PRACTICAL - 1

Aim: To attain basic knowledge of ETABS Software & related tools

Theory: ETABS is the abbreviation of “Extended 3D Analysis of building System”. ETABS is a

product of Computers and Structures, Inc. which is recognized globally as the pioneering leader
in structural engineering analysis and design software for structural and earthquake engineering.
It is an engineering software product that caters to multi-story building analysis and design.
Modeling tools and templates, code-based load prescriptions, analysis methods and solution
techniques, all coordinate with the grid-like geometry unique to this class of structure. Basic or
advanced systems under static or dynamic conditions may be evaluated using this software.

Modeling of Structural Systems

Fundamental to ETABS modeling is the generalization that multi-story buildings typically
consist of identical or similar floor plans that repeat in the vertical direction. Modeling features
that streamline analytical-model generation, and simulate advanced seismic systems, are listed as
follows:
• Templates for global-system and local-element modeling
• Customized section geometry and constitutive behavior
• Grouping of frame and shell objects
• Automatic meshing with manual options
• Editing and assignment features for plan, elevation, and 3D views

Loading, Analysis, and Design

Once modeling is complete, ETABS automatically generates and assigns code-based loading
conditions for gravity, seismic, wind, and thermal forces. Users may specify an unlimited
number of load cases and combinations.
Analysis capabilities then offer advanced nonlinear methods for characterization of static-
pushover and dynamic response. Dynamic considerations may include modal, response-
spectrum, or time-history analysis.
Given enveloping specification, design features will automatically size elements and systems,
design reinforcing schemes, and optimize the structure according to desired performance
measures.
Output, Interoperability, and Versatility
Output and display formats are also practical and intuitive. Moment, shear, and axial force
diagrams, presented in 2D and 3D views with corresponding data sets, may be organized into
customizable reports.
ETABS also features interoperability with related software products, providing for the import of
architectural models from various technical drawing software, or export to various platforms and
file formats. SAFE, the floor and foundation slab design software with post-tensioning (PT)
capability, is one such option for export. CSI coordinated SAFE to be used in conjunction with
ETABS such that engineers could more thoroughly detail, analyze, and design the individual
levels of an ETABS model.
While ETABS features a variety of sophisticated capabilities, the software is equally useful for
designing basic systems. It is the practical choice for all grid-like applications ranging from
simple 2D frames to the most complex high rises.

Advantages of ETABS over other design software

• Model editing is pretty simple. Any item can be moved from one spot to another,
combined with other objects using the merge command, made similar using the mirror
command, and copied in the same or different story levels.
• One may accurately draw an object using the snap command, which has end,
perpendicular, and centre parameters.
• Any item, such as a beam, column, slab, wall, etc., can be quickly created with just one
mouse click.
• In the ETABS application, there is simple window switching among several views. With
this function, you can design or change your model while viewing it in real time.
• It is simple to create your model and edit it thanks to the 3D view's various zoom options
and panning command, which allows you to move the entire model quickly and without
rotating it.
• The 3D model has various view options, including a plan view, any side elevation view,
and even a view that the modeller customises.
• Through a section designer, every type of shape and material can have its sectional
dimensions graphically inserted. This curriculum offers almost every shape for different
members.
• Different working aspects can take advantage of the model geometry's exporting
functionality to .dxf files.
• Make use of EC-Praxis 3J connection; this enables analysis and design for steel structure
connections easier.
• It is now simple to consider the self-weight of different members even when the size is
altered thanks to automatic consideration of material self-weight.
• Also, the software is far faster to automatically create earthquake and wind loads than to
manually calculate and assign them to a 3D model.
• It is not needed to define each load combination separately; this automates compliance
with your defined building code and saves you time.
Result: Basic information on ETABS has been studied.