Introducing RHCES Estimator

What is RHCES Estimator?

RHCES Estimator is a professional Windows desktop application purpose-built for reinforced concrete quantity estimation. It enables structural engineers to compute concrete volume, formwork area, and rebar weight for beams, columns, slabs, and footings — all with real-time 3D visualization and comprehensive PDF/Excel reporting.

Designed for the day-to-day realities of structural engineering practice, RHCES Estimator replaces tedious manual takeoff spreadsheets with an intuitive interface that updates quantities and 3D models in real time as you define your structural elements.

The Problem It Solves

Quantity estimation in reinforced concrete projects is one of the most time-consuming tasks in structural engineering. Traditional approaches involve:

Manual spreadsheet calculations prone to formula errors
Tedious element-by-element takeoffs from 2D drawings
No visual verification — errors only discovered during construction
Separate tools for concrete, formwork, and rebar estimation
Difficulty producing professional reports for clients and contractors

RHCES Estimator solves all of these problems in a single, integrated application.

Key Features in Detail

Structural Element Definition

Define beams, columns, slabs, and footings with full geometric parameters (width, depth, length, cover, etc.) and reinforcement details (main bars, stirrups, spacing, layers). Each element type has a dedicated input form optimized for speed.

Real-Time 3D Visualization

As you input elements, a 3D model builds in real time using HelixToolkit. Rotate, zoom, and pan to visually verify your structural layout. Color-coded elements make it easy to identify beams, columns, slabs, and footings at a glance.

RHCES Estimator - Structure Assembly 3D View

Structure Assembly — Full 3D model with element library panel

Per-Element Quantity Breakdown

Every element shows its individual concrete volume (m³), formwork area (m²), and rebar weight (kg). The summary table aggregates quantities by element type, giving you instant project-wide totals.

App Screenshots

Here is a closer look at each structural element module, showing the dedicated input forms and real-time 3D rebar visualization:

Beams Module

Beam input form with dimensions, reinforcement, stirrups, and 3D rebar model

Columns Module

Column input form with dimensions, main reinforcement, ties, and 3D rebar model

Slabs Module

Slab input form with dimensions, bottom/top reinforcement, hooks, and 3D rebar model

Footings Module

Footing input form with dimensions, reinforcement, pedestal, dowels, and 3D rebar model

PDF Report Generation

Generate professional PDF reports with one click using QuestPDF. Reports include project information, summary tables, detailed per-element breakdowns, and are ready to submit to clients, contractors, or for internal documentation.

Excel Export

Export all quantities to Excel via ClosedXML for further analysis, cost estimation, or integration with your existing workflows.

Undo/Redo & Auto-Save

Full undo/redo support (Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y) ensures you never lose work. Auto-save runs every 2 minutes in the background, and you can recover from the auto-save file if the app closes unexpectedly.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+N (new), Ctrl+O (open), Ctrl+S (save), Ctrl+Z/Y (undo/redo), Ctrl+P (export PDF), and more — designed for engineers who value speed.

Technical Architecture

Framework: .NET 8.0 WPF with MVVM pattern (CommunityToolkit.Mvvm)
3D Engine: HelixToolkit.Wpf for real-time 3D model rendering
PDF Generation: QuestPDF for professional-quality reports
Excel Export: ClosedXML for native .xlsx file creation
Licensing: Online license validation with offline grace period
Auto-Update: Built-in update checker with one-click installer download

Pricing & Licensing

₱1,000/month

7-day free trial — Full access to all features. No credit card required.

Online licensing with automatic updates. Use on 1 machine at a time.

System Requirements

OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
Runtime: .NET 8.0 (bundled with installer)
RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended
GPU: DirectX 11 compatible (for 3D rendering)
Storage: ~200 MB for installation
Internet: Required for license activation and updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use it for real projects?

Yes. RHCES Estimator is designed for professional use. The quantities are computed using standard engineering formulas for concrete volume, formwork surface area, and rebar weight based on your specified bar sizes and spacing.

What file format does it save in?

Projects are saved as .rhces files (JSON-based). You can also export to PDF and Excel at any time.

Is there a lifetime license option?

Currently we offer monthly subscriptions. Annual and lifetime plans are being considered for future releases.

Can I use it on multiple computers?

The standard license allows 1 active machine at a time. You can deactivate and reactivate on a different machine as needed.

Does it handle stairs, walls, or other elements?

Version 1.0 covers beams, columns, slabs, and footings. Additional element types (walls, stairs, retaining walls) are planned for future updates.