From SAP2000 to Tekla Structures

This article explains how to send a model from SAP2000 to Tekla Structures, using BIM Expert.

1. Preparation in SAP2000

If you want to results to be transferred to Tekla Structures, make sure the model is calculated and that elastic results are available.

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

2. Send the SAP2000 model to Tekla Structures

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 Tekla Structures

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software, namely Tekla Structures. Click  to continue.

2.2.1 Settings

Choose ‘Export considering an analysis model’ and hit ‘Continue’.

Select the desired version of Tekla Structures, select the desired options and click ‘Export’.

In case the Tekla Structures project has already a model inside, BIM Expert will ask you how the new analysis model should be handled:

• Option 1: replace the old analysis model by the new one
• Option 2: create a new analysis model + give the new analysis model a name
• Option 3: copy the properties and settings of the old analysis model and export the new model to this.

In case the Tekla Structures project is empty, you can opt to specify the insertion data:

• ‘Yes’ to define the insertion data.
• ‘No’ to use the default insertion data.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In case not all sections or materials can be automatically mapped, you will see a dialog window to map BIM Expert’s materials with Tekla Structures materials. Click on the button with the 3 dots  to open Tekla Structures’ material library and search for a match.

Alternatively, you could type in the Tekla Structures’ material name directly.

2.2.2 Section mapping

In case not all sections can be automatically mapped, you will see a dialog window to map BIM Expert’s section with Tekla Structures’ sections. Click on the button with the 3 dots  to open Tekla Structures’ section library and search for a match. Tekla Structures’ section library depends on the environment that you have chosen. If no sections at all can be mapped, you might want to restart Tekla Structures with a different environment.

2.2.3 Preview & creating the model

The model will now be previewed in Tekla Structures and you get an overview of all new elements, native Tekla Structures elements. You could choose to leave some elements out by unchecking the ‘Accept‘ box, but in most cases you click ‘OK’ here.

2.2.4 Connections and components

Once the whole model is in Tekla Structures, BIM Expert will start the connection conversion. Whenever possible BIM Expert will convert connections to Tekla Structures components. You will first get an overview of all connections that are recognized as components. When clicking the little eye button , you get a pop-up window showing the connections. You could choose to leave some elements out by unchecking the ‘Accept‘ box, but in most cases you click ‘OK’ here.

If there are materials of sections to be mapped, they will appear in the next pop-up window. In the column ‘Bolt Assemblies Tekla Structures’ you can set a (different) bolt material.

3. Final steps in Tekla Structures

The model is now in Tekla Structures, ready for the next steps.