Import and Export in SCIA Engineer IFC, Revit, Tekla, Etabs, Ectools, Bim+, XML, DWG, DXF, VRML and Other Formats Chapter 0

Import and Export in SCIA Engineer IFC, Revit, Tekla, Etabs, ECtools, bim+, XML, DWG, DXF, VRML and other formats Chapter 0

Contacts 7 Introduction to exchange of data 9 Import / export / update in SCIA Engineer 9 SCIA Engineer 11 SCIA Engineer 11

SCIA Engineer import 11

SCIA Engineer export 11

SCIA Engineer update 11

SCIA Engineer update dialogue 12

Toolbar 12

Preview window 12

Property window 13

Merge window 13 IFC 16 IFC file format extension 16

Shape representations 17

Supported elements 19

Export to Allplan 40 bim+ 41 Start bim+ interface in SCIA Engineer 42

Add new model to bim+ 43

Taskboard 43

Task 45

Add revision to bim+ 49 Revit link 50 Revit link 50

Introduction 50

Installation and Revit link setup 51

Requirements for SCIA Engineer side 51

Requirements for the Revit Structure side 52

How to find the Revit link on web 52

How to find Revit link in setup 53

- 2 - The process of installation 53

When the setup goes wrong 54

Analytical versus structural model 54

Revit link buttons on the bar, Export and Import, Mapping dialogues during Export 56

The Revit link options 56

General and Numerical cross section 60

Mapping tables, mapping rules, dialogue options 61

Options 62

Mapping (tables, rules) 63

Options dialogue 69

Exporting the structure from Revit to SEN 75

Start export 75

Exporting foundations blocks - prerequisites 77

Example no.1 - someting is not exported to SCIA Engineer 79

Example no.2 - deleted member in Revit Structure (from build 244) 81

Import (update) the structure from SEN to Revit 83

Example no.1 - modification 85

Example no.2 - copy 87

Example no.3 – create a new opening in exported wall 88

Example no.4 – create new item 89

Example no.5 – deleted item in SCIA Engineer 90

Results from SCIA Engineer in Revit Structure 90

When something is not exported 91

This can be caused by several reasons: 91

First use of Revit link - example 95

Creating the model in Revit Structure 95

Using the Revit link 99

Importing in SCIA Engineer 106

Importing in Revit Structure 111

Modification of cross-section in SCIA Engineer 115

Adding elements in SCIA Engineer 118 XML 121

- 3 - Chapter 0

XML 121

XML import 121

XML export 121

XML file editor 122

XML update 122

XML update example 123

Manual XML update 126

Automatic XML update 127

XML format description 133

Main characteristics, general information 133

Export 133

Adding a new table 136

Overriding the existing project 138

Creating a new project 139

Program ESA_XML 139

Description of SCIA Engineer XML format 140 Graphical format 145 Graphic format 145

Export 145

Import 146

VRML 146

Graphic format export 147

Export and import of DXF, DWG and VRML 148

Export from the graphical window 148

Export from the picture gallery 149

Export from the Paperspace gallery 149

Import into the graphical window 150

Import into the Paperspace gallery 155

Import of a general cross-section 159 Tekla 162 Tekla Structures interface 162

STEP Steel format 162

- 4 - Tekla Structure COM plug-in 163

Tekla Structure API link 171

Mapping database editor 173 ETABS 174 Interface with ETABS 174

Why and how to use? 174

What is better in SCIA Engineer? 174

Export 181 ECtools 186 ECtools 186 SDNF 187 SDNF Interface 187

Import 187

Export 190 DSTV 193 DSTV 193

DSTV import 193

DSTV export 194 StepSteel 195 StepSteel - analysis model 195

StepSteel - import of analysis model 195

StepSteel - export of analysis model 196

Available implementation levels 196

Section names 197

StepSteel - structural model 197

StepSteel - import of structural model 197

StepSteel - export of structural model 197 CEA Plant-4D 198 CEA Pland-4D 198 Mapping Database Editor 199 What is it? 199

