1 INTRODUCTION OF ETABS
1 INTRODUCTION OF ETABS
For nearly thirty years, ETABS has been identified as the industry standard for
Building Analysis and Design Software. Today, continuing along with the similar
tradition, ETABS I emerged into a quietly developed structure analysis and
design program. The system built around an aesthetically object based
graphical user interface, powered by desired new special aspiration algorithms
for analysis and design, with facilities for drafting as well as producing output
recreating standards of integration, creativity and technical innovation.
ETABS is a software that provides analysis and design of multi-story buildings. It is
primarily used by civil engineers, structural engineers, and architects for the analysis and
design of buildings and other structures.
Figure 4
There are several user interface elements derived from toolbars:
• An address bar, location bar or URL bar is a toolbar that mainly consists
of a text box. It typically accepts URLs or file system addresses. They are
found in web browsers and file managers.
• A breadcrumb or breadcrumb trail allows users to keep track of their
locations within a program or a file system. They are toolbars whose
contents dynamically change to indicate the navigation path.
• A ribbon was originally used to refer to a toolbar, but it now means a
complex user interface which consists of multiple toolbars chosen
between through tabs.
• A taskbar is a toolbar provided by an operating system to launch, monitor
and manipulate software. A taskbar may hold other sub-toolbars.
• A search box is not in itself a toolbar but one may appear within a
toolbar, as is the case with the address bar.
• Toolbars may appear in various software. Some internet browsers allow
the user to customize its toolbars' contents or location. Plug-ins can be
used to add new toolbars to some programs.
• Sometimes horse viruses will take the form of a toolbar.
1. *FILE MENU:*
- New Model: Starts a new ETABS project.
- Open Model: Opens an existing ETABS project.
- Save Model: Saves the current ETABS project.
- Save As: Saves the current ETABS project with a new name or location.
- Close Model: Closes the current ETABS project.
- Import: Imports data from other file formats.
- Export: Exports data to other file formats.
- Print: Prints the current view or model.
- Preferences: Adjusts application settings and preferences.
- Exit: Quits the ETABS application.
2. *EDIT MENU:*
- Undo/Redo: Reverses or reapplies the most recent action.
- Cut/Copy/Paste: Manipulates selected elements.
- Select All: Selects all elements in the model.
- Find/Replace: Searches for specific elements or text in the model.
- Preferences: Adjusts editing preferences and settings.
3. *VIEW MENU:*
- Toolbars: Toggles the display of various toolbars.
- Show/Hide: Controls the visibility of different elements in the model.
- Zoom/Pan/Rotate: Adjusts the view of the model.
- Grid/Axis Systems: Controls the display of grid and axis systems.
7. *ANALYSIS MENU:*
- Run Analysis: Performs structural analysis.
- Display Options: Controls the display of analysis results.
- Analysis Options: Adjusts analysis settings and parameters.
- Preferences: Adjusts analysis preferences and settings.
8. *DESIGN MENU:*
- Design Strips: Defines design strips for slab design.
- Design Sections: Performs section design for frame elements.
- Design Options: Adjusts design preferences and settings. - Preferences:
Adjusts design preferences and settings.
9. *DISPLAY MENU:*
- Show/Hide: Controls the visibility of different elements in the model.
- Render: Adjusts the rendering settings for graphical display.
- Display Options: Customizes the display settings.
- Results Display: Controls the display of analysis results.
These menus provide users with access to a wide range of tools and functions,
allowing for efficient modeling, analysis, and design of structural systems within
the ETABS software.
GRID FORMATION
Certainly! Let's break down the process of grid formation in ETABS into a detailed
guide with key points:
1. *INTRODUCTION TO ETABS*:
- ETABS is a powerful structural analysis and design software developed by
Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI).
- Widely used by structural engineers and designers for modeling and
analyzing buildings and other structures.
6. *ASSIGNING LABELS*:
- Each grid line is assigned a label or identifier to distinguish it from others.
- Labels are typically alphanumeric characters for horizontal lines and
numerical values for vertical lines.
7. *PLACING GRID LINES*:
- Grid lines should be strategically placed to intersect key reference points
in the building layout.
11. *CONCLUSION*:
- Grid formation is a crucial aspect of structural modeling in ETABS.
- By establishing a well-defined grid system, users can ensure accuracy and
efficiency in their building designs.
- Understanding the process and principles of grid formation is essential for
successful modeling and analysis in ETABS.
In summary, grid formation in ETABS is a systematic process that involves
defining, modifying, and managing grid systems within the software. By following
these key points and best practices, users can establish a reliable framework for
accurately placing and aligning structural elements within their building models,
ensuring the integrity and efficiency of their designs.
