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User Interface

One Window, Many Views

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.

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Users now have no limit on the the number of model windows and views for model manipulation and data

views.

Hardware Accelerated Graphics

Direct X graphics with hardware accelerated graphics allow for navigation of models with fly-throughs and

fast rotations.

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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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Model Views

View and manipulate analytical model with great precision. Plans and Elevation views

automatically generated at every grid line. Easily define custom views and cutting planes to

view and manipulate complex geometry with ease.

Analytical model views display the finite element model of the structure which is made up of the the

connectivity of the joints, frames, and shells and defined meshing.

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Grid Systems

In ETABS, grids can be defined as cartesian, cylindrical, or general free-form grid systems. There is no

limit to the number of grid systems in a model, and they can be rotated in any direction or placed at any

origin within the model.

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Drawing Tools

Many drawing and drafting utilities are built into ETABS to enhance the engineer's modeling

experience. Users will find that many of the common industry standard shortcuts and controls

are also available in ETABS.

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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.

Plans and Elevations

Plan and elevation views are automatically generated at every grid line to allow for quick

navigation of the model. Users can create their own elevation sections by using our

Developed Elevation feature.

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When in a 2D view, see arrow buttons to quickly move from grid line by grid line. A transparent plane will

be show in the 3D view to show you exactly which elevation or plane you are looking at in the model.

Interactive Table Data Editing

ETABS data can be viewed and edited using on-screen dockable tables. This is quite useful for defining a

model from spreadsheets or viewing analysis or design results.

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Meshing Tools

Engineers have many options when it comes to mesh generation in ETABS. Simply select the

area object and then select the rules for the automatic mesh generator to use.

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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Building Components

Towers

Multi-tower buildings can now easily be modeled by using the new tower feature. Defining towers in an

ETABS model allows users to define unique story levels and grid systems for different building structures

within the same ETABS model. For example, ETABS models can share a podium level and then separate

into towers on higher floors.

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Beams, Columns, Braces

In ETABS 2013, beams, columns, and braces are frame elements that can be straight or curved. They are

used in a general, three-dimensional, beam-column formulation which includes the effects of biaxial

bending, torsion, axial deformation, and biaxial shear deformations. Intermediate joints will automatically

be generated where other members intersect with the frame to ensure finite element connectivity.

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Section Properties

ETABS has a built-in library of standard concrete, steel, and composite section properties of both US and

International Standard sections. Even non-prismatic and built up steel sections can be easily defined. Use

our Section Designer for more complex sections.

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Shells (Walls, Floors, Ramps)

Shell elements are used to model walls, floors, and ramps. A layered shell element has been added in

ETABS 2013 that considers mixed material composite behavior, as well as nonlinear material behavior

options for each layer based on stress-strain, with shearing behavior considered for rebar layered shell

sections.

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Shear Walls

Customizable wall configuration templates help you define your wall section properties with ease by

drawing multilevel wall configurations in a single click. When you draw walls using the wall stack, all pier

and spandrel labeling is automatically assigned.

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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. Link elements types include Linear, Multi-linear Elastic, Multi-linear Plastic, Gaps, Hooks,

Dampers, Friction Isolators, Rubber Isolators, T/C Isolators, and Triple Pendulum Isolators.

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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. Mixed

materials, like reinforced concrete, and complex shapes can be represented. Yielding, cracking, and

hysteresis behavior can all be captured using hinge properties.

Floor Diaphragms

Rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible floor diaphragms can be defined in ETABS. Diaphragms can be assigned to

joint objects or area objects.

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Loading

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Automated Code Based Loading

ETABS will automatically generate and apply seismic and wind loads based on various

domestic and international codes.

