Refer to floor plan below from CAD program:
Rules 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.
In case of 'E' shaped wall we will create lines for all horizontal legs but there will not be vertical center lines as there are no two parallel lines in this direction.
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. It is also good practice to clean up the file of any unnecessary layers/elements irrelevant to structural plans
- The DWG cannot be open in a CAD program.
- Use File > Import > DXF/DWG File of Architectural 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
6. Plan and all layers will be imported in ETABS
7. Layers can be turned on and off in order to facilitate tracing of elements
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 Draw object using option is set to Arch. Layer
8) To create slab object, right click at the edge of the area element and choose Add ETABS area
9) To create beams right click on beam elements and Choose Add ETABS beams
10) Walls can be created either by using the Draw walls command, then right click on center line of wall, and choose Add Wall
10) Or using the Quick draw walls option, choosing to draw objects based on Arch Layer, and selection all walls using rubber band
11) Finally the floor plan can be replicated to all other floors by selecting all elements and using the Edit>replicate> stories option
