What is the SPC Feature in MIDAS CAD?
The SPC (Section Property Calculator) is a built-in module in MIDAS CAD designed for structural engineers who need both precision and productivity. It allows users to define custom cross-sectional geometries and instantly compute their mechanical properties—such as area, moment of inertia, and torsional constants—directly from CAD drawings. But SPC is more than a calculator: it forms a direct bridge between design and analysis by creating section files that can be seamlessly used in MIDAS CIVIL NX.
Why Engineers Choose SPC
Model Any Section You Imagine
Whether you're designing box girders, composite slabs, or irregular flanges, SPC supports Plane, Line, and Composite section types to match real-world complexity.
Built-in Intelligence
SPC automatically calculates key section properties—including centroid, moments of inertia (Ixx, Iyy, Izz), shear areas, and perimeter lengths—without manual input or approximation.
Material Versatility
Assign different materials to different parts of a section, specify elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio, and convert to a unified base material for simulation.
Control Every Detail
Fine-tune mesh density and curve division precision, essential for capturing the true behavior of curved and detailed profiles.
CAD-Driven Accuracy
SPC bases all calculations on actual geometry in DWG files, not display settings. Unit mismatches are flagged, ensuring results remain valid and consistent.
Ready for CIVIL NX
Export .sec files with section names, IDs, and parameters for plug-and-play use in MIDAS CIVIL NX—no rework required.
Advanced Capabilities for Complex Design
Stiffener Tagging
Apply stiffener attributes to flanges and webs so structural behavior in analysis mirrors actual design intent.
Offset Customization
Align sections precisely using offsets based on centroid or extreme fiber—ideal for detailing composite connections or asymmetric layouts.
Tapered Profiles
Define dimensional variation along beam length using linear, parabolic, or cubic functions for bridge design and beyond.
PSC-Oriented Input
Easily input parameters or minimum web thickness for prestressed concrete sections, saving time during code compliance checks.
Why It Matters
SPC is not just a convenience—it's a core enabler of quality and efficiency. By unifying design geometry and structural data within one platform, SPC helps engineers move faster, reduce error, and maintain design fidelity from concept to simulation. Whether you're working on a bridge, high-rise, or infrastructure project, SPC transforms section modeling into an integrated part of the engineering process.