What is a stick model?
A stick model — also called an analytical or line model — is a 3D skeletal representation of a structure, where every member is drawn as a single line along its centroidal axis, correctly positioned on its grid and elevation. It's the term structural engineers use for the same lightweight, line-based geometry that's called a "wireframe" in a construction or detailing context.
Stick model vs. wireframe model
The two terms describe essentially the same thing: a 3D representation of a structure using lines instead of surfaces or fabrication-level detail. "Stick model" tends to be used in a structural-analysis context — each stick represents a member's centroidal axis for load-path and analysis purposes — while "wireframe" is more common in construction and detailing conversations. See our wireframe model page for that angle.
Why stick models are used in structural engineering
A stick model gives engineers, estimators, and detailers accurate 3D geometry — member lengths, positions, and connectivity — without the time and cost of building a fully detailed model. It's fast to produce and serves as the geometric basis for structural analysis, material estimation, and downstream detailing work.
How StickModel delivers a stick model
Send us your 2D structural drawings in DWG or PDF format, and we return a fully constructible 3D stick model as an IFC file within 24 hours — ready to import into Tekla Structures, Tekla PowerFab, or any major BIM platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stick model?
A stick model (also called an analytical or line model) is a 3D skeletal representation of a structure, where every member — beam, column, brace — is represented as a single line along its centroidal axis, with correct grid and elevation placement.
Is a stick model the same as a wireframe model?
In structural engineering, the terms are commonly used interchangeably — both describe a lightweight, line-based 3D representation of a structure without surfaces or fabrication-level detail. "Stick model" is used more often for the analytical/structural-analysis context, and "wireframe" more often in a construction or detailing context.
Why are stick models used in structural engineering?
A stick model gives engineers and estimators accurate 3D geometry — member lengths, positions, and connectivity — without the overhead of a fully detailed model. It's fast to produce and is commonly used as the geometric basis for structural analysis, estimation, and detailing.
How does StickModel deliver a stick model?
We convert your 2D structural drawings (DWG or PDF) into a fully constructible 3D stick model, delivered as an IFC file within 24 hours, ready to import into your detailing or BIM software.