TOP-8 Software for Calculating Wind and Snow Loads on Facades and Roofs: A 2026 Guide for Ukrainian Engineers

As of 2026, the Ukrainian construction sector is undergoing a phase of profound modernization and large-scale reconstruction. Climate change is also dictating new conditions: while winters are becoming somewhat milder, the frequency of extreme wind gusts and anomalous snowfall is increasing. For building envelope systems—such as facades, roofs, and fences produced by “Mehbud”—these factors are decisive during the design phase.

Why Calculation Accuracy is Critical in 2026

Mehbud products, including facade cassettes, lamellas, and metal slats, are manufactured from high-quality galvanized steel with a polymer coating, typically ranging from $0.7$ to $1.5$ mm in thickness. While these systems offer lightness and aesthetic appeal, their low self-weight makes them highly susceptible to wind pressure, a characteristic known as “sail area.” Without proper structural analysis, even the highest-quality cassette can deform or be torn from its substructure due to negative wind pressure, often referred to as the suction effect.

In 2026, the transition to the second generation of Eurocodes and updated National Standards (DBN) in Ukraine has been finalized, requiring engineers to use modern software capable of handling new reliability algorithms.

1. LIRA-FEM 2026 (formerly LIRA-SAPR)

LIRA-FEM remains the dominant software in the Ukrainian market due to its full adaptation to national building codes. In 2026, the package received significant updates focused on BIM integration and climatic impact automation.

Key Features for Facades and Roofs:

1. Climatic Load Automation: The software automatically determines loads on complex roof types, including vaulted and arched structures, in accordance with DBN V.1.2-2:2006 and EN 1991-1-4.
2. Ice Loads: The tool for collecting ice loads has been substantially redesigned, allowing for calculations on structures higher than 100 meters, which is critical for high-rise facades.
3. BIM Integration: The LIRA-CAD preprocessor (formerly SAPPHIRE-3D) ensures seamless data transfer from architectural models while preserving the geometry of facade elements.
4. Cost: A new Standard license is priced at approximately 70,000 UAH, while the Full version with all additional modules costs around 288,750 UAH.

2. SCAD Office (The “VeST” System)

While LIRA-FEM is an all-encompassing tool for full building modeling, the “VeST” module within SCAD Office serves as an essential “calculator” for facade engineers.

Advantages for the Designer:

1. Regional Reference Data: The program contains up-to-date maps of snow and wind regions in Ukraine. By simply selecting a city, the system automatically assigns the required pressure values.
2. Self-Weight Mode: This allows for the instant determination of loads from multi-layered facade systems (insulation + substructure + Mehbud cassette).
3. Snow Drifts: The calculation of snow accumulation at roof height transitions and parapets is performed using complex logic that eliminates manual calculation errors.

3. Dlubal RFEM 6

The German RFEM 6 package has become a favorite among progressive Ukrainian firms in 2026 due to its modularity and the unique RWIND module, often referred to as a “digital wind tunnel”.

Why it is Vital for Complex Facades:

1. Numerical Flow Simulation (CFD): Instead of using simplified formulas, the program simulates real air movement around a building. This identifies peak pressure zones on non-standard cassettes where standard DBN formulas might be inaccurate.
2. Digital Twins: RFEM 6 now integrates data from real-world sensors on the facade directly into the digital model to monitor structural health post-construction.
3. Material Library: Includes an extensive database of steels and aluminum alloys, simplifying the calculation of thin-walled elements.

4. Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis 2026 (RSA)

RSA 2026 is a core component of the Autodesk AEC Collection. It is the primary choice when the entire project is managed within a Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment using Revit.

Features for Facade Design:

1. Revit Integration: Any changes in the facade architecture (e.g., window spacing or canopy shapes) are instantly updated in the analytical model.
2. Graphical Error Detection: The 2026 version implements a graphical display for incorrectly applied loads, helping the engineer notice modeling errors immediately.
3. Wind Simulation: The module uses a numerical wind tunnel method (CFD) to generate surface loads on the building’s cladding and orthotropic panels.

5. SCIA Engineer 2026

In 2026, SCIA Engineer serves as the gold standard for projects requiring compliance with the 2nd generation of Eurocodes.

