State-of-the-Art Computer
Aided Analysis with CSI ETABS
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Introduction
ETABS is a special purpose software developed by the CSI (the same company which
released its general purpose software SAP2000) for the analysis and design of buildings.
It is a software widely used for the three dimensional static and dynamic analysis of high-
rise buildings.
ETABS is a full-featured program that can be used from the simplest problems to the most
complex building projects.
ETABS is one of the most comprehensive structural analysis package available in the
market for the Modeling, Analysis and Design of High-rise Buildings.
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KEY FEATURES:
Optimized for modeling of multistory buildings
3D perspective, plan, elevation, developed elevation, and custom views
3D model generation using plans and elevations
Fast generation of the model using the concept of similar stories
Parametric Templates – automatic model generation of typical structures using powerful templates
Interactive model creation; fully graphical interface; realistic modelling
Powerful grouping, selection and viewing options
CAD drawing/editing for fast, intuitive framing layout
Multiple simultaneous rectangular and cylindrical grid systems
Extensive section database
Graphical section designer for defining custom sections
Quick draw options to create objects with one mouse click
Customized display of parameters and attributes
Analysis integrated with post-processing and design
Extensive Analysis Capabilities of ETABS
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Extensive Analysis Capabilities of ETABS:
Linear Static Analysis
Linear Dynamic Analysis
Static and Dynamic P-Delta Analysis
Static Non-Linear Analysis
Dynamic Non-Linear Analysis
Multiple Response Spectrum Analysis
Multiple Time History Analysis
Construction sequence loading Analysis
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Powerful Object Based Elements
Area objects:
Line objects: Point objects:
Walls Columns Supports
Slabs/Decks Beams Springs
Openings Braces Loads
Links
Loads
Springs
Loads
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A Simple Modelling Example
4 Storey Building
Columns: 400x400
Beams: 600x400
Slab Thickness :150mm
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Units:
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Model Template:
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Grid Labels:
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Grid Data:
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Defining Materials:
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Defining Materials:
Add different materials by ‘Add New Material’ option.
To make an assignment to an object, select the object and then click the appropriate Assign
menu command.
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Defining Material Properties:
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Defining Material Properties:
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Select object
Draw Tool bar:
Draw Beam/Column/Brace
Reshape object (Plan,Elev,3D)
Quick Draw
Beam/Column
(Plan,Elev,3D)
Quick Draw
Columns (Plan,3D)
Draw Rectangular
Floor,/wall
(Plan,Elev)
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Create columns from draw tool options.
Create beams (preferably in one direction, left-right or right-left).
Use the concept of ‘Similar Stories’ for your ease.
A Master Story cannot be similar to other stories, but other stories can be similar to
it.
When objects are drawn and the All Stories option is enabled, objects are drawn at
the first story and above, not on the base (or support) level.
Use the Edit menu > Edit Story and Grid System Data command to modify and in
some cases tweak the geometry of a model as needed (e.g., add or delete a story,
add a new grid system or modify an existing one).
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Creating Slabs:
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Generally ‘Shell’ elements are used.
Thin < 300 (Area).
Thick – For rafts etc.
Make slabs in one direction either
clockwise or anti-clockwise.
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Defining Loads
-Loads represent actions upon the structures, such as force, pressure, support
settlement, thermal effects, ground acceleration, and others.
-A spatial distribution of loads upon the structure is called a load pattern. An unlimited
number of load patterns can be defined in ETABS.
-Typically, separate load patterns would be defined for dead load, live load, wind load,
snow load, and so on.
-Loads that need to vary independently, for design purposes or because of how they are
applied to the structure, should be defined as a separate load pattern.
-ETABS uses the type of load pattern to create automatic design load combinations.
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Assigning Loads:
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Assigned loads for the model can be displayed
in the 3-D view..
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Analysis:
Use the Analyze menu > Set Load Cases
to Run command to check the analysis
status of the cases, delete results for cases
that have already been run, set which
cases are to be run, and run the analysis
or just save the settings.
After these settings have been set,
subsequent analyses can be run using the
Analyze menu > Run Analysis command.
When the analysis is complete, scroll
through the text in the Analysis Window
to check for any warnings or errors that
might invalidate the analysis.
Save your models often!
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Analysis:
If the model has floors, walls or ramps that require manual meshing, use the manual meshing
options available through the Analyze menu > Automatic Rectangular Mesh Settings for Floors or
Analyze menu > Automatic Rectangular Mesh Settings for Walls commands to mesh these
objects.
Note that ETABS can automatically mesh floors that have membrane properties only.
All other floors and all walls and ramps must be manually meshed.
It is recommended to perform manual meshing before running the analysis.
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