Fz LLC

Exclusive Distributor in the Middle East for CSI Software licensing,

technical support and training solutions www.techiesoft.com
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Integrated Analysis, Design and Drafting of

Building Systems
HOME

ETABS 2013 Overview

The innovative and revolutionary new ETABS 2013 is the ultimate integrated software package
for the structural analysis and design of buildings. Incorporating 40 years of continuous
research and development, this latest ETABS offers unmatched 3D object based modeling and
visualization tools, blazingly fast linear and nonlinear analytical power, sophisticated and
comprehensive design capabilities for a wide-range of materials, and insightful graphic displays,
reports, and schematic drawings that allow users to quickly and easily decipher and understand
analysis and design results.
From the start of design conception through the production of schematic drawings, ETABS 2013
integrates every aspect of the engineering design process. Creation of models has never been
easier - intuitive drawing commands allow for the rapid generation of floor and elevation
framing. CAD drawings can be converted directly into ETABS models or used as templates onto
which ETABS objects may be overlaid. The state-of-the-art SAPFire 64-bit solver allows
extremely large and complex models to be rapidly analyzed, and supports nonlinear modeling
techniques such as construction sequencing and time effects (e.g., creep and shrinkage). Design
of steel and concrete frames (with automated optimization), composite beams, composite
columns, steel joists, and concrete and masonry shear walls is included, as is the capacity check
for steel connections and base plates. Models may be realistically rendered, and all results can
be shown directly on the structure. Comprehensive and customizable reports are available for
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all analysis and design output, and schematic construction drawings of framing plans,
schedules, details, and cross-sections may be generated for concrete and steel structures.
ETABS 2013 provides an unequaled suite of tools for structural engineers designing buildings,
whether they are working on one-story industrial structures or the tallest commercial highrises. Immensely capable, yet easy-to-use, has been the hallmark of ETABS since its introduction
decades ago, and this latest release continues that tradition by providing engineers with the
technologically-advanced, yet intuitive, software they require to be their most productive.

ETABS 2013 Features:

Features - User Interface
Simple, and Powerful User Interface
ETABS 2013 offers a single user interface to perform: Modeling, Analysis, Design, Detailing and
Reporting. A new model explorer is available for quick access to objects, properties and forms. Users
now have no limit on the the number of model windows and views for model manipulation and data
views.

Model Explorer

Define, duplicate, and modify properties

Drag and drop assignment to model
Display and set default displays

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Save and recover user-defined displays

Review detailing views and drawings
Print and export drawings and views

Analytical Model Views

View and manipulate analytical model with great precision.

Plans and Elevation views automatically generated at every grid line.
Define custom views and cutting planes to view and manpiulate complex geometry with ease.

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Physical Model Views

Quickly toggle between analytical model and physical model views

Smooth shading
Clear display of wall junctions
Allows review of cardinal insertion points, local axes rotations, and geometry
Hide, select and view by element type, material, section property, story level or group

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Hardware Accelerated Graphics

Direct X graphics with hardware-accelerated graphics support that allow for navigation of models with
fly throughs and fast rotations.

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Modeling Tools

Modeling Templates
ETABS 2013 has a wide selection of templates for quickly starting a new model. At this model template
stage, the user has the ability to define grid and grid spacing, the number of stories, the default
structural system sections, default slab and drop panel sections and uniform loads (specifically dead and
live loads).

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Grid Systems

Grid systems include:

o Cartesian
o Cylindrical
o General grids
Direct free-form drawing of grid lines.
Every grid system can have its unique origin and rotation.

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Intelligent Snaps
Intelligent snaps make model generation simple by automatically detecting intersections, extensions,
parallels and perpendiculars. Drawing helper tools will show physical extrusions even when in analytical
draw mode.

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3D, Plan and Elevation Views

Plan and elevation views automatically generated at every grid line.

Arrow buttons allow for quick navigation thru model, grid line by grid line
Transparent plane shown in 3D view of which plan or elevation you are currently working in

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Building View Options

Display only those elements that you want to see in a particular view
Different windows can show different building component views
Makes for easy model manipulation and control

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Developed Elevations

Elevations along gridlines

Developed elevations along strips
Editing and assignments in elevation view

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Architectural Tracing
Easily import an architectural DXF/DWG into the background of the ETABS modeling window and use it
as a template to trace over to help you create your model. Turn layers on and off to easily pick which
layer(s) you want to see. Users can also right button click on an element to quickly convert an area into
an ETABS structural object.

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Interactive Table Data Editing

All ETABS 2013 data can be viewed and edited using on-screen dockable tables
Allows users to define a portion of the model, or even the entire model using spreadsheets

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Meshing Tools

Automatic mesh generation

o Many different meshing control options
o Will always create quadrilateral sub elements
User has full control of how mesh gets generated
Reshaper tool can be used to reshape and control mesh geometry
Mesh by gridlines, mesh by selected lines, by intersecting objects or by selected joints.
Area surface loads can be distributed as one-way or two-way.
Object based model automatically converts into an element based model for internal analysis.
Frames and/or areas can have refined meshes for analysis, but then the model is reformulated
to report results as if these elements were singular unmeshed objects.
Meshed areas can automatically add joints to adjacent frame elements for internal analysis.

