Currently, existing programs are based on a component method which is a perfectly fine solution. But their drawback is that for each topology, a new model has to be put together.
IDEA StatiCa came up with a new method called component-based Finite Element Model, CBFEM which is a synergy of component method and finite element method. We use finite elements to get the stress-strain analysis of the joint and then to apply standard checks like in the component method.
We came with a different approach for steel joint design, that is why we paid special attention to its verification and validation, right from the start for years ago.
The first level of testing the new software was to take dozens of standard joints from Eurocode and US design guides and calculate them with IDEA StatiCa.
The second level was to laboriously create models in FEA programs and comparing them to results achieved in IDEA StatiCa Connection in minutes.
The third level of testing was live lab tests. Again, the same results. Two university teams spent over 3 years on this.
And published it in various articles, benchmark studies, and most importantly, verification book.
Find out more about the safety and verifications of the CBFEM method.