Powerful nonlinear analysis for precise evaluation of electric and telecommunication conductors

For utilities, telecommunication providers, and consultants who need precise and accurate conductor sag and tension calculations and installation charts, SPIDAsilk is an affordable, easy-to-use platform that features a modern user-friendly interface and detailed reporting.

SPIDAsilk Screenshot

Detailed sag and tension calculations

Quickly generate results based on code-specified or custom weather cases at initial, final with creep, or without creep scenarios. All SPIDAsilk calculations use precise numerical algorithms to model the catenary geometry of the conductor along the entire span. Conveniently access formatted, easy-to-read stringing reports and sag-tension tables right from the toolbar.

Communication bundles and strand-mount equipment

Easy-to-use bundling for quick definition of communication bundles and overlashing. Users can set a constraint for the complete bundle or explicitly set the initial messenger tension. Modeling multiple objects such as 5G antennas or marker balls and placing them anywhere along the span, precisely calculating the impact on sag and tension.

Calculate tensions that meet all design sag and tension constraint limits

SPIDAsilk comes preloaded with weather cases to support standard electric and telecommunication design needs in a single application, eliminating the needs for multiple applications. Users can also customize weather loads and set constraints and limits on both sag and tension to meet any unique design needs. SPIDAsilk can be used to quickly model everything from long, inclined transmission spans, to evaluating the impacts of over lashing a communication bundle, all while assuring any limits on sag and tensions are met.

Technical Capabilities

Modern, User-Friendly Interface

SPIDAsilk’s user interface provides the same ease of use that SPIDA is known for. SPIDAsilk was designed for users to calculate sag and tension efficiently and accurately in real-time, frustration free.

Detailed Sag and Tension Reporting

SPIDAsilk has made it easy to evaluate single span and ruling spans while creating precise stringing tension charts. View wire reports based on code-specified or custom weather cases at initial, final without creep, and final with creep scenarios.

Stringing Charts and Wire Reports

Excel-based reports save time by eliminating manual calculations, use of .txt files and antiquated reporting.

 

Linear and Nonlinear Tension Evaluations

SPIDAsilk supports both linear (elastic) and nonlinear (stress-strain) analysis of a conductor span. Seamlessly import WIR files to populate conductor data in your SPIDA client file.

Communication Bundles

SPIDAsilk incorporates the same, easy-to-use bundling tool that is shared with SPIDAcalc for quick definition of communication bundles and over lashing. Users can set a constraint for the complete bundle or explicitly set the initial messenger tension.

Strand-Mounted Equipment Modeling

Model the impact of strand-mounted devices such as marker balls and 5G antennas. Multiple objects can be placed along the span and SPIDAsilk will precisely model the impact of these attachments on both sag and tension of the wire.

Set Limiting Sag Conditions

Set multiple constraints based on Sag Limits, Tension Limits, or percent of Rated Tensile Strength at Initial, Final Tension without Creep, or Final Tension with Creep.

Identify Sag Measurements Along the Span

Quickly model and measure sag along the span. Model elevation changes, the impact of strand-mounted equipment, and long-span construction.

SPIDAcalc Integration

SPIDAsilk and SPIDAcalc both utilize “client files” for managing your library of conductors and bundles. SPIDAsilk includes the SPIDA Client Editor for creating and editing your conductor libraries, providing a common mechanism to centrally manage your libraries of wires and wire states. Additionally, export any span from a SPIDAcalc design to SPIDAsilk for in-depth analysis and reporting.

Modern, User-Friendly Interface

Modern, User-Friendly Interface

SPIDAsilk’s user interface provides the same ease of use that SPIDA is known for. SPIDAsilk was designed for users to calculate sag and tension efficiently and accurately in real-time, frustration free.

Reporting

Detailed Sag and Tension Reporting

SPIDAsilk has made it easy to evaluate single span and ruling spans while creating precise stringing tension charts. View wire reports based on code-specified or custom weather cases at initial, final without creep, and final with creep scenarios.

Stringing Charts and Wire Reports

Excel-based reports save time by eliminating manual calculations, use of .txt files and antiquated reporting.

 

Linear and Nonlinear Tension Evaluations

Linear and Nonlinear Tension Evaluations

SPIDAsilk supports both linear (elastic) and nonlinear (stress-strain) analysis of a conductor span. Seamlessly import WIR files to populate conductor data in your SPIDA client file.