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Automatic Line Contraints

Automatic Edge Constraint technology for mismatched meshes

Analytically connects all mismatched meshes using joint interpolation algorithms

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Building Components

Section Properties

Concrete Sections
o Easy to define standard concrete shapes and rebar layouts
Steel Sections
o I/Wide Flange, Channel, Double Channel, T, Angle, Double Angle, Pipe, Tube, Steel Joist,
Built up steel sections
Composite sections - Steel pipe and box tube sections filled with concrete, rectangular and
circular concrete encased I-Wide flange steel sections
Non-prismatic sections
Built-in industry standard section databases include:
o Hot Rolled Steel
Library of standard steel sections: AISC, Canadian, European, British, Chinese, Australian, New
Zealand, Indian

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Frame Elements

The Frame Element in ETABS 2013 can be either a straight or curved element.

Intermediate joints will automatically be generated where other members intersect with frame
to ensure finite element connectivity

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Section Designer

Specialized sections
Allows users to create any arbitrary shape and any user defined material
Automatically calculates all section properties
Generates biaxial interaction diagram for concrete sections
Moment curvature diagrams
Complete section report generation

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Shell Elements

Shell elements (plate, membrane, full-shell) used to model walls, floors, ramps, tank/vessel
shells and other areas
Layered shell element considers mixed material composite behavior, nonlinear material
behavior options for each layer based on stress-strain, with shearing behavior considered for
rebar layered shell sections.
Incompatible modes automatically included in the area element stiffness formulation to
improve in-plane bending behavior
Thick shell/plate option when shear deformations become significant. The thick plate
formulation captures both shear and bending deformations, whereas the thin plate formulation
is based only on bending deformations and neglects shear deformations.

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Shear Walls and Wall Stacks

Customizable wall configuration templates help you define your wall section properties with
ease.
Draw multilevel wall configurations in a single click.
All pier and spandrel labeling is automatically assigned.

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Piers and Spandrels

Pier and spandrel labels produce integrated shears and moments for design purposes, for walls
modeled with area finite elements.
For example, an assemblege of 20X20 meshed shear wall areas could have results displayed and
reported as if it were a single column.

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Link Elements

ETABS 2013 has a many different link elements available for users to accurately represent the
behavior of a structure.
o Linear
o Multi-linear Elastic
o Multi-linear Plastic
o Gaps
o Hooks
o Dampers
o Friction Isolators
o Rubber Isolators
o T/C Isolators
o Triple Pendulum Isolator

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Hinge Properties

Users can create and apply hinge properties to perform pushover analyses in ETABS 2013.
Nonlinear material behavior in frame elements (beam/column/brace) can be modeled using
fiber hinges. This approach represents the material in the cross section as discrete points, each
following the exact stress-strain curves of the material. Mixed materials, like reinforced
concrete, and complex shapes can be represented.
Yielding, cracking, and hysteresis are all captured.
Using multiple hinges along the length of an element represents the full 3-D nonlinearity in a
member, although for most practical cases this is not needed.
Fiber hinges are utilized in nonlinear static and dynamic analysis.

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Building Towers

Multi-tower buildings can now easily be modeled by using the Tower feature.
Allows for different story levels and differnt grid systems for diferent building structures withing
the same ETABS model.
ETABS models can share a podium level and then separate into towers on higher floors.

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Rigid, Semi-Rigid and Flexible Floor Diaphragm

Apply diaphragm constraints to all corner points of area object

Diaphragms can be assigned to area or joints objects

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Loading

Automatic Code Based Seismic Loading

ETABS will automatically generate seismic loads based on various domestic and international
codes including but not limited to:
o ASCE 7-10; ASCE 7-05; ASCE 7-02
o AS/NZS 1170 2002
o GB50011-2010
o Eurocode 8 2004
o IS 1893 2002
o Italian NTC 2008
o NBCC 2010; NBCC 95; NBCC 2005
o Turkish Seismic Code 2007
o NZS 1170 2004
o BOCA 96
o NEHRP 97
o UBC 94; UBC 97; UBC 97 Isolated

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Automatic Code Based Wind Loading

Automatic permutation of wind directions and eccentricities

ETABS will automatically generate wind loads based on various domestic and international
codes including but not limited to:
o ASCE 7-88; ASCE 7-95;
o ASCE 7-02; ASCE 7-05; ASCE 7-10;
o AS/NZS 1170.2:2002
o GB50009-2012
o Eurocode 1 2005
o Indian IS875:1987
o Italian NTC 2008
o NBCC 2010; NBCC 95; NBCC 2005
o Turkish TS 498-97
o BOCA96
o BS 6399-95
o Mexican

