Some useful commands in SAP2000

1. Extrude Command
Use the Edit menu > Extrude command to sweep selected objects through space to create new
objects of higher dimension or to convert lines to areas and areas to solids with the same
thickness as the original line or area object. The process of extrusion increases the dimensional
space of an existing object by one. In other words, line objects are of one dimension that can be
generated from a dimensionless object, the point object. In a similar manner, a twodimensional object, area or plate/shell can be generated from a one-dimensional object, the
line object. This feature is especially suited to creating solid objects from plate/shells,
plate/shell objects from beams and beams/columns from points/nodes.

a) Extrude points to Frame/Cable

- This command is used to convert points into lines.
This tool can be used to draw columns on X-Y plane. In order for this command to work
a minimum of one joint should be selected.

From Extrude Points to Lines tab shown below select type of extrusion desired. Also
specify the extrusion direction with their respective increments and number of copies.
For instance to extrude the above point into a column of height 3m with section
property FSEC1, set Increment data dz = -3.0 to extrude it downward.

b) Extrude lines to Areas

- This command is used to convert lines into area. This tool
can be used to draw walls on X-Y plane. In order for this command to work a minimum
of one frame should be selected.

Frame
object
selected

From Extrude Frame to Areas tab shown below select type of extrusion desired. Also
specify the extrusion direction with their respective increments and number of copies.
For instance to extrude the above frame into a wall of height 3m with section property
ASEC1, set Increment data dz = -3.0 to extrude it downward.

2. Replicate Command
Replicate is another very powerful way of generating a large model from a small model when
the objects and/or joints form a linear or radial pattern or are symmetrical about a plane. When
joints or objects are replicated, the assignments on those joints and objects are also replicated
Steps to be followed
a) Select the objects to be replicated.
b) Click the Edit menu > Replicate command and choose the Linear, Radial, or Mirror tab
to complete the following types of replication.
To Replicate in a Linear Array
Steps to be followed
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Select the members and joints to be replicated.

Click the Edit menu > Replicate command to access the Replicate form.
Click on the Linear tab.
Fill in the dx, dy and dz offset distances in the Increments edit boxes.
Type the number of times the selected entities are to be replicated in the Number edit
box.
f) Click the OK button.

3. Group Command
The concept of groups is the backbone of some powerful tools in SAP2000. A group is a
collection of objects that is assigned a unique name. Groups may be used for many different
purposes. Each object may be part of as many groups as needed. All objects are part of the
built-in group named "ALL."
Steps to be followed
a) Select the objects to be included in a group.
b) Click the Assign menu > Assign to Groups command to access the Assign/Define
Group Names form.
If a group has not already been defined, use the buttons on the
Assign/Define Group Names form in the same manner as described in the
Define Groups topic to define a group name and specify uses for the grouped
objects.
If a group has been defined, or after one has been defined, click on the
desired group name in the Groups list box.
c) In the lower left-hand corner of the Assign/Define Group Names form, select the
appropriate option:
Add to Group. Adds the selected objects to others already in the group.
Replace Group. Deletes the existing objects in the group and replaces them with
the current selection.
Delete from Group. Delete the selected objects from the group.
d) Click the OK button to close the form.