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Release notes

This page contains list of changes, fixes and new features in FEM-Design 25

Version 25.01.001​

Released: 30th of Sept 2026

Added:​

General​
  • Partial implementation of 2nd generation of Eurocode.
  • Models can now be saved in SAF format.
  • New vehicle loads are added to the traffic load library (FLM2, FLM3 and FLM4 loads for all annexes, DK LM3 KL 10 - 500 loads and DK LM3 Fladelast for Dannish annex).
  • The new Convert function allows all structural elements and solids, including IFC-imported objects, to be converted into drawing regions.
  • A warning message is now displayed for the most critical graphics engine errors.
  • IFC import feedback has been improved by displaying only elements with warnings or errors.
  • The shear center and axes are now visible in the detailed results for cross-sections.
Parametric model module​
  • An extended set of operators is now available between parameters (including square, power, absolute, sin/cos, deg/rad, min/max, and more).
  • In Parametrization mode, all loads are now enabled by default - eliminating the need to manually activate their layers.
API​
  • Support for "Export reactions as loads" is now included.
  • Support for footfall configuration in the calculation is now included.
  • Configuration for orthotropic timber panel calculation parameters was missing.
  • It now supports an option in auto design to honour the supplied cross-section order instead of sorting by area.
License system​
  • Dedicated "License not found" dialogs are now available for the web-based license system.

Modified:​

  • MathCad 15 export has been removed from the File... menu of the Detailed result windows.
  • Autocad connection has been updated to RealDWG 2026.
  • We have made major cleanup in the graphics engine. From now on, we do not expect any more crashes from this component, unless they originate from the graphics driver, which is outside our control. Gfx problems (such as running out of GPU memory) should only cause the graphics engine to shut down, rather than the entire application (the application will stop rendering), You will be able to save your work and restart the program.
  • The “Setup Wizard” text has been removed from the installed product name in the Windows Apps & Features list.
  • The web-based license system logout has been moved to a more visible location in Command Center.