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UBC 94
UBC 97
Open Structure Wind Loading
o
o

Load Cases and Combinations

Unlimited number of load cases and combinations

Automated design combinations based on selected design code
Strength and service combinations
User-defined load combinations
Linear add, envelope (min/max), absolute add, SRSS, and range combinations
Combination components can include other combinations

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Area, Line, Point and Thermal Loads

Uniform or non-uniform surface loads (surface loads can be assigned in any direction, not just
gravity)
Point loads can be assigned in any direction, including skewed angles
Uniform or trapezoidal loads on lines in any direction
Thermal load can be assigned to joints, lines and/or areas
Imposed joint support displacement

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Cladding

Automatically add analytical cladding to entire structure for loading purposes

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Automatic Live Load Reduction

Supported codes include:

o ASCE 7-95; ASCE 7-05; ASCE 7-10
o AS/NZ 1170.1-2002
o Chinese GB 50009-2012
o Eurocode 1991:2002
o Hong Kong COP 2011
o Indian IS 875-1987
o NBCC95; NBCC2005; NBCC2010
o UBC97
o User Parameters (per Section 1607.5, UBC 1997)
o User Defined Curves (By Tributary Area)
o User Defined (By Stories Supported)

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Analysis

General Analysis Details

Solvers that have been tried and tested by the industry for over 35 years.
Advanced SAPFire Analysis Engine
Multiple 64-Bit Solvers for analysis optimization
Eigen Analysis
o Autoshifting for ill-conditioned problems
Ritz Analysis

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Object Based Meshing

Object meshing is automated based on maximum element size. The mesh will always be parallel and
perpendicular to longest edge, grid system, or area local axes and aims to maintain good element aspect
ratios.

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Dynamic Analysis

Modal frequency analysis using Ritz or Eigen vectors

Linear and nonlinear FNA time history dynamic analysis
Direct Integration nonlinear time history analysis can consider nonlinear geometric and/or
material nonlinear behavior
Response spectrum dynamic analysis
Modal and time history cases can be based on nonlinear P-Delta cases
Option to convert factored loads to mass
Floor vibration analysis

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Response Spectrum Analysis

Response-spectrum analysis is a statistical type of analysis for the determination of the likely
response of a structure to seismic loading.

Response-spectrum analysis seeks the likely maximum response to these equations rather than
the full time history.

The earthquake ground acceleration in each direction is given as a digitized response- spectrum
curve of pseudo-spectral acceleration response versus period of the structure.

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Time History Analysis

Analyses can a Modal time history analysis using the method of mode superpostion, or it can be a Direct
Integration time history analysis that solves equations for the entire structure at each time step. Both
types of analyses can be linear or nonlinear. Also, nonlinear time history analyses can be chained
together with other static cases (including staged construction) addressing a wide range of applications.

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P-Delta Analysis (large and small)

The P-Delta effect refers specifically to the nonlinear geometric effect of a large tensile or
compressive direct stress upon transverse bending and shear behavior. A compressive stress
tends to make a structural member more flexible intransverse bending and shear, whereas a
tensile stress tends to stiffen the member against transverse deformation.

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Tension and Compression Limits

Frame elements may be assigned compression limits for modeling braces and stay cables, or
tension limits for modeling masonry or special physical devices.

In the example, the base plate is modeled with both tension and compression springs.
o An elastic analysis allows springs to take both tension and compression.
o A nonlinear analysis allows springs to take tension only or compression only.

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Buckling Analysis

Linear buckling (bifurcation) modes of a structure can be found under any set of loads.
Multiple buckling modes can be found, each giving the mode shape and the buckling factor of
safety.
Multiple sets of loads can be considered. Buckling modes can be found for the structure at the
end of any staged construction case or any nonlinear static or dynamic analysis.
Nonlinear buckling analysis is also available considering P-delta or large-deflections effects.
Snap-through buckling behavior can be captured using static analysis with displacement control.
Dynamic analysis can also be used for modeling buckling, including follower-load problems.
Linear and nonlinear buckling analysis can be combined for the greatest flexibility in
understanding structural instabilities.

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Pushover Analysis

FEMA 356 hinge and fiber hinge option based on stress-strain

Nonlinear layered shell element enables users to consider plastic behavior of concrete shear
walls, slabs, steel plates and other area finite elements in the pushover analysis.
Force-Deformation relations for steel and concrete hinges
Modal, uniform, or user defined lateral load patterns
Capacity spectrum conversions
Effective damping calculation
Demand spectrum comparisons
Performance point calculation
Summary reports including plastic hinge deformations

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Construction Sequencing

Incremental Construction Sequence Modeling and Loadings

Nonlinear effects can be considered such as large deflections, yielding, and gap opening and
closing.
Time-dependent creep, shrinkage, and strength-change effects can be included.
Arbitrary loading sequences may be applied.