- 5 - Chapter 0

Work with Editor 199

Basic window 200

Database window 201

Examples of procedure 204 Westok Cellbeam link 206 Export to Westok 207

Import from Westok 209

- 6 - Contacts

Contacts

Belgium Headquarters France SCIA nv SCIA France sarl Industrieweg 1007 Centre d'Affaires B-3540 Herk-de-Stad 29, Grand' Rue Tel: +32 13 55 17 75 FR-59100 Roubaix E-mail: [email protected] Tel.: +33 3.28.33.28.67 Support Phone Fax: +33 3.28.33.28.69 CAE (SCIA Engineer) E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +32 13 55 09 90 Agence commerciale CAD (Allplan) 8, Place des vins de france Tel: +32 13 55 09 80 FR-75012 Paris Tel.: +33 3.28.33.28.67 Support E-mail: Fax: +33 3.28.33.28.69 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Brazil USA SCIA do Brasil Software Ltda SCIA North America Rua Dr. Luiz Migliano, 1986 - sala 702 , CEP 7150 Riverwood Drive SP 05711-001 São Paulo 21046 Columbia, MD Tel.: +55 11 4314-5880 Tel.; +1 443-542-0638 E-mail: [email protected] Fax.:+1 410-290-8050 E-mail: [email protected] Netherlands Switzerland SCIA Nederland B.V. SCIA Swiss Office Wassenaarweg 40 Dürenbergstrasse 24 NL-6843 NW ARNHEM CH-3212 Gurmels Tel.:+31 26 320 12 30 Tel.: +41 26 341 74 11 Fax.: +31 26 320 12 39 Fax: +41 26 341 74 13 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Czech Republic Slovakia SCIA CZ s.r.o. Praha SCIA SK s.r.o. Evropská 2591/33d Murgašova 1298/16 160 00 Praha 6 SK-010 01 Žilina Tel.: +420 226 205 600 Tel.: +421 415 003 070 Fax: +420 226 201 673 Fax: +421 415 003 072 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

SCIA CZ s.r.o. Brno Slavickova 827/1a 638 00 Brno Tel.: +420 530 501 570 Fax: +420 226 201 673 E-mail: [email protected]

- 7 - Chapter 0

Austria Germany SCIA Datenservice Ges.m.b.H. SCIA Software GmbH Dresdnerstrasse 68/2/6/9 Technologie Zentrum Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Strasse 76-80 A-1200 WIEN D-44227 Dortmund Tel.: +43 1 7433232-11 Tel.: +49 231/9742586 Fax: +43 1 7433232-20 Fax: +49 231/9742587 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Support Tel.: +43 1 7433232-12 E-mail: [email protected]

All information in this document is subject to modification without prior notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a database or retrieval system or published, in any form or in any way, electronically, mechanically, by print, photo print, microfilm or any other means without prior written permission from the publisher. SCIAis not responsible for any direct or indirect damage because of imperfections in the documentation and/or the software. © Copyright 2017 SCIA nv. All rights reserved.

Document created: 18 / 07 / 2017 SCIA Engineer 17.0

- 8 - Introduction to exchange of data

Introduction to exchange of data

Practically every design of a construction is an iterative process of refining, reviewing, changing architectural, engineering or building (fabrication) details. Therefore, a "roundtrip" solution, where a designer or detailer can start or edit the model at any stage, is closest to reality and will lead to the shortest time between design and fabrication or building. Reverse engineering reconstructs the design model from the CAD geometrical model, again an extra benefit. "Roundtrip" engineering is drastically improving the design process; it is the most advanced implementation of Building Information Modelling technology. Integrated open general CAE-CAD platforms provide customized solutions without the necessity of dedicated programming. Ease of use and far going automation are key elements of the success. Import / export / update in SCIA Engineer

Format or Program Import Export Update SCIA Engineer ✔ ✔ ✔ XML ✔ ✔ ✔ IFC 2x3 ✔ ✔ ✔ Revit ✔ ✔ ✔ Graphic format (excluding DXF, DWG, VRML) ✔ ✔ --- DXF, DWG, VRML ✔ ✔ --- DSTV ✔ ✔ --- ProSteel ✔ ✔ StepSteel (analysis model) ✔ ✔ --- StepSteel (structural model) ✔ ✔ --- CEA Pland-4D --- ✔ --- Tekla Structures ✔ ✔ ✔ ETABS ✔ ✔ --- SDNF ✔ ✔ --- bim+ --- ✔ --- Allplan (.ifc) --- ✔ ---

- 9 - Chapter 1

In the program itself (SCIA Engineer), the functions are distributed over several different menus and tree menus: l File > Import, l File > Export, l File > Update, l service Structure > Drawing tools >Import DWG, DXF, VRML97 file, l service Tools > XML, l service Structure > Import ESA project.

- 10 - SCIA Engineer

SCIA Engineer

SCIA Engineer SCIA Engineer enables the user to perform the import, export and update operations not only through "third-party format" files, but also directly through the .ESA file (i.e. the "native" format of SCIA Engineer). This capability opens the user new horizons. He/she can share data with the colleagues. He/she can add into the currently processed project parts from older projects (and thus save considerable amount of time). The work on one large project can be split among several users and the final model can be "glued" from several parts. SCIA Engineer import The procedure to import data from .ESA file

1. Open service Structure. 2. Start function Advanced input - Import project (esa file). 3. Browse for the required input file. 4. Confirm the file. 5. Input the "point of insertion" for the imported data.

Note: Contrary to imports through other formats, this time the specified file is added to the currently edited project.

