Structural Engineering & Software
SPACE GASS to IDEA StatiCa Checkbot: Streamlining Steel Connection Design
A practical walkthrough of how engineers can take data directly from a global structural model in SPACE GASS into detailed steel connection design and code checks in IDEA StatiCa — available to structural engineers across Australia and New Zealand.
From Global Analysis to Connection Design
The SPACE GASS to IDEA StatiCa workflow allows engineers to import connections, loads, and load combinations from their structural analysis model into Checkbot. From there, connections can be analysed, designed, and verified to relevant standards — including AS 4100 and NZS 3404 for New Zealand projects.
By linking the global model and connection design environment, engineers can maintain data consistency across the design process while significantly reducing manual rework. A big shoutout goes to the SPACE GASS and IDEA StatiCa teams who worked closely together to deliver and continue improving this integration.
Key Features of the Checkbot Workflow
During the webinar, attendees saw a practical walkthrough of how the Checkbot workflow operates in real projects. Key highlights included:
Checkbot data can be stored in a separate persistent folder, rather than inside the SPACE GASS file — improving project management, enabling easier backups, and making large models more manageable.
Checkbot automatically groups similar connections together. Engineers can create a parent connection template and apply it across multiple similar connections, enabling group calculations and faster project setup.
Practical tips were shared on filtering load combinations, merging members, and using offsets to improve analysis speed and accuracy.
Connections can be analysed to AS 4100 and NZS 3404, with detailed checks for bolts, welds, plates, and buckling load factors. Clear, structured reports can be generated directly from Checkbot.
When the structural model changes, Checkbot can synchronise updated loads and geometry while retaining connection details already created — no need to rebuild from scratch.
A More Efficient Steel Connection Design Workflow
Instead of manually rebuilding connection models, engineers can import, design, verify, and report within a connected environment — saving time while maintaining accuracy.
Whether you are new to IDEA StatiCa or already using SPACE GASS for structural analysis, the Checkbot integration provides a practical way to simplify steel connection design workflows across both Australian and New Zealand projects.
IDEA StatiCa supports design to NZS 3404 (Steel Structures Standard), making the Checkbot workflow directly applicable to NZ projects. If you'd like guidance on configuring connections to NZS 3404, get in touch with our team.
Upcoming Events & Support Resources
Keep an eye out for a technical article explaining the Checkbot workflow in more detail, including step-by-step guidance on using the integration between SPACE GASS and IDEA StatiCa. Follow our socials for upcoming events and updates:
Working on something interesting using IDEA StatiCa? Get in touch if you'd like your project featured.
Talk to one of our experts about how IDEA StatiCa and the SPACE GASS integration can work for your NZ projects.
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