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Concrete Shrinkage and Time Dependent Creep Analysis

Long term deflections due to creep and shrinkage can be computed along with staged
sequential construction analysis.
Time dependent material properties based upon the 1990 edition CEB-FIP code and user
defined curves are used to compute creep strains.

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Model Alive
For small to medium sized structures, analysis can be performed on-the fly as you build and modify the
model. For each change you make to the geometry, properties, or loading, the structure instantly
responds with the new deformed shape, moment diagram, or any other plot of results. Its like working
with a live model, and it is a very powerful tool for conceptual design and for testing "what-if" scenarios.

FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Design

Steel Frame Design

Fully integrated comprehensive steel frame design includes:

o Member size optimization using auto-select lists
o US and International design codes
o Interactive re-design allows users to interactively view design result changes at a
selected member using different design parameters and sections.
o Comprehensive overwrite capabilities

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Concrete Frame Design

Fully integrated comprehensive concrete frame design includes:

o Required area of steel calculations for existing structures
o Auto selection lists for new member sizing
o US and International design codes
o Interactive design and review
o Comprehensive overwrite capabilities

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Composite Beam and Column Design

Fully integrated comprehensive compostite beam design includes:

o Member sizing using auto-select lists
o Calculation of camber and stud requirements
o US and International design codes
o Comprehensive overwrite capabilities

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Shear Wall Design

Fully integrated comprehensive shear wall design includes:

o Calculations of reinforcing requirement for both overturning and shear
o Demand/capacity caluclations of defined reinforement
o US and International design codes
o Comprehensive overwrite capabilities

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Steel Joist Design

Fully integrated comprehensive steel joist design includes:

o Member sizing using auto-select lists
o US and International design codes
o Comprehensive overwrite capabilities

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Steel Connection and Base Plate Design

Fully integrated comprehensive steel connection design includes:

o Connection design based on joint foces and design code preferences
o Comprehensive overwrite capabilities
o Detailed calculations for each connection

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Output and Display

Output Displayed with Mixed Units

Full control of the units used of all model data.

See results in the units that you are used to seeing them in.
Use architectural dimensioning

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Deformed Geometry

3D perspective graphical displays

Static deformed and mode shapes animation of deformed shapes
Users can display deformed geometry based on any load, or combination of loads.

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Moment, Shear and Axial Force Diagrams

Force diagrams and stress contours

Story vertical loads, shears and overturning moments
Selective results displayed on-screen with right-button click
Tabular display of model input & output

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Section Cuts

Graphical section cut definitions for forces and stresses

The resultant (free-body) forces and moments across any cut in the structure can be defined
using section cuts.
A section cut can have any shape, and can be used to compute story shears, connecting forces,
design forces in shear walls, and for many other purposes.
Section cut results can be obtained for all types of load cases and combinations.

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Video Animations

ETABS has the ability to generate video (.avi) files to visually display a set of analysis results that
vary over a particular time period, such as in a time history analysis.
Output plot functions include:
o Base functions
o Energy functions
o Frame functions
o Generalized Displacement functions
o Joint functions
o Link functions
o Load functions
o Section Cut functions
o Shell functions

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Shell Force and Stress Contours

Based on load case, load combination or modal case

Show resultant forces or shell stresses or any component in any direction
Control stress contour appearance:
o Show on undeformed, deformed, or extruded shape
o Transparency
o Loading values

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Reaction Diagrams

Display selected reaction components

Display as arrows
Display as tables that can be user-positioned
Results for load combinations and cases

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Tabular Output

Tables for all input data, analysis results, and design results
Filter, sort, and query table data
Customize column data format
Hide unnecessary columns
Print or save tabular data to Access, Excel, Word, HTML, or TXT

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Rendered Views
Rendered views can used to create very nice images to include in client reports. ETABS has multiple
lighting options, shadows, and texture options to create life like looking images of your structures

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Detailing

Integrated Drawing Generation

Complete drawing generation capabilities baked into all levels of ETABS 2013
Detailing window is like any other ETABS model window
Components view are the basic building blocks for drawings
Component views can be dragged and dropped onto drawing sheets
Detailing components include:
o Concrete beams, columns and walls
o Steel framing, beam schedules, column schedules and connections

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Steel Component Detailing

Basic building blocks for drawings

Comprehensive steel detailing and scheduling for:
o Floor Framing
o Beams
o Columns
o Connections
Control detailing preferences for each type of steel detailing component

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Concrete Component Detailing

Basic building blocks for drawings

Comprehensive concrete detailing and scheduling for:
o Beams
o Columns
o Walls
Control detailing preferences for each type of concrete detailing component

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Concrete Frame and Shear Wall Reinforcement Detailing

Complete reinforcement detailing for concrete frame and shear walls.

Detailing based on ETABS concrete frame and concrete shear wall design results.
Full control over rebar sizes to be used in detailing.

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3D Reinforcement Detailing Rendering

3D renderings all engineers to visualize bar sizes and locations.

