{"id":14506,"date":"2025-01-30T13:16:35","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T13:16:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/?post_type=ht_kb&#038;p=14506"},"modified":"2025-02-20T09:14:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T09:14:45","slug":"from-saf-to-etabs","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/knowledge-base\/from-saf-to-etabs\/","title":{"rendered":"From SAF to ETABS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This article explains how to send an SAF model to ETABS, using BIM Expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-preparation-in-revit\"><strong>1. Good to know<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SAF (Structural Analysis Format) is a file format that is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saf.guide\/en\/stable\/getting-started\/who-supports-saf.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">supported by many programs<\/a>, so this workflow can also be used when you want to go<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>From <strong>SCIA Engineer<\/strong> to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Risa <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Graphisoft \/ Archicad <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Allplan <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>RadImpex <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>AxisVM <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Sofistik <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Dlubal <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>mbAECStrukturEditor <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>D.I.E<\/strong> to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>InfoGraph <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>NextFEM <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>MasterSap <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Prota Structure<\/strong> to ETABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Karamba3D <\/strong>to ETABS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-preparation-in-revit\"><strong>2. Send model from SAF to ETABS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.1 From SAF to BIM Expert<\/h3>\n\n\nIn the Model tab, select \u2018Import\u2019. Next, choose &#8216;SAF&#8217;. Click <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"img_inline alignnone wp-image-9082\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 29px) 100vw, 29px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png 43w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow-35x33.png 35w\" alt=\"\" width=\"29\" height=\"28\" \/> to continue.\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-14607 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bimexpert_importfromsaf.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"253\" height=\"258\" \/>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4 id=\"2-1-2-material-mapping\">2.1.1 Material mapping<\/h4>\r\nDatabase 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 (<em>Concrete grade C25<\/em> instead of <em>Concrete grade C25\/30<\/em>). In that case, you can select the correct material from the database. Below the material list, there is a list of the current selected material&#8217;s properties.\r\n\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-14606 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bimexpert_importfromsaf_materialmapping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"395\" height=\"412\" \/>\r\n\r\nIf you cannot find a suited counterpart in the BIM Expert database, the material can be added as new.\r\n<h4 id=\"2-1-2-material-mapping\">2.1.2 Section mapping<\/h4>\r\nDatabase sections (such as I, H, UB, UC, W, C, U, O, \u2610 and L sections) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs\u00a0 (e.g. name is\u00a0<em>HEB300 \u2013 S235<\/em>\u00a0instead of <em>HEB300<\/em>). In that case, you can select the correct cross-section from the database.\r\n\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-14605 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bimexpert_importfromsaf_sectionmapping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"531\" height=\"351\" \/>\r\n\r\nParametric sections (e.g. rectangles, circle, trapezium, \u2026) and user defined sections are not in the database. They should always be added as new.\r\n\r\nThe model is now in BIM Expert.\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.2 From BIM Expert to ETABS<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>In the Model tab, select \u2018Export\u2019. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely &#8216;Computer and Structures, Inc&#8217; (CSI). Click\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"img_inline alignnone wp-image-9082\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 29px) 100vw, 29px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png 43w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow-35x33.png 35w\" alt=\"\" width=\"29\" height=\"28\" \/> to continue.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9203 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"363\" height=\"220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi.png 602w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi-300x182.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi-50x30.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi-60x36.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi-35x21.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 363px) 100vw, 363px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Choose &#8216;ETABS&#8217;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9224 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi_etabs.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"288\" height=\"124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi_etabs.png 439w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi_etabs-300x129.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi_etabs-50x22.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi_etabs-60x26.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi_etabs-35x15.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>2.2.1 Settings<\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9225 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabsversion.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabsversion.png 546w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabsversion-300x242.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabsversion-50x40.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabsversion-60x48.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabsversion-35x28.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Select your ETABS version, the destination and analysis model.\u00a0 The destination can be either:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To a new empty model in a new instance<\/li>\n<li>To current instance and new empty model<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>ETABS will launch automatically in case of &#8216;new instance&#8217; choice.<\/p>\n<p>Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with ETABS&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"2-1-2-material-mapping\">2.2.2 Material mapping<\/h4>\n<p>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.\u00a0 If you cannot find a suited\u00a0counterpart in the ETABS model, the material can be added as new.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9450 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_materialmapping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"592\" height=\"196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_materialmapping.png 1125w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_materialmapping-300x99.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_materialmapping-768x255.png 768w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_materialmapping-1024x340.png 1024w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_materialmapping-50x17.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_materialmapping-60x20.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_materialmapping-35x12.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"2-1-3-section-mapping\">2.1.3 Section mapping<\/h4>\n<p>A new ETABS model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9449 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_sectionmapping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"626\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_sectionmapping.png 1125w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_sectionmapping-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_sectionmapping-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_sectionmapping-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_sectionmapping-50x25.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_sectionmapping-60x30.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_etabs_sectionmapping-35x18.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 626px) 100vw, 626px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><script src=\"moz-extension:\/\/ccccaaeb-013b-4b99-be98-cffa5aa77072\/js\/app.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"ConnectiveDocSignExtentionInstalled\" data-extension-version=\"1.0.4\"><\/div>\n<p><script src=\"moz-extension:\/\/ccccaaeb-013b-4b99-be98-cffa5aa77072\/js\/app.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-final-steps-in-SAP2000\"><strong>3. Final steps in ETABS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the chosen destination: launch ETABS and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of ETABS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div>\n<h2 id=\"1-preparation-in-revit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Get started with BIM Expert<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"><div class=\"su-button-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\" class=\"su-button su-button-style-flat\" style=\"color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#E74C3C;border-color:#b93d30;border-radius:0px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color:#FFFFFF;padding:8px 26px;font-size:20px;line-height:30px;border-color:#ef8277;border-radius:0px;text-shadow:none\"><i class=\"sui sui-arrow-right\" style=\"font-size:20px;color:#FFFFFF\"><\/i> Download your free trial of BIM Expert<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div><div class=\"su-spacer\" style=\"height:75px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article explains how to send an SAF model to ETABS, using BIM Expert.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"ht-kb-category":[1306,1148],"ht-kb-tag":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/14506"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/ht_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14506"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/14506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14812,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/14506\/revisions\/14812"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-category?post=14506"},{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-tag?post=14506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}