In the current version of ETABS, the group assignment is not replicated when objects are replicated using any of the available replication options. Similarly, group assignments will be lost if a frame or an area objects is manually meshed. The program is intentionally designed to behave this way. Given how the group definition is used in the program, we want the user to explicitly assign the replicated (or divided) elements to groups. As an example, a staged construction analysis relies on groups and it is very easy to mess up a staged construction analysis if the group definition is retained for objects that have been replicated across the stories.
We do, however, recognize the need for giving the users option to replicate the group assignment as well. The next major release of ETABS, currently under development, will provide more functionality in this regard.When replicating structural objects and systems, ETABS does not automatically replicate group assignments. This is to prevent unintended group assignment, which may otherwise occur easily, and affect analysis. Users should explicitly assign replicated and divided objects into groups.