Sorvimo helped SSAB modernize pile calculation tools – added value through steel-strong expertise
From outdated desktop apps to modern web tools
SSAB, a global leader in special and premium steels, provides extensive support to its customers and engineers with technical documentation, manuals, and design tools. These tools make it easier to utilize SSAB's products, enabling sales and strong market presence as well as support the engineers' adoption of new solutions that SSAB brings to the market.
SSAB's Oulainen tube mill produces steel pipe and pile products. Image: SSAB
For over a decade, SSAB had offered pile design software as desktop applications. Over time, these tools became increasingly outdated in terms of usability and maintainability.
“The old desktop applications had obvious issues: for example, version updates had to be installed separately on each computer, often requiring IT permissions that users didn’t have. In a field where staying aligned with the latest standards is critical, this made maintenance difficult – especially with pile products, where national calculation practices add further complexity.”
– Antti Perälä, Project Engineering Manager at SSAB
It was time to modernize the PileCalc and PileWallCalc tools and move toward modern web-based applications.
Why Sorvimo? Structural engineering meets software development
Both SSAB and Sorvimo had an active history of collaboration with Tampere University, making Sorvimo a familiar choice when SSAB looked for a partner to modernize its design tools. After successfully renewing SSAB's truss calculation tools, extending the cooperation to pile applications was a natural step. Sorvimo's structural engineering background enabled its experts to speak the same language as SSAB's specialists, ensuring a smooth and successful partnership.
“Development and maintenance of the tools has accelerated thanks to Sorvimo's rare expertise – they understand not only software, but also structural engineering, calculations, and industry standards. This has reduced our workload: changes are easy to communicate, and we can trust that the developers truly understand both the software and its use.”
– Antti Perälä, Project Engineering Manager at SSAB
The renewed PileCalc offers a clear, modern interface that makes complex calculations easy to manage. Built for everyday use, the tools support engineers with up-to-date rules and effortless collaboration.
As a technology-agnostic partner, Sorvimo was able to meet SSAB's implementation preferences: the applications were released on the chosen cloud platform, and user management was integrated into SSAB's CIAM and CRM to fully align with the company's IT policies.
“Collaboration with SSAB is a typical example of how Sorvimo's expertise is applied. We have extensive experience in renewing calculation tools of all kinds - from desktop apps to Excel-based solutions - and we're also happy to support the development of more advanced calculation tools when needed. Collaborating with SSAB has given us the privilege of working alongside top experts in the field. We appreciate the trust SSAB has placed in us!”
– Lassi-Pekka Taskinen, CEO at Sorvimo
The applications are continuously developed in close cooperation, with regular updates to features and calculation rules. Looking ahead, a broader update to the Eurocode standards is also on the horizon.
The result: modern design tools that make engineers' work easier
Since the release of the renewed PileCalc and PileWallCalc in early 2024, the tools have already been used in thousands of projects involving steel piles and retaining pile walls. Usability and maintainability have taken a major leap forward, and entirely new features now support engineers in their daily work. For example, projects and calculation models can now be easily shared, enabling collaboration, smooth project handovers without information gaps, and efficient review of designs.
Key benefits of the modernization
- Up-to-date calculation rules in line with the latest standards
- Access anywhere without installation, no version conflicts
- Enhanced data security through modern authentication and controlled access
- Modern platform enables development of new features
Learn more about the PileCalc and PileWallCalc from SSAB Tubular Design Tools.
SSAB is a steel company that manufactures high-quality and environmentally friendly steel products. Its range of tubular products includes versatile steel tubes and profiles used in construction, infrastructure, and mechanical engineering.
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