Update history​

StruBIM Steel

Tool for generating loads

In version 2025.d, a tool has been implemented to define the loads applied to each bar based on the mechanical properties of its section. In the load edition panel, on the force table for each bar, the wizard for modifying the forces of the selected load case appears.

This tool changes the table value of each force by the new value calculated from a user-defined factor, the mechanical properties of the bar section and the yield strength of the bar steel. The factor can be defined with a positive or negative sign. To the right of each force activated by the user, the calculated force is displayed. On the right side of the panel, the mechanical properties of the bar section are displayed.

This tool is useful, for example, when it becomes a requirement to design the connections with a higher strength than that of the connected bars, as mentioned in different seismic design regulations.

No results are lost for changes that do not affect the finite element model

Up until version 2025.d, any modification to the operations resulted in the loss of the results of the finite element model, even when these changes didn't affect the analytical model. However, as of version 2025.d, the results will be retained as long as the modifications do not alter the analytical model, with only the necessary checks being updated.

Parameters that can be changed without any loss of analysis results include the following:

  • The throat thickness of the welds.
  • The surface class of the welds.
  • The variation between different types of penetration beads.
  • The place of execution for welds.
  • Type of electrode.

Summary report of connections with pictures

As of version 2025.d, connection reports can include images of the connections.

In the "Model" and "Analysis" tabs, the "Images" section has been added to the toolbar ribbon. This section offers a tool for snapping images, as well as a library for managing them.

By clicking on "Snap image", a snap of the 3D view is generated and saved in the image library. Users can assign a reference to it, which will be the text shown at the bottom of the image in the list. Furthermore, depending on the type of 3D view, the image has a specific type, which determines in which chapter of the report it will be included.

  • Images snapped from the "Model" tab shall appear in the "Connection components" section.

  • Snaps from the "Maximum demand capacity ratio" view shall be included in the "Checks" section.

  • The screenshots of the contour plot result views of the "Stress/Strain" analysis shall be placed in the "Stress/Strain" section.

  • Screenshots of the buckling results shall be placed in the "Buckling" section.

The size of the images in the report is set by default, although users can scale the images according to their needs.

As well as snaps of the 3D views, additional images can be added to the library. To do so, simply click on the "Add" icon in the list of images in the library.

Importing the grid defined in CYPE 3D

In version 2025.d, it is now possible to import the grid from CYPE 3D into StruBIM Steel.

New design models for bars

In the connection analysis model, one of the bars is set as the load-bearing element, unless a baseplate has been defined. The remaining bars are connected to this element, on which the loads are applied.

Up until version 2025.d, the bars connected to the load-bearing element had no external links, allowing users to define forces in the direction of each axis and moments around each axis.

This is the default model and the one used in previous versions. The end of the bar has no external links, allowing the six forces to be defined.

  • N - Vy - Vz - Mx - My - Mz
    This is the default model and the one used in previous versions. The end of the bar has no external links, allowing the six forces to be defined.

  • N - Vy - Mz
    This model defines loads in the XY plane. The end of the bar is constrained for displacement in the z-axis and rotation in the y-axis.

  • N - Vz - My
    This model defines loads in the XZ plane. The bar end is constrained for displacement in the y-axis and rotation in the z-axis.


  • N - Vy - Vz
    In this model, the end of the bar is constrained for rotation and no moments can be inserted.

These new models are useful for dealing with different structural situations. For example:

Case 1
The hollow section bar is hinged in the structural model and connected by a single bolt. If the unrestrained model is used, an unstable mechanism can be generated (Case 1 - A). By changing the load model to N - Vy - Vz, the local model of the connection resembles the connection conditions in the global model of the structure (Case 1 - B).

Case 2
Two angles are connected, where one acts as a load-bearing element and the other receives a tension applied at the centre of gravity of the section. If the unrestrained model is used, the eccentricity between the load and the connection of the load-bearing section generates a penalising moment (Case 2 - A). By changing the loading model to N - Vy - Vz, a more balanced stress distribution between the two sections is achieved (Case 2 - B).

