1. Good to know

SAF (Structural Analysis Format) is a file format that is supported by many programs, so this workflow can also be used when you want to go

• From SCIA Engineer to ETABS
• From Risa to ETABS
• From Graphisoft / Archicad to ETABS
• From Allplan to ETABS
• From RadImpex to ETABS
• From AxisVM to ETABS
• From Sofistik to ETABS
• From Dlubal to ETABS
• From mbAECStrukturEditor to ETABS
• From D.I.E to ETABS
• From InfoGraph to ETABS
• From NextFEM to ETABS
• From MasterSap to ETABS
• From Prota Structure to ETABS
• From Karamba3D to ETABS

2. Send model from SAF to ETABS

2.1 From SAF to BIM Expert

2.1.1 Material mapping

2.1.2 Section mapping

2.2 From BIM Expert to ETABS

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI). Click  to continue.

Choose ‘ETABS’

2.2.1 Settings

Select your ETABS version, the destination and analysis model.  The destination can be either:

• To a new empty model in a new instance
• To current instance and new empty model

ETABS will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.

Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with ETABS’ section and materials. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In a new file, ETABS only has 2 materials present: Steel S355 and Concrete 30/37. Chances are real that you see the material mapping dialog.  If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the ETABS model, the material can be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

A new ETABS model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.

3. Final steps in ETABS

Depending on the chosen destination: launch ETABS and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of ETABS.

1. Preparation in Tekla Structures

The transfer is based on the analytical model. So in Tekla Structures you need to create an analytical model first. The quality and coherence (connection between elements) of the analytical model will determine the quality of the structural calculations. It is therefore essential to build a good analysis model in Tekla Structures.

Learn here how to make a good analysis model in Tekla Stuctures.

2. Send model from Tekla Structures to ETABS

2.1 From Tekla Structures to BIM Expert

There is more than 1 way to send models from Tekla Structures to BIM Expert. You can either start from

BuildSoft menu in the top ribbon

Applications and components sidebar

Click the BIM Expert icon to launch the transfer. Next you need to select what items to include, in addition to the Analysis model:

• Additional data: data that came from a previous transfer, but is not supported by Tekla Structures. This information is kept and can now be taken along in the current transfer (e.g. seismic information, soil layers, …)
• Rigid links
• Connection: full or only haunches
• Internal forces from ‘End Conditions’.  The End Conditions tab can be found in the element’s UDA (User Defined Attributes):

Alternative method: start in BIM Expert

Alternatively, you can start in BIM Expert: click ‘Model > Import’ and select the Tekla Structures plugin. Choose the Tekla Structures version and what elements to import (see above).

No matter the way you have chosen, BIM Expert will now take over.

2.1.1 Settings

If you have more than one analytical model in Tekla Structures, you need to select the analysis model that you want to transfer

Next, the Tekla Structures sections and materials must be mapped with BIM Expert’s section and material database. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.1.2 Material mapping

In case you have turned off the option to reduce dialog windows, you might see a material mapping dialog for mapping unknown materials. In the ‘reduce dialog window’ case, unknown materials will be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

In case you have turned off the option to reduce dialog windows, you might see a section mapping dialog for mapping unknown sections. In the ‘reduce dialog window’ case, unknown sections will be added as new.

2.1.4 Connections and component bundles

In case you have chosen to export connections and there are connections in the model, BIM Expert will now start the connection conversion.

If you have turned off the option to reduce the dialog windows, you will get an overview of all connections components in the model and the possibility to bundle components.

The model is now in BIM Expert.

2.2 From BIM Expert to ETABS

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI). Click  to continue.

Choose ‘ETABS’

2.2.1 Settings

Select your ETABS version, the destination and analysis model.  The destination can be either:

• To a new empty model in a new instance
• To current instance and new empty model

ETABS will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.

Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with ETABS’ section and materials. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In a new file, ETABS only has 2 materials present: Steel S355 and Concrete 30/37. Chances are real that you see the material mapping dialog.  If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the ETABS model, the material can be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

A new ETABS model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.

3. Final steps in ETABS

Depending on the chosen destination: launch ETABS and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of ETABS.

1. Preparation in Revit

The transfer is based on the analytical model. So in Revit you need to create an analytical model first. The quality and coherence (connection between elements) of the analytical model will determine the quality of the structural calculations. It is therefore essential to build a good analysis model in Revit.

You can either use the Analytical Automation command or manually create analytical elements.

Learn here how to make a good analysis model in Revit.

2. Send model from Revit to ETABS

2.1 From Revit to BIM Expert

There are 2 ways to send models from Revit to BIM Expert:

1. Starting in Revit: in the BIM Expert tab page, select ‘Export’.
   
2. Starting in BIM Expert: click ‘Model > Import’ and select the Revit plugin. In case you have multiple Revit models open, BIM Expert will ask to select your model to be transferred.
   

