If you simply want to have the geometry & loads model in SAP2000, without further BIM workflows, analysis in ETABS is not required.<\/p>\n
2. Send the ETABS model to SAP2000
<\/strong><\/h2>\n2.1 From ETABS to BIM Expert<\/h3>\nIn the Model tab, select \u2018Import\u2019. Next, choose the source software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI) . Click\u00a0![](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png\")
to continue.\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_importfromcsi.png\")
\r\n\r\nChoose ‘ETABS’.\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_importfromcsi_etabs.png\")
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, models can be sent to BIM Expert directly within ETABS (Tools > BIM Expert), but you first need to add BIM Expert as a plug-in to ETABS.\r\n\r\n<\/span>How to add BIM Expert as plugin in ETABS<\/div>\r\n\r\n \t- Tools > Add\/Show plugins<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click ‘Browse’ to locate the BIM Expert ETABS dll\r\n
\r\n \t- Go to C:\\Program Files (x86)\\BuildSoft\\BIM Expert\\Plugins\\CSI\\<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the dll ETABS{version}PlugInBuildSoftBIMExpert.dll, <\/em>with {version}<\/em> according to your current ETABS version open (e.g. ETABSv20PlugInBuildSoftBIMExpert.dll)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click ‘Open’<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the Menu Text name to ‘BIM Expert’<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click ‘Add’ to add the plugin’ & ‘Ok’<\/li>\r\n \t
- BIM Expert is now in the Tools menu<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n
2.2.1 Settings<\/h4>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_importfromcsi_etabs_options.png\")
\r\n\r\nSelect your ETABS version, and were the model is coming from:\r\n\r\n \t- A running instance – that means, the model is currently open in ETABS<\/li>\r\n \t
- An existing model – click ‘Browse… ‘ to open your file browser, go to the model location and select the model (an .edb file)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n \t\t\r\n \t\t\tLicense required<\/span> \t\t\t \t\t\t\t
\r\n \t\t\t\t\tA valid ETABS license is required in both cases, that is importing from the running instance as well as opening an existing model. \t\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n \t\t\t \t\t\t\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n \t\t\r\n\r\nOn top of the geometry conversion, you can also consider loads and results in points, bars & plates.\u00a0 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.\r\n\r\nNext, the ETABS 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.\r\n
2.2.2 Material mapping<\/h4>\r\nDatabase 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<\/em> instead of S355<\/em>). In that case, you can select the correct material from the database.\r\n\r\nTip: When searching an item in the database, type the first letters of the name to find it more quickly.<\/em>\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_importfromcsi_etabs_materialmapping.png\")
\r\n2.1.3 Section mapping<\/h4>\r\nDatabase sections (such as I, H, UB, UC, W, C, U, O, \u2610 and L sections) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs\u00a0 (e.g. name is\u00a0HEB300 – S235<\/em>\u00a0instead of HEB300<\/em>). In that case, you can select the correct cross-section from the database.\r\nTip: When searching an item in the database, type the first letters of the name to find it more quickly.<\/em>\r\n\r\nParametric sections (e.g. rectangles, circle, trapezium, …) are not in the database. They should always be added as new.\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_importfromcsi_etabs_sectionmapping.png\")
\r\n2.1.4 Loads mapping<\/h4>\r\nIf you opted to consider the loads during export, the ETABS load combinations need to be categorized. Each valid ETABS 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.\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_importfromcsi_etabs_loads_EC.png\")
<\/div><\/div>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_importfromcsi_etabs_loads_USA.png\")
<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nDepending on the design code, you must map each combination with either\r\n\r\n \t- Eurocode Limit States\r\n
\r\n \t- ULS – Ultimate Limit State Combinations: Fundamental (FC), Seismic (SC), Fire (FI) or Accidental (AC)<\/li>\r\n \t
- SLS – Serviceability Limit State Combinations: Rare (RC), Frequent (FC) or Quasi-Permanent (QP)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Custom<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- American\r\n
\r\n \t- Strength<\/li>\r\n \t
- Service<\/li>\r\n \t
- Custom<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOn 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).\r\n\r\nUse 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.\r\n\r\nEnvelope 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.\r\n\r\nRemark: If you cancel that load mapping dialog, combinations are neglected and the conversion proceeds.\r\n
2.1.5 Reporting<\/h4>\r\nIn 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.\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_importfromcsi_etabs_reportincidences.png\")
\r\n\r\nThe model is now in BIM Expert.\n2.2 From BIM Expert to SAP2000<\/h3>\n
In the Model tab, select \u2018Export\u2019. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI) . Click\u00a0 to continue.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi.png\")
<\/p>\n
Choose ‘SAP2000’<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi_sap.png\")
<\/p>\n
2.2.1 Settings<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_exporttocsi_sapversion.png\")
<\/p>\n
Select your SAP2000 version, the destination and analysis model.\u00a0 The destination can be either:<\/p>\n
\n- To a new empty model in a new instance – after the file is loaded you immediately will be prompted to save the file<\/li>\n
- To current instance and new empty model<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
SAP2000 will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
2.2.2 Material mapping<\/h4>\n
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.\u00a0 If you cannot find a suited\u00a0counterpart in the SAP2000 model, the material can be added as new.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_sap_materialmapping.png\")
