Engineering analysis + design software

LUSAS New Release and Software Feature Videos

Watch a short video to find out about new software releases and see specific features of LUSAS in action. 

See also:

LUSAS conference papers and presentations

LUSAS webinar recordings


LUSAS Version 21


LUSAS Version 21 Overview Presentation (7:57)

  • Find out about the new and improved facilities for underground, overground and connecting you better.. (Version 21.0)


Post-tensioned Bridge Wizard (10:00)

  • Watch how to generate a beam model of a box girder as constructed by the "Free Cantilever Method" in a fraction of the time taken by manual methods. (Version 21)


Revit "Export to LUSAS" plugin (2:08)

  • Export Revit analytical model data for use with LUSAS in order to solve a linear static analysis or further develop the model and run different analyses according to your needs (Version 21)


Vehicle load optimisation using Envelope Runs (4:33)

  • Watch how to obtain "whole structure results" from the new 'Envelope Run' facility. (Version 21)


Non-reflecting boundaries (3:22)

  • Specify non-reflecting / absorbing boundary supports with viscous properties that correspond to a continuation of the material at that boundary continuing semi-infinitely beyond the support location. (Version 21)


Embedded rebar in continuum models (3:56)

  • Model reinforcement bar arrangements in 2D and 3D continuum models or import from Revit or other CAD software. (Version 21)

Improved visualisation tools (1:09)

  • Skybox, ground plane and illumination options. (Version 21)


Pedestrian dynamics (8:41)

  • Easily define excitations for a single pedestrian, groups of walkers or joggers, to suit international codes of practice and generate a transient analysis with the appropriate moving and varying loads. (Version 21).


Seepage modelling using phreatic surfaces (1:35)

  • Define phreatic surfaces to model ground water problems. (Version 21)


LUSAS Version 20


LUSAS Version 20 Overview Presentation (10:39)

  • Find out about the new and improved facilities. (Version 20.0)


p-y Curves (5:29)

  • Watch how to define p-y curves to represent soil properties adjacent to the piles in an integral bridge model (Version 20).


RC Slab / Wall design (5:13)

  • Watch how to define a reinforcement arrangement and set up a design check to carry out an assessment of utilisation. (Version 20)


User Experience Improvements (6:31)

  • Watch an overview of key new facilities that improve the use of LUSAS for all users. (Version 20)


LUSAS Version 19 and 19.1


LUSAS Version 19 (1:00)

  • LUSAS version 19 is more productive, supports more codes of practice in more countries, and has even broader application. (Version 19.0)


LUSAS Version 19 Overview Presentation - More Productivity (10:02)

  • Find out about the new and improved facilities which make modelling composite bridge decks more productive.  (Version 19.0)


LUSAS Version 19 Overview Presentation - More Design (7:57)

  • See which Code Of Practice facilities have been updated or expanded and find out more about the range of design facilities available in LUSAS. (Version 19.0)


LUSAS Version 19 Overview Presentation - More Applications (6:10)

  • Discover the new and existing facilities for geotechnical / soil-structure interaction uses. (Version 19.0)


Steel Composite Bridge Wizard (10:23)

  • Watch how to create a beam and shell model of a 3-span curved steel composite bridge using the Steel Composite Bridge Wizard. Composite sections, girders, spans, supports are defined prior to generating an initial bridge model from the input data. Stiffeners and cross-bracing details are added also using the wizard and the bridge is re-generated to show their inclusion in the model. After solving the model, bending moment results are displayed for a selected girder by using the slice resultants facility. (Version 19.0)


Composite Bridge Deck Design (6:54)

  • Watch how to carry out a design check of a composite girder member to AASHTO LRFD 8th Edition. (Version 19.0)


Branched analysis for staged construction checks (5:07)

  • Watch how to use the branched analysis facility to set-up and carry out buckling, stability and other what-if checks for chosen construction stages, or to consider an alternative construction sequence. (Version 19.0) 


Phi-C reduction soil stability checks (1:44)