UNITS
In structural engineering, accurate unit management is crucial for ensuring the
integrity and reliability of analysis and design processes. ETABS, being a
sophisticated software tool for structural analysis and design, offers
comprehensive capabilities for managing units effectively. In this detailed
exploration, we'll delve into the nuances of unit management in ETABS, covering
various aspects such as unit systems, length units, force units, mass units,
temperature units, and other relevant parameters.
Length units in ETABS determine the scale for dimensions such as distances,
heights, and lengths of structural elements. Users can choose from a range of
length units including inches, feet, millimeters, centimeters, and meters.
Selecting the appropriate length unit is essential for accurately representing the
physical dimensions of the structure within the software. It ensures that
geometric parameters, such as member sizes and building dimensions, are
correctly interpreted and displayed in the model.
Force units in ETABS define the scale for loads, reactions, and internal forces
within the structural model. Common force units available in ETABS include kips
(k), pounds (lb), newtons (N), and kilonewtons (kN). Choosing the correct force
unit is critical for accurately representing applied loads, reactions at supports,
and internal forces in structural members. It ensures consistency between input
loads, analysis results, and design calculations, thereby enhancing the reliability
of the structural analysis.
Mass units in ETABS are used for defining the mass of structural elements and
applying mass loads in dynamic analyses. Typical mass units include pounds (lb)
and kilograms (kg). Mass distribution plays a significant role in dynamic analysis,
especially in seismic analysis and vibration studies where the dynamic response
of the structure is influenced by its mass properties. Selecting the appropriate
mass unit ensures accurate representation of mass-related parameters and
dynamic behavior in the analysis results.
*5Temperature Units
Temperature units in ETABS specify the scale for temperature changes, which can
affect material properties and thermal analyses. Common temperature units
available in ETABS include Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C). Temperature
variations can impact material behavior, such as thermal expansion and
contraction, and may need to be considered in certain types of analyses,
particularly those involving thermal loading or fire resistance assessments.
Choosing the correct temperature unit ensures consistency in thermal analysis
and material modeling.
ASSIGNING OF MATERIALS
Assigning materials in ETABS is a crucial step in structural modeling, as it
defines the mechanical properties and behavior of structural elements within
the software. Here's a detailed guide on how to assign materials in ETABS:
2.7 *1. ACCESSING MATERIAL ASSIGNMENT:*
-
- Open your ETABS project and navigate to the plan or elevation view where
you want to assign materials.
- Select the structural elements (e.g., beams, columns, slabs) to which you
want to assign materials.
LOAD CASES:
cases in ETABS are fundamental components of structural analysis, enabling
engineers to evaluate the behavior of a structure under different loading
conditions. In this detailed guide, we'll explore load cases in ETABS
comprehensively, covering their definition, types, creation, application, analysis,
ombinations, and best practices for effective load case management.
2.18 *1. DEFINITION OF LOAD CASES:*
Load cases in ETABS represent specific combinations of loads applied to a
structural model to assess its response. These loads include dead loads, live
loads, wind loads, seismic loads, temperature loads, and other external forces
acting on the structure. Each load case defines a unique set of loading conditions
under which the structure's behavior is analyzed.
LOAD COMBINATION
- D = Dead Load
- L = Live Load
- Lr = Roof Live Load
- S = Snow Load
- W = Wind Load
2.33 *EXPLANATION:*
- The load factors (1.2, 1.6, 0.5, and 0.8) are applied to each load
component based on their respective characteristics and expected behavior. -
Dead loads (D) represent the permanent loads due to the weight of the
structure and fixed elements such as walls, floors, and roofs.
- Live loads (L) represent the transient loads due to the occupants,
furniture, and movable loads within the structure
In this Step, the extent of the rigid floor diaphragms will be displayed. Rigid diaphragms are
typically used to model floor systems that have a large stiffness in-plane by removing the in-plane
degrees of freedom. A rigid diaphragm has no in-plane deformations, and therefore, no in-plane
shell stresses are reported by the program. However, in reality, these diaphragms do carry inplane
forces (see the Display menu > Force/Stress
Diagrams > Diaphragm Forces command), and thus users should make sure that they design and
detail the diaphragms for these forces, e.g. by using chords and collectors to transfer forces from the
diaphragms into the lateral resisting frames and walls.
- Roof live loads (Lr) or snow loads (S) account for additional loads on the roof,
depending on the building location and climate conditions.
- Wind loads (W)
represent the lateral forces exerted by wind on the building envelope, including
walls, roofs, and façades.
This load combination ensures that the structure is designed to withstand the
combined effects of dead loads, live loads, roof live loads or snow loads, and
wind loads, providing a safe and structurally sound building for its intended use.
