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This pages describes what files are created by SAP2000 during model creation and analysis, and what files should be saved for archiving. h1. Input Files For SAP2000, the main input file is the *.SDB file* which is the binary input file. Depending on the load cases defined in the model, the program sometimes uses additional separate input files listed below to store special information about the model: * Response Spectrum, Time History, Power Spectral Density and Steady State functions (all defined via "Define > Functions") are sometimes stored in *separate function input files* when the "From File" function type is chosen. The user however has the option to convert the data stored in these external input file into a "user defined" data in which case the function data are stored directly within the binary .SDB file. * Construction scheduler data (please note that construction schedules can be created via the "Bridge > Construction Scheduler" menu command) are stored in separate input file with *.BCS* extension. The program also automatically saves *.SBK binary backup files* and *.S$K text backup files* in the model directory. It is recommended to archive the .S2K text backup file in addition to the binary .SDB model file. h1. Analysis Files During the analysis the program creates a number of *binary analysis files* that are used to store intermediate and final analysis results, such as displacements, forces, time history analysis results, etc. If you unlock the model, all these binary intermediate files will get deleted and you would need to re-run the model to re-create these files. If you need to archive the analysis results, the best approach is to export them using Text, Excel, or Access format as described in the next section. Analysis log file with .LOG extension contains useful information (such as numerical problems, convergence problems, total analysis time, etc.) about the completed analyses. h1. Exporting Results Although archiving only the input files will enable you to obtain results by re-running the model, it may be also good idea to export and *archive the analysis results using some common file format, such as Text, Excel spreadsheet, or Access database*. Analysis results can be exported using the "File > Export > SAP2000 .mdb, .xls, or .s2k" menu command and by selecting all analysis results tables. Below are some common situations when archiving analysis results using this approach should be considered: * Re-running the model to obtain analysis results takes significant time. * You need to review the results on a computer without SAP2000. * You need to archive results for a particular version of the program. If you upgrade to a higher version of the program, this will enable you to compare the current version results from the previous version results, if needed. h1. Summary {info} Ideal backup strategy should involve backing up all relevant input files and backing up all exported results that are desired for convenient accessibility. {info} h1. See Also * [Backups and troubleshooting corrupted models] * [General import FAQ] * [File format and settings files] {related-incident:no=23763|comment=Output file for archiving.} {related-incident:no=24973|comment=Archiving SAP2000 models.}article describes how SAP2000 creates input and analysis results files, and how users may archive those files. |
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Input files
The binary input .SDB file is the main SAP2000 input file. Additional input files may be created, depending on the load cases defined, to store specific information about the model. These separate input files are listed as follows:
- Response-spectrum, time-history, power-spectral-density, and steady-state functions, defined through Define > Functions, may be stored in separate function input files when the From File function type is selected. Users have the option to convert the data stored in these external input files into user-defined sets in which function data is stored directly within the binary .SDB file.
- Construction-scheduler data, created through Bridge > Construction Scheduler, is stored in separate input files with a .BCS extension .
Further, .SBK binary backup files and .$2K text backup files are automatically saved in the model directory. We recommend archiving the binary .SDB model file and the .$2K text backup file.
Analysis files
- Binary analysis files are created during analysis to store intermediate and final analysis results. When the model is unlocked, these binary intermediate files are deleted, and analysis must be re-run to re-create these files.
- To archive analysis results, the best approach is to export using Text, Excel, or Access format, the process for which is described in the next section.
- The analysis log file with the .LOG extension contains useful information associated with completed analysis, such as numerical problems, convergence problems, total analysis time, etc.
Exporting results
- Archived input files may be run to obtain analysis results.
- Export and archive analysis results using Text, Excel, Access, or another common file format. Results may be exported through File > Export > SAP2000 .mdb, .xls, or .s2k.
Summary
Backup should account for all relevant input files and exported results.
Some conditions in which archiving may be appropriate include:
- When analysis results take a significant amount of time to generate.
- When results will be reviewed on a computer without SAP2000 .
- When results are archived for a particular software version. Then results from an upgraded version may be compared with those from the current version.
See also
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