SCIA Engineer 64-bit: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit SCIA Engineer?

The terms 32-bits and 64-bits refers to how the processor (CPU) of a computer processes data. The 64-bit version of SCIA Engineer processes large amounts of RAM (memory) more effectively than the 32-bit version of SCIA Engineer. This gives the user the possibility to allocate much more memory (> 2^32 bytes = approx. 4 Gb) which improves the stability of SCIA Engineer when modelling large projects.

The 64-bit version of SCIA Engineer uses the “default” post processing environment while the 32-bit version of SCIA Engineer can use the “v16 and older” post processing environment as well as the “default” post processing environment. More information about the post processing environments can be found here: "Default Post-processing environment "

What is the difference between "v16 and older" versus "default" post-processing environment?

Usage of the "default" post-processing environment is recommended to get the benefits of the latest developments within SCIA Engineer: ability to run a selection of load cases or non-linear combinations, CDD (Code Dependent deflection) for concrete according to the Eurocode, upgraded result service. For more info: visit the page what’s new in SCIA Engineer

While in the "v16 and older" post-processing environment there are no new developments but it fully supports all the developments before version 17.

An overview table of supported and unsupported functionalities can be found in "SCIA Engineer 64-bit main approach & overview"

What is the interaction between the two post-processing environments?

The two post-processing environments are fully compatible. Existing projects from previous SCIA Engineer versions or using the "v16 and older" post-processing can be run using the "default" post-processing and vice-versa. Every time the post-processing environment is switched, a recalculation of the model is required.

It may happen that you start your project in “default” post-processing environment and you realize that an advanced functionality you need is missing. You can switch back to "v16 and older" post-processing via the “project data” dialogue.

If you change the post-processing environment, as mentioned above you will use another export of the model to the solver, but also another method of showing results and new algorithms which might lead to slightly different result values.

Another consequence when switching between post-processing environments is the fact that the calculated results will be deleted. So as indicated a recalculation after switching is needed.

What happens with the Engineering report when switching to another version or post-processing environment?

In 32-bit version:
The Engineering Report is fully compatible with the two post-processing environments and can also contain images from both environments. Checking the Engineering Report might be required if content from the other post-processing environment is used, to avoid missing results from unsupported features.

In 64-bit version:
If the Engineering Report contains an unsupported item (see previous tables) it will not show the results of that item. Instead the following message will be displayed: Not supported task. Please switch to PPE v16 (available in 32-bit version).

When to use the 32-bit or 64-bit version of SCIA Engineer?

The main advantage of 64-bit is the fact that it can process large amounts of data effectively than the 32-bit version. So as default you can use 64-bit version. But the 64-bit version doesn’t support all the features yet of the 32-bit version. So in case of missing functionality it is possible to continue in 32-bit version which is fully compatible with 64-bit.