SCIA Engineer export The procedure to export data into .ESA file

1. Start menu function File >Export>New projectESA. 2. Specify the required output folder. 3. Type the name of the file (i.e. the base name without extension). 4. The Import/Export dialogue is opened on the screen. 5. Specify which types of data are to be exported (only geometric entities or the whole model).¨ 6. Complete the export operation. SCIA Engineer update This function enables the user to exchange and share project data with colleagues who use SCIA Engineer as well. The principle is simple. User A makes the first version of the project and sends it to the user B. User B continues with the project and then returns it back to user A. Naturally, user A may have made some changes during this period too. Now comes the time for SCIA Engineer and its Update function. This function compares the two projects and finds added, deleted and modified entities. Everything is clearly summarised in a neat dialogue. Finally, it is the user’s turn again to decide which variants are those to be kept for future work.

- 11 - Chapter 2

The procedure to import and compare the project processed by a third-party user

1. Open your version of the project. 2. Call function File > Update > ESA file. 3. Browse for the file with the version that should be compared. 4. The program reads the project file and opens the Update dialogue. 5. Decide which changes are to be accepted and which ones are to be declined. 6. Confirm with button [Accept]. SCIA Engineer update dialogue The dialogue is a three-pane dialogue with a toolbar. The panes are:

l preview window,

l property window,

l merge window.

Toolbar The control icons are mostly taken over from a standard SCIA Engineer graphical window. Therefore, their meaning will not be discussed in detail here.

View parameters icons These icons enable the user to adjust "what" and "how" should be displayed.

View-adjustment icons These icons make it possible to set the view direction.

Zoom icons These icons enable the user to zoom-in or -out the model.

Clipping box icons These icons control the clipping box.

Special icons

Generate report This icon generates a report about the update. Display original entities If ON, the original entities are displayed. Display merged entities If ON, the merged entities are displayed.

Preview window The Preview window is a standard graphical window used throughout SCIA Engineer. The window supports standard features of SCIA Engineer graphical windows: (i) pop-up menu with a set of zoom, print, save etc. functions,

- 12 - SCIA Engineer

(ii) [Ctrl] + [Shift] + right-click and drag to zoom in and out the drawing, (iii) [Shift] + right-click and drag to move the drawing, (iv) [Ctrl] + right-click and drag to rotate the drawing. The window displays the two merged projects in one view. Moreover, the entity currently selected in the merge window (see below) is highlighted in this window.

Property window This window is linked to the Merge window. If a particular entity is selected in the Merge window, then the corresponding properties are shown in the Property window. This is especially useful when the user has to track changes made in the two variants of the project.

Merge window This window lists all the entities that somehow do not coincide in the two projects that are being merged. Added, deleted and changed entities are shown here. The user may select which changes are to be accepted and which ones are to be ignored. Individual groups (new, deleted, merged entities) will now be described in more details.

New entities Accepting the group By default, the check box at this item is selected (ticked). It means that new entities (as a group) will be accepted in the final merged project. If you deselect this check box, no new entities will be considered by the update function at all. Specifying the colour of thegroup You may adjust the colour for the new entities. Simply click on the coloured box on the right-hand side of the "New entities" line and then select the required colour. Accepting individual items from the group You may select which particular entity (or sub-group) from the "New entities" group should be accepted and which one should be declined. Just mark (tick) or unmark (untick) the appropriate item. Please note that once you put cursor (click) on a specific item, its properties are shown in the middle pane (property window) and the entity itself is highlighted in the preview window. Some items may be "grouped" in sub-groups such as load cases in the picture below. This enables you to decline (if required) the whole subgroup by unmarking the corresponding sub-group check box. Example:

- 13 - Chapter 2

Deleted entities This is analogous to "New entities" described above. Example:

Changes (Merged entities) This part of the merge window lists all the entities that have different properties in the two compared projects. The list always contains the "original" and the "merged" entity. The properties of both are shown in the property window (one by one – not together). If you select (tick) a particular listed item, the changes made in the merged (second) project will be accepted. If you do not select (unmark) a particular listed item, the original (the first project) will be preserved. Example:

- 14 - SCIA Engineer

Note: The Update function can process geometric entities, load cases, loads, supports, hinges, etc.

- 15 - Chapter 3

IFC

IFC file format extension Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is a universal open text file format which has a big importance in BIM (Building information modelling) - both for vendors and their customers. This format allows for quick data exchange between different applications and thus it saves the precious time of engineers. SCIA Engineer supports the current release version IFC2x3 TC1, model view definition: Coordination View 2.0. The range of supported entities is described in the following text.

IFCzip file format SCIA Engineersupports both plain IFC and IFCzip for export and import. IFCzip file format is zipped plain IFC. The packing and unpacking during export and import is done automatically by SCIA Engineer. During import it is automatically recognized if it is the plain IFC or the zipped one. ,Therefore the same function is used for import of plain IFC and IFCzip. Import Go to File > Import > IFC2x3.

Export Go to File > Export > IFC 2x3 Compressed.

- 16 - IFC

Shape representations Each element which is graphically displayed has at least one shape representation. In SCIA Engineer only the first one is taken into account during import. The main supported Solid model shape representation is following:

SweptSolid an area which is swept by extrusion along a curve.

- 17 - Chapter 3

Brep a solid consisting from planar faces.

CSG a result of Boolean operation between solid models.