  • Watch an overview of the phi-c reduction and branched analyses tools showing how to assess soil stability at any construction stage. (Version 19.0) 


Temperature profile loading (1:25)

  • Watch how to model temperature profile loading of a concrete deck with a slab and surfacing to Eurocodes. From defined values the temperature loading is visualised over the height of the deck and assigned to the model.  Temperature profile loading to other codes is also available, as is manual definition of profiles.(Version 19.0)


Influence analysis and enhanced vehicle load optimisation (7:09)

  • Explains key aspects of influence analysis and shows how influence analysis can now also be carried at beam/shell slice resultant locations. Influence results for selected locations on the structure are viewed using contour plots, and then used in a vehicle load optimisation analysis to derive corresponding traffic loading positions on the bridge deck. (Version 19.0)


CS 458 and AASHTO MBE loading (5:44)

  • The Vehicle Load Optimisation facility has been extended to support optimised loading and custom vehicles for United Kingdom CS 458 rev 0 with ALL Model 1 and United States of America AASHTO MBE Section 6A (LRFR) (Version 19.1)


Grillage modelling (5:44)

  • Shows the use of the grillage wizard and the new bridge deck grillage geometric and materal attributes to model a single span skewed deck formed of slab and beams. Short-term, Long-term and dead loadcases are investigated showing stresses obtained for each. (Version 19.0)


Defining member reinforcement and RC design checks to AS 5100 (7:06)

  • Shows how to define reinforcement bar arrangements for member sections in a bridge model. RC design attributes are specified and design checks carried out on the bridge model showing the range of concrete design checks and summary, detailed and interaction diagram results that can be obtained.(Version 19.0)


Cut and cover tunnel modelling (8:58)

  • Shows how activation and deactivation of elements is used to model the staged construction process of excavating the soil, installing ground anchors and constructing the tunnel structure. A linear and a nonlinear analysis is performed to evaluate using different soil properties, and a soil stability check is carried out using the Phi-c reduction method. Live loading to simulate vehicles passing over the ground above the tunnel is applied prior to looking at bending moments in the structural elements.  (Version 19.0)


Simple post-tensioned bridge - Part 1 (deck modelling) (8:32)

  • Shows the import and building of a model of a 3-span slab bridge with twin deep ribs, using beam and shell elements. Constraint equations are used to tie the surfaces and beams together to ensure composite action. Concrete material, supports and gravity are assigned prior to solving the model. The beam/shell slice resultants facility is then used to view composite bending moments along the deck. (Version 19.0)


Simple post-tensioned bridge - Part 2 (prestress loading) (8:26)

  • Shows the addition of prestress loading to the bridge deck modelled in Part 1. Tendon profiles are defined and assigned to the model, requiring specification of tendon properties, prestress force and jacking details, and selection of the lines of the model to which they apply. Concrete with creep properties and age assignments are made prior to solving. The deformed shape from self-weight and prestress loading is viewed for each in isolation, prior to looking at the effects of both for a long term loadcase. (Version 19.0)


LUSAS Version 18


LUSAS Version 18 Update Presentation (10:43)

  • Version 18.0 sees the introduction of a new Reinforced Concrete Frame Design software option; the Vehicle Load Optimisation software option extended to provide Rail Load Optimisation; and the Heat of Hydration software option enhanced to model the time (hydration) dependent behaviour of concrete from time of casting to old age. Watch this short overview presentation to find out more about these and other important enhancements in this release. (Version 18.0)


CAD import and solid modelling of a cable connector (4:58)

  • Shows third-party file types supported, then imports an IGES file to create the basic geometry of a cable connector. A solid model is defined and meshed showing the difference in using linear and quadratic elements. Supports and loading are added to represent in-service use, and once solved, Von-Mises stresses are obtained and additionally plotted on slice sections taken through the connector. (Version 18.1)


Hygro-thermal modelling of a concrete dam (10:50)

