This project is the result of a cooperation between HalmstadUniversity and EABAB. The aim of the project was to create a macro that would help EABAB automate the process of designing steel trusses. When run in Microsoft Excel, the macro imports and processes coordinates from a calculator program. The data is then imported into the Building Information Modelling software Tekla Structures, which creates a 3D structural model of the steel truss.The macro saves much time in the project planning process and also helps minimize the risk of design flaws caused by human error. .

This diploma work has been conducted for the consulting company Ramböll inUppsala, Sweden with the purpose to perform a study with the calculation programFEM Design 9.0 made by Strusoft. The aim has been to find out if it is possible to gainadvantage by utilizing more advanced 3D software for design calculations, instead ofthe traditional methods currently used in construction works.The method of approach has been to model an existing warehouse building with theprogram FEM Design, and then compare the results with those attained with Frameanalysis and hand calculations. These results are then analyzed. An evaluation is maderegarding to what benefits can be achieved using a more advanced 3D-model.The results of the study show that the differences between the methods are not ofany significance with regard to the design of the steel frame. However in morecomplex materials such as reinforced concrete, the differences become more notable.The conclusions drawn by the authors of this study into FEM Design are that theeducation requirements of the program are higher than for simpler programs, whosepurpose are solving predetermined problems.