Clipping a difference created between swept area solids.

AdvancedSweptSolid a profile which is swept along a curve.

- 18 - IFC

SectionedSpine a solid created by interpolation between two defined profiles.

MappedRepresentation defines mapped items, a copy of the same elements.

Supported elements

Building storeys The current SCIA Engineer version fully supports export and import of building storeys. If storeys are defined in a project then all members are assigned to the storey in which they are located. If a member is allocated in more storeys then it is exported only to the first one. If a member is allocated to no storey, then it is assigned to the building itself. In case no storey exists in the project, no building storey is exported to the IFC file and all members are assigned to the building. During import to SCIA Engineer native storeys are generated using the elevations defined in the IFC file. If no elevation is defined then storeys are generated using the placement defined in the IFC file. In case building storeys are mixed with defined and non-defined elevations the result may be unexpected.

Line grid Only circular and rectangular 2D line grid and rectangular 3D line grid are exported. The rectangular 3D line grid is exported as a set of 2D line grids because the IFC file format does not support 3D grid. Import of line grids is not supported.

CAD layer SCIA Engineer supports export and import of CAD layer for many elements. The following table says the rules:

SCIA Engineer element CAD layers 1D members (beams, columns) by definition in the project 2D member (walls, slabs) by definition in the project 1D reinforcement by layer of the 1D member

- 19 - Chapter 3

SCIA Engineer element CAD layers 2D reinforcement by layer of the 2D member free bars by definition in the project tendons by definition in the project the first one defined in Layer man- footing ager plates by layer of the 1D member mechanical fasteners by layer of the 1D member

All elements mentioned in the table above are exported with coloured geometric presentation. The colour is by defined layer.

Material If the material names in an IFC file are not in accordance with code names it is necessary to define a material conversion table in the Import dialogue. For the first opening of a file with defined material table there is button [Choose file…]. For following modifications, button [Edit] is available. The file has *.con file extension and it is a plain text file, for example: [materials] ; Concrete1=C12/15 Concrete2=C25/30 The first name is the name of material in the IFC file and the second name is code name of material which is used in SCIA Engineer. It is necessary to respect all characters.

1D members For export of beams and columns SCIA Engineersupports SweptSolid, Clipping, SectionedSpine representation and Brep. For import SweptSolid, Clipping, Brep and CSG representations are supported. In the following table on the left side there is a list of 1D member geometry shape in SCIA Engineer and on the right side a list of supported representations for the particular geometry shape.

1D member geometry shape Supported representations for export straight prismatic beam SweptSolid or Brep straight prismatic beam with defined structural shape Clipping or Brep haunched and arbitrary beam Brep or SectionedSpine curved beam Brep only

If a beam has a chamfer Ry or Rz defined in the structure model then the beam is exported with Clipping representation.

The default rules for import of entities with different representations are the following:.

Supported representation for import Element in SCIA Engineer SweptSolid native element which is possible to modified native element with defined general structural Clipping model Brep general volumes CSG general volumes

- 20 - IFC

The following table defines rules for export and import of 1D members with different CAD type.

import to CAD type in SCIA Engineer exported to IFC SCIA Engineer general IfcMember, object type member general beam IfcBeam beam column IfcColumn column gable column IfcColumn column secondary column IfcColumn column rafter IfcMember, object type rafter rafter purlin IfcMember, object type purlin purlin wall bra- roof bracing IfcMember, object type brace cing wall bra- wall bracing IfcMember, object type brace cing girt IfcMember, object type member general truss chord IfcMember, object type member general truss diagonal IfcMember, object type member general beam slab IfcMember, object type member general plate rib IfcMember, object type member general composite beam rib IfcMember, object type member general

Supported profiles SCIA Engineer supports following IFC classes for profile definition: IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef

IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDefWithVoids

- 21 - Chapter 3

IfcCompositeProfileDef

IfcDerivedProfileDef

- 22 - IFC

IfcCenterLineProfileDef

Parameterized profiles IfcAsymetricIShapeProfileDef

- 23 - Chapter 3

IfcCShapeProfileDef

IfcCircleHollowProfileDef

- 24 - IFC

IfcCircleProfileDef

IfcCraneRailAShapeProfileDef

- 25 - Chapter 3

IfcCraneRailFShapeProfileDef

IfcIShapeProfileDef

- 26 - IFC

IfcLShapeProfileDef

IfcRectangleHollowProfileDef

- 27 - Chapter 3

IfcRectangleProfileDef

IfcTShapeProfielDef

- 28 - IFC

IfcUShapeProfileDef

IfcZShapeProfileDef

- 29 - Chapter 3

Export of profiles Following tables gives an overview how profiles from SCIA Engineer are exported.

