StruSoft PRE-Stress – Advanced Design and Analysis Software for Prestressed Concrete Elements Across Their Entire Lifecycle

PRE‑Stress is a specialised software solution developed by StruSoft for the analysis and design of prestressed concrete beams and precast elements . What sets PRE‑Stress apart from conventional structural analysis tools is its ability to model the entire lifecycle of a prestressed element – not just its final installed state .

Pretabricated, prestressed elements face significant stresses from the moment prestressing strands are released. Cracks and deformations occurring at this initial stage remain with the element, influencing its bearing capacity and shape long after installation . PRE‑Stress addresses this reality by considering all phases of the element’s life: release of strands in the factory, storage conditions (often outdoors and over extended periods), transport, erection, and finally the long‑term, short‑term, and ultimate limit states in service.

Primary Users

StruSoft PRE-Stress is designed for structural engineers, precast concrete designers, and project engineers who need to accurately model and design prestressed concrete elements that go through complex stages before reaching their final, in‑service position . It serves professionals who:

  • Design and verify hollow‑core slabs, prestressed beams, T‑beams, sloped I‑beams, wall panels, and double‑T (TT) elements for precast concrete projects 

  • Analyse and design elements for structural safety and serviceability at every life stage, including release, storage, transport, erection, and final service 

  • Need to model prestressing strands and non‑tensioned reinforcement efficiently using predefined and custom patterns 

  • Require comprehensive Eurocode compliance, with support for multiple National Annexes and ongoing development of 2nd Generation Eurocode 

  • Integrate design workflows with precast detailing and production systems, particularly for hollow‑core slabs

Key Features & Capabilities

Whole‑Lifecycle Stage Analysis

PRE‑Stress calculates for all phases of the element’s existence, ensuring serviceability states (cracking, creep, shrinkage, relaxation) are linked across stages so that effects are consistent with real‑world conditions . These effects are then carried forward into the design of ultimate limit states, including accidental and fire conditions .

Comprehensive Section and Reinforcement Modeling

  • Predefined and Custom Cross‑Sections: Choose from built‑in cross‑sections from existing customers or easily create custom sections by specifying dimensions .

  • Reinforcement Pattern Manager: Define strands and reinforcement quickly using default patterns, or create and save custom patterns for efficient reuse .

  • Flexible Reinforcement Input: Add both prestressing strands and non‑tensioned rebar by predefined positions or manually .

Loading and Load Combination Management

Define uniform loads, trapezoidal loads, point loads, temperature loads, and self‑weight . Loads can be applied with eccentricity from the centroid to study torsional behaviour . The software automatically generates load combinations according to the selected National Annex .

Hollow‑Core Integration and Special Functions

Users of IMPACT benefit from full integration of hollow‑core calculations, with results returning directly into the drawing . Dedicated functions for punching verification according to EN1168 are also available .

Fire Design and Reporting

PRE‑Stress includes fire design capabilities with results presented in table format, graphical temperature distribution through the section, and visual indication of damaged zones . All results can be presented on‑screen or through a user‑defined report