By popular request in a number of regions, the Tekla Structural Designer 2020 release adds a link to export an ETABS model to Tekla Structural Designer. This caters for the scenario where for example the engineer has an ETABS model and wishes to investigate design options using Tekla Structural Designer.

For full details on using the link and the data imported see the new Help Topic on this feature.

Key details of the link are:

• The link is via a plugin to ETABS which can be downloaded from the Tekla Warehouse.

• The ETABS plugin export creates a CXL file which is the same file format used for integration with other applications such as Tekla Structures and Revit. The CXL file is then imported into Tekla Structural Designer in the same manner as for other CXL files using the BIM Integration > Structural BIM Import command.

• The following data is transferred by the link in this first release:

  • Grid lines, Levels and Materials

  • Beams and Columns:

    • Concrete - alignment, orientation, end releases, material type and grade and section size:

      • *Note that inclined concrete members are imported as beams, so section sizes not permitted for beams will be converted to rectangular and curved beams are imported as straight.

    • Steel beams, columns, and braces are imported if their section names can be mapped to an equivalent section in Tekla Structural Designer sections database - alignment, orientation, end releases, material type and grade are maintained.

    • Other material beams, columns and braces (and steel sections that can’t be mapped) - are imported as analysis elements with their alignment, orientation and end releases maintained. Section sizes can then be easily applied as required in Tekla Structural Designer.

  • Concrete Walls - imported as meshed concrete walls with geometry, thickness and alignment maintained (sloping walls are excluded).

  • Slabs - imported as two-way spanning slabs on beams

    • Openings - rectangular & circular holes in slabs are imported as slab openings (holes of other shapes imported as rectangular)

    • Curved slab edges are imported as straight edges and sloping slabs are excluded.

    • Thickened slab areas - such as column drops - which are created in ETABS by overlaying slab panels are imported as two panels. They will then be flagged by a validation error and can be easily remodelled in Tekla Structural Designer using the dedicated column drop tool or the slab thickness override option.

  • Diaphragms - ETABS diaphragm objects are not transferred. However all imported slabs have their diaphragm option set to rigid. This can then be reviewed/ edited by the engineer as required.

  • Supports - ETABS support objects are not directly transferred so supports are created as follows:

    • Pinned supports (Fx, Fy, Fz and Mz fixed) are created under every column (unless a supporting member such as a transfer beam is detected)

    • Supports pinned about the minor axis created under every wall (unless a supporting member is detected)

    • All other ETABS joint restraints are excluded, including Springs.

  • Trusses - imported as analysis elements

  • Loads - are excluded.