Profile Library IFC class Profile Library (I section): H, HD, HE, HEA, HEB, HEC, HEM, HG, HHD, HL, HM, HN, HP, HT, HW, IPE,ITM, M, IfcIShapeProfileDef PEA, RSJ, UB, UBP,UC, UKB, UKBP, UKC, W Profile Library (I section): I, INP, IPN, ISHB, ISJB, ISLB, ISMB, ISSC, ISWB, J, S IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef Profile Library (rectangular hollowed section): CFRH, F, HSS, J, MSH, QRO, RHS, RHSCF,RRK, RRO, RRW, IfcRectangleHollowProfileDef SHS, SHSCF, VHP Profile Library (L section):HFLeq, HFLue, ISEA, ISUA,L, LA, LNPeq, LNPue, LS, RSEA, RSUA,UKA IfcLShapeProfileDef Profile Library (circular hollowed section): CFCHS, CHS, CHSCF, HSS, LCHS, MSRR, PIPE, RO, ROR, Y IfcCircleHollowProfielDef Profile Library (channel section): ISMCP, PFC, U(CH), UAP, UKPFC, UPE IfcUShapeProfileDef Profile Library (channel section): C, CH, ISJC, ISLC, ISMC, MC, RSC, U, UE,UNP, UPN IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef Profile Library (T section): HEAT, HEBT, HEMT IPET, MT, TM, TN, TPS, TW, UBT, UCT, UKT, WT IfcTShapeProfileDef ProfileLibrary (T section): ST, T, TB, TPB, TPH, IfcArbitraryProfileDef Profile Library (rectangular section): BRFL, FL, FLA, FLB, KSN, S, VKT, IfcRectangleProfileDef Profile Library (circular section): RD, RND IfcCircleProfileDef Profile Library (asymmetrical I section): ASB, YPY IfcAsymmetricIShapeProfileDef Profile Library (cold-formed section):CFLeq, CFLue, KL, CFUeq, CFUue, KU, SADEFU, T(SSMA), CFZ, KZ, CFOmega, KH, E, SADEFCP, SADEFZ, Z, A, B, MBA, MBB, S, SADEFS, C(HHM), MBC, SADEFSP, IfcArbitraryclosedProfileDef SADEFSE, SADEFSEP, Z(AISI), Z(ICEC), S(FRISO) Profile Library (cold-formed section): C(AISI), C(ICEC), C(MET), CFC, KC, S(SSMA), SADEFC, IfcCShapeProfile Def Profile Library (cold-formed section):SADEFIP,SADEFISP IfcCompositeProfileDef Profile Library (Z section): Z, ZNP IfcZShapeProfileDef Profile Library (rail section): KSA, SA IfcCraneRailAShapeProfiledef Profile Library (rail section): SF IfcCraneRailFShapeProfileDef

- 30 - IFC

Concrete profiles rectangle, Ing, Tg, Lg, oval IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef circle IfcCircleProfileDef

Geometric Shapes Ing IfcIShapeProfileDef Igh, oval, Lg, X, Polygon IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef rectangle IfcRectangleProfileDef circle IfcCircleProfiledef Tg IfcTShapeProfileDef Ug IfcUShapeProfileDef Tube IfcCircleHollowProfileDef Z IfcZShapeProfileDef O IfcRectangleHolloeProfileDef C IfcCShapeProfileDef O asymmetric IfcArbitraryProfileDefWithVoids

Pairs all sections IfcCompositeProfileDef

Closed all except Polygon with hole IfcCompositeProfileDef Polygon with hole IfcArbitraryProfileDefWithVoids

Haunched all sections IfcCompositeProfileDef

Welded all sections IfcCompositeProfileDef

Sheet welded all sections IfcCompositeProfileDef

Build-in all sections IfcCompositeProfiledef

Thin-walled geometric I, Angle, Channel, T, full rectangular, Asymmetric I, Rolled Z, Cold formed channel section, Cold formed C sec- IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef tion, Cold formed Z section

- 31 - Chapter 3

Pairs RHS, CHS, IfcArbitraryProfileDefWithVoids full circle IfcCircleProfileDef

Precast Precast 1, Precast 3, Precast 4, Precast 5, Precast 7 IfcCompositeProfileDef Precast 2, VSTI - Precast 6 IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef

Bridges Slab 1, Slab 2, Double T1, Double T2, Single T,Trough cross-section, Trough gider, V-girder, I, I-girder, IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef Haunched beam or slab T with composite deck, Trough cross-sectioon with composite deck, Trough girder with composite deck, Trough girder with concrete fill, V-girder with composite deck, V girder with concrete fill, I with composite deck, I-girder IfcCompositeProfileDef with composite deck Box girder, Twin box girder IfcArbitraryProfileDefWithVoids

Composed all sections IfcCompositeProfileDef

General polygon, thin walled IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef polygon with opening IfcArbitraryProfileDefWithVoids