  • An overview of the modelling considerations and results, animation and graphing capabilities of LUSAS for carrying out a hygro-thermal analysis of a concrete dam (Version 18.1)


Vehicle load optimisation to UK bridge assessment code CS 454 (4:10)

  • Shows how to carry out a vehicle load optimisation analysis on a three-span flat slab bridge modelled using shell elements. Locations of interest are identified, and an influence analysis run to calculate vehicle loading patterns for maximum and minimum effects at the chosen locations. (Version 18.1)

For more information see Vehicle Load Optimisation


Train/rail load optimisation (8:23)

  • Shows how to carry out train/rail load optimisation analysis on a two-span box beam bridge modelled using shell elements. Tracks, including a crossover and a signal stop location, are defined and visualised, and after running an influence analysis, critical rail loading patterns for a chosen design code are obtained for selected track arrangements. (Version 18.0)

For more information see Vehicle Load Optimisation


Defining member reinforcement and carrying out RC design checks  (14:03)

  • Shows how to define reinforcement bar arrangements for beam and column members in a simple building frame model, and then how more complex section reinforcement details are defined for arbitrary and tapering sections in a bridge model. RC design attributes are specified and design checks carried out on the bridge model showing the range of concrete design checks and summary, detailed and interaction diagram results that can be obtained.(Version 18.0)

For more information see RC Frame Design.


RC design checking of a circular tank wall (9:36)

  • A circular tank is modelled from scratch and loaded with a water pressure load. A design combination is created and the RC slab / wall design facility used to carry out ULS design checks for a section of wall to the UK Eurocode. (Version 18.0)


LUSAS Version 17



LUSAS Version 17 Update Presentation (7:32)

  • Version 17.0 sees steel frame design checking and vehicle load optimisation capabilities extended to include EN1993-2: 2006 Eurocode 3, prestress enhancements, additional creep and shrinkage models, and new facilities for soil-structure interaction modelling. New viewing and editing features simplify the management and changing of attribute assignments, improving general ease-of-use. Watch this short overview presentation to find out more. (Version 17.0)


Steel bridge design to EN1993-2 Eurocode 3 (6:05)

  • Design checks for a steel railway bridge are carried out to EN1993-2: 2006 Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures - Part 2: Steel Bridges. Shows viewing of utilisation factors, and creation of a member report for a selected member to demonstrate the transparent nature of the LUSAS steel design checking facility, that shows the calculations made, revealing every step, every clause reference, and every formula. (Version 17.0)

For more information see Steel Frame Design.


Post-tensioning in shell models (5:10)

  • Shows how to define and assign the new tendon loading attribute (which references tendon profile and tendon properties) to selected features in a box girder bridge that is modelled using shell elements. (Version 17.0)


Easier viewing and editing of attribute assignments (4:18)

  • Shows how to use the new loading attributes editor and the new attributes assignment dialog to make individual changes for multiple selections. An incorrectly entered tendon force for a post-tensioned model is shown to be easily spotted and corrected. Then, by copying and pasting dynamic load factors from a spreadsheet to replace constant values used by a moving load, it is shown that the dynamic effect of a tank crossing a structure can be modelled. (Version 17.0)


LUSAS Version 16


LUSAS Version 16 Update Presentation (13:48)

  • Version 16 marks a new era for LUSAS with the addition of comprehensive design checking tools for steelwork, and a host of other new features and enhancements that improve general usability and make collaboration between design teams easier. Watch this short introductory presentation video to find out more. (Version 16.0)

Steel bridge design to AASHTO LRFD 7th Edition (7:29)

  • Design code-based combinations are created followed by steel frame design attributes that specify member design values, members lengths and end conditions used in the determination of buckling capacities. Design checks are carried out to AASHTO LRFD 7th edition showing utilisation factors, and a member report is created for a selected member to demonstrate the transparent nature of the LUSAS steel design checking facility that shows the calculations made, revealing every step, every clause reference, and every formula. (Version 16.0)

For more information see Steel Frame Design.


