ETAB Software in 3D Frame Analysis

[bratty]

Hi
Can ETAB Software in 3D, 2D frame design or non-orthogonal frame analysis? How does it compare to SAP or STAAD Software?

 

[JoshPlumSE]

ETABS can absolutely be used for frame design. Whether orthogonal or non-orthogonal.

You'll fine ETABS is very similar to SAP2000. It's just a different emphasis. ETABS is going to be more geared towards building like structures. Whereas SAP2000 is more of a general purpose FEM package.

In that sense, the ETABS interface will be simpler without some of the general purpose features that SAP2000 has. ETABS will be a little more geared towards design than SAP2000 is.

Caveat:
I spent 16 years working for RISA earlier in my career and I now work for CSI (which sells SAP and ETABS). So, I am not exactly an unbiased source.