The SOFiSTiK 2020 installation is centered around the SOFiSTiK Application Manager (SAM), which serves as the primary hub for downloading and managing the software suite. Installation Process To install the 2020 version, follow these core steps:
Download SAM: If not already installed, download the SOFiSTiK Application Manager from the official website.
Product Selection: Open the manager and use the tabs on the left to navigate through product groups. Select SOFiSTiK 2020 and mark the specific components (e.g., SOFiPLUS, SSD) you need by clicking Install.
Extensions (e.g., Revit): For specific tools like the Reinforcement Detailing extension for Revit 2020, the process typically involves extracting a downloaded package and running the specialized installer provided. Key Features for 2020
The 2020 release introduced several technical shifts that are useful to know once your installation is complete:
Solid Cross-Sections: A notable "solid piece" of the 2020 workflow is the Cross-Section Editor (CSE). You can now specifically create a "New Solid Section" for components like bridge superstructures, which allows for non-constant vertical shear stress calculations, unlike standard thin-walled sections.
Shear Connections: Version 2020 introduced a "Thin-walled Shear Connection" feature that uses a dedicated extra material (typically material nr. 5).
BIM Integration: The 2020 suite is designed to work seamlessly with Revit 2020, facilitating the transfer of analytical models for finite element analysis (FEA) and reinforcement design.
If you are looking for specific training or bridge design workflows using this version, resources like the SOFiSTiK Video Tutorials provide step-by-step guides on modeling and design.
Are you installing this for a specific project type, like bridge design or building reinforcement?
To install SOFiSTiK 2020 and generate a comprehensive structural report, follow these steps to manage the application and document your results. Part 1: Installation Guide Download the Application Manager
: All SOFiSTiK products, including the 2020 version, are managed via the SOFiSTiK Application Manager (SAM) Select Products
: Open SAM and navigate through the product groups on the left. Mark the specific 2020 products (e.g., SOFiSTiK Structural Desktop, Reinforcement Detailing) you wish to install. Apply and Install to review your selection, then to start the download and installation process. License Setup : Ensure you have CodeMeter User Runtime installed to manage your licenses correctly. Revit Extension (Optional)
: For Revit users, run the specific reinforcement generator installer and, if required, follow manual steps like copying emulator files to the system folder. Part 2: Putting Together a Report
SOFiSTiK generates report files (.plb) for each calculated task, which you can then compile into a final document. Accessing Individual Reports
: In the SOFiSTiK Structural Desktop (SSD), right-click any calculated task in the task tree and select to view specific results. Compiling a Full Report Navigate to the menu and select Postprocessing drop-down and choose All Reports sofistik 2020 install
. This automatically compiles every task report based on their order in the project tree. Customization Interactive Lists Result Viewer
to create interactive tables and graphics for your final report. Table of Contents : Enable the Table of Contents
checkbox in the reports home menu to add a navigation tree to your document. Organization
: You can add subchapters and manually adjust which results are shown or hidden using the "book" icon in the navigation tree.
: Once finalized, you can print the document or export it directly as a without needing external software. SOFiSTiK FOR YOU
The installation process for SOFiSTiK 2020 centers on the SOFiSTiK Application Manager (SAM), which serves as the primary tool for downloading, installing, and updating all software modules, including FEM, CAD, and BIM tools. Core Installation Workflow
The standard procedure for a single computer involves these steps:
Download SAM: Obtain the latest version of the SOFiSTiK Application Manager from the official website.
Select Products: Open SAM and use the tabs on the left to navigate product groups. Select the specific modules you wish to install (e.g., SOFiSTiK 2020) by clicking Install.
Dependency Handling: SAM automatically identifies and marks any required background products needed for your selection.
Confirm and Execute: Click Next to review the changes, then click Apply to begin the download and installation process.
Restart: A system reboot is often required to finalize the configuration of all components. Licensing and Preparation Activation, Updates and Transfer - SOFiSTiK Administration
You should have the installation package (usually an .iso file or a zipped folder containing setup files).
.zip or .iso format, extract it to a local folder. Do not attempt to install directly from a network drive, as this often causes permission errors during the installation of the Sentinel HASP drivers.This guide provides a general overview of the installation process. For specific instructions, consult the documentation provided with your Sofistik 2020 installation media or contact the vendor's support team.
