In on-line "Sap2000 Help" look up "Import AutoCAD dxf dwg File". Following the given instructions, draw in Autocad whatever geometrical shape stair slab you need, then import it to SAP.
You don't have to pick nodes manually in 3D view or import from an Autocad in order to draw/model in an inclined plane. There are a number of other options..in fact, more options than any other program I've seen (i'm open to being corrected here by someone with more experience). One of the reasons we purchased SAP was its ability to so easily model and analyze skewed elements
1. When drawing ramps or any other inclined areas(shells/plates)or frame members, use the options menu to set up three(3)Windows, one w/3D view and the other two windows with 2D views which you will use to draw. If you want to draw a ramp, for example, from one level to another, have your two 2D views be the levels where you are drawing to and from. Use draw Quad draw option and start drawing in one 2D view, then move your mouse to the other 2D view window to draw, which 'drags' the area to the other level, and then click to draw in this second 2D view window.
At the same time while drawing in 2D, you can graphically visualize your ramp using the 3D view. Try this..it's a cool technique for drawing/modeling
2. You can draw special joints anywhere in the model in 2D or 3D view window, then right click to modify the coordinates. Also, you can draw joints using offset dimensions, which draws the joints a user specified offset distance from wherever you mouse click. I haven't seen another structural program which allows you to draw joints using offset dimensions from existing joints and grid intersections
3. Regarding the comment above about table input, I assume debaiky is working with an old version of SAP. Using the Edit menu, go to interactive database and you can input or modify joint coordinates or any other parameter using spreadsheets, with options to interactively import and export using Excel.
Using the SAP interactive database spreadsheet editing joint coordinates, click on an existing joint in the spreadsheet and then look carefully at your views...SAP displays a blinking red joint where you clicked on the spreadsheet in order to graphically show you where that joint is located, which is a help when working with big models.
4. For ramps, another modeling technique is to draw an inclined line type element in a 2D elevation view..doesn't matter what the properties of the line are. Then select this line by clicking on it and go to the Edit menu and find the 'Extrude' options to extrude a line into an area. This feature (which i've never seen in another structural program) extrudes the line into an area. You could extrude the line into a 20 foot area or two 10 foot areas or whatever you want. You can use this technique to draw inclined areas in any plane
Since output is in local axis, this is another advantage for SAP when dealing with inclined areas and members. I've worked with other programs which just give you results in global axis only which is a pain
There may be other ways to draw/model inclined or skewed areas and frames that I'm not aware of, or maybe something added to the new version 9 which we haven't installed yet. I'm always trying to learn modeling tricks to save time, so if anyone has other ideas or suggestions, please post them
You say (masomenos) ?I haven't seen another structural program which allows you to draw joints using offset dimensions from existing joints and grid intersections?
Below is link for website from which you can download demo
version of software tower 5. I think that in the world there
is not more user friendly structural software...
Proces drawing is like in AutoCAD!
Don't ya just love it when salesmen intrude onto the forums? If you have something to contribute which may help, then say it, and be specific. If you want to advertise, I suggest you contact the owners of this site
Hi!
It is not true, when you say that I am salesmen. I am studing structural engeenering, and only looking for good
structural software.
Thank you on your suggestion, I respect it. This web site
is very useful for structural engineers, and in future
I will try to be more specific.
