Steel estimators are under constant pressure to deliver fast, accurate, and code-compliant takeoffs in a highly competitive industry. Yet, every estimator knows the process is riddled with repetitive tasks, ambiguous data, and costly time sinks. Here's a breakdown of the top five challenges steel estimators face — and how Steel Genie solves them in seconds.
1. Connection Design Accuracy (LRFD vs. ASD)
Choosing the correct design method (LRFD or ASD) and ensuring every connection is properly calculated can be a nightmare — especially when you're dealing with plate thicknesses, bolt quantities, weld sizes, and specific connection types. A small mistake here can mean failed inspections or costly rework.
Steel Genie handles all of this for you. It automatically determines the appropriate design method, calculates each connection according to AISC standards, and outputs ready-to-use results that include plate thickness, bolt layout, weld specs, and more.
2. Wasting Time Counting Studs, Cambers, and Moment Connections
Estimators often spend hours scanning drawings to count studs, camber points, section types, or moment connections. It's tedious, prone to error, and not a great use of engineering time.
Steel Genie can extract this data in seconds. With one click, you get a detailed count and summary — saving you hours and reducing human error.
3. Determining Brace Connection Types Based on Frame System
The difference between seismic and non-seismic frames affects everything — from brace lengths to gusset plate sizes. For example, in non-seismic frames, brace lengths are often longer due to the absence of Whitmore section requirements. In SCBF projects, gusset plates are generally thicker and larger.
Steel Genie analyzes your project type and provides pre-selected, editable suggestions for brace types and gusset configurations. You can easily fine-tune these values right from the interface — no manual referencing needed.
4. Building a Model Costs Time and Money
Creating a 3D model or BIM file of your project isn’t just time-consuming — it can cost thousands in software and manpower. Whether you're making a conceptual model or something for Tekla, SDS/2, or Autodesk workflows, it's always a bottleneck.
Steel Genie builds your steel model in seconds — directly from your PDF structural drawings. It creates IFC-ready geometry, instantly saving you both time and budget.
5. Manually Preparing Takeoff Reports and Summaries
Even after you've finished your estimations, formatting everything into clean reports for review or bidding is a whole task on its own. Copy-pasting between Excel sheets and organizing takeoff summaries can take hours.
Steel Genie auto-generates detailed, professional takeoff reports — categorized by section type, quantity, weight, connection type, and more. These reports are exportable in Excel and can be customized for your company's format.
Final Thoughts:
Steel estimation doesn't have to be a struggle. With Steel Genie, you can focus on high-level decisions while the software takes care of the repetitive, time-intensive tasks. The result? Faster estimates, fewer errors, and stronger bids.
