General CSI question

[bisandcan]

My company is in the middle of evaluating software. I was picked to work with the CSI family of software. As I have been working with these programs, it seems that there isn't one program that can be used to check everything together. It seems that I am able to export from SAP2000 or ETABS to design and analyze and design columns, slabs, foundation, etc, but I am not able to import the designed files back into SAP2000 or ETABS. Is this the case or am I missing something?

I also see this as only providing the drafters a 2D file for AutoCad. Is there a way for these programs to export a 3D model for the drafters to work with?

Thanks

 

[ingdaniel]

export for column design??

SAP2000 is a general software for structures, bridges, etc.

ETABS is for building design.

SAFE is a general software for slabs and foundation design.

You can export from SAP or Etabs to SAFE for foundation and slabs design. SAP and Etabs allow foundation and slabs design using FEM, but SAFE is special for this so is more easy to do it.

You don need to import anything to SAP or Etabs, because the only thing you might change is the thickness of the slabs...

Hope it help...

Best regards.