Importing columns from DXF File 1

[Bigbeam]

I am trying to import my column locations from a dxf file but can't seem to get it to work. There was mention about creating the columns as blocks in autocad but I can't get that to work. I cant even get the pull down box in the import dxf to pick the layer that I have the columns on Ii would have thought columns would be points).

To bad there isn't an option to just get the entities into etabs and let the user do the actual assignments.

What am I doing wrong?

K

 

[slickdeals]

There are 2 ways to do it. One is the fancy way using blocks, the other is plain and simple way.

1. If you are using blocks, you need to draw a closed shape, I usually use a circle and define that as a new block. Add a new layer and then define all the columns defined as blocks in that layer. Save it as a dxf and when you import it, select that particular layer in the columns drop down box. It usually works 95% of the time.

2. The less fancy and error-free way to do it is to draw an "X" or a "+". Draw lines and not polylines. Once this is done for all columns, save and export as a dxf. Import the columns as beams. Once you do this, you get an "X" or "+" at each column location. Then all you have to do is to click at the intersections and you have your column layout. You can later delete the "X" and "+".

HTH

 

[Bigbeam]

I couldn't get the block method to work (I have no idead why they wouldn't do it with point objects as this is the way safe does it.

Next question is how do you import walls? I can't seem to find any way to easily convert a beam to a wall in etabs.

-k-

 

[slickdeals]

No way to automatically do it. You have to bring them in as beams and then draw wall elements connecting the ends in plan.

 

[drile007]

You can import walls through dxf with 3D polyline or 3Dface. I prefer 3D polyline.

 

[Bigbeam]

drile007
I can get a beam in but not a wall. How did you convert a beam to a wall? As slickdeals said, you have to do that manually.
-k-

 

[drile007]

I didn't convert beam to a wall, I've drawn the walls in Acad with entities like 3dFace or polyline. Then I import dxf file into Etabs.

 

[drp181]

You can import lines as beams, then convert the beams to walls using the "Extrude Lines to Areas" command. Set the delta z to the story height. This can be done for all walls at once, and would seem to be simpler than drawing 3D shapes in CAD.

 

[BrankoK]

To know exactly what goes where, simply create a basic model in Etabs with all beams, walls, columns, braces, and then export to dxf. Then open up the dxf and see how the Etabs have exported all these items. Next time you generate a real model in Acad you will know exactly how to draw a beam, column or wall.

Hope this helps.