History of FrameCE
by Ribelito F. Torregosa, PhD
My development of FrameCE started in 1997 when I was in the middle of my master's degree studies. I proposed the thesis topic “Optimisation of Steel Structures using Genetic Algorithm” which is an iterative process of minimising the weight of structures by varying the member sizes using the evolutionary optimisation method called genetic algorithm. This requires that the finite element analysis be integrated with the optimisation and design modules since the method involves thousands of automated looped calculations. Since most available finite element analysis packages were stand-alone programs, I was forced to write a simple 2D Frame analysis program. After completing my degree in 1998, I went to Japan for my Ph. D. My research field was in earthquake engineering and probabilistic risk analysis. It was then the program evolved into a 3D structural analysis which I used for my research. Subsequently, dynamic analysis module was added to the software capability. After completing my Ph.D. degree in 2002, I worked in Japan as a research engineer in risk and reliability of structures. My work was primarily to investigate the soil-structure interaction during earthquakes. The company had the policy of developing its analysis programs in-house, which enabled me to gain more skills in complicated finite element analysis, modelling and programming. The soil-structure interaction analysis capability was added to my program. It was then that I added the graphical user interface since there were other users within the company. Until that time, the program did not have its name. Initially I called my program by the acronym FCE with many ideas in my mind, one which was “For Civil Engineers” since finite element analysis using beam elements are mainly used by civil engineers, in contrast with mechanical and aerospace engineers who are mostly using solids and plate elements. Eventually, I decided that “FrameCE” is more appropriate. Now, you know what CE means. In 2006, I settled in Australia and worked as a structural engineer. It was then that I added the Australian standard steel sections in the section library. In 2009, having familiarized the Australian design standards, I added the steel design module based on AS4100. However, I had to remove the soil-structure interaction analysis capability of FrameCE because this is not really useful in Australia where earthquake is not a big concern.
One notable project wherein I used FrameCE was when I designed the steel structures of the Royal Children’s Hospital where I was assigned as on-site structural design engineer. FrameCE has been used primarily by myself and by a few satisfied Australian engineers.
FrameCE is one of a kind for the following reason. Only one person is involved in its entire development which includes the finite element analysis, the graphical user interface and the steel design modules. FrameCE doesn’t have salespersons or its employees to answer queries, only the program author will answer software related queries. This makes easier for the clients to enquire since they will be talking to the person who knows entirely how the program works.
As a matter of trivia, FrameCE has evolved a lot from the constructive comments of its users. So any comment to improve the program is always welcome.
The accuracy of FrameCE has been validated by myself and all its users. I also compared its results with other popular structural analysis programs. A free version is now available for download. The free version has all the analysis and design capabilities of the full version. However saving a project is disabled and all the printouts contain a watermark 'free version'. What you can do with the full version is similar to what you can do with the free version except for saving a project.
One notable project wherein I used FrameCE was when I designed the steel structures of the Royal Children’s Hospital where I was assigned as on-site structural design engineer. FrameCE has been used primarily by myself and by a few satisfied Australian engineers.
FrameCE is one of a kind for the following reason. Only one person is involved in its entire development which includes the finite element analysis, the graphical user interface and the steel design modules. FrameCE doesn’t have salespersons or its employees to answer queries, only the program author will answer software related queries. This makes easier for the clients to enquire since they will be talking to the person who knows entirely how the program works.
As a matter of trivia, FrameCE has evolved a lot from the constructive comments of its users. So any comment to improve the program is always welcome.
The accuracy of FrameCE has been validated by myself and all its users. I also compared its results with other popular structural analysis programs. A free version is now available for download. The free version has all the analysis and design capabilities of the full version. However saving a project is disabled and all the printouts contain a watermark 'free version'. What you can do with the full version is similar to what you can do with the free version except for saving a project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Free version and Full version?
In Free version, saving a project is disabled and all printouts have watermsrks 'FrameCE Free version'.
If I download the FrameCE setup file, am I downloading the Free version or the Full version?
There is only one setup file. When you install FrameCE for the first time, by default you are in the Free version.
How can I upgrade to Full version?
In the Free version, click the menu "Upgrade to Full version" or the green button "Upgrade to Full version" at the bottom. A unique installation number will appear and you need to send this number to us so that we can give you the activation code.
Is the license portable to any computer?
The license is limited to the computer where it is installed and can not be used to other computers regardless of circumstances.
What happens if we uninstall the program? Do I need a new activation code?
Once the full version is installed in your computer, you don't need activation code to install a new one. The full version entitles to free updates throughout the life of the computer where it is installed, as long as the computer is not reformatted and the Windows version is not changed from the time FrameCE is installed.
Do we have to pay yearly maintenance fee?
No.
In Free version, saving a project is disabled and all printouts have watermsrks 'FrameCE Free version'.
If I download the FrameCE setup file, am I downloading the Free version or the Full version?
There is only one setup file. When you install FrameCE for the first time, by default you are in the Free version.
How can I upgrade to Full version?
In the Free version, click the menu "Upgrade to Full version" or the green button "Upgrade to Full version" at the bottom. A unique installation number will appear and you need to send this number to us so that we can give you the activation code.
Is the license portable to any computer?
The license is limited to the computer where it is installed and can not be used to other computers regardless of circumstances.
What happens if we uninstall the program? Do I need a new activation code?
Once the full version is installed in your computer, you don't need activation code to install a new one. The full version entitles to free updates throughout the life of the computer where it is installed, as long as the computer is not reformatted and the Windows version is not changed from the time FrameCE is installed.
Do we have to pay yearly maintenance fee?
No.