Arnel Aguel in the Philippines, Ahmad Nafek Bin August Fouzy in Malaysia and Guglielmo Matacena in Romania each needed a step their software did not yet offer. None of them waited but built it themselves.
In their own words.
01
Principal Engineer · Aguel and Associates Consulting Engineers · Philippines
"I am very particular when it comes to modeling and the interpretation of results.
I always make sure that the model makes sense and captures the significant behavior of the structure.
Accurate modeling of a structure is impossible and cannot be done. Interpreting the results is the most important part of making an informed decision on whether the structure's behavior makes sense or not."
We have done case studies using Midas Gen for a complete performance-based design package, but many features are lacking. So we made an application to link Midas Gen's linear analysis to another program, for much more complete and advanced nonlinear analysis capabilities. Midas gives us a cutting edge when it comes to compliance with code requirements and advanced analysis.
02
Associate, Bridges and Structures · SMEC Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. · Malaysia
"Numerical compliance in structural analysis software is only one part of design. Every model built in MIDAS Civil must reflect real construction sequences, site conditions, and material efficiency so that the final structure is safe, buildable, and cost-effective."
I am working on parametric workflows that link Grasshopper with MIDAS Civil. This integration automates structural modeling and speeds up multi-span bridge analysis and design iterations. What I am validating is the theoretical software model against real-world constructability and economic reality.
Q. You say every model has to reflect the real construction sequence. Which capability has mattered most for that?
The construction stage analysis feature made the strongest impression on me. Precast elements undergo distinct behavioral shifts at each phase, from initial fabrication, storage and erection through to final service loading. MIDAS Civil tracks these stage-dependent stress redistributions and long-term effects reliably. Its versatility in modeling diverse structural element types also makes it an adaptable tool across complex, multi-span bridge configurations.
03
Structural and Geotechnical Engineer · EGIS Romania · Romania
"Do it right once, improve it continuously, and make it repeatable. I believe every experience has value, and curiosity is the key to continuous growth and better engineering."
The most meaningful shift came with the introduction of the MIDAS APIs. I always appreciated the flexibility of MIDAS, but the APIs unlocked a new level of efficiency by allowing automation, customization, and faster design optimization. It changed the way I work by reducing repetitive tasks and giving me more time to focus on engineering judgement and innovation.
Guglielmo Matacena has presented this work at the Tech Seminar in Iași in September 2026 (API-Based Automation for Culvert Analysis), at the Midas 3D BIM & Bridge Design Talk in Bucharest in 2024 (Design Optimization of a Cable-Arch Bridge), at Midas NXT Generation in Bucharest in 2023, and in a 2021 webinar on the composite bridge design for the Sinaia road passage.
Look at what each of them declined to automate. Arnel Aguel will let another program carry the nonlinear analysis but holds on to the interpretation of the results, on the grounds that accurate modelling of a structure cannot be done. Ahmad Nafek automates the modelling and holds on to the check against constructability and cost. Guglielmo Matacena hands over the repetition precisely so that engineering judgement is what is left to do. Which part of your own work would you not hand over?