This article explains how to send a SAF model to Diamonds, using BIM Expert.
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 Diamonds
- From Risa to Diamonds
- From Graphisoft / Archicad to Diamonds
- From Allplan to Diamonds
- From RadImpex to Diamonds
- From AxisVM to Diamonds
- From Sofistik to Diamonds
- From Dlubal to Diamonds
- From mbAECStrukturEditor to Diamonds
- From D.I.E to Diamonds
- From InfoGraph to Diamonds
- From NextFEM to Diamonds
- From MasterSap to Diamonds
- From Prota Structure to Diamonds
- From Karamba3D to Diamonds
In the relevant software, make an export to SAF file and continue with the steps below.
2. Send model from SAF to Diamonds
2.1 From SAF to BIM Expert
In the Model tab, select ‘Import’. Next, choose ‘SAF’. Click
to continue.
2.1.1 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. Below the material list, there is a list of the current selected material’s properties.
If you cannot find a suited counterpart in the BIM Expert database, the material can be added as new.
2.1.2 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.
Parametric sections (e.g. rectangles, circle, trapezium, …) and user defined sections 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 Diamonds
In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software, namely Diamonds. Click to continue.
2.2.1 Settings
You can choose to either
- save the model as *.bsf-file
- send the model to the current open Diamonds instance – you see all open instances of Diamonds
Select your choice and click to continue.
If you choose to open the model directly in Diamonds, you will get a notification in Diamonds on the right side. You can now choose to load the model or to delete it (by using the ‘x’).
2.2.2 Mapping
In rare cases you might see a material and section mapping dialog.
3. Final steps in Diamonds
The model is now in Diamonds, ready for the next steps in the structural analysis.
