Import

Form: Import Tabular Database, Tabular Database Import Options, Import DXF/DWG File, DXF/DWG Import

Use the File menu > Import command to import the following types of files:

SAFE.F2k File. This option uses the Import Tabular Database form to import a backup text file created by the current or earlier versions of SAFE. This file may be used to start a new model, or to add to an existing model. If another model is currently open and you are starting a new model, this option will close the open model and prompt you to save it if necessary.

Click the Advanced Options button on the Import Tabular Database form to display the Tabular Database Import Options form. Use that form to control the message log that is created during the import of a model, and to resolve conflicts between imported data and data present in an existing model.

DXF/DWG File. The File menu > Import > DXF/DWG File command is intended to facilitate importing model geometry 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:

1. Start a new model or open an existing model.
2. Click the File menu > Import > DXF/DWG File command, which accesses the Import DXF/DWG File form. Open the desired file.
3. On the DXF/DWG Import form, select from the drop-down lists to identify the layers (e.g., areas, lines, points and so forth) from which the SAFE object types (e.g., grids, special joints, lines, and so forth) should be imported from the DXF file. A layer can be used for only one object type. If no data is to be imported for a given object type, use NONE in the drop-down list. Also select the units of the imported file from the CAD Drawing Units drop-down list. Note that the Add Layers area of the form does not apply to importing and is therefore inaccessible.
4. Click the OK button to import the data.

The SAFE object types correspond to the following DXF element types.

SAFE Objects	DXF/DWG Elements
Point Objects	Points
Line Objects	3D Polylines
Area Objects	3Dfaces and 3- or 4-sided closed polylines
Design Strips	Polylines
Design Strip Widths	Polygons
Tendon Objects	3D Polylines

Note: The imported DXF objects are assigned the group name "DXFINx" to facilitate editing of the objects.

DXF/DWG 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:

1. Start a new model or open an existing model.
2. Click the File menu > Import > DXF/DWG Architectural Plan command, which accesses the Import DXF/DWG File form. Open the desired file.
3. On the DXF/DWG Import form, select from the drop-down list boxes the layer to import from the DXF/DWG file for the SAFE grid. Also select the units of the imported file from the CAD Drawing Units drop-down list, and specify the drawing origin and scale. Note that the Add Layers area of the form does not apply to importing and is therefore inaccessible.
4. Click the OK button to import the architectural grid.

Note: After this command has been used, the Option 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 commands become disabled after an analysis has been run.

Access .mdb File. This option uses the Import Tabular Database form to import a file saved in the Access database format. This file may be used to start a new model, or to add to an existing model. If another model is currently open and you are starting a new model, this option will close the open model and prompt you to save it if necessary.

Excel .xls File. This option uses the Import Tabular Database form to import a file saved in the Excel spreadsheet format. This file may be used to start a new model, or to add to an existing model. If another model is currently open and you are starting a new model, this option will close the open model and prompt you to save it if necessary.