Numerical profiles have no surface thus they cannot be supported for model view definition CV2.0. Import of profiles If the name of cross-section from Profile library is found then it is linked to the SCIA Engineer database automatically. The following table says the rules for import of profiles whose names are not recognized:

classes in IFC imported in SCIA Engineer as IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef, IfcArbitraryProfileDefWithVoids, IfcDerivedProfileDef, IfcIShapeProfileDef (with fillet radius filled), IfcRectangleHollowProfileDef (with inner and outer fillet radius), IfcLShapeProfileDef , General cross-section (polygon) IfcTShapeProfileDef (with filet radius filled), IfcAsymmetricIShapeProfileDef, IfcCShapeProfileDef (with internal fillet radius filled), IfcZShapeProfileDef (with filler and edge radius filled), IfcCraneRailAShapeProfileDef, IfcCraneRailFShapeProfileDef IfcIShapeProfileDef (fillet radius is zero) Geometric shapes - Ing IfcCircleHollowProfileDef Geometric shapes - Tube IfcUShapeProfileDef Geometric shapes - Ug IfcTShapeProfileDef (fillet radius is zero) Geometric shapes - Tg IfcRectangleProfileDef Geometric shapes - Rectangle

- 32 - IFC

classes in IFC imported in SCIA Engineer as IfcCircleProfileDef Geometric shapes - Circle IfcCShapeProfileDef (internal fillet radius is zero) Geometric shapes - C IfcZShapeProfileDef (fillet and edge radius is zero) Geometric shapes - Z IfcRectangleHollowProfileDef (inner and outer fillet radius is zero) Geometric shapes - O General cross-section (thin- IfcCenterLineProfileDef walled)

1D member opening All openings in 1D members are exported as IfcOpeningElement with a parametric or general profile. If the repetition is set all openings are exported as separated objects. Mapped representation is not supported in the current version. SCIA Engineer supports import of IfcOpeningElement with SweptSolid representation in 1D member with SweptSolid representation as a native opening.

2D members For export of straight and circular arc walls and flat plates SCIA Engineersupports SweptSolid representation and Brep. Structural shape of 2D members is not taken in account for export with SweptSolid representation. Curved walls and shells are exported always as Brep. For import SweptSolid, Clipping, Brep and CSG representation are supported. In the following table on the left side there is a list of shape representations in IFC file and on the right side a brief description of the result in SCIA Engineer after import.

Shape representation result in SCIA Engineer native flat plates and walls; analysis and struc- SweptSolid tural shape are the same native flat plates and walls; structural shape Clipping includes the clipped shape Brep general volumes CSG general volumes

In the following table there is written a rule for object export and import:

export of 2D member of type IFC object import to SCIA Engineer as wall (rectangular, 4 edged) IfcWallStandardCase wall plate, shell, non-rectangular wall IfcSlab plate general volume IfcWall wall

Openings and subregions Openings and subregions are exported as IfcOpeningElement of type opening or recess. The subregion thickness has to be lower than the thickness of the main slab/wall. In case the subregion is thicker than the slab/wall, the subregion is not taken in account and the model is exported without the subregion. All IfcOpeningElement defined with SweptSolid representation in flat walls and slabs are imported correctly as native SCIA Engineer openings or subregions. If opening elements are defined as Brep no opening is imported in the analysis shape but in most cases the opening should be included in general structural shape. When the opening in 2D member is modelled as cut-out no opening element is exported. It means for SweptSolid representation an entire input member is exported (without cut-outs), for Brep the correct shape (with cut-outs) is exported.

- 33 - Chapter 3

Steel connection parts SCIA Engineer supports export of flat steel connection parts, cleats and stiffeners to IFC like independent plates (IfcPlate), an information about a weld (IfcFastener entity) and bolts (IfcMechanicalFastener entity). Each plate has assigned a material which is defined in SCIA Engineer. Plates are exported as Sweptsolid or Brep whereas bolts only as Brep. All bolts in a bolt assembly are defined as mapped items. List of plates: top, bottom and diagonal stiffeners, end , buckling and base plates, haunch, web doubler, flange wideners, etc.

Concrete reinforcement The default export of concrete reinforcement and free bars is by means of AdvancedSweptSolid representation. In case user selects export as Brep all reinforcement is exported with boundary representation.

1D zone concrete reinforcement is exported with overlapped anchorage. It can cause a problem during import to some other application. Work around for this case is to explode the reinforcement into free bars.

Concrete 1D member reinforcement and free bars are always exported as IfcReinforcingBar. Free bars which have defined a repetition and stirrups are exported as one reinforcing bar with mapped items. Reinforcement 2D is always exported as IfcReinforcingMesh. Both IfcReinforcingBar and IfcReinforcingMesh defined with AdvancedSweptSolid representation are imported into SCIA Engineer as free bars. If the reinforcing bar or mesh have defined mapped items, all mapped items with the same geometry and distances are imported as a free bar with correct repetition. If reinforcing bar or mesh is defined as Brep then they are imported only as general volumes.

Tendons Internal and free tendons can be exported as AdvancedSweptSolid or Brep. For import as native SCIA Engineer element only AdvancedSweptSolid representation is supported. Tendon with Brep is imported as a general volume.

