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IMPORT ARCHITECTURAL DXF OR DWG FLOOR PLANS INTO ETABS FOR TRACING
Refer to floor plan below from CAD program:

Image Modified Here are some rules about Architectural

Rules for Architectural plans in ETABS

1. We ETABS only process arcs, lines and closed polys from DXF or DWG file.
2. We use ETABS uses closed polygon polygons to create columns and floors. Only rectangular and circular columns can be converted to ETABS columns
3. For beams and walls we use , ETABS uses straight lines and arcs.
4. We create center lines b/w ETABS creates centerlines between two parallel lines, polylines or arcs if they the centerlines are close to user your 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/SAFEyour specified value.

In the case of an 'E' shaped wall we , ETABS will create lines for all horizontal legs but there will no vertical center lines . There will not be vertical centerlines as there are no not two continuous parallel lines in this direction. It is shown below

Steps to

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import and trace

1. In order to import your DWG, you will need to use the full version of AutoCAD (not LT).
2. 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
3. The file Elements in layers "0" or "Defpoints" will not be imported
4. The 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.
5. Use File > Import > DXF/DWG File of architectural planArchitectural Plan
6. Choose coordinates, story level in chic the model will to be imported, scale, location and options to elements to be neglected when creating center lines as explained above. Maximum distance between parallel lines is very important specially when creating walls, this value should be set to approximately the maximum wall thickness or beam width  in the plan.

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5) Plan
6. The 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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7)Columns

8.  Columns can be created all at once by using the quick draw Quick Draw column option, and choosing a column section, in this case if . If concrete column is used, sizes will be automatically detected and new sections will be created based on columns architectural dimensions, make . Make sure The the Draw object using Object Using option is set to Arch. Layer.

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9. To create slab object, right click at the edge of the area element and choose Add ETABS areaArea.

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9) 10. To create beams, right click on beam elements and Choose choose Add ETABS beamsBeam.

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11. Walls can be created either by using the Draw walls Walls command, then right click clicking on center line centerline of the wall, and choose choosing Add Wall

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10) Or using the Quik draw walls option, chosing 12. or by using the Quick Draw Walls option, choosing to draw objects based on Arch Layer, and selection then selecting all walls using the rubber band.

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13. Finally, the floor plan can be replicated to all other floors by selecting all elements All Elements and using the Edit>replicate> stories option
Image RemovedEdit > Replicate > Stories option.

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Downloads:

Test floor plan: test.dxf