Beam and shell slicing of results for a composite bridge deck (5:14)

  • How to use the LUSAS beam and shell slicing facility to obtain bending moments along slice sections taken through a composite bridge deck modelled with beam and shell elements. (Version 16.0)


LUSAS eigenvalue frequency analysis using the loading to mass facility (2:19)

  • Following an initial linear analysis, eigenvalue controls are specified in separate analyses, firstly without using the loading to mass option, and then using the loading to mass option for comparison purposes. (Version 16.0)


Steel frame modelling (10:37)

  • Modelling of a multi-storey steel framed building showing use of layout grids and generation of columns, bracing and floor slab geometry. The use of rigid zones to accurately model steel members is explained together with the use of  floor loading that distributes floor sub-beam and imposed loads automatically to supporting perimeter beams. Merging-in of a model of the upper tower is performed to show one of the new collaboration features. (Version 16.0)

For more information see Steel Frame Design.


Steel frame design to EN1993-1-1 Eurocode 3 (6:28)

  • Design code-based combinations are created followed by steel frame design attributes that specify member design values, members lengths and end conditions used in the determination of buckling capacities. Design checks are carried out to EN1993-1-1 Eurocode 3 showing utilisation factors and a member report is created for a selected column to demonstrate the transparent nature of the LUSAS steel design checking facility that shows the calculations made, revealing every step, every clause reference, and every formula. (Version 16.0)

For more information see Steel Frame Design.


Design of skewed 3-span reinforced concrete bridge deck to Eurocode (13:11)

  • Modelling and analysis of a 3-span skewed bridge deck to show the simplified modelling and new reinforced concrete slab design facilities available in LUSAS. (Version 16.0)


LUSAS Version 15


Building a footbridge model for linear analysis (9:08)

  • Model building of a footbridge using point and line features, creation and assignment of geometric and material properties, meshing, gravity loading and supports. (Version 15.2)


Progressing the footbridge model for linear dynamics (6:23)

  • Setting of eigenvalue controls and adding non-structural mass to a footbridge model allow for decking and parapets that are not explicitly modelled. (Version 15.2)


Pedestrian footbridge loading assessment to Eurocode using UK National Annex (13:35)

  • Specifying damping parameters, setting of transient time-step controls, and graphing of peak accelerations for a footbridge model to compare to Eurocode recommendations. (Version 15.2)


Seepage through an earth dam (14:28)

  • Shows the modelling and analysis of water seepage through a trapezoidal earth dam to drain in a granular filter in the downstream toe. The flow is unconfined, and the dam built on an impermeable fioundation (Version 15.2)


Beam and shell modelling of a post-tensioned bridge (12:55)

  • Covers the building of a simple model of a 3-span slab bridge with twin deep ribs, using shell and beam elements and constraint equations to tie the surfaces and beams together to ensure composite action. Tendon profiles are defined and assigned to the model, requiring specification of tendon properties, prestress force and jacking details, and selection of the lines of the model to which they apply. The deformed shape from self-weight and prestress loading is viewed for each in isolation, prior to looking at the effects of both in a load combination. (Version 15.1)


Staged construction modelling of a dam (20:08)

  • Illustrates the procedures involved in preparing a dam model (that has been imported from an IGES file) for an initial linear static structural analysis - as required prior to developing the model further. The assignment of a volume mesh to the model, and the applying of structural material, supports, and gravity loading only is covered. Activation and deactivation of elements is used to represent the staged construction process of pouring individual lifts of concrete. After being solved the stresses in each lift are investigated. A time-history response graph for a selected location is produced to show stress changing with each loadcase. An animation of the construction stages is produced. A separate model is used to show heat of hydration modelling involving the use of thermal material properties with corresponding thermal temperatures and stresses arising from the analysis being visualised. (Version 15.1) 


Modelling and results / reporting overview for a 3-span box structure (18:15)