Renderings can be dragged directly onto drawings like any other component view.
Renderings of reinforcement for concrete:
o Columns
o Beams
o Walls

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Drawing Sheets
Typical drawing sheets that are automatically generated are composed of drawing component views.
users can add additional drawing views to sheets by dragging and dropping from the Model Explorer.
Drawings will synchronize with updates made to the model and reinforcement

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Drawing Title Block

Standard, metric, and ANSI sheet sizes

Engineering, metric, and architectural scales
Three predefined title block choices
Import user title block from DXF
Custom sheet size and margins
Control scale of each view on a drawing
o Modify line type, color, and thickness
o Modify fill color and transparency
o Modify font type, size, color, alignment
o Modify dimension line styles

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Configurable Detailing Preferences

Control bar sizes and spacing

Beam and slab curtailment rules
Control information displayed in rebar calls
Specify bars around openings
Detail all or only bars above a typical quantity

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Detailed Section Cuts

Cuts through slabs, beams, and mats

User-defined orientation and length
Instant section preview
Adjustable section cut view range

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Print and Export Drawings

Print drawings or view directly to a printer or plotter

Export drawings and views to DXF or DWG format
Open drawings in AutoCAD or other CAD software

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Reporting

Report Generation
The report generator features include an indexed table of contents, model definition information, and
analysis and design results in tabulated format. Reports are viewable within ETABS 2013 with live
document navigation connected to the Model Explorer and directly exportable to Microsoft Word

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 Import and Export Formats

Export model to MS-access database

Export stories to SAFE for foundation analysis/design
Cut & paste portions of model to Excel spreadsheet for editing
Import/Export model in CIS/2 STEP file format
Steel buildings detailed in ProSteel 3D using an import/export link
Import/Export project data with Autodesk Revit Structure
Export steel models in the Steel Detailing Neutral File format
Import/Export data using IFC standards
Import files in the following program formats:
o AutoCAD
o FrameWorks Plus
o IGES
o STAAD
o STRUDL

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 OPEN APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACE (OAPI)

In response to requests from many of our users, Computers and Structures, Inc. is pleased to announce
the release of an Open Application Programming Interface (OAPI) for ETABS 2013. This OAPI provides
developers of products for CADD and 3D modeling seamless and efficient access to all of the
sophisticated analysis and design technology of SAP2000. Third-party developers can now create rich
and tight two-way links with ETABS 2013, allowing for accurate transfer of models into ETABS 2013,
complete control of ETABS 2013 execution, and extraction of analysis and design information out of
ETABS 2913, all from within their application.
This OAPI is compatible with most major programming languages, including Visual Basic for Applications
(VBA). Anyone familiar with Visual Basic programming should find the ETABD 2013 OAPI syntax easy and
intuitive. All of the OAPI functions are thoroughly documented in a searchable help file. This help file
contains information on over 700 different ETABS 2013 OAPI functions, with the discussion for each
function describing in detail the Syntax,

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the VB6 Procedure, and the Parameters along with Remarks on what the function does and a VBA
Example.
Highlights of this OAPI include:
Direct, fast and efficient access to all of the advanced numerical methods of ETABS 2013.
Direct two-way data transfer without intermediate files provides the faster throughput important for
large models.
OAPI connections allow for multiple data exchange cycles between applications without the creation of
a new model for each cycle.
Use of the OAPI by third-party developers all but guarantees that their applications will remain
compatible with future releases of ETABS 2013 very important to the end-user
Because OAPI developed links are robust and transparent, users will have a high level of comfort
pertaining to the integrity of the information being transferred very important to the developer.
And lastly, any user who does their own programming can now develop their own custom interface for
ETABS 2013, using their own application or any other application that allows for user programming.
This new module allows the power of ETABS 2013 to be harnessed in innovative and revolutionary ways,
offering the developer the ability to tailor the ETABS 2013 analysis and design engines for use with their
own application.

BIM Integration: Scenario #1

Third-party BIM user and SAP2000/ETABS user reside on the same system.

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BIM Integration: Scenario #2

Third-party BIM user and SAP2000/ETABS user reside on the different systems.

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FEATURES-ETABS 2013 System Requirements

Processor:

Minimum: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64

Recommended: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2, or better
A CPU that has SSE2 support is required
The SAPFire Analytical Engine includes a multi-threaded solver that can take advantage
of multi-core CPUs

Operating System:

Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 3 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista, or

Microsoft Windows 7, 32- and 64-bit versions, Windows 8
With a 64 bit operating system, the SAPFire Analytical Engine can utilize more than 4
GB of RAM, making it possible to more efficiently solve larger problems

Memory:

Minimum: 2 GB for XP O/S, 4 GB for Vista/Windows 7 O/S

Recommended: 4 GB for 32-bit O/S, 8 GB or more for 64-bit O/S
The problem size that can be solved & the solution speed increases considerably with
more RAM
Vista/Windows 7 requires more RAM than XP for the operating system itself

Disk Space:

6 GB to install the program.

Recommended: 500GB or larger Hard Disk Drive (7200 rpm SATA)
Additional space required for running and storing model files and analysis results,
dependent upon the size of the models

Video Card:

Minimum: Supporting 1024 by 768 resolution and 16 bits colors for standard (GDI+)
graphics mode
Recommended: Discrete video card with NVIDIA GPU or equivalent and dedicated
graphics RAM (512 Mb or larger) for DirectX graphics mode. The card must be Direct X
11 compatible.
DirectX graphics mode fully utilizes the hardware acceleration provided by a GPU and
dedicated graphics RAM.
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For better graphics quality in terms of anti-aliasing and line thickness, the device raster
drawing capabilities should support legacy depth bias.

