This article explains how to send an SAF model to ETABS, 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 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
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 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.