In IFC it is not possible to defined neither the number of tendon elements in a tendon nor the number of tendons in a group. The diameter of tendon is taken from Prestressing strand material properties. As a result, each tendon is exported with the calculated diameter from the sum of the number of tendon elements in the tendon and the number of tendons in the group, but during import only the diameter which is in the material properties is taken in account (i.e. the diameter of a tendon element).

Footing Supports of type Foundation pad are exported into IFC file as IfcFooting element. The supported representation is only Brep. All footings are imported to SCIA Engineer as general volumes.

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Attributes SCIA Engineer supports export of defined attributes from service Attributes for 1D and 2D members, reinforcement, tendons and footings. All attributes are exported as a property set named "User defined". Import of user defined property set is not supported.

BIM properties BIM properties is a new functionality which is switched on as default after IFC file import. If it is ON a new group BIM properties is shown in 1D and 2D member properties and in a general volume properties. It has two main parts. The first one is advanced options for export of particular elements. The other one is a subgroup Attributes.

The advanced export options are different for different elements, e.g. Profile item is only for straight 1D members with SweptSolid geometry. The element is exported using the setting in the BIM properties instead of by rules defined in the export dialogue. If the value is set to default it means the element is exported by rules defined in the export dialogue. ShapeRepresetation - a selection of shape representation for a particular entity which has to be exported with different representation than it is set in export dialogue. Profile - a selection of a way how the profile is exported. The particular beam is exported with profile type which is defined in BIM properties instead of the global setting in the export dialogue. IFC Entity - an option for changing object type, e.g. shell is exported as Ifcslab by default but a user wants to export it as IfcWall. Attributes One of a way how to give different additional information of an entity in IFC file format is to attach “PropertySet”.“Common Property Set” means a set of properties for particular entities which are defined in IFC2x3 specification. The name of set is given as Pset_*Common where * is an entity for which the set is defined, e.g. Pset_BeamCommon for beams.SCIA Engin- eer supports “Common Property Set” for all 1D members exported as IfcBeam, IfcMember or IfcColumn, all 2D members exported as IfcWallStandardCase of IfcSlab and all general volumes exported as IfcWall.

Import dialogue SCIA Engineer offers few options how to import an IFC model. A user can choose which objects will be imported and how. In this chapter all options of import are described.

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Import entities 1D members - if ON all beams (IfcBeam), members (IfcMember) and columns (IfcColumn) are imported. If OFF no beam, member or column is imported. 2D members - if ON all walls (IfcWallStandardCase and IfcWall) and slabs (IfcSlab) are imported. If OFF no wall or slab is imported. Reinforcement - if ON all reinforcement (IfcReinforcingBar and IfcReinforcingMesh) is imported. If OFF no reinforcement is imported. Tendons - if ON all tendons (IfcTendon) are imported according to setting in Tendons group. If OFF the group Tendons is disabled and no tendon is imported. Others - if ON all other objects (IfcFooting, IfcMechanicalFastener, IfcPlate, etc.) which are usually imported as general volumes are imported. If OFF no other object than they are mentioned above are imported. Tendons as internal - all IfcTendon elements defined in IFC file are imported as SCIA Engineer native internal tendons. as free - all IfcTendon elements defined in IFC file are imported as SCIA Engineer native free tendons. Storeys Import storeys - if ON all building storeys (IfcBuildingStorey) are imported as SCIA Engineer storeys. If OFF no storey is imported. Geometry as members - all supported members with SweptSolid representation are imported as SCIA Engineer native objects. as reference model - all objects are imported as general volumes. Analysis shape only - if ON all elements are imported without clipping. If OFF a full structural shape of model is imported. Creating of structural shape can take a lot of time. This option is recommended if a user need only model for analysis. Run member recognizer - if ON after importing of IFC file on background a member recognizer is run and all supported members (beams, columns, walls and slabs) which are imported as general volumes the recognizer tries to convert into native elements. After conversion a report with a result is shown.

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Material table See explained above. National code As IFC file does not specify any code it is necessary to select it before the import. An actual adjusted code is displayed with a national flag. If you want to change it press the button [Change...]. Import procedure After confirmation of the Ifc Import Options dialogue a progress bar with number of total elements and already imported elements is shown.

At the end a report of import is displayed.

On the left side there is a list of imported objects with their quantity. On the right side there is a place for errors and noti- fications if they are any.

Export dialog SCIA Engineer offers several options how to export model to IFC file. A user can choose which objects will be exported and how. In this chapter all options of export are described.

