Comparison of ROBOT and MIDAS GEN

The following outlines comparisons between Robot and MIDAS GEN. The reader is advised
that this is based on the understanding and knowledge of ROBOT and may contain
subjectivity of MIDAS.
1. Graphical User Interface: ROBOT relies on the Grid system of modelling. Modelling
in ROBOT is more graphical than MIDAS GEN as ROBOT can drag elements to copy or
move them. But ROBOT encounters difficulties when members need to be moved
through different planes of the structure. Since the user has to work in one plan at a
time in ROBOT, the grids should be setup in advance before modelling. In ROBOT
the user has to plan the grid levels well before starting any modelling.

Conclusion: Though more mouse based modelling features exist in ROBOT, MIDAS
GEN is still much faster to navigate when it comes to modelling from scratch,
avoiding the necessity to create grids prior to modelling.

2. Intuitiveness: The terminologies in ROBOT are more building oriented. For example,
ROBOT uses columns, beams or slabs. Whereas MIDAS GEN uses more general finite
element terminology such as beams, trusses, plates, etc. ROBOT has separate
automated slab wizards instead of terminologies like automesh or domains.

Conclusion: ROBOT is better suited for engineers with lesser knowledge of finite
element modelling. But MIDAS GEN caters to engineers with finite element
background and more general structures beyond building structures.

3. Nonlinear materials: ROBOT does not support nonlinear materials like Masonry.
Hence the use of ROBOT is limited to only linear analysis of beams, columns, slabs
and walls. MIDAS GEN is suitable for analysis of historic masonry structures and can
give detailed results like cracking of masonry.

Conclusion: MIDAS GEN is much more capable of analysing nonlinear static &
dynamic analysis.

4. Construction Stage analysis: ROBOT lacks the ability to perform construction stage
analysis. Time dependent analysis is absent in ROBOT. Therefore, for any high rise
structure, MIDAS GEN will undertake construction stage analysis and column
shortening analysis reflecting creep, shrinkage and change in modulus of elasticity in
concrete.

Conclusion: MIDAS GEN performs construction stage/sequence analysis for

concrete & steel structures.

5. Postensioned slab analysis: MIDAS GEN supports pretensioned and posttensioned

tendon modelling which allows performing analysis and design checks for

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 posttensioned slabs and beams. In ROBOT you cannot model tendons.

Conclusion: MIDAS GEN handles posttensioned slabs and beams in stages.

6. Post Processor (Results): Results of ROBOT are more finite element oriented, i.e.
contours for plate element forces whereas MIDAS extracts the line diagrams of
forces and bending moments in slabs. Engineering results required for design for slab
bending moments are directly extracted.

Conclusion: MIDAS GEN’s Post processing results are more practical and intuitive
than ROBOT in terms of design engineer’s requirements.

7. Rebar Visualisation: ROBOT can display real rebars in the display after the design i.e.
instead of contours in slabs and walls, it shows the longitudinal and transverse
rebars in isometric view.

Conclusion: Rebar output graphical representation in ROBOT is good. But MIDAS

GEN provides rebar distribution contours which may provide more direct
engineering results. MIDAS GEN coupled with DShop can provide much better
output in terms of final rebar layouts for drafting purposes.

8. Application Programming Interface: ROBOT enables the user to write own line of
codes to feed in some parameters and get results graphically or in tabular format.
Gen does not provide API but the functionality for manipulation of modelling and
results extraction does not require additional efforts of writing API.

Conclusion: MIDAS GEN’s functionality is more versatile. (no Need for API)

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MIDAS IT (UK) retains the ownership of this document, which is strictly confidential and intended solely for
the concerned parties. Distribution of this document or disclosure of its contents is strictly prohibited.