SAFE not responding when running model imported from ETABS

[eunicehuang]

Hi,

I am involved in a project with a 30-storey tall building. As there is a transfer plate in the building, I try to import the storey from ETABS to SAFE to analyze the thick plate.

The problem I encounter is, every time I try to run analysis in SAFE, the program is not responding and shows "Creating Analysis Model: (40.0%) Elements - Task 7 of 15" in the status bar. I wonder if there is something wrong in the model but no errors or warnings are reported either in ETABS or in SAFE. Does anyone encounter this before or know about this?

Grateful if somebody can help. Thanks.

 

[chekre]

Are you doing a non linear analysis ?

Try to increase your mesh size and rerun the model.

 

[eunicehuang]

Hi Chekre. Thanks for your reply! I am doing linear analysis. Actually it still doesn't work when I leave it auto meshed.

In fact I receive reply from CSI Technical Support today:
"SAFE program is having difficulties auto meshing the slab atop of external meshing. There is no need to subdivide the slab and then further auto mesh it the was you did as this could generate issues when creating finite element analysis model. See attached model updated for your information ONLY, we merged area objects via edit>edit areas>merge areas with same property and loadings then ran the analysis model in few seconds."

The logic of ETABS needs dividing the slabs by the supporting beams so that the load can be transferred from slab to beam. Seems SAFE is more clever in this. So I merge the subdivided slabs and problem's solved!