Forms: Architectural Plan Import, DXF/DWG Import, Import Image for Tracing, Open Steel Detailing Neutral File, IGES Import, Strudl Input File
ETABS offers the following import commands:
File menu > Import > ETABS.e2k Text File command imports ETABS.e2k and .$et text input files. If another model is open, this command will close that model and open a new one for the imported file.
File menu > Import > Revit Structure .exr File command imports a file created using AutoDesk.
File menu > Import >.DXF/.DWG File of Architectural Plan The File menu > Import > DXF/DWG Architectural Plan command is intended to facilitate importing architectural grids from AutoCAD and other CAD programs that support the DXF/DWG file formats. DXF/DWG for AutoCAD 2007 is supported. If using the DWG file format, AutoCAD must be installed on your computer. Use the command as follows:
Start a new model or open an existing model.
Click the File menu > Import > DXF/DWG Architectural Plan command to access the .DXF/.DWG Import form. Use the form to locate the filename/path of the .DXF file to be imported. Highlight the filename and double click it or click the Open button to access the Architectural Plan Import form.
On the Architectural Plan Import form, choose to overwrite existing CAD entities or add to them. Also select the units of the imported file from the CAD Drawing Units drop-down list, and specify the Drawing Origin and Scale.
Choose to Add Center Lines to beam/wall objects imported from the CAD file. Addition of center lines facilitates the use of snap options when working with the model after the file import. Use the Max. Distance Between Parallel Lines and Min. Distance Between Parallel Lines edit boxes to set limits on the distance between parallel lines when inserting center lines.
Click the OK button to import the architectural grid.
Note: After this command has been used, the Options menu > Architectural Plan Options command becomes available. Use that command to access a form with options to turn the visibility of the various imported layers on or off and to set the color and transparency of the layers. Also, check the Architectural Layer check box on the Set Display Options form to display the Architectural Layers. The Options menu > Architectural Plan Options command becomes disabled after an analysis has been run.
File menu > Import >.DXF/.DWG File of Architectural Grids imports the architectural grid from a DXF file as follows:
Start a new model or open an existing model.
Click the File menu > Import > DXF File of Architecture Grid command to access the .DXF/.DWG Import form. Use the form to locate the filename/path of the .DXF file to be imported. Highlight the filename and double click it or click the Open button to access the DXF Import - Architectural Grids form.
File menu > Import >.DXF/.DWG File of Floor Plan command import the floor plan from a .DXF/.DWG file as follows:
Start a new model or open an existing model.
Click the File menu > Import > .DXF/.DWG Floor Plan command to access the .DXF/.DWG Import form Use the form to locate the filename/path of the .DXF file to be imported. Highlight the filename and double click it or click the Open button to access the DXF Import - Floor Plan form.
File menu > Import >.DXF/.DWG File of 3D Model command imports a 3d Model from a .DXF/.DWG file as follows:
Start a new model or open an existing model.
Click the File menu > Import > .DXF/.DWG 3D Model command to access the .DXF/.DWG Import form Use the form to locate the filename/path of the .DXF file to be imported. Highlight the filename and click the Open button to access the DXF Import - 3D Model form.
File menu > Import > Image File for Tracing command imports an image file that can be traced.
Start a new model or open an existing model.
Click the File menu > Import > Image File for Tracing command to access the Open Image File form. Use the form to locate the filename/path of the graphic file to be imported. Highlight the filename and double click it or click the Open button to access the Import Image for Tracing form. The image being imported will display in on the left side of the form.
Insertion Point options. Use the edit boxes in this area to specify the coordinates for importing the image.
Scale and Orientation options. Specify the number of ETABS units to be used for each pixel in the image. Also specify any rotation of the image to be imported.
Specify the color to be used to indicate the Snap Lines when the image is being traced.
Click the Generate button to complete the import.
File menu > Import > CIS/2 Step File command imports a file created using the CIMsteel Integration Standard (CIS). CIS is a set of formal computing specifications used in the steel industry to make software applications mutually compatible. This file type is often used by steel fabricators outside the United States.
File menu > Import > Steel Detailing Neutral File command imports a steel detailing neutral file (.sdn). Clicking the command will access the Open Steel Detailing Neutral File form. Use the form to specify the file name and path of the file to be imported. The command imports frame objects and certain assignments to frame objects only.
File menu > Import > IFC File command imports IFC files.
Click the File menu > Import > IFC File command to display the Import IFC File form.
Use the Look In drop-down box and the File name edit/display box to specify the path and filename of the data file to be imported.
Click the OK button to complete the import.
File menu > Import > IGES .igs File command imports an .igs file.
Click the File menu > Import > IGES .igs File command to access the IGES Import form.
Click the Browse button to access the IGES File form. Use the Look in drop-down list to set the path and the File name edit box to identify the .igs file to be imported.
Click the OK button to return to the IGES Import form. The All entities present in file display area lists all entities in the file. The Entities to import display area provides the list of entities that can be chosen for import. To import an entity, check the associated check box. Click the Import button to complete the import.
File menu > Import > STRUDL/STAAD .gts/.std File command imports structural analysis models created using STRUDL/STAAD into ETABS. The command imports geometry, connectivity, material and section properties, loads and constraint conditions. Because STRUDL/STAADL and ETABS have different FEM libraries and different analytical capabilities, not all STRUDL/STAAD data can be imported.
Click the File menu > Import > STRUDL/STAAD .gts/.std File command to display the Strudl Input File form.
Click the Read File button to display the Open Strudl/Staad Input File form. Use the form to locate the Strudl/Staad file to be imported, and click the Open button.
The program will redisplay the Strudl Input File form, read the Strudl/Staad file, and provide a status messages of which items were imported from the STRUDL/STAAD model and which items were ignored. The message displays in the large display area of the form.
If acceptable data has been identified, the Convert Data button will enable. Click that button to convert the file to a usable ETABS file.
Click the OK button to complete the import.
Note: All imported joints are designated to be Special Joints by default. This designation is significant because ETABS removes joints that are not connected to other objects (e.g., at the ends of frame objects, etc.) or that are not being used in load assignments (i.e., joint loads were not assigned) unless the joint is designated to be a Special Joint. This subtle feature is important when importing models as users may define model geometry using joints only and this data should not be deleted unless the user deletes it. The Special Joint designation can be toggled on and off using the Special Joint drop-down list on the Joint Object Information form - Geometry Tab.
See also