ETABS 2013 COMPARE LEVELS

Physical Modeling Features

Plus

Nonlinear Ultimate

Model joint size limit

Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

All drafting and model generation features

3D line and area objects
Database of all standard hot rolled steel, aluminum, and cold
formed sections
Section Designer for specialized sections
Wall Stack for shear walls of complex shapes
Interactive database spreadsheet editing
Analytical Modeling Features

Plus

Nonlinear Ultimate

Plus

Nonlinear Ultimate

Meshing tools
Automatic mesh generator
Automatic edge constraint technology for mismatched
meshes
2D and 3D frame element
Shell element
Nonlinear layered shell element
Moment curvature curve and PMM interaction surface for
arbitrary fiber sections
Linear link element with stiffness and damping
Automated panel zone element
Nonlinear link elements: gaps, hooks
Nonlinear link elements - plasticity, dampers, isolators
Nonlinear frame hinge element
Loading Features
Point, line, trapezoidal, and area loads
Tributary area load distribution to frames
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Automatic code-based wind loading
Open structure wind loading (multiple codes)
Automatic code-based seismic loading
Pattern loading
Applied displacement loading
Gravity, pressure and thermal loading
Analysis Features

Plus

Nonlinear Ultimate

Fast advanced solver technology with SAPFireTM analysis

engine
Multiple 64-bit solvers for analysis optimization with
unmatched solution capacity
Diaphragm and rigid-body constraints
Eigen analysis with auto-shifting for ill-conditioned problems
Ritz analysis for fast predominant mode evaluation with
missing mass
Multiple response spectrum cases in single run
Modal combination by the CQC, SRSS, GMC or double sum
methods
Directional combination by the ABS, SRSS, or CQC3 methods
Linear dynamic modal time history analysis
Linear dynamic direct integration time history analysis
Buckling analysis
Nonlinear analysis
Tension/compression-only frame elements
Tension/compression only soil (area)
P-delta analysis - both small and large P-delta
Static pushover analysis
Wilson FNA (Fast Nonlinear Analysis) method
Direct integration time history
Line and surface multi-linear springs (P-y curves)
Material nonlinearity - frame hinges and links
Geometric nonlinearity - large displacement
Staged construction
Creep and shrinkage
Property modifiers for frames and shells can be changed
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Section properties for frames and shells can be changed
Static and dynamic load combos - linear, envelope, absolute,
SRSS, range
Design Features

Plus

Nonlinear Ultimate

Plus

Nonlinear Ultimate

Steel frame design - American and international design codes

Concrete frame design - American and international design
codes
Composite beam design - American and international design
codes
Steel joist design - American and international design codes
Concrete shear-wall design - American and international
design codes
Steel connection design - American code
Base plate design - American code
Load combinations can be converted to nonlinear load cases
for design
Output and Display Features
Deformed and undeformed geometry in 3D
Loading diagrams
Moment, shear and axial force diagrams
Stress contours for area and solid objects
Resultant forces displayed along section cuts
Detailed results with right button click
Virtual work plots
Time history displays of function vs. time
Force vs. deformation plots
Response spectrum curves from time history response
Video of animations and time varying results displays
Capture of graphics to .emf, .jpg, .bmp, .tif
Customized report generation
Quick generation of built-in reports
Custom reports
Cover sheet identifying client, project, user and company
Formatted tables of model definition, analysis and design
results
Graphical displays of the model
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Detailing - steel framing
Detailing - concrete shear wall
Import & Export Formats

Plus

Nonlinear Ultimate

Open API, compatible between ETABS/SAP2000

Microsoft Excel and Access export
Text file import/export
Revit import/export using CSiXRevit
AutoCAD (.dxf/.dwg)
CIS/2 - STEP
Steel detailing neutral file (SDNF)
IGES
IFC
Other analysis software text files (Import only)

ETABS 2013 Watch and Learn

Title

Length

ETABS2013 - 01 An Overview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckqR61QV_NQ

18 min

ETABS2013 - 02 Introductory Tutorial Steel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipn5K_M3Ywg

40 min

ETABS2013 - 03 Introductory Tutorial Concrete

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOtuwW9-G68

24 min

Click to Play

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ETABS2013 - 04 Drawing Tools