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Project settings View definition - SCIA Engineer currently supports only Coordination View. Units - an option for setting a unit for length, the most common used units for export are millimetres. Export entities 1D members - if ON all beams and columns are exported to IFC file. If OFF no beam or column is exported. 2D members - if ON all walls, plates and shells are exported to IFC file. If OFF no wall, plate or shell is exported. General volumes - if ON all general volumes are exported to IFC file. If OFF no general volumes is exported. Steel connections - if ON all steel connection plates and bolts are exported to IFC file. If OFF no steel connection parts or bolts are exported. Stiffeners - if ON all beam stiffeners are exported to IFC file. If OFF no stiffener is exported. 1D reinforcement - if ON 1D member reinforcing bars and free bars are exported to IFC file. If OFF no reinforcing bar or free bar is exported. 2D reinforcement - if ON 2D member reinforcement is exported to IFC file. If OFF no reinforcing mesh is exported. Tendons - if ON internal and free tendons are exported to IFC file. If OFF no tendon is exported. Foundation pads - if ON all foundation pads are exported to IFC file. If OFF no foundation pad is exported. Attributes - if ON IFC attributes (common property sets) and SCIA Engineer attributes are exported to IFC file. If OFF no attribute is exported. Line grids - if ON all line grids defined in the project are exported to IFC file. If OFF no line grid is exported. 1D members Sweptsolid - all straight prismatic beams are exported with a profile and its extrusion. If possible, the profile is exported as parametric one. SweptSolid, not using parametric profiles - all straight prismatic beams are exported with a profile and its extrusion. All parametric profile are exported as closed arbitrary one. Brep - all beams are exported as faced solids where no information about profile and length is.

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Use "SectionedSpine" representation - if ON all haunched and arbitrary members are exported as solids interpolated between two defined profiles. If OFF all haunched and arbitrary profile are exported as Brep.

SectionedSpine representation is not included in Coordination View 2.0.

2D members SweptSolid - all 2D members are exported with their geometry and thickness. Brep - all 2D members are exported as faced solids where no information about member dimensions is. 1D reinforcement SweptSolid - all 1D member concrete reinforcement and free bars are exported with AdvancedSweptSolid representation. Brep - all 1D reinforcing bars and free bars are exported as faced solids where no information about diameter and distances between bars is. 2D reinforcement SweptSolid - all 2D member concrete reinforcement is exported with AdvancedSweptSolid representation. Brep - all 2D reinforcement is exported as faced solids where no information about diameter and distances between bars is. Tendons SweptSolid - all internal and free tendons are exported with AdvancedSweptSolid representation. Brep - all internal and free tendons are exported as faced solids where no information about diameter and distances between bars is. Export procedure After a confirmation of Ifc Export Options dialog a progress bar with number of already exported elements is shown.

At the end a report of export is displayed.

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On the left side there is a list of exported objects with their quantity. On the right side there is a place for errors and noti- fications if they are any. Export to Allplan It allows the users to export an IFC file with predefined settings for Allplan. SCIA Engineer allows export of a model to Allplan via IFC file since version 15.2. The exported file is a plain IFC which is exported according to Allplan user needs. Go to SCIA Engineer menu File > Export > Allplan (.ifc)

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A file name has to be specified and after the export to IFC file IFC export report dialog is shown.

bim+

SCIA Engineer provides direct link to bim+, feature known from Allplan allowing easy and smooth cooperation between structural engineer and BIM manager who coordinates building model with other specialists involved in design process via bim+ portal.

Official bim+ manual provided by Alplan: l https://doc.bimplus.net/display/bimpluspublic/Home bim+ portal:

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l https://portal.bimplus.net/

Start bim+ interface in SCIA Engineer You can open bim+ from View - toolbars menu or by right clicking in toolbar area and turn it on as other windows (main tree, property tree, etc.). Once you start bim+ window, you will be asked to login first. If you do not have an account you can find a link to create new one in log in window.

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For full access to bim+ features, your model needs to be connected to bim+ project. to do sou you have these options: l open already connected model l import IFC downloaded from bim+ portal l upload current model to bim+

Add new model to bim+ If your actual project is not connected to bim+, you will have option to directly upload it. In upload dialog you can specify:

l Team - group of specialists working on one project l Project - specify on which project you want to participate, where you want to upload your structural analysis model. l You can create new one by input of projects name and then click on "Add" button

l Newly added project will be available in list of projects l Model - Input name of your model (example: "Building - structural analysis") and click on "Add" button l Newly added model will be available in list of models l Revision - you can specify if your upload is additional revision of current model l You can specify revision name and short description

l Or turn revision off if this is first time upload of current model

Upload exports model to IFC and send it directly to bim+ portal.

Taskboard Once you connect your model to bim+ project, bim+ interface will provide this type of functions:

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Header part: l Name of logged user l Link to bim+ portal l Log out

Preview l part where the image related to task is shown

Buttons l Upload - upload new revision l New - creates new task l select member, and click on "New" button - this selected members will be part of task

l this selection can be changed later on l Delete - deletes selected task l BCF - export / import of BCF format l Export to Excel - allows user to export full list of task to excel sheet

Task list l List of tasks related to model l User can click on task to visualize the image of it in preview, also project selection is set accordingly to related task

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l By double click on task name you open the task and can see details

Task Attached task to model can contain various information.

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Header part: l Name of logged user l Link to bim+ portal l Log out

Preview l part where the image related to task is shown

Buttons l Task board - return user to task board l Save view - captures image of 3d window and attaches it to task l Update selection - saves project selection to task