Supported codes included in ETABS

• ASCE 7-10

• ASCE 7-05

• ASCE 7-02

• AS/NZS 1170 2002

• GB50011-2010

• Eurocode 8 2004

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• IS 1893 2002

• Italian NTC 2008

• NBCC 2010

• NBCC 95

• NBCC 2005

• Turkish Seismic Code 2007

• NZS 1170 2004

• BOCA 96

• NEHRP 97

• UBC 94

• UBC 97

• UBC 97 Isolated

Point, Line, Area, and Thermal Loads

ETABS is robust when it comes to assigned loads. Uniform or non-uniform surface loads can be assigned

in any direction, not just gravity. Uniform or trapezoidal loads can be defined on lines in any direction.

Thermal load can be assigned to joints, lines, and areas.

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Cladding

Automatically add analytical cladding to entire structure for loading purposes.

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Live Load Reduction

Live-load-reduction factors may be assigned on a member-by-member basis. This may be done either

within the graphical user interface, once design is complete, by right-clicking on a member, or it may be

done using interactive database editing.

Supported codes and user defined types included in ETABS

• ASCE 7-95

• ASCE 7-05

• ASCE 7-10

• AS/NZ 1170.1-2002

• Chinese GB 50009-2012

• Eurocode 1991:2002

• Hong Kong COP 2011

• IS 875-1987

• NBCC95

• NBCC2005

• NBCC2010

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• UBC97

• User Parameters (per Section 1607.5, UBC 1997)

• User Defined Curves (By Tributary Area)

• User Defined (By Stories Supported)

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Analysis

Overview

CSI Solvers have been tried and tested by the industry for over 35 years. The SAPFire Analysis Engine can

support multiple 64-bit solvers for analysis optimization and perform both Eigen Analysis and Ritz

Analysis.

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Dynamics

ETABS dynamic analysis capabilities include the calculation of vibration modes using Ritz or

Eigen vectors, response-spectrum analysis, and time-history analysis for both linear and

nonlinear behavior.

Eigen-vector modal analysis finds the natural vibration modes of the structure, which can be used for

understanding the behavior of the structure, and also as the basis for modal superposition in response-

spectrum and modal time-history load cases. Ritz-vector modal analysis finds the optimum modes for

capturing structural behavior in response-spectrum and modal time-history load cases, and is more

efficient for this purpose than Eigen-vector analysis.

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P-Delta

P-delta analysis captures the softening effect of compression and the stiffening effect of tension. A single

P-delta analysis under gravity and sustained loads can be used to modify the stiffness for linear load cases,

which can later be superposed. Alternatively, each combination of loads can be analyzed for full nonlinear

P-delta effects. P-delta effects are included for all elements and are seamlessly integrated into analysis and

design.

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Buckling

Linear (bifurcation) buckling modes of a structure can be found under any set of loads. Buckling can be

calculated from a nonlinear or staged-construction state. Full 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 be used for modeling more complex

buckling, such as follower-load problems.

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Pushover

Pushover analysis features in ETABS include the implementation of FEMA 356 and the hinge and fiber

hinge option based on stress-strain. The 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 are defined for steel and concrete hinges.

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Time Dependent

Incremental construction sequence modeling and loadings can be modeled in

ETABS. Nonlinear effects can be considered such as large deflections, yielding,

and gap opening and closing. Time-dependent creep, shrinkage, and strength-

change effects will all so be taken into account.

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Users can add arbitrary loading sequences at various points to simulate real life construction conditions.

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Load Cases and Combinations

ETABS allows for an unlimited number of load cases and combinations. Load combination types include

linear additive, envelope (min/max), absolute add, SRSS, and range combinations. Combination

components can include other combinations.

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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. It’s like working with a live model, and it is a very powerful tool for conceptual

design and for testing "what-if" scenarios.

Design

Steel Frame

Fully integrated steel frame design includes member size optimization and implementation of design codes.

ETABS allows users to interactively view design results at any frame member, change the parameters or

section properties, and display the updated member results.

See supported design codes

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Concrete Frame

Fully integrated concrete frame design in ETABS includes: required area of steel calculations, auto

selection lists for new member sizing, implementation of design codes, interactive design and review, and

comprehensive overwrite capabilities.