Functional Benefits:

1. 3D Wind Generator: This user-friendly engine automatically creates wind zones and loads on the entire structure, including awnings and parapets.
2. Vibration (Footfall) Analysis: A specialized module allows engineers to evaluate the impact of wind and human activity on lightweight floors and facade systems to ensure occupant comfort.
3. Torsion Accuracy: SCIA 2026 features a 7th degree of freedom in beam finite elements, ensuring accurate analysis for thin-walled or open-section beams exposed to significant torsion.

6. Tekla Structural Designer 2026

Trimble’s 2026 release has further bridged the gap between structural analysis and detailed detailing in Tekla Structures.

Innovations for Engineers:

1. Division by Parts: In compliance with Clause 7.2.2 of EN 1991-1-4, the software can now divide the windward face of a building into separately loaded horizontal strips, optimizing the steel weight of the substructure.
2. AI-Driven Assistant: A new built-in assistant provides instant answers to support questions and suggests optimal loading scenarios.
3. Portal Frame Design: A new 2D environment allows for the highly efficient design of portal frames, which are common for industrial buildings using Mehbud roofing and cladding.

7. FIN EC 2026

The FIN EC package from Fine offers a simple, modular approach. It is ideal for smaller engineering teams specializing in private residential projects or fencing systems.

Key Advantages:

1. Cloud Licensing: Engineers can access their licenses from any computer via the internet, eliminating the need for physical USB keys.
2. Custom Databases: You can define specific parameters for Mehbud lamellas and reuse them across all future projects.
3. Fire Resistance: Beyond wind and snow, FIN EC allows for the verification of steel structures under fire conditions (EN 1993-1-2), a critical safety requirement for public buildings.

8. IDEA StatiCa 2026

While a facade panel itself may be strong, the connection point is often the weakest link. IDEA StatiCa is the world-leading software for designing and code-checking steel connections.

Applications for Mehbud Systems:

1. Anchor Verification: The software precisely calculates whether an anchor will withstand the pull-out force during a storm.
2. Plate Buckling: It identifies whether thin metal plates in a bracket or cassette will experience local buckling at the bolt connection.
3. Equilibrium Check: A unique feature ensures that all forces from wind and snow are balanced, guaranteeing that no internal forces are ignored in the analysis.

2026 Calculation Logic (Simplified)

In modern engineering practice, calculations follow a specific logic implemented within the software:

1. Snow Load: The software identifies the characteristic snow weight for a specific city in Ukraine. It then applies shape coefficients—on flat roofs, snow lies evenly, but near height transitions (parapets, skylights), “snow pockets” form where the mass can be several times higher than the norm.
2. Wind Pressure: The system calculates air pressure based on height—the higher the building, the stronger the wind. For Mehbud products, the calculation of “negative pressure” on the leeward side is vital to ensure cassettes are not sucked off the wall.
3. Thermal Expansion: Since Mehbud systems are metal-based, they expand in the sun and contract in the cold. 2026 software allows for the calculation of joint gaps so that panels do not overlap or deform during extreme temperature swings.

Software Comparison Table 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Structural Analysis

The main trend of 2026 is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) directly into calculation packages. AI in construction now performs several critical functions:

1. Generative Design: Software suggests thousands of layout options for facade panels and fixings, choosing the most reliable and cost-effective.
2. Error Checking: Algorithms automatically identify inconsistencies in project documentation before mounting begins, saving 20-30% of the budget on defect correction.
3. Predictive Maintenance: Systems can predict how a Mehbud facade will behave after 20 years of exposure to corrosion and climatic loads.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool

A Ukrainian engineer in 2026 has an unprecedented range of tools at their disposal. For projects undergoing state expertise in Ukraine, using LIRA-FEM or SCAD Office remains mandatory as they most accurately reflect the logic of DBN V.1.2-2:2006.

However, for modern architectural objects using Mehbud cassette and lamella systems of non-standard shapes, we recommend a combined approach:

1. Calculate general climatic impacts in LIRA-FEM or VeST.
2. Verify complex aerodynamic zones in Dlubal RFEM.
3. Pay special attention to critical connection nodes in IDEA StatiCa.

This synergy allows for the creation of facades and roofs that not only meet 2026 standards but also guarantee the safety and aesthetic integrity of the building for decades to come.