This article explains how to send an SAF model to SAP2000, 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 SAP2000
- From Risa to SAP2000
- From Graphisoft / Archicad to SAP2000
- From Allplan to SAP2000
- From RadImpex to SAP2000
- From AxisVM to SAP2000
- From Sofistik to SAP2000
- From Dlubal to SAP2000
- From mbAECStrukturEditor to SAP2000
- From D.I.E to SAP2000
- From InfoGraph to SAP2000
- From NextFEM to SAP2000
- From MasterSap to SAP2000
- From Prota Structure to SAP2000
- From Karamba3D to SAP2000
2. Send model from SAF to SAP2000
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 SAP2000
In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI) . Click to continue.
Choose ‘SAP2000’
2.2.1 Settings
Select your SAP2000 version, the destination and analysis model. The destination can be either:
- To a new empty model in a new instance – after the file is loaded you immediately will be prompted to save the file
- To current instance and new empty model
SAP2000 will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.
Next, the BIM Expert sections and materials must be mapped with SAP2000’s 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, SAP2000 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 SAP2000 model, the material can be added as new.
2.1.3 Section mapping
A new SAP2000 model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.
3. Final steps in SAP2000
Depending on the chosen destination: launch SAP2000and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of SAP2000.