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiKufOOkWEQ

18 min

ETABS2013 - 05 Select Commands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxpMCmqKnew

6 min

ETABS2013 - 06 CAD Import

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsvx2XAYP2o

11 min

ETABS2013 - 07 Composite Columns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjbSh1Ed5yM

8 min

ETABS2013 - 08 Wall Modeling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IzldwxIlGc

22 min

ETABS2013 - 09 Shear Wall Design and Optimization

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fMesxyzaFo

12 min

ETABS2013 - 10 Steel Connection Design

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVizXjMznYA

10 min

ETABS2013 - 11 Programming ETABS using the OAPI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuHcp_AwdgE

15 min

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ETABS2013 - 12 Occupancy Loads using Shell Uniform

Load Sets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCInOcpIKA0

8 min

ETABS2013 - 13 Creating Reports

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdRhz2dUK1Y

8 min

ETABS2013 - 14 Buckling Factors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_2alXRCJsA

10 min

Disclaimer: In an effort to highlight certain key capabilities, artistic license may have been taken
during the making of these videos. Some input may have been skipped for the sake of brevity,
resulting in movies that do not portray all of the steps necessary to create a complete analysis
or design. Users should consult the associated program documentation to make sure that they
understand all input and modeling assumptions.
Note: If you would like to download the Watch and Learn videos for offline viewing, please click
here.

ETABS 2013 NEWS-ETABS 2013 Enhancements

ETABS 2013 13.1.2 and 13.1.3 Enhancements
Significant enhancements include:

Concrete frame design and shear wall design using the AS 3600-09/NZS 3101-06 codes
have been updated for Amendment No. 3 in 2011 affecting the seismic load
combinations.
Multiple enhancements have been made to shear wall design using the Eurocode 22004 code for the uniform-reinforcing and section-designer section options.
The output table Modal Direction Factors, primarily used for Chinese design, has been
enhanced to include the contribution of all mass in the structure, not just the mass in
rigid diaphragm constraints.
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Database tables can now be exported to an XML file that can be opened by Microsoft
Access, allowing the export to Access on machines that do not have it installed.
The loads from staged-construction load cases can now be exported to SAFE.
Multiple enhancements have been made to the import of .DXF files for floor plans, 3D
models, and grid systems.
Multiple enhancements have been made to the import and export of IFC 4 files.
Multiple enhancements have been made to the import of SDNF files.
Multiple enhancements have been made to the import of CIS/2 files.
Many additional Open API functions have been implemented.

ETABS 2013 13.1.0 and 13.1.1 Enhancements

Significant enhancements included:

Concrete frame design and shear wall design have been added for the Hong Kong CP
2013 code.
Steel frame design using the AISC 360-10 code now provides an option to allow Notional
Load cases to be included in design combinations with wind, seismic and response
spectrum cases.
Automated wind loading has been added according to the Australian and New Zealand
code AS/NZS 1170.2-2011.
Automated wind loading using the diaphragm-extents option for the ASCE 7-02, ASCE 705 and ASCE 7-10 codes that now allows automatic determination of the wind pressure
coefficients (windward and leeward) based on the building size.
Frame section properties have been enhanced to separate steel shapes from concrete
shapes for more detailed handling of rebar.
The mass source now allows separate control for the self-mass from elements and
added masses, in addition to the use of load patterns. Previously self-mass and added
mass were considered together.
New database tables have been added that provide pier and spandrel section property
information.
Customization of the keyboard shortcuts for the various menu items is now available.
Multiple enhancements have been made for the import and export of IFC files.
Other minor enhancements.

ETABS 2013 Enhancements

ETABS 2013 is the most sophisticated and technologically-advanced software product available
to structural engineers today. It defines the future of building design software, setting the stage
for unsurpassed capability and efficiency worldwide.
Built on a foundation of more than 40 years of research and innovation, ETABS 2013 sets the
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gold standard, yet again. Featuring versatile modeling technology, stunning graphics, efficient
numerical methods and powerful optimization algorithms for design, ETABS 2013 offers
unmatched levels of integration and productivity. It addresses numerous international building
codes while producing complete design reports and schematic construction drawings to meet
the demanding needs of the modern structural engineering professional.

New ETABS 2013 User Interface

Modeling

Model Explorer for easy access to all program capabilities

Non-modal forms for easy access to select, edit, assign and display
Create models by converting AutoCAD Architectural plan to 3D ETABS objects
Create models by tracing over AutoCAD plans
Ability to add 2D/3D models from templates
Live preview of changes while editing or drafting
Explicit modeling of curved beams, curved floor edges and curved walls
Tracing of building perimeter for quick draw of floor plates
Zoom and rotation during model creation
Create shearwall and elevator cores parametrically
Enhanced editing and selection capabilities
Intelligent snaps for easy model creation
Introducing multi-tower concepts with tower dependent stories and grids
Linear and Nonlinear support properties for point, line and area objects
Area load set definitions for load assignments
All input/output in user defined mixed units
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Analysis

