Use Cases & Examples
Stru AI is designed to handle a wide range of structural engineering workflows. Here are the primary use cases with detailed examples:
1. Code Retrieval & Reference Search
Use Stru AI to quickly find relevant code sections and understand requirements without manually searching through hundreds of pages.
Sample Prompt:
I am designing a non-prestressed, one-way concrete slab with a
total thickness of 8 inches. According to ASCE 7-22, the design
live load is 100 psf.
What are the key ACI 318-19 sections I need to consider for:
1. Minimum slab thickness to control deflections without direct
calculation?
2. Minimum temperature and shrinkage reinforcement?
3. One-way shear strength (Vc)?
Please list the section numbers and provide a brief summary
of each requirement.
- Searches ACI 318-19 for relevant sections
- Extracts specific requirements with section references
- Summarizes the key design criteria
- Provides context and interpretation
Best Practice: Be specific about which code version you’re referencing (e.g., “ACI 318-19” not just “ACI”). This ensures the Agent uses the correct edition.
2. Generate New Calculation Sheets
Create brand new Mathcad calculation sheets with code citations, unit safety, and proper formatting.
Sample Prompt:
We are designing post-installed anchors per ACI 318-19 Chapter 17.
These are the inputs:
- Anchor Type: Hilti Kwik Bolt TZ2, 5/8" diameter
- Embedment Depth: 4-1/2 inches
- Concrete: 4000 psi, normal weight, cracked condition
- Loading: Tension (Nua) = 4.2 kips, Shear (Vua) = 2.8 kips
(seismic loads)
- Edge Distance: c_ac1 = 8 inches
- Anchor Spacing: s = 10 inches
Please first find what sections of ACI 318-19 are relevant, plan
the calculation steps, and then generate the Mathcad sheet.
The sheet should check steel strength, concrete breakout (tension
and shear), pullout, and side-face blowout. Include all relevant
phi (φ) factors and modification factors.
- Identifies relevant ACI 318-19 sections (Chapter 17)
- Plans the calculation sequence
- Generates a complete Mathcad file with:
- Input parameters block
- Material properties
- Capacity calculations with code references
- Demand/capacity ratios
- Pass/fail checks
- Unit consistency throughout
What You Get: A fully documented .mcdx file ready to review, modify, and use in your project deliverables.
3. Hand-Calc to Mathcad Migration
Transform handwritten or scanned calculations into clean, professional Mathcad sheets.
Sample Prompt:
Attached is a scanned PDF of my hand calculations for a
cantilevered concrete retaining wall. Please transcribe this
into a new, clean Mathcad Prime 9 file.
While transcribing, please do the following:
1. Preserve the original calculation steps and logic.
2. Add the specific ACI 318-19 code references for each check
(e.g., overturning, sliding, heel/toe design).
3. Ensure all units are consistent and clearly defined.
4. Parameterize the key input variables (e.g., wall height,
soil density, surcharge load) in a dedicated input block
at the top of the sheet so I can easily run different scenarios.
- Converts legacy calculations into reusable digital format
- Adds proper code references that may be missing
- Ensures unit consistency
- Makes calculations parametric for easy design iterations
- Creates archivable digital records
Pro Tip: You can attach PDFs, images, or even photos of hand calculations. The Agent can read and interpret handwritten notes, sketches, and formulas.
4. QC Mode on Existing Mathcad Sheets
Review and validate existing Mathcad files against code requirements and best practices.
Sample Prompt:
Please run a QC check on the attached Mathcad file
'RC_Column_Design_v2.mcdx'. Review it against ACI 318-19
for a high-seismic application.
Specifically, check that:
1. The correct phi (φ) factor for tied columns in SDC D is used.
2. Transverse reinforcement requirements from Chapter 18 are
correctly calculated and applied.
3. The strong-column/weak-beam check is referenced, even if
not calculated in the sheet.
Produce an issue list with section references and, if possible,
suggest the corrected calculations in place.
- Detailed issue list with specific problems found
- ACI 318-19 section references for each issue
- Corrected calculation snippets
- Recommendations for improvements
- Severity classification (critical, important, minor)
Quality Control: While the Agent performs thorough checks, the Engineer of Record must still review and approve all calculations before submission.
5. Work with Existing Templates
Leverage your firm’s standard templates and create new reusable calculation templates.
Sample Prompt:
Using our firm's 'Standard_Calc_Header.mcdx' template from our
private knowledge base, create a new reusable template for a
"Wood Shear Wall Design".
The template should have clearly defined input blocks for:
- Wall geometry (length, height)
- Materials (plywood type/thickness, nail size/spacing,
stud grade/size)
- Seismic parameters (SDS, R, Ie) to auto-calculate base shear.
Pre-populate the sheet with all required design checks and
code references from the NDS 2018 and ASCE 7-22 for overturning,
shear capacity, and deflection. Leave the actual calculation
fields blank but fully referenced.
- Standardize calculation format across your firm
- Create library of reusable templates
- Ensure consistent code referencing
- Speed up routine design tasks
- Maintain firm branding and style
Tip: Once you create templates, upload them to your Private Knowledge Base so the Agent can use them for future projects.