Case 3
The eccentricity of the diagonal bar generates a moment that penalises the haunch. In this case, the displacement out of the plane formed by the beam and the diagonal is constrained, so the local model of the connection is more similar to the global model by selecting the N - Vz - My model (Case 3 - B).

INDEX brand chemical anchors for concrete fixings

In CYPE Connect and StruBIM Steel version 2025.c, INDEX brand chemical anchors for concrete fixings have been incorporated as concrete fixing elements in baseplates.

These elements are checked in accordance with the criteria in EN 1992-4:2018, based on the data provided in the ETAs (European Technical Assessment) of these anchors.

Improved export/import from CYPE 3D to CYPE Connect and StruBIM Steel

Version 2024.f changed the way bars were exported and imported between CYPE 3D and CYPE Connect and StruBIM Steel from an IFC format to an exchange file in JSON format. As of this version, the bars of the sections supported by the connection editor were exported.

Now, as of version 2025.c, all other sections supported by StruBIM Steel will also be exported and imported, in addition to the tag assignment that the bars had in CYPE 3D.

Links to the CYPE website in the apps help menu

In version 2025.c, new options have been added to the "Help" menu of all CYPE apps, providing direct links to key resources on the CYPE website. These options make it easier to access to useful information and Technical Support, improving the overall experience of using the program.

The new options are the following:

  • Technical support: This link provides information on the different ways of contacting the CYPE Technical Support team to clarify any queries, obtain customised assistance and solve any problem related to the apps.

  • User community: This option provides access to the CYPE user community, where users can share experiences, ask questions and discuss solutions with other professionals using the same tools. This community encourages the exchange of knowledge and best practices, helping to make the most of the program's features.

  • Learning resources: This link leads to a collection of learning resources, such as tutorials, manuals, videos and articles, designed to help you understand and use CYPE apps more efficiently. These materials are designed for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced users, and are an excellent source of information to expand skills and technical knowledge.

These new additions make it easier to access information and provide the necessary support to improve the users' experience with the apps and to encourage professional development.

Transparent preview in dockable windows

In version 2025.c, the preview for moving dockable windows within the apps has been improved. Now, when dragging a dockable window, the preview of its docked position is displayed transparently, allowing a clearer view of the underlying work area.

This new feature makes it easy to find the optimal location for each dockable window without obstructing important elements or losing sight of relevant project information. It also provides a smoother and more modern visual experience, aligned with best practices in user interface design.

Importing structures from an XML file generated by SAP2000®

As of version 2025.c, Sap2000® structures can be imported into CYPE Connect and StruBIM Steel.

An XML file containing all the tables of the model definition and the bar force tables (ANALYSIS RESULTS > Element Output > Frame Output) must be exported from SAP2000®.

The structure can be imported via StruBIM Uploader or directly into CYPE Connect and StruBIM Steel.

In StruBIM Uploader, by selecting the "XML file produced by SAP2000®" option, users access the file selection panel and select the BIMserver.center project, where the information will be uploaded.

After exporting to BIMserver.center, in CYPE Connect or StruBIM Steel, only the job needs to be created from that BIMserver.center project.

In CYPE Connect and StruBIM Steel, this can be imported directly via direct access to the StruBIM Uploader.

The bars and the forces in the bars by combination are imported.

Connection search tool

In StruBIM Steel version 2025.c, a new tool is implemented that will allow users to search for connections.

When launching the tool, a panel appears where the user can enter the reference of the connection they want to search for; and all the connections that match the text entered will be highlighted, either fully or partially, depending on whether the "Only whole word" option is activated or not.

New EN 14399-4 bolt series

In version 2025.c of CYPE Connect and StruBIM Steel, a new series of prestressed bolts, the EN 14399-4 series, has been added.

This series can be saved in the element library from the "Import predefined data" icon in the prestressed bolt library.