Fixed:​

RC bar design​
  • The API contained a typo in the attribute name arBarSpacing_BarSpacingMin.
  • For columns, the normal force-dependent minimum reinforcement evaluation was not displayed correctly in the detailed results.
  • A warning message is now displayed if some longitudinal reinforcing bars in the examined beam cross-section are not enclosed by stirrups
  • It was not possible to modify the diameter of a stirrup in the Manual design.
  • German NA: The amount of the minimum longitudinal reinforcement for columns is now calculated using the correct coefficient of 0.15.
  • The program could crash when saving with the RC bar manual design window open.
  • Changing properties in the RC bar reinforcement macro caused the program to crash in some cases.
  • During the torsion check of reinforced concrete bars, the wall thickness of the perforated cross-section was not taken into account in the calculation of t,ef.
  • German NA: The coefficient in the z = 0.9 · d formula is now displayed correctly in the detailed results for the minimum and maximum reinforcement checks.
RC shell design​
  • The shear reinforcement label was not visible.
  • For RC bar section and RC wall buckling utilization, M.Rd and N.Rd are calculated more precisely.
Masonry design​
  • 2/E1 was not considered for masonry walls.
Parametric model​
  • The Input Wizard allowed invalid parameter values to be entered and locked them.
  • The program could crash when using parametric shape for isolated foundation and then closing the panel.
  • Defining sections using the Parametric shape function could cause a crash later in certain cases.
User interface​
  • The program could crash when loading a file (by Settings/Load button in the material dialog) containing materials that were no longer available in the library.
  • Edge connection library items from models created in earlier FEM-Design versions did not work correctly in certain special cases.
  • Multiple adjacent separators in vertical toolbars were displayed incorrectly.
  • The program allowed the current drawing layer to be deleted when selected outside the Layer panel, which could cause a crash or other issues later,
  • The tooltip for "add used type to library" was missing.
RC punching design​
  • Punching force directions were calculated incorrectly when the local coordinate systems of the punching region were on different planes e.g., on a vertical plate versus a horizontal plate.
  • The default multiplier used in the vRd,max punching shear calculation has been changed from 0.5 to 0.4 in accordance with EN 1992-1-1:2004/AC:2010.
  • Punching calculation for Isolated foundations did not work correctly in some cases.
  • Bended bars in Foundation slabs were displayed upside down in Detailed results
StruXML​
  • In PREFAB environment, an unwanted STRUXML saving message could appear at the end of the calculation.
IFC​
  • XREF definition using a non-DWG/DXF file could cause the program to crash. IFC file was incorrectly offered in the file selection dialog.
  • The axes are now imported in accordance with FEM-Design’s rules. The duplicates are deleted.
Input (structural)​
  • The Adjust analytical model function did not work for shells in certain special cases.
  • After using Pick properties function, changes made in the edit controls of the original tool window were not taken into account during object definition.
  • The Pick properties function did not work for wall thickness values.
  • Material selection could cause the program to crash in certain cases when different material types shared the same name.
  • The origin of the shell's default local coordinate system could differ between shells with identical geometry.
  • After modifying the shape data in the Post-tensioned cable dialog, the input data in the Estimate T0 and Estimate T8 calculation dialogs were not refreshed.
  • When editing storeys in the table and deleting selected items, every second storey was deleted instead of only the selected items.
  • The Settings button in Fictitious shell dialog did not work.
  • If a moving load layer was hidden, it was impossible to make it visible again.
  • When the selected language was Danish, the load case type was displayed in Danish in the "Type" column of the Load case dialog.
  • Several crash scenarios related to the Input Wizard have been fixed.
  • Spring units were not correct in Point and Line support dialog.
  • The program could crash when activating a new parametric section from the Beam properties panel.
Translations​
  • Polish text in the soil material library conflict dialog has been corrected.
License system​
  • Signing out of the web-based license system while FEM-Design was still running prevented the occupied licenses from being released immediately.
Documentation​
  • Documentation wizard: The predefined view was misinterpreted, and the saved display status was displayed instead.
  • The palette overlay was displayed at an incorrect size in the documentation graphics windows when saving to DOCX.
  • The program could crash when multiple tables were selected in the Documentation module and "Settings" or "Apply" button was pressed.
Timber design​
  • The calculation of k_shape has been modified in accordance with the latest Eurocode amendment.
  • CLT panel fire calculation could cause a crash if one of the outer layers had been completely charred.
  • The API had incorrect limits for the rBucklingReductionFactor parameter in the configuration.
Export/Import​
  • The program could crash after a code change if the model contained a steel joint detailed result in the documentation.
  • Compare model function did not work for struxml models.
  • Importing a steel joint library exported from an older version could fail.
  • Numeric result values were not saved to DWG in rare cases.
Analysis​
  • GMAX calculation performance has been improved.
  • In cracked section analysis with applied reinforcement, if "line stress load" was applied to a truss or a bar, the load calculation neglected the applied reinforcement in that specific truss or bar.
  • Unique seismic response spectra with too few points could cause the program to crash.
Steel design​
  • Steel design shear buckling formula was not used correctly in case of tensioned bars.
  • The calculation of rolled L-shape bars could cause a crash in certain special cases.
  • Wrong k_fl value was used in simplified lateral torsional check.
  • Interaction checks were not displayed correctly in Detailed results in certain special cases.
  • For Class 4 cross-sections, the interaction formula in the detailed result might have displayed incorrect values.
Graphic engine​
  • Labels were not hidden when covered by structures in shaded display modes.
  • Rotating the 3D model into very specific view angles could cause visual glitches.
Loads​
  • When point and/or line loads were applied directly on the soil surface (in a solid finite element model), and real NLE/PL calculation was performed (with iteration), the handling of these loads was incorrect in some load combinations.
  • Type Vehicle I in the Traffic load Vehicle library was modified for the Swedish NA.
Design (generic)​
  • Code change settings are available on all tabs in the Plate module as well.
  • Minimized windows could be missing the X (Close) button on their tabs in the bottom row.
Misc​
  • The text in an edit box was unreadable when editing.
  • Importing load group templates from earlier versions could not be read.
  • The program could crash if the dialog that appears after IFC import was left open when an automatic save was triggered.
Results​
  • The "Display resultants by signs" radio button could be active in the Display options dialog for the "Max of load combinations / Reactions" result.
  • The Max. of combinations results for "Virtual bars, Internal forces in sections" list table could be incorrect in certain cases. Additionally, in the detailed results, the result for the negative component was always displayed, even when the positive component was selected as the maximum component in combination max results.
  • Max. of combination results for virtual bars could be incorrect in some cases in the model window.
  • The row filter option in the Bar internal force table did not work correctly in some cases.
  • For the "Warping parameter" and "Rotational displacement" results, the "Scale/Max" value for the "Deformed shape" was incorrect under the "Others" tab in the Display options dialog.
  • The unit could be incorrect after displaying Moving load dynamic / Dynamic Translational displacement.
  • Plastic condition results were not displayed at the edge connections.
  • "Table option" setting in the documentation module table's properties was not saved when clicking Settings > Save if the "Apply" button had not been pressed first.
Steel joint design​
  • Joint stiffness set in steel joint design was not applied to the bars in some cases.
Construction stages​
  • The construction stage of edge connections did not match that of the shell.
CAD/System​
  • The program could crash if any message were generated during the bedding calculation.
  • Several issues related to the rename dialog that appears after a code change have been fixed.
  • Some dialogs allowed too few characters for input, such as the diameter field of rebars.
  • Some settings were missing from Plate module.
  • Importing a library could incorrectly trigger an "Invalid library format." message for a valid library.
  • The tooltip for Line loads with varying intensity did not display the correct end value.
  • Modifying the properties of multiple fictitious bars could cause the program to crash in some cases.
Error handling​
  • The program could freeze when leaving a library item selection combobox in a table using the Tab key instead of clicking.
IO/Compatibility​
  • Several crashes related to parametric model features in the Plate module have been fixed.
  • The program could crash when applying a template in the Documentation module if the template file contained the "Moving load maximum, Bars, End forces" table.
  • On some user platforms, saving to AutoCAD DWG format could cause a crash.
  • The program could crash when any report's visibility was set to invisible in the Documentation modul for a calculated model without strFEM file.