  • An initial import of a DXF and an IGES file showing automatic meshing and rendering facilities is followed by line beam modelling of a 3-span box beam structure. The assignment of user-defined section properties is shown for standard, linear and tapered box sections, and a method for finding model geometry without material assigned is highlighted. Results are viewed for bending moments and stresses both on the fleshed model and in a tabular results format. A report is created showing user-defined outputs and how saved views of the model and results are automatically updated each time a report is created. (Version 15.1)


Interactive modal dynamics and rail track-structure interaction analysis (14:04)

  • Overview of the features and capabilities of the LUSAS Interactive Modal Dynamics software option (IMDPlus) with specific reference to rail use, and of the LUSAS Rail Track Analysis software option, which permits track/structure interaction analysis to the International Union of Railways Code UIC 774-3 and to the relevant sections in Eurocode 1. (Version 15.1)


Saved views, results extraction and report generation (8:50)

  • A simple integral bridge model is used to show the creation and use of Saved Views, graphing of results data, the setting of threshold values for results listings, one-click member reporting, and auto-updating of the saved views and one-click member reports for a revised model. (Version 15.1)


Construction table reporting (5:31)

  • Use of the LUSAS construction table facility on a box cantilever model to report tables of displacement data for a staged construction analysis. Tables shown include a camber table - as used to set-out a structure towards a target (as-built) profile; a displacement history table, which reports the absolute displacement of a series of key-points at each stage with reference to an undeformed geometry 'datum'; and an incremental displacement table, which reports the stage-by-stage deformation of a structure and tabulates the relative displacements between each stage. (Version 15.1)


Defining rigid zones (9:32)

  • A cross-section of a buried box culvert is modelled using 2d line beams to illustrate the use of rigid zones. These are defined and used correctly model regions of a structure that are to be considered as entirely rigid for analytical purposes. A typical use would be to model beam and column connections in building frame analysis. (Version 15.1)


Easy-to-use lift-off supports and RC slab design to AASHTO (7:36)

  • A simple bridge model is used to show the use of the multiple analysis facility, the use of lift-off supports, and slab design showing bar reinforcement details to AASHTO. (Version 15.0)


Direct method influence analysis and Traffic Load Optimisation for beams to AASHTO (5:51)

  • A review of  the techniques available in LUSAS for carrying out influence analysis and the use of the new Direct Method, combined with the traffic load optimisation tool to create AASHTO traffic loads on a line beam model of an arch bridge. (Version 15.0)


Easy-to-use lift-off supports and RC slab design to Eurocode (9:32)

  • A simple bridge model is used to show the use of the multiple analysis facility, the use of lift-off supports, and slab design showing bar reinforcement details and crack checking based on EuroCode 1991-2. (Version 15.0)


Direct method influence analysis and Traffic Load Optimisation for beams to Eurocode (7:37)

  • A review of  the techniques available in LUSAS for carrying out influence analysis and the use of the new Direct Method, combined with the traffic load optimisation tool to create Eurocode traffic loads on a line beam model of an arch bridge. (Version 15.0)


Cable tuning analysis for linear structures (8:15)

  • For many structures it is vital control the deflected shape during construction or under imposed loading. Here, the  cable tuning analysis facility is used to calculate cable forces in a cable stayed footbridge to meet a user-defined pre-cambered profile, as well as limiting the main tower displacement and bending moment to acceptable values. (Version 15.0)


Modelling of active/passive soil behaviour with multi-linear joint material (5:53)

  • Shows a soil-structure interaction (SSI) problem where structural-element and ground displacements are dependent upon one another. An Active / Passive soil joint is set up for an embedded retaining wall to cater for lateral pressures increasing with depth, and the joints are also pre-loaded with an at-rest pressure at the beginning of the analysis. A parametric investigation of soil properties and the effects on bending moments in the wall is also done. (Version 15.0)


See also:

LUSAS conference papers and presentations

LUSAS webinar recordings


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Any modelling, design and analysis capabilities described are dependent upon the LUSAS software product, version and option in use.