We are excited to relase the first version of our long-term development project: the FALCON plugin – a powerful wind load generation tool built on fluid-dynamics simulation and fully integrated into Consteel. The article presents everything you need to know about this tool.

WHAT IS FALCON?

FALCON (Fluid-dynamics Aided Loads in Consteel) is a universal load-generation tool supported by fluid dynamics simulation, with the first integration released in Consteel 18. It aims to provide structural engineers with the ability to determine realistic wind loads for any building type, comparable to standards. The FALCON plugin has now been launched. From now on, users will benefit from a fully refined tool designed to make wind load generation on complex buildings easier, more transparent, and better aligned with everyday structural engineering workflows.

Instead of creating a comprehensive simulation tool requiring considerable expertise in fluid dynamics. FALCON focuses on interpreting simulation results; this approach builds on the logic of engineers’ wind load assessment and gives users more flexibility to apply their insights. FALCON is a specialized plugin designed for automated wind load calculation and application within the Consteel structural design software. It eliminates the need for manual wind load data entry and minimizes potential errors, while ensuring the results align with the latest design codes.

Structural engineers often face the challenge of balancing precision, speed, and compliance with standards when calculating wind loads. Whether you’re working on a single project or scaling up for multiple designs, FALCON streamlines the process from start to finish.

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER INTO FALCON?

If you’re curious how FALCON fits into a real engineering workflow, we’ve prepared several resources for you:

FALCON Plugin introduction page – This new subpage covers the essentials: feature breakdowns, practical applications, and where it fits in a typical project timeline. Visit the FALCON plugin introduction page.

Demonstration video – Developed to simplify wind load generation on complex buildings, FALCON brings greater transparency and alignment with the workflows that structural engineers already use. In our annual event presentation, we showed exactly how FALCON integrates into Consteel. From model setup to applying loads, you’ll see the process unfold in real time. Watch the FALCON demo from our annual event.

Documentation Center – The content is updated regularly, so you always have access to the latest tools and guidance. Explore the FALCON Documentation. For those who want the technical deep dive, the documentation covers:

• Detailed feature explanations
• Step-by-step workflows
• Technical background and code reference

Knowledge Base – For those seeking an even deeper understanding of FALCON’s capabilities, our Knowledge Base provides in-depth articles exploring specific technical aspects in detail. From advanced calculation methods to specialized use cases, these resources help you get the most out of every feature and apply them effectively in your projects. Dive into the Knowledge Base to unlock advanced insights on FALCON:

• Preprocessing wind simulation for structural engineering purposes
• Dataprocessing and velocity-based validation on a simple block
• Pressure-based validation on simple blocks

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, or try FALCON for free in the current Consteel Trial version.