See supported design codes

Composite Beam and Column

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Fully integrated comprehensive composite beam design includes member sizing using auto-select lists,

calculation of camber and stud requirements, implementation of US and many international design codes,

and comprehensive overwrite capabilities.

See supported design codes

Shear Wall

Fully integrated comprehensive shear wall design includes calculation of reinforcing requirements for both

overturning and shear, demand/capacity calculations of defined reinforcement, US and international design

codes, and comprehensive overwrite capabilities.

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See supported design codes

Steel Joist

Fully integrated comprehensive steel joist design includes member sizing using auto-select lists, and

overwrite capabilities.

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See supported design codes

Steel Connection and Base Plate

ETABS uses forces at joints and design preferences to determine connection design in terms of D/C ratio

for each load combination. Design is based on load combinations for each design code supported, as well as

a set of user-specified loading combinations.

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See supported design codes

Output and Display

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Mixed Units

ETABS gives users full control of the units used with all model data and displays results in the units

desired. Whether architectural units or analysis results units, you can have any combination of units

throughout your model.

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Deformed Geometry

Users can display deformed geometry based on any load or combination of loads, as well as animations of

modes.

Shell Force and Stress Contours

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Display of shell forces and stress contours can be based on load case, load combination, or modal case.

Users can show resultant forces and shell stresses on any component in any direction. Control the stress

contour appearance by showing undeformed, deformed, or extruded shapes, with or without loading values.

Reaction Diagrams

Support reactions can be displayed graphically on the model either as vectors or as tabular plots for selected

reaction components.

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Tabular Output

ETABS has the ability to display and dock tables for all input data, analysis results, and design results.

Organize the tables in any way you like by dragging and dropping them to any location of the ETABS

environment. Tables support sort, cut, copy, and paste for use in other programs. Print or save tabular data

to Access, Excel, Word, HTML, or TXT.

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Section Cuts

Use graphical section cut definitions to see the resultant forces and moments across any location in the

structure. 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.

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Rendered Views

Rendered views can used to create images to include in client reports. ETABS has multiple lighting

options, shadows, and texture options to create life-like images of your structures.

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Detailing

Drawing Generation

ETABS has complete drawing generation capabilities incorporated into all levels. The

detailing window is like any other ETABS model window.

Components views are the basic building blocks for drawings that can be dragged and dropped onto

drawing sheets. Detailing components include: concrete beams, columns and walls, steel framing, beam

schedules, column schedules, and connections.

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Component Views

ETABS will perform comprehensive steel detailing and scheduling for floor framing, beams, columns, and

connections. Users can control detailing preferences for each type of steel detailing component.

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Concrete Reinforcement Detailing

ETABS detailing will perform complete reinforcement detailing for concrete frame and shear walls based

on ETABS concrete frame and concrete shear wall design results. Users have full control over rebar sizes

to be used in detailing.

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Detailing Section Cuts

While in the detailer, create section cut through slabs, beams, and mats to see instant cross sections of the

part of the drawing. Users define orientation and length of the section cut and then use the section cut as a

component view in another drawing.

Print and Export Drawings

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Print drawings and views directly to a printer or plotter, or export drawings and views to DXF or DWG

format to be opened in AutoCAD or other CAD software.

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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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Tools

Section Designer

Section Designer is a utility that is built into ETABS. It allows users the ability to create specialized

sections of any arbitrary shape and material, including rebar layout. All section properties, biaxial

interaction diagrams, and moment curvature diagrams are automatically calculated.

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Import and Export

Supported Formats

ETABS supports many industry standards for importing and exporting data. Autodesk Revit Structure,

AutoCAD (DXF/DWG), CIS/2, IFC, and SDNF are all supported. ETABS also supports exporting of a

model to an Microsoft Access database.

Learn more about Building Information Modeling