate module via a design link, which exports anchor forces, geometry, and layout […]
Comparing Prokon Apex with IDEA StatiCa
With SUMO and IDEA StatiCa seamlessly integrated, you might be wondering: When should I use one over the other? In this clip, we compare Prokon Apex and IDEA StatiCa in basic design scenarios, showing how both deliver similar results. However, when moving beyond the fundamentals, IDEA StatiCa truly stands out—offering advanced modeling capabilities for stiffeners, […]