Eurocode boosts business with engineering software

Munich , May 24, 2007 – There is still uncertainty in the industry surrounding the Eurocode standards for construction engineering. This is revealed by a survey by SCIA, a company in the Nemetschek Group, conducted among more than 400 engineers across Europe . However, despite the skepticism, the demand for software products that take account of Eurocode is growing. This is demonstrated for example by a new software order from the French precast manufacturer KP1.

As the survey showed, 60 percent of participants assume that the existing standards will remain in force. 52 percent expect them to lead to higher costs, and 15 percent believe they will not be introduced in their country until after 2010. However, the fact is that the first generation of Eurocodes, drawn up in the 80s, is currently being converted into European standards step by step. Publication of all 58 Eurocode parts began on January 1, 2007 and the old national standards will have been replaced by March 2010 at the latest.

Growing demand for Eurocode knowledge

At the moment Nemetschek and SCIA are in the process of integrating the current Eurocode standards in their products. Both companies' high degree of expertise in this area has led to an increased demand for the software for the design and construction of engineering structures in recent months. One example of this is the French manufacturer of precast concrete parts, KP 1, which commissioned SCIA to develop a modern calculation model for comprehensive design of finished concrete parts (beams, columns, slabs) made of reinforced and prestressed concrete and implement this on 25 work stations. SCIA's experience with Eurocode and its international position were decisive factors for placement of the order. The project is worth more than 300,000 euros.

"In recent years, we have been dealing intensively with the standards and have built up extensive expertise. The market is now rewarding this," says Jean-Pierre Rammant, CEO of SCIA Group International NV. And Michael Westfahl, member of the Managing Board for Sales and Marketing, adds: "In the coming years, the Eurocode standards will play a significant role in engineers' work. Those who get to grips with this today will be one step ahead of the competition tomorrow."

For more information on the SCIA study, see http://www.scia-online.com/WWW/WebSiteUS.nsf/UFINT/Eurocodes/$file/White_Paper_on_Eurocodes.pdf

 About SCIA

SCIA is an acronym for Scientific Applications, a term which highlights its technological background. Founded in 1974, SCIA is a software company with its headquarters in Belgium , which develops, markets and supports software products for structural engineering in the construction market. SCIA's software is typically used to design buildings, bridges, and other complex engineering structures, and focuses on the middle to top end of the market.. SCIA is the market leader in the Benelux and the Czech/Slovak Republics. It has an international network of branches and distribution partners in 16 countries. Its products have been translated in 10 different languages and have sold in excess of 8000 licenses to more than 5000 clients in over 50 countries.SCIA is part of the Nemetschek concern since Feb. 2006.

About Nemetschek

The Nemetschek Group is a leading international IT company in the AEC sector (architecture, engineering, construction). The software company develops integrated solutions for the complete life cycle of buildings and real estate – from building design and construction through to facility management. The company ’ s products are currently used by more than 270,000 companies in 142 countries and in 16 languages to optimize the complete building creation and management process in terms of quality, cost and time. Nemetschek was founded in 1963 by Prof. Nemetschek and has more than 1,000 employees worldwide (2007). In fiscal 2006 the group achieved sales of 107.5 million euros. For more information, see www.nemetschek.de

 Press contact: Nemetschek AG, Janet Franke; JFranke@nemetschek.de