Testimonial: Holcim — "code_aster and SALOME cover our needs extremely well"

The Holcim Innovation Center has been using code_aster and SALOME for several years for process modelling, optimising the properties of construction materials, and predicting the behaviour of concrete in its environment. Arnaud Delaplace, Research Engineer, shares his experience.

How did open source establish itself at Holcim?

It was engineers who had previously used these programs who helped drive their adoption internally when they joined the group. From an operational standpoint, code_aster and SALOME cover our needs extremely well. The open-source dimension opens up avenues that would simply not have been possible to explore with commercial software.

What tangible benefits have you drawn from them?

Around ten of us use these solutions on a regular basis, particularly for developing bespoke business applications. We have even built a web application powered by code_aster, made available to colleagues across the group worldwide, which allows users to run finite element calculations seamlessly. Access to these open-source solutions enables us to bring complementary, high-value expertise to the group. We can cover the entire modelling side and support the various entities with their projects, without needing to purchase a licence and at no additional cost.

What about the community?

We rely heavily on the documentation, forums, and community surrounding code_aster. This is, in fact, one of the greatest strengths of the open-source environment! This community ecosystem makes it far easier to share best practices. It also helps us keep abreast of the latest updates and features. For a small team like ours, which cannot always benefit from broad-based training, it is a genuine asset!

Any advice for those on the fence?

I would encourage them to define their requirements precisely so as to conduct a meaningful benchmarking exercise. As part of this process, it is well worth speaking with other industry players who have already taken the plunge. The community aspect of open source is an undeniable advantage: it allows you to explore the full range of possible use cases, as well as to see how others are putting these solutions to work.