SAP2000 for Structural Analysis: Trial and System Requirements

SAP2000 is the general-purpose member of CSI’s structural software family. Where ETABS is specialized for buildings, SAP2000 is used for any kind of structure that can be modelled with frames, shells and solids, from bridges and towers to industrial facilities and special structures.

Inside SAP2000

• SAPFire analysis engine: multi-threaded 64-bit solvers that take advantage of multi-core CPUs, with design algorithms that also use multiple cores.
• Code-based design: design checks to a range of US and international codes.
• Levels: SAP2000 is sold in several levels with different analysis capabilities; the compare page on CSI’s site lists what each includes.

Trial and licensing

1. The Download button opens the SAP2000 trial page on csiamerica.com, where you request trial access.
2. CSI’s sales page lists perpetual licenses with annual maintenance, plus lease and non-commercial pricing.
3. Licensing now works through Cloud Sign-in; legacy standalone and network licenses are no longer supported.

System requirements

• Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) with a 64-bit CPU
• 16 GB RAM minimum, 64 GB recommended; larger models solve faster with more memory
• 6 GB of disk space for installation
• A discrete DirectX 11 graphics card is recommended for DirectX graphics mode

Choosing between CSI products

If your project is a multi-storey building, ETABS offers story-based tools that save time. For everything else, SAP2000’s general approach is more flexible. Models for detailing and fabrication are often continued in Tekla Structures.