Product Overview

Summary: This SOP defines a consistent, defensible approach for using structural analysis software in line with Australian engineering and WHS obligations. It helps engineers model, check and document structural designs safely and correctly, reducing the risk of calculation errors, design failures and non-compliance across your projects.

Structural analysis software is now central to the design and verification of buildings, infrastructure and temporary works across Australia. However, inconsistent modelling practices, inadequate checking, and poor version control can lead to design errors, unsafe structures, and exposure to significant professional and WHS risk. This Structural Analysis Software Use Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, end‑to‑end framework for how your team selects analysis methods, sets up models, applies loads and combinations, interprets results, and documents decisions in line with relevant Australian Standards.

The SOP goes beyond generic software instructions to embed engineering judgement, safety considerations and quality assurance into every step of the workflow. It addresses how to verify models, manage assumptions, control changes, and integrate peer review and sign‑off into daily practice. By implementing this procedure, your business can demonstrate due diligence, support competent practice by engineers at all levels, and create a repeatable, auditable process that stands up to client scrutiny, independent review and regulatory investigation.

Whether you are a consulting practice, a design-and-construct contractor, or an in‑house engineering team, this SOP helps you reduce the risk of design-related incidents, rework and disputes, while lifting the overall standard and consistency of your structural analysis output.

Key Benefits

• Ensure structural models are created, checked and documented consistently across all projects.
• Reduce the risk of design errors, unsafe structural outcomes and subsequent WHS incidents.
• Demonstrate due diligence and compliance with relevant Australian Standards and professional obligations.
• Streamline peer review, sign‑off and version control for structural analysis files.
• Support training and competency development for graduate and early‑career engineers using complex software tools.

Who is this for?

• Structural Engineers
• Civil Engineers
• Design Managers
• Engineering Team Leaders
• WHS Managers in Engineering Consultancies
• Drafting and BIM Coordinators
• Quality and Compliance Managers
• Principal Engineers

Hazards Addressed

• Design errors leading to structural instability or collapse during construction or in service
• Incorrect load cases, combinations or support conditions resulting in under‑designed members
• Uncontrolled software updates or settings changes affecting design outputs
• Inadequate checking or peer review of analysis models and results
• Misinterpretation of analysis results leading to unsafe design decisions
• Poor documentation of assumptions, leading to unsafe modifications or construction practices
• Loss or corruption of critical design files affecting the integrity of safety‑critical decisions

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Approved Structural Analysis Software and Version Control
• 6.0 Model Setup Requirements (Units, Materials, Sections and Coordinate Systems)
• 7.0 Loading, Load Cases and Load Combinations (in line with AS/NZS 1170 series)
• 8.0 Analysis Methods, Solver Settings and Convergence Criteria
• 9.0 Verification of Models (Sanity Checks, Benchmark Problems and Hand Calculations)
• 10.0 Interpretation of Results and Engineering Judgement
• 11.0 Design Checks Against Relevant Australian Standards
• 12.0 Documentation of Assumptions, Limitations and Design Basis
• 13.0 Peer Review, Independent Verification and Sign‑off Process
• 14.0 Change Management, Revisions and File Naming Conventions
• 15.0 Integration with Drafting, BIM and Construction Documentation
• 16.0 Data Storage, Backup and Records Management
• 17.0 Risk Management and Escalation of Design Safety Concerns
• 18.0 Training, Competency Assessment and Authorisation to Use Software
• 19.0 Continuous Improvement and Periodic SOP Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (for structural design of edge protection and temporary works)
• Engineers Australia – Code of Ethics
• AS/NZS 1170 series: Structural design actions
• AS 3600: Concrete structures
• AS 4100: Steel structures
• AS 5100 series: Bridge design
• AS 3990: Mechanical equipment – Steelwork
• AS/NZS ISO 9001: Quality management systems – Requirements