ProtaStructure 2026 v9: 163 Enhancements Advance Seismic Design, BIM Interoperability, and Structural Analysis

Prota Software has released the August 2026 update to ProtaStructure 2026 (version 9.0.565), delivering 163 engineering enhancements that span seismic verification, structural modeling, BIM interoperability, and workflow automation. The update consolidates months of user-driven improvements into a release that addresses both code compliance precision and day-to-day productivity for structural engineers.

Seismic Code Compliance Across Seven International Standards

The most technically significant additions in v9.0.565 center on seismic joint shear verification. ProtaStructure now applies updated coefficients and formulas across seven international codes:

• ACI 318-19: Joint shear capacity for Special Moment Frames (SMF) now uses Table 18.8.4.3 coefficients with a strength reduction factor of φ = 0.85, and applies the 1.7λ√f'c·Aj formula for fully confined joints.
• TBDY 2018 (Turkey): Panel zone checks per Section 9.3.4 are now automated, with required web thickness reported directly in the output.
• NSR-10 (Colombia) and IS 13920 (India): Full precision is now applied to the ¾ beam-width rule for joint confinement classification.
• NSCP 2015 (Philippines) and UBC 1997: Joint shear capacity coefficients updated to exact SI values.
• Eurocode 8: Refined Vd design values for beam calculations, with detailed q-factor calculations added to post-analysis reports.

Engineers working on projects subject to multiple national codes will benefit from the consistent, code-specific reporting that eliminates manual cross-referencing.

Construction Stage Analysis with Concrete Shrinkage

A notable addition is the inclusion of concrete shrinkage in construction stage analysis. While creep effects were already modeled in previous versions for Eurocode deflection checks, v9.0.565 marks the first time shrinkage is fully integrated into staged construction simulations. This is particularly relevant for long-span structures, bridges, and multi-story buildings where time-dependent deformation significantly affects serviceability predictions. Shrinkage parameters are accessible via Material Properties under Time-Dependent Parameters.

Cruciform Columns and Foundation Optimization

ProtaStructure 2026 now supports cruciform columns formed by combining two hot-rolled profiles — in addition to the previously supported welded plate variants. These can be configured through the Cruciform Column Editor in the Section Manager, expanding the range of steel section types available for high-load column design.

On the foundation side, automatic pad footing depth optimization has been introduced. When shear or punching checks require additional capacity, the software now adjusts footing depth automatically, eliminating iterative manual adjustments. User-defined end spacing for pad footing reinforcement is also supported for precise detailing control.

IDEA StatiCa Integration and Steel Design

The update strengthens the workflow between ProtaStructure and IDEA StatiCa for steel connection design. Engineers can now export member forces directly from ProtaStructure models into IDEA StatiCa, enabling code-checked design of welded, bolted, and moment connections without manual data transfer. Additional steel design improvements include bulk editing for castellated beams, a dedicated Wind Column option that excludes members from storey drift checks, and improved base plate stiffener alignment.

BIM and IFC4 Interoperability

IFC import capabilities have been extended to handle cold-formed C-shaped sections and custom sections more cleanly. The suite maintains robust IFC4 support, facilitating model synchronization with Revit and other BIM platforms. Templates compliant with Singapore's CoreNetX platform are also included, reflecting the software's growing adoption in Southeast Asian markets.

Workflow and Documentation Enhancements

Modeling precision improvements include a snap-to-intersection tool for geometry creation and arrow signs for cantilever slabs to clarify load direction in CAD documentation. The Steel Standardisation section for RC columns now displays the reinforcement ratio as an economy metric, helping engineers quickly assess material efficiency during design iterations.

ProtaStructure 2026 v9.0.565 is available now. Full release notes and update details are available at protasoftware.com.