SOFiSTiK
German finite element, BIM and CAD software for bridges and complex buildings
Quick Overview
| Company | SOFiSTiK AG |
|---|---|
| Category | Structural Engineering Software |
| Headquarters | Nuremberg, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | not stated on the pages we read |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | FEM packages (3D FEM professional, premium, ultimate), bridge design, building design, Revit analysis and reinforcement tools, Rhino interface, SOFiCAD, free trial and educational version |
| Pricing | Not shown on the pages we read; free trial offered |
| Best For | Engineering offices working on bridges, infrastructure and large buildings with BIM workflows |
| Replaces | STAAD.Pro |
Detailed Review
SOFiSTiK AG is a German stock corporation with its imprint at Flataustraße 14, 90411 Nuremberg, Amtsgericht Nuremberg, HRB 43820. The company lists offices in Munich and Nuremberg and branches including Graz and Tel Aviv.
SOFiSTiK states that more than 5,000 customers work with its solutions, naming the Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul and the Leverkusen Bridge among its references.
SOFiSTiK FEM packages and design areas
SOFiSTiK sells FEM packages at three levels, called 3D FEM professional, premium and ultimate. The product navigation separates bridge design, building design and a Rhinoceros interface.
The 2027 highlights describe analysis and design inside Autodesk Revit with design groups and design status shown in the model.
BIM, CAD and reinforcement tools in SOFiSTiK
SOFiSTiK adds CAD through SOFiCAD and BIM tools such as the Bridge and Infrastructure Modeler and Reinforcement Analysis and Design for Revit. The 2027 highlights mention reuse of reinforcement and detailing across similar components.
A free trial and an educational version are listed in the download area.
SOFiSTiK compared with STAAD.Pro
SOFiSTiK contracts through a German company, while STAAD.Pro terms follow Pennsylvania law. SOFiSTiK also runs a SOFiSTiK North America region page, so check which entity issues the invoice if you are outside Europe.
Limitations to Consider
SOFiSTiK shows no prices on the pages we read, and the three FEM package names are not explained in terms of limits there. The product range is wide, so smaller offices may find it larger than they need. For a lighter German option with component calculations see Frilo.
Who Should Use SOFiSTiK
Offices designing bridges or complex buildings that already work with Revit or Rhino.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- German AG with register number in the imprint
- Bridge and building design in one suite
- Revit and Rhino interfaces
- Three FEM package levels
- Free trial and educational version
Cons
- No prices on the pages we read
- Package limits not explained in the pages read
- Broad range may be more than small offices need
- Data location not stated
Alternatives to SOFiSTiK
Other European structural engineering software worth comparing before you decide:
See all European structural engineering software or compare them directly against STAAD.Pro on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. SOFiSTiK AG of Nuremberg makes FEM analysis, design and detailing software for buildings and bridges. STAAD.Pro is made by Bentley Systems in the United States.
SOFiSTiK lists analysis and design inside Autodesk Revit and a Reinforcement Analysis and Design add-in for Revit. A separate Rhinoceros interface is also listed.
SOFiSTiK offers a free trial and an educational version through its download area. Prices were not visible on the pages we read.