Communication Bundles

Communication Bundles

SPIDAsilk incorporates the same, easy-to-use bundling tool that is shared with SPIDAcalc for quick definition of communication bundles and over lashing. Users can set a constraint for the complete bundle or explicitly set the initial messenger tension.

Strand-Mounted Equipment Modeling

Strand-Mounted Equipment Modeling

Model the impact of strand-mounted devices such as marker balls and 5G antennas. Multiple objects can be placed along the span and SPIDAsilk will precisely model the impact of these attachments on both sag and tension of the wire.

Sag Conditions and Measurements

Set Limiting Sag Conditions

Set multiple constraints based on Sag Limits, Tension Limits, or percent of Rated Tensile Strength at Initial, Final Tension without Creep, or Final Tension with Creep.

Identify Sag Measurements Along the Span

Quickly model and measure sag along the span. Model elevation changes, the impact of strand-mounted equipment, and long-span construction.

Integration

SPIDAcalc Integration

SPIDAsilk and SPIDAcalc both utilize “client files” for managing your library of conductors and bundles. SPIDAsilk includes the SPIDA Client Editor for creating and editing your conductor libraries, providing a common mechanism to centrally manage your libraries of wires and wire states. Additionally, export any span from a SPIDAcalc design to SPIDAsilk for in-depth analysis and reporting.

Virtuoso Subscription

Stay nimble and lower costs

We’ve bundled a 12-month license for trusted Bentley software with customizable training from experts and call it our Virtuoso Subscription. With lower upfront costs and flexible support options, businesses of all sizes can now compete with the industry’s heavy hitters.

LEARN MORE

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is my SPIDA support login the same as my account portal login? 
Your email address will be the same, but your passwords may be different depending on what you set them to. You may wish to make your password for the Support Site and the SPIDA Account Portal the same to avoid confusion upon trying to log in. (However, you should not use the same password for SPIDA that you use for sites that store sensitive information about you.)

How much is a SPIDAsilk subscription license?

A 12-month license of SPIDAsilk is $1,605 USD. Prices may vary per region. While there are several types of licensing available, a common choice is the 12-month practitioner license offered through Virtuosity, Bentley’s eCommerce store. When you purchase through Virtuosity, you get a Virtuoso Subscription. This means you get the software and “Key” (token) to redeem for self-paced training.

Is there support available for SPIDAsilk, in the event I run into an issue with the software?

Yes, once your order has been fulfilled, you will be granted access to the support site which will allow you to submit help tickets and to access available support articles and videos.

How can I learn SPIDAsilk for free?

You can learn about SPIDAsilk for free by watching available tutorial videos and articles. Additionally, you will be invited to participate in our free monthly webinars learning series, SPIDA Lunch & Learns, which covers a variety of instructional topics including use of SPIDAsilk.

Can I use SPIDAsilk, if I do not use SPIDAcalc?

Yes, SPIDAsilk can be used by anyone. The application was designed to be used standalone or with our SPIDAcalc Structure Analysis Software.

If I currently have SPIDAcalc installed and have client files configured with my conductors, what do I need to do to use SPIDAsilk?

You need to simply purchase a subscription for SPIDAsilk. Once the order is fulfilled, you will need to install SPIDAsilk on your computer and activate your subscription. SPIDAsilk includes the SPIDA Client Editor which, with proper permissions, gives you the ability open and edit available SPIDA client files.

System Requirements

Processor: Intel or AMD based at 1.0 GHz

Operating System: 64-bit operating system running Windows 10 or Windows 11

RAM: 4 GB+

Hard Drive Available Capacity: 2 GB (approximately 580 MB used when installed)

Video Card: Support for OpenGL 2.0

Monitor: 10” monitor for tablet PC, 15” for laptop PC, or 17” for desktop PC

SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS

Processor: Dual or Quad Core Intel or AMD, such as Intel Core i7 Processor

Operating System: 64-bit operating system running Windows 10 or Windows 11

RAM: 8 GB+

Hard Drive Available Capacity: 10 GB (approximately 580 MB used when installed)

Video Card: Dedicated video card with support for OpenGL 2.0

Monitor: 10” monitor for tablet PC, 15” for laptop PC, or 19” for desktop PC

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