No matter the way you have chosen, BIM Expert will now take over.

2.1.1 Settings

You can have all (or a selection of) analytical elements exported. All elements is the most likely option.

Next, the Revit sections and materials must be mapped with BIM Expert’s section and material database. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.1.2 Material mapping

Database materials such as steel (e.g. S235, ASTM-Grades), concrete (e.g. C25/30, M50) and timber (e.g. C24, D50, GL28c) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs (Concrete grade C25 instead of Concrete grade C25/30). In that case, you can select the correct material from the database.

Tip: When searching an item in the database, type the first letters of the name to find it more quickly.

If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the BIM Expert database, the material can be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

Database sections (such as I, H, UB, UC, W, C, U, O, ☐ and L sections) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs  (e.g. name is HEB300 – S235 instead of HEB300). In that case, you can select the correct cross-section from the database.
Tip: When searching an item in the database, type the first letters of the name to find it more quickly.

Parametric sections (e.g. rectangles, circle, trapezium, …) are not in the database. They should always be added as new.

The model is now in BIM Expert.

2.2 From BIM Expert to ETABS

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI). Click  to continue.

Choose ‘ETABS’

2.2.1 Settings

Select your ETABS version, the destination and analysis model.  The destination can be either:

• To a new empty model in a new instance
• To current instance and new empty model

ETABS will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.

Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with ETABS’ section and materials. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In a new file, ETABS only has 2 materials present: Steel S355 and Concrete 30/37. Chances are real that you see the material mapping dialog.  If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the ETABS model, the material can be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

A new ETABS model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.

3. Final steps in ETABS

Depending on the chosen destination: launch ETABS and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of ETABS.

1. Preparation in SAP2000

If you simply want to have the geometry & loads model in ETABS, without further BIM workflows, analysis in SAP2000 is not required.

2. Send the SAP2000 model to ETABS

2.1 From SAP2000 to BIM Expert

In the Model tab, select ‘Import’. Next, choose the source software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI) . Click  to continue.

Choose ‘SAP2000’

Alternatively, models can be sent to BIM Expert directly within SAP2000 (Tools > BIM Expert), but you first need to add BIM Expert as a plug-in to SAP2000.

2.2.1 Settings

Select your SAP2000 version, and were the model is coming from:

• A running instance – that means, the model is currently open in SAP2000
• An existing model – click ‘Browse… ‘ to open your file browser, go to the model location and select the model

On top of the geometry conversion, you can also consider loads and results in points, bars & plates.  Bar results are the most used and relevant ones, so only considering the bar results is enough. Plate results can be huge amount of data, that is currently not used any further.

Next, the SAP2000 material and sections must be mapped with BIM Expert ‘s materials and section. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.2.2 Material mapping

Database materials such as steel (e.g. S235, ASTM-Grades), concrete (e.g. C25/30, M50) and timber (e.g. C24, D50, GL28c) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs (S355-link instead of S355). In that case, you can select the correct material from the database.

Tip: When searching an item in the database, type the first letters of the name to find it more quickly.

2.1.3 Section mapping

Database sections (such as I, H, UB, UC, W, C, U, O, ☐ and L sections) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs  (e.g. name is HEB300 – S235 instead of HEB300). In that case, you can select the correct cross-section from the database.
Tip: When searching an item in the database, type the first letters of the name to find it more quickly.

Parametric sections (e.g. rectangles, circle, trapezium, …) are not in the database. They should always be added as new.

2.1.4 Loads mapping

If you opted to consider the loads during export, the SAP2000 load combinations need to be categorized. Each valid SAP2000 combination must be categorized into Eurocode or American combinations. Use the checkbox ‘Use categories according to Limit States’ to switch between European and American combination categories.

Depending on the design code, you must map each combination with either

• Eurocode Limit States
  • ULS – Ultimate Limit State Combinations: Fundamental (FC), Seismic (SC), Fire (FI) or Accidental (AC)
  • SLS – Serviceability Limit State Combinations: Rare (RC), Frequent (FC) or Quasi-Permanent (QP)
  • Custom
• Armerican
  • Strength
  • Service
  • Custom

On hoovering with the mouse over the combination’s name, you can see the build up of the combination (e.g. 1.35 DL + 1.50 LL).

Use SHIFT and CTRL commands as in Windows to select one or multiple items. For example, to select all, use ‘CTRL+A’ and then, select the “+” button in the corresponding column.

Envelope combinations and dynamic seismic combinations are cannot be matched, as this is not supported by BIM Expert. These types of combinations are considered non-valid and will be greyed out. Static seismic combinations can be mapped.

Remark: If you cancel that load mapping dialog, combinations are neglected and the conversion proceeds.

2.1.5 Reporting

In case of severe incidences, you get a report of the incidences. It usually concerns load cases or element behavior that are not supported by BIM Expert. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed anyway.

The model is now in BIM Expert.

