Refer to floor plan below from CAD program:
Rules
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for Architectural plans in ETABS
- We only process arcs, lines and closed polys from DXF or DWG file.
- We use closed polygon to create columns and floors.
- For beams and walls we use straight lines and arcs.
- We create center lines b/w two parallel lines or arcs if they are close to user specified value and their length difference is not more than user specified value.
- If a wall is defined in DXF/DWG file as a polygon then we will not create center line. Which means there is no conversion of center line to wall in this case. It is required to explode polygon into lines and arcs (in DXF/DWG file) to get center lines in ETABS/SAFE.
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Steps to import and trace
- In order to import your DWG, you will need to use the full version of AutoCAD (not LT).
- Make sure all elements in the CAD drawing are exploded , prior to import; if the program finds Blocks it will return an error, its . It is also good practice to try to clean up the file of any unnecessary layers/elements irrelevant to structural plans
- The file DWG cannot be open on ACD program. Also notice that in order to import DWG format a full version of AutocAD (not LT) should be installed in the PCUse File>import> in a CAD program.
- Use File > Import > DXF/DWG File of architectural planArchitectural Plan
- Choose coordinates, story level in chic model will be imported, scale, location and options to elements to be neglected when creating center lines as explained above
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6. Plan and all layers will be imported in ETABS
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7. Layers can be turn turned on and off in order to facilitate tracing of elements
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8. Columns can be created all at once by using the quick draw column option, and choosing a column section, in this case if concrete column is used, sizes will be automatically detected and new sections will be created based on columns architectural dimensions, make sure The the Draw object using option is set to Arch. Layer
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