The most common type of export to CAD is DXF. That only exports lines. You can preserve shape information (based on the layer name) but I don't know of any way to convert that into a view of the section in CAD.
The other export formats (SDNF, ProSteel, CIS/2, and BIM exchange file) will give you a lot more information than a simple DXF file. Some commments on this subject:
The SDNF file, I believe, is mostlty a Microstation and Integraph format. If your cad package can read this file, then all the shape information should come over.
The ProSteel exchange file was really written by the ProSteel folks (who are now owned by Bentley). If you've got ProSteel chances are the exchange will still work. But, it may take some effort getting to the right guys on the Bently side to help you with any technical support questions you may have.
The CIS/2 format can be imported and exported by a number of programs. But, usually it's more along the lines of steel detailinlg programs (X Steel, SDS/2, et cetera) rather than pure CAD programs. But, this is an excellent format if your CAD program supports it.
The BIM exchange file was really built to work with Revit. It's sort of the "gold standard" for exchanging information right now. So, if you've got Revit, then this is your best bet.
Right now we are limited to RISA 3D v.5.0 and AutoCAD 2004 (really time to update these programs). I think you and I talked previously about exporting shapes and you had said that it wouldn't work. This time I was more curious about the actual text portion. For instance when you have a wire frame model in 3D with shape names on, is there any way to export the names as well? From what you have already told me, I am guessing that this is not possible.
RISA-3D will not create "labels" for the members in a DXF file. That's pretty tricky to do on a 3D drawing. RISAFloor will do it, but that's because it's only giving you 2D plan view drawings of the floor.
However, RISA-3D will export the shape or section set labels in some form. Version 5.0 may be a bit more rudimentary, but I thik it still works. Essentially, if you request it, then all the W12x65 members will go on a single W12x65 layer. If AutoCAD offers a way to graphically display the layer name as a label on a line or element, then you could get it to work this way.
Unfortunately, I have spent most of my career deliberately avoiding becoming too familar with AutoCAD. So, I don't really know if this is possible or not. Maybe AutoCAD will allow this, maybe it won't.