It's important to note that the specific load combination and load factors may
vary depending on the design code, building type, and project requirements.
Engineers should always refer to the applicable design standards and consult
with relevant authorities to determine the appropriate load combinations for their
specific design scenarios.
MODELING:
Modeling in ETABS involves creating a digital representation of a building or
structure for analysis and design purposes. In this detailed guide, we'll explore
the process of modeling in ETABS comprehensively, covering various aspects
such as geometry creation, structural elements, properties assignment, load
application, analysis settings, and best practices for effective modeling.
- Common
structural elements include columns, beams, slabs, walls, braces, and
foundations.
- Specify the size,
shape, orientation, and connectivity of each element to accurately represent the
structural system.
2.36 *3. PROPERTIES ASSIGNMENT:*
- Assign material
properties to structural elements based on the type of construction materials
used in the building.
- Define
mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, compressive
strength, and tensile strength for each material.
- Assign section
properties (e.g., cross-sectional dimensions, moments of inertia) to beams,
columns, and other members to capture their structural behavior accurately.
- Conduct a visual
inspection of the model and review input data to ensure it aligns with project
specifications and design intent.
2.40 *7. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION:*
- Perform
structural analysis using the defined load cases, load combinations, and analysis
settings.
- Review analysis
results to assess the structural response under different loading conditions.
- Interpret
analysis results to identify critical areas, evaluate performance criteria, and
optimize the structural design.
2.41 *8. MODEL REFINEMENT AND ITERATION:*
- Refine the
structural model based on analysis results, feedback, and design revisions.
- Make
adjustments to geometry, element properties, load application, and analysis
settings as needed.
-
-
-
-
- Iterate the
modeling process to achieve the desired level of accuracy, reliability, and
efficiency in the structural analysis and design.
Make the Plan View active by clicking on the Plan View Title Tab.
D. Click the Show Deformed Shape button, , or the Display menu
> Deformed Shape command to display the Deformed Shape form.
1. On the Deformed Shape form, select Wind from the Case
Load drop-down list.
2. Set the Step Number to 1 - there should be a total of 12 step
s
available for the Wind load case
.
3. Click the OK button to display the deformed shape
Note that even though the wind load for Step 1 (Set 1) is applied in the X direction, there is a
rotation of the structure due to the
In this Step, the concrete slabs will be designed using design strips. Note that the
analysis (Step 7) should be run before performing design.
NOTE: The design of concrete slabs is not available in all levels of the
program.
A. Make sure that the Plan View is active - this can be done by clicking on the
Display Title Tab.
B. Click the Set Display Options button or use the View menu >
Set Display Options command and the Set View Options form will
appear.
C. In the Objects Present in View area, check the Design Strip Layer A option and the
Design Strip Layer B option. This will display the template defined design strips –
these design strips are typically mutually perpendicular and arranged based on the
location of supports.
D. Click OK to close the Set View Options form.
E. Right click on a design strip to display the Strip Object Information
Review the information on the form. Note the Strip Layer – typically strips are defined as
A or B, and the Strip Design Type (e.g., middle or column). Also note that the Ignore PT
for Design is set to No, which means that post-tensioning stresses will be included in the
design, but only if post-tensioning has been defined. Since no posttensioning has been
defined in this model, this setting will be ignored. Design strip settings should be defined
prior to running the analysis, and the commands to control the design strip options are
located under the Edit menu. Post-tensioning tendons may be added to selected design
strips by using the Edit menu > Add/Edit Tendons command. Mild reinforcing (rebar)
may be added to design strips by using the Edit menu > Add/Edit Slab Rebar
command. Design strips may be added to the model or modified after they are added
using the
Edit menu > Add/Edit Design Strips command This example will use the default design
strip settings as laid out by the model template. Click the OK button to close the form after
reviewing.
G. Click the Design menu > Concrete Slab Design > View/Revise
Preferences command. The Concrete Slab Design Preferences form will display.
3. Click the Design menu > Concrete Slab Design > Start Design command to
start the design process. The program designs the selected concrete slab(s),
specifying the required flexural reinforcing based on the shape and size of the
When the design is complete, the top and bottom slab reinforcing for
Click the Design menu > Concrete Slab Design > Display Flexural
Design command to display the Slab Design
1. In the Choose Strip Direction area, uncheck the Layer A checkbox, and
check the
Layer B checkbox.
2. Select the Show Number of Bars of Size option and verify that #5 bars are
selected.
3. Click the Apply button to display on the Plan View the design strip
Save command, or the Save button, , to save your model. The concrete building design tutorial
is now complete
structural engineers in the efficient and accurate design and analysis of buildings
engineering.