Version 25.00.001​

Released: 17th of Feb 2026

User Interface​
  • The previous “Full” user profile is now called “Standard”, and a new “Full” user profile was added.
  • Added support for selecting a single result with Enter in filterable list dialogs.
  • Grid display settings could end up in an invalid state.
  • When resizing the FEM-Design window, toolbars are rearranged to help prevent them from overflowing the window.
Parametric Model & Input Wizard​
  • The program could freeze when resizing the layer status, colour palette, save view, save display status, or Input Wizard dialogs while renaming an item.
  • Improved Input Wizard image edges to appear less ragged.
Input​
  • Soil boreholes are now displayed at the correct elevations.
  • The soil property increment must be positive only. If solid elements are above the reference level, the parameter should remain unchanged, it cannot be decreased.
  • The Pick and Copy Properties commands previously had no effect on Wall/Default connections.
  • Converting from solid to bar always keeps the solid as the physical model now.
  • After geometry changes to Profiled and Timber panels, edge connections were not set correctly in some cases.
Tools​
  • In certain cases, the Adjust analytical model tool did not work correctly when a shell region contained a circular hole.
Loads​
  • The Export reactions as loads function did not work correctly for circular supports.
  • If a point load cannot be assigned to its support structure, it is now applied directly to a node.
Analysis​
  • In nonlinear soil calculations, if beams or columns were included in the structural model, the program used dry unit weight instead of saturated unit weight for soil below the adjusted water level.
  • When checking for duplicated loads, the program did not consider load eccentricity.
  • In very rare cases involving bar elements in a 2nd order analysis, especially when using a very coarse bar mesh density and with cracked section calculation enabled or disabled, if the end release was modified, the rotational displacements could be calculated slightly incorrectly.
RC Design​
  • The user setting for considering second-order effects was displayed incorrectly in RC bar detailed result.
  • Crack width calculation is now handled correctly when there is no tensile reinforcement in the Ac,eff zone.
  • In the reinforcement steel library dialog, the limit for the k factor is set to 1.04 to comply with the Norwegian Annex.
Steel Joint Design​
  • In “Base plate normal force - moment resistance” utilization, moment utilization in the z-direction was not included when the base plate was loaded with moment in the y-direction.
  • In some cases, the shear resistance of tensioned bolts in steel joints was not calculated correctly.
Timber Design​
  • Shear and torsion interaction is now checked in a less conservative way for timber bars.
Results​
  • Hiding numeric values did not always hide the numbers in bar stress detailed result.
  • For load combinations, result animation scaling could behave vibrationally instead of linearly.
  • At the beginning of the animation, the maximum result value could be shown instead of the minimum result value.
Documentation​
  • The first text block after a single-line chapter title could sometimes disappear on some machines.
IFC​
  • Timber panels are now exported to IFC at the correct position.
StruXML​
  • Under certain conditions, saving CLT panels to StruXML could result in an exported layer theta value exceeding the maximum value defined in the schema.
System​
  • The text “Setup Wizard” was removed from the installed product name shown in the Windows Apps & Features list.
  • The crash report size limit was increased, and a progress bar was added.
  • The characters &, \, and / could cause unexpected behaviour when used in layer status, colour palette, view, display status names, or in parametric template names.
  • The Recent Files list could display short paths inconsistently.
  • .NET components were updated to consistently target .NET Framework 4.6.2.

Last update: 2026-10-01