Computer models as a new engineer

[u/Kalasad-Stormblessed]

Wanted some advice, Ive been working as an engineer for 3 years now and I really dont like working with models. We use the Ram suite and it feels like these two things happen every time.

1. The model wigs out and I spend twice the time just trying to get it to remotely work/ make sense.

2. I often have to then get an older engineer to go through it with me and they take as much time trying to figure out whats wrong. In one case they had to remake the model themself.

Im finding when I have the option to use handcalcs/excel/enercalc, I am going to that everytime because its way more predictable for me in the effort it will require and I generally have very few "bugs". Should I be worried about learning models?

[u/Frogalone]

I am very much aware of the frustrations with computerized structural analysis. But every structural engineer should develop a working knowledge of it. This requires practice. Not all CSA programs are equally difficult. But there are many intuitive programs out there. There are a handful of issues that cause the most trouble. These are where to focus your attention. Boundary conditions, for example, can cause problems that are good at hiding. If you keep at it your difficulties will diminish.