To install SOFiSTiK 2020, you must use the SOFiSTiK Application Manager (SAM), which serves as the central hub for downloading, updating, and managing all SOFiSTiK products. Step-by-Step Installation Guide The SOFiSTiK 2020 installation is centered around the
Download the Application Manager: Visit the Official SOFiSTiK Downloads page to download and run the SOFiSTiK Application Manager (SAM).
Select Product Groups: Once SAM is open, navigate through the tabs on the left to find your required software groups (e.g., Analysis, Bridge Design, or BIM Apps). Choose Your Products: Find the SOFiSTiK 2020 tab.
Mark the products you wish to install (e.g., SOFiSTiK Structural Desktop, SOFiPLUS) by clicking the Install button.
SAM will automatically include any necessary background packages or dependencies.
Confirm and Apply: Click Next to review your selections, then click Apply to start the download and installation process.
Restart: It is highly recommended to restart your machine after the process finishes to ensure all interfaces (like those for AutoCAD or Revit) are properly initialized. Installing BIM Apps (Revit & AutoCAD)
Revit Extensions: For tools like the SOFiSTiK Reinforcement Detailing, you can install them via SAM or find them on the Autodesk App Store.
AutoCAD (SOFiCAD): Ensure AutoCAD is installed before using SAM to add the SOFiCAD add-on, which enables reinforcement planning and scheduling directly in the CAD environment. Post-Installation Checklist
Verify Installation: Open the SOFiSTiK Structural Desktop (SSD) from the Windows Start menu to confirm the core engine is working.
Check Add-ins: In Revit or AutoCAD, look for the SOFiSTiK tab in the top ribbon to ensure the interfaces were successfully integrated.
For a visual walkthrough of setting up your first project after installation, watch this guide: SOFiSTiK | 2020 - Start a new project (01) SOFiSTiK AG YouTube• Jan 9, 2020
Installing SOFiSTiK 2020 is a streamlined process managed primarily through a central utility called the SOFiSTiK Application Manager (SAM). This guide outlines the prerequisites, step-by-step installation, and licensing procedures required to get your structural analysis environment running. 1. Pre-Installation Requirements
Before beginning, ensure your system meets the hardware and software prerequisites to avoid installation failures:
Operating System: A 64-bit Windows environment is required for standard performance.
Hardware Recommendations: While SOFiSTiK runs on various processors, a multicore CPU, at least 16 GB of RAM, and an SSD for faster data transfer between the software and the central database (CDB) are highly recommended. Download: Ensure the source is the official SOFiSTiK
Platform Dependencies: If you intend to use specific interfaces, the host software must be installed before SOFiSTiK: AutoCAD: Required for SOFiPLUS.
Autodesk Revit: Essential for SOFiSTiK Analysis+Design or Reinforcement Detailing. Rhinoceros: Required for the Rhino Interface.
Prerequisites: Ensure Visual C++ Redistributable packages (2013, 2015, and 2017) are installed on your machine. 2. Downloading the Installer
The entire product line is distributed via the SOFiSTiK Application Manager (SAM). Visit the official download page.
Download the sam_online_installer.exe. This small utility will manage the download and installation of all specific modules. 3. Step-by-Step Installation Process
Once you have the Application Manager, follow these steps to install SOFiSTiK 2020:
Launch SAM: Run the downloaded installer. If you have an older version of SAM, it may update itself first.
Select Version: Navigate to the SOFiSTiK 2020 tab within the manager.
Choose Products: Mark the specific products or modules you need (e.g., FEA, SOFiPLUS, or BIM Apps) by clicking Install.
Automatic Dependencies: The manager will automatically flag any required background components needed for your selected products.
Apply Changes: Click Next to review your selections, then click Apply to start the download and installation process.
Restart: Once the progress bars finish, a system reboot is often required to finalize the environment variables and registry entries. 4. License Activation
After installation, you must activate your license to use the software: Activation, Updates and Transfer - SOFiSTiK Administration
Note: As of 2024, SOFiSTiK 2020 is considered a legacy version. While it is stable, it is designed for older operating systems and CAD platforms (e.g., AutoCAD 2018–2020).
Update and Patch: Check for any updates or patches for Sofistik 2020. The software vendor may have released patches to fix bugs or improve performance.
Documentation and Tutorials: If you're new to Sofistik, explore the documentation and tutorials provided. These resources are invaluable for learning how to use the software effectively.
License Verification: Verify that your license is active and that the software is fully functional.