Structural engineering is constantly evolving, and Simplex Foundation is redefining how professionals approach foundation design. This structural design and analysis software for foundations is backed by decades of expertise and powered by trusted engines like WIN-Statik and DIMENSION.
In our conversation with Dennis Kristensen, CEO of Matrix/StruSoft Structural, we look at how Simplex Foundation streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration and sets a new standard for modern engineering tools.
1. How does Simplex Foundation streamline the foundation design process for engineers?
Simplex Foundation streamlines foundation design by combining powerful analysis with a fast, intuitive workflow. Engineers can design and verify strip and pad foundations with full soil-structure interaction according to Eurocode without switching between tools or relying on spreadsheets. And everything is done in the cloud.
Smart automation handles load combinations, auto-designs dimensions or reinforcement, and checks both soil and structural capacity while minimising material use. You can import loads from FEM-Design or automate tasks via the Grasshopper API.
With transparent, step-by-step Eurocode-based reports and cloud-based storage, Simplex Foundation simplifies verification and collaboration, saving engineers time while ensuring safety and compliance.
2. What was the inspiration behind creating Simplex Foundation, and what makes it unique in today’s market?
Simplex Foundation was inspired by StruSoft’s 40+ years of experience in structural engineering software and a clear goal: to make foundation design faster, smarter, and easier. We wanted to take the powerful and reliable engines behind WIN-Statik and DIMENSION and bring them into a modern, cloud-based platform that engineers can use immediately.
We believe the software stands out due to its super intuitive interface, the ability to handle both structural and geotechnical checks, and the fact that it adheres to Eurocode standards. Moreover, it’s packed with smart features like auto-design of concrete foundations, full soil-structure check and integrations with FEM-Design and Grasshopper.
Browse the image gallery to get a sneak peek into the program.
3. How do the WIN-Statik and DIMENSION engines contribute to the speed and precision of Simplex Foundation’s calculations?
The strength of Simplex Foundation lies in its foundation, pun intended :), on the well-established calculation engines of WIN-Statik and DIMENSION. Engineers have trusted these engines for many years, and their integration ensures that every result is fast and dependable.
By building on this proven track record, Simplex Foundation confidently delivers precise geotechnical and structural calculations. It’s not just about performance. It’s also about reliability and trust. Users can trust that the software’s output is based on years of validated engineering logic from the first use.
4. Can Simplex Foundation be seen as the modern evolution of WIN-Statik, Dimension, and Jigi?
Yes. It combines the most trusted features and additional features like API, concrete auto-design, and environmental impact calculation into one modern, cloud-based platform designed for today’s engineering needs and tomorrow’s standards.
While we continue to support the original programs only for current Eurocode use, Simplex Foundation represents a forward-looking step. It’s built to handle the upcoming second-generation Eurocodes, offers a more intuitive workflow, and integrates advanced automation and connectivity features. In short, it’s a smarter, more efficient way to design foundations.
5. How have users responded to Simplex Foundation since its release?
Since its release, Simplex Foundation has received a very positive response from users. A few highlights include:
- Nice graphics
- Good that it calculates settlements
- It would be useful with a similar program for pile caps
- Welcome into the 21st century foundation design!
- It’s good that the soil input is more advanced than other software
- I see you have now released Foundation. It seems magical!
Overall, the response confirms that Simplex Foundation fulfils its purpose as a modern, reliable solution for everyday foundation design tasks.
Want to see a walkthrough of the software? Watch the video below
6. Which features in Simplex Foundation were driven by user demand?
We’ve prioritised the most important features, like smart auto-design, full Eurocode compliance, and seamless integration with FEM-Design and Grasshopper. We added local language support to make it more accessible to users across different regions.
Additionally, API integration was another must-have feature for users to optimise their workflows further.
7. What feedback have you received about Simplex Foundation being cloud-based, especially regarding data security and accessibility?
The feedback on Simplex Foundation being cloud-based has been largely positive. Users appreciate how easy it is to get started. There’s no need for installations or IT support. This simplicity has helped many activate trial licenses and begin designing within minutes.
The cloud setup also means updates happen automatically, so everyone always has the latest version without any extra effort. And when it comes to data security, we always take it seriously. External experts have tested and verified the platform to ensure user data is safe and protected. We’ve seen that users value the combination of accessibility, reliability, and peace of mind.
8. If you were at the beginning of your career as a structural engineer, what aspects of Simplex Foundation would catch your attention?
Simplex Foundation would catch my attention if I started as a structural engineer for a few key reasons. First, the simplicity of the interface makes it easy to learn and quick to use, which is ideal for someone new to the field. Setting up a project and running a complete foundation design in minutes would have been a huge advantage early in my career.
I would also be drawn to the transparency of the calculations and the automatic documentation, which help build understanding and confidence in the results. Knowing StruSoft’s trusted technology and expertise would give me peace of mind that I would have worked with reliable tools since day one.
9. What future enhancements can users expect from Simplex Foundation?
We’re continuously evolving Simplex Foundation based on direct input from our users. Through our internal feedback portal, we collect and prioritise feature requests to ensure we’re building what engineers need. This user-driven approach allows us to deliver regular updates that bring meaningful improvements to the platform.
Looking ahead, you can expect enhancements that further streamline workflows, expand design capabilities, and support the upcoming second-generation Eurocodes. We aim to keep Simplex Foundation relevant for current needs while being ahead of the curve.
10. Are there plans to grow the Simplex software suite beyond Foundation and Beam?
The short answer is Yes. With a large and competent development team, we are building The Simplex suite to cover the programs in WIN-Statik, Dimension and Jigi. Simplex will be a hub where you can see all your structural members in a project and have access to all the different apps. We are taking the best features from each of the current suites and building them into SIMPLEX + adding modern features.
11. Are there plans to grow the Simplex software suite beyond Foundation and Beam? If I upgrade to Simplex, how can I then open my existing files?
Don’t worry. When upgrading to Simplex, you keep a license for your existing program for free. This will enable you to open existing files for the future as well.
12. Is it expensive to upgrade to Simplex?
A shift from Dimension Fundering is price-neutral for subscription licenses. This means that you, free of charge, can change your subscription from Dimension Fundering to Simplex Foundation, and on top of that, you keep Dimension Fundering to access old files and finish your projects. If you have 1 Dimension Fundering subscription today, you will, after the upgrade, have 1 Dimension Fundering and 1 Simplex Foundation for the same price.
When you upgrade your subscription from WIN-Statik Foundation to Simplex Foundation, there will be a slight price increase. With all the new features added, there is a significant value increase.
When upgrading to Simplex, you will keep a license to your WIN-Statik foundation to access existing files and continue your projects.
Count on Simplex Foundation as your structural design and analysis software for foundations
With its intuitive interface, powerful calculation engines, and seamless integration with tools like FEM-Design and Grasshopper, Simplex is setting a new benchmark for concrete foundation design software. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting, this platform offers the speed, precision, and transparency needed to meet present and future engineering challenges.
