From UBSM to ETABS

Contents

This article explains how to send an UBSM model to ETABS, using BIM Expert.

1. Preparation in UBSM

2. Send model from UBSM to ETABS

2.1 From UBSM to BIM Expert

In the Model tab, select ‘Import’. Next, choose UBSM File. UBSM is BuildSoft’s neutral file format, XML based. Click

to continue.

2.2.1 Settings

Choose whether elements (material/section) to map will be showed and how the mapping should go.Select the elements to be included in the conversions. Recommended checkboxes are

Auto map items from database by id or name
Upgrade items from database to their latest versions

Click ‘Continue’ to finish the import.

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.