Prokon Explained

PROKON Structural Analysis and Design
Developer:	Prokon Software Consultant (Pty) Ltd.
Released:	1989
Latest Release Version:	5.2
Operating System:	Windows
Language:	English
License:	Proprietary

PROKON Structural Analysis and Design is a suite of commercial software for structural analysis and design. PROKON software is produced by Irish company Prokon Software Limited.

Name

The Prokon company and PROKON software name is an acronym for the Afrikaans phrase "PROgrammatuur KONsultante" (programming consultants).

Overview

PROKON software comprises over 40 modules in the following categories:

• Analysis: Three-dimensional frame and finite element analysis.^[1]
• Steel: Structural steel member and connection design.^[2]
• Concrete: Reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete member design.^[3]
• Composite: Composite steel and concrete member design.^[4]
• Detailing: Rebar detailing and bending schedule generation.
• Timber: Wood frame and truss design.
• Masonry: Unreinforced masonry member design.
• General: Section properties calculation and other building analysis utilities.
• Geotechnical: Slope stability and bearing capacity analysis.^[5]
• Building Information Modelling (BIM): Prodesk link between Autodesk Revit and PROKON modules.
• Network analysis: Pronet EPANET engine for AutoCAD Civil 3D.

The software includes full support for British, European and South African design codes, with some modules also supporting North American, Australian, New Zealand, Russian and selected Asian design codes.^[6] PROKON appears on the Hong Kong Building Department list of pre-accepted computer programs for use in Hong Kong.^[7]

PROKON software offers multi-lingual design output: all modules are available in English and some offer support for German, Afrikaans and Russian.^[8]

Workflow

PROKON uses a workflow that output data between analysis, design and detailing modules. It supports data exchange formats with third-party software: DXF and DWG drawings, and CIS/2 CIMsteel^[9] three-dimensional structural models. The Prodesk module enables data exchange between Autodesk Revit and PROKON.

Use

PROKON is used widely in South Africa^[10] and available worldwide through a partner program.^[11]

Similar Software

• Staad.Pro
• S-FRAME
• SAP 2000 and ETABS
• List of structural engineering software

Notes and References

1. Web site: Sumo Structural Modeller tutorials. YouTube.
2. Web site: Example use of PROKON Base Plate Design module. StrucVille.
3. Web site: Prokon 2.6 tutorials. YouTube. 10 April 2015.
4. Web site: Prokon 4.0 Launch. YouTube. 15 October 2020.
5. Web site: Example use of PROKON Pile Design module. StrucVille.
6. Web site: PROKON 3.1 Supported Design Codes. 23 November 2021 . Product website.
7. Web site: HKBD Pre-Accepted Structural Programs. Hong Kong Building Department.
8. Web site: PROKON Latest Revisions. 2 March 2022 .
9. Web site: CIS/2 interaction with Tekla Structures. Tekla Structures Science and Technology Forum.
10. Web site: 2008/09 NSTF awards. 14. National Science and Technology Forum.
11. Web site: Contact Prokon Partners.