64 bit Advanced SAPFire Analysis Engine for increased problem size & solution
New advanced Sparse Solver
New multi-threaded solver for multi-CPU, multi-core systems
Analysis recognizes and uses 64 bit processing for enhanced performance
Model AliveTM feature for instantly seeing the effects of model revision
Enhanced meshing capability with more user control
Range combination for enveloping pattern loads
Construction sequencing allowing changes of members, loads and sections
Time dependent concrete age effects, creep and shrinkage
Geometric modification shape finding for specified final geometry
Nonlinear layered shell element for shearwall performance based design
Nonlinear element to model Triple Pendulum base isolators
Nonlinear element for multi-linear plasticity for modeling soil supports
Automated nonlinear fiber hinge model for frame elements
Buckling analysis for any applied load from any stressed condition
Linear and nonlinear direct integration time history analysis
Enhanced section cuts results for wall, slab or diaphragm design
Generalized displacement definitions for deformation measures

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Design

Automated static lateral seismic loads implemented for codes listed below
Automated static lateral wind loads implemented for codes listed below
Response Spectrum functions implemented for codes listed below
Auto-permutation of directions and eccentricities for static Wind and Seismic
Updated generation of lateral Notional loads for design
Live Load Reduction factors implemented for codes listed below
Enhanced design output
Updated Steel frame design including seismic for codes listed below
Special considerations for EBF and BRB
Updated Concrete frame design including seismic for codes listed below
Updated Composite Beam design for codes listed below
Added Composite column design for codes listed below
Updated Shearwall design including seismic for codes listed below
Added Masonry Shearwall Design based on ACI 530-11
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Updated Steel Joist Design based on SJI 2010

Wall reinforcement design optimization
Curved shearwall design
Drift optimization for steel and concrete frame structures
Drift optimization for shearwall structures
Added Steel connections design including base plates for AISC 360-10

Graphical Display

Increased number of view windows

Ray tracing, textures, lights and shadows for true rendering
Direct X view window with fly through
Display of forces acting on a diaphragm
Vector direction plots of maximum forces/stresses in slabs and walls
Story load, shear and moment diagrams over building height
Print graphics using user specified drawing scale

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Output

All input, output and design viewable in table format

Easy access to corresponding tables from Model Explorer
Table display improved, including filters and selection
Automated generation of standard reports
Fully customizable report generation
Report includes tabular and graphical output
Named displays and user text can be added to reports
Report is viewable on screen
Report can create .docx

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Detailing

Creation of schematic construction drawings for concrete and steel structures

Framing plans and schedules for steel frames
Framing plans and schedules for composite floors
Reinforcing schedules for concrete beams and columns
Reinforcing details for concrete shear wall elevations and cross-sections
Customizable detailing rules
Customizable drawing sheets with multiple views
Automated Bill of Quantities
Print or export to AutoCAD

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External Interfacing

ETABS API for custom programming and interfacing

Import/Export of analytical and physical model using IFC2x2, 2X3, 2X4
Import/Export model from/to Revit 2011, 2012 and 2013
Import/Export model from/to AutoCAD 2011, 2012 and 2013
Export graphics to pdf, dxf, bmp, jpeg, giff, png formats

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Documentation

Enhanced Online/Offline Help

New Users manuals
Updated Analysis manual
New Tutorials and Watch and Learn movies
New Design manuals
New Verification manual

List of Implemented Design Codes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Static lateral seismic load codes:

ASCE 7-10
AS/NZS 1170 2002
GB50011-2010
Eurocode 8 2004
IS 1893 2002
Italian NTC 2008
NBCC 2010
Turkish Seismic Code 2007
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9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

NZS 1170 2004

BOCA 96
ASCE 7-02
ASCE 7-05
NBCC 95
NBCC 2005
NEHRP 97
UBC 94
UBC 97
UBC 97 Isolated

Static lateral wind loads codes:

ASCE 7-10
AS/NZS 1170.2:2002
GB50009-2012
Eurocode 1 2005
Indian IS875:1987
Italian NTC 2008
NBCC 2010
Turkish TS 498-97
ASCE 7-88
ASCE 7-95
ASCE 7-02
ASCE 7-05
BOCA96
BS 6399-95
NBCC 95
NBCC 2005
Mexican
UBC 94
UBC 97

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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Composite Beam design codes:

AISC 360-10
AISC 360-05
BS 5950-1990
CSA S16-09
Eurocode 4-2004
GB50017-2003

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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

1.
2.

Shearwall design codes:

ACI 318-11
ACI 318-08
AS 3600-09
BS 8110-97
CSA A23.3-04
Eurocode 2-2004
Hong Kong CP 2004
IS 456:2000
Mexican RCDF 2004
NZS 3101:2006
Singapore CP 65:99
TS 500-2000
GB50010-2010

Composite column design:

AISC 360-10
JGJ3-2010, CECS159:2004, JGJ138-2001

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