<\/p>\n
2.1.3 Section mapping<\/h4>\n
A new SAP2000 model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bimexpert_tocsi_sap_sectionmapping.png\")
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n\n
3. Final steps in SAP2000<\/strong><\/h2>\nDepending on the chosen destination: launch SAP2000 and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of SAP2000.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n4. Get started with BIM Expert
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
to continue.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChoose ‘ETABS’.\r\n\r\n\r\nAlternatively, models can be sent to BIM Expert directly within ETABS (Tools > BIM Expert), but you first need to add BIM Expert as a plug-in to ETABS.\r\n\r\n- \r\n \t
- Tools > Add\/Show plugins<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click ‘Browse’ to locate the BIM Expert ETABS dll\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to C:\\Program Files (x86)\\BuildSoft\\BIM Expert\\Plugins\\CSI\\<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the dll ETABS{version}PlugInBuildSoftBIMExpert.dll, <\/em>with {version}<\/em> according to your current ETABS version open (e.g. ETABSv20PlugInBuildSoftBIMExpert.dll)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click ‘Open’<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the Menu Text name to ‘BIM Expert’<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click ‘Add’ to add the plugin’ & ‘Ok’<\/li>\r\n \t
- BIM Expert is now in the Tools menu<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n
2.2.1 Settings<\/h4>\r\n
\r\n\r\nSelect your ETABS version, and were the model is coming from:\r\n- \r\n \t
- A running instance – that means, the model is currently open in ETABS<\/li>\r\n \t
- An existing model – click ‘Browse… ‘ to open your file browser, go to the model location and select the model (an .edb file)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n \t\t\r\n \t\t\tLicense required<\/span> \t\t\t \t\t\t\t
\r\n \t\t\t\t\tA valid ETABS license is required in both cases, that is importing from the running instance as well as opening an existing model. \t\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n \t\t\t \t\t\t\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n \t\t\r\n\r\nOn top of the geometry conversion, you can also consider loads and results in points, bars & plates.\u00a0 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.\r\n\r\nNext, the ETABS 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.\r\n
2.2.2 Material mapping<\/h4>\r\nDatabase 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<\/em> instead of S355<\/em>). In that case, you can select the correct material from the database.\r\n\r\nTip: When searching an item in the database, type the first letters of the name to find it more quickly.<\/em>\r\n\r\n
\r\n2.1.3 Section mapping<\/h4>\r\nDatabase sections (such as I, H, UB, UC, W, C, U, O, \u2610 and L sections) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs\u00a0 (e.g. name is\u00a0HEB300 – S235<\/em>\u00a0instead of HEB300<\/em>). In that case, you can select the correct cross-section from the database.\r\nTip: When searching an item in the database, type the first letters of the name to find it more quickly.<\/em>\r\n\r\nParametric sections (e.g. rectangles, circle, trapezium, …) are not in the database. They should always be added as new.\r\n\r\n
\r\n2.1.4 Loads mapping<\/h4>\r\nIf you opted to consider the loads during export, the ETABS load combinations need to be categorized. Each valid ETABS 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.\r\n\r\n
<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nDepending on the design code, you must map each combination with either\r\n- \r\n \t
- Eurocode Limit States\r\n
- \r\n \t
- ULS – Ultimate Limit State Combinations: Fundamental (FC), Seismic (SC), Fire (FI) or Accidental (AC)<\/li>\r\n \t
- SLS – Serviceability Limit State Combinations: Rare (RC), Frequent (FC) or Quasi-Permanent (QP)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Custom<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- American\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Strength<\/li>\r\n \t
- Service<\/li>\r\n \t
- Custom<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOn 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).\r\n\r\nUse 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.\r\n\r\nEnvelope 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.\r\n\r\nRemark: If you cancel that load mapping dialog, combinations are neglected and the conversion proceeds.\r\n
2.1.5 Reporting<\/h4>\r\nIn 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.\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nThe model is now in BIM Expert.\n2.2 From BIM Expert to SAP2000<\/h3>\n
In the Model tab, select \u2018Export\u2019. Next, choose the destination software manufacturer, namely ‘Computer and Structures, Inc’ (CSI) . Click\u00a0
to continue.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nChoose ‘SAP2000’<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n2.2.1 Settings<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\nSelect your SAP2000 version, the destination and analysis model.\u00a0 The destination can be either:<\/p>\n
- \n
- To a new empty model in a new instance – after the file is loaded you immediately will be prompted to save the file<\/li>\n
- To current instance and new empty model<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
SAP2000 will launch automatically in case of ‘new instance’ choice.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
2.2.2 Material mapping<\/h4>\n
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.\u00a0 If you cannot find a suited\u00a0counterpart in the SAP2000 model, the material can be added as new.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n2.1.3 Section mapping<\/h4>\n
A new SAP2000 model has no cross-sections. So all will be added as new.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n
3. Final steps in SAP2000<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Depending on the chosen destination: launch SAP2000 and open the file. Or continue working in the open version of SAP2000.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n4. Get started with BIM Expert
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
- Eurocode Limit States\r\n