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Since professional PEB software (like Tekla, Staad.Pro, or MBS) is expensive, this review focuses on accessible tools for students, small businesses, and beginners. | Software | Best For | Free Access Type | PEB Specific Features | Difficulty | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Staad.Pro (Free Student Version) | Engineering students | 1-year free license | Advanced analysis, tapered members | High | | SkyCiv (Free Trial/Membership) | Cloud-based design | 14-day trial + free structural 3D | PEB wind load, portal frames | Medium | | Dlubal RFEM (Free Student Version) | Academic learning | 90-day full trial | PEB add-ons, steel joint design | High | | FreeCAD + BIM Workbench | Open-source enthusiasts | Completely free | Parametric modeling, IFC export | Medium-High | | MBS (Mini) – Demo Version | Dedicated PEB detailing | Free limited demo | End plates, crane girders, purlins | High | 1. Staad.Pro (Free Student/Educator License) Developer: Bentley Systems Download source: Bentley’s official academic portal.

RFEM is a powerful FEM software comparable to Staad.Pro. The free student license is valid for 90 days (renewable) and includes all modules. The Steel Design add-on checks tapered members per AISC 360, Eurocode 3, and IS 800. The Joint Design module helps design PEB bolted connections.

SkyCiv offers a 14-day free trial (no credit card required for the basic trial) and a permanent free Community version (limited to 3 members and 2 load cases). The PEB design workflow includes automatic generation of portal frames, purlins, and girts. It also includes AISC 360-16 steel design.