2.2 From BIM Expert to ETABS

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI). Click  to continue.

Choose ‘ETABS’

2.2.1 Settings

Select your ETABS version, the destination and analysis model.  The destination can be either:

• To a new empty model in a new instance
• To current instance and new empty model

ETABS will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.

Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with ETABS’ section and materials. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In a new file, ETABS only has 2 materials present: Steel S355 and Concrete 30/37. Chances are real that you see the material mapping dialog.  If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the ETABS model, the material can be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

A new ETABS model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.

3. Final steps in ETABS

Depending on the chosen destination: launch ETABS and open the file. Or continue working in the open instance of ETABS.

1. Preparation in Diamonds

The transfer to ETABS will be on geometry and loads.  The presence of results is not required.

2. Send the Diamonds model to Etabs

2.1 From Diamonds to BIM Expert

In the File menu tab, select ‘Export > Export to BIM Expert’  or simply use F8.

The geometry model is sent to BIM Expert. All sections and materials are automatically converted and transferred, as well as the loads and results (if present). The model is now in BIM Expert.

2.2 From BIM Expert to ETABS

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI). Click  to continue.

Choose ‘ETABS’

2.2.1 Settings

Select your ETABS version, the destination and analysis model.  The destination can be either:

• To a new empty model in a new instance
• To current instance and new empty model

ETABS will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.

Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with ETABS’ section and materials. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In a new file, ETABS only has 2 materials present: Steel S355 and Concrete 30/37. Chances are real that you see the material mapping dialog.  If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the ETABS model, the material can be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

A new ETABS model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.

3. Final steps in ETABS

Depending on the chosen destination: launch ETABS and open the file. Or continue working in the open instance of ETABS.

This article explains how to send a Tekla Structural Designer model to ETABS, using BIM Expert.

1. Preparation in Tekla Structural Designer

The conversion is based on the .cxl file format. The .cxl file format is an XML based neutral file format that allows applications to link with Tekla Structural Designer. Tekla Structural Designer accepts and produces files in the .cxl neutral file format.

1. Create the model as usual.
2. On the BIM Integration tab, click Autodesk Revit Export. The BIM Integration wizard opens.
3. Adjust the location and rotation of the model, and click ‘Next’.
4. Select the items that are included in the model, and click ‘Next’.
5. Specify the export names of material grades, and click ‘Next’.
6. Specify the file name and location.
7. Select whether the file is exported for the first time, or whether you want to update an existing model.
8. Click ‘Finish’.

2. Send model from Tekla Structural Designer to ETABS

2.1 From Tekla Structural Designer to BIM Expert

In the Model tab, select ‘Import’. Next, choose ‘CXL’. Click  to continue.

The model is now in BIM Expert.

2.1.1 Material & section mapping

Most common materials and sections are mapped according to the TSD neutral file mapping conventions. If there is no match found, a default section and material will be applied. You can specify these defaults in ‘File > Settings > CXL’

2.2 From BIM Expert to ETABS

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI). Click  to continue.

Choose ‘ETABS’

2.2.1 Settings

Select your ETABS version, the destination and analysis model.  The destination can be either:

• To a new empty model in a new instance
• To current instance and new empty model

ETABS will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.

Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with ETABS’ section and materials. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In a new file, ETABS only has 2 materials present: Steel S355 and Concrete 30/37. Chances are real that you see the material mapping dialog.  If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the ETABS model, the material can be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

A new ETABS model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.

3. Final steps in ETABS

Depending on the chosen destination: launch ETABS and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of ETABS.

4. Get started with BIM Expert

1. Preparation in UBSM

2. Send model from UBSM to ETABS

2.1 From UBSM to BIM Expert

In the Model tab, select ‘Import’. Next, choose UBSM File. UBSM is BuildSoft’s neutral file format, XML based. Click  to continue.

2.2.1 Settings

Choose whether elements (material/section) to map will be showed and how the mapping should go.Select the elements to be included in the conversions. Recommended checkboxes are

• Auto map items from database by id or name
• Upgrade items from database to their latest versions

Click ‘Continue’ to finish the import.

The model is now in BIM Expert.

2.2 From BIM Expert to ETABS

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI). Click  to continue.

Choose ‘ETABS’

2.2.1 Settings

Select your ETABS version, the destination and analysis model.  The destination can be either:

• To a new empty model in a new instance
• To current instance and new empty model

ETABS will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.

Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with ETABS’ section and materials. BIM Expert will try to find as many automatic mapping matches as possible. In case all sections and materials find a match, you will not see any dialogs for mapping.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In a new file, ETABS only has 2 materials present: Steel S355 and Concrete 30/37. Chances are real that you see the material mapping dialog.  If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the ETABS model, the material can be added as new.

2.1.3 Section mapping

A new ETABS model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.

3. Final steps in ETABS

Depending on the chosen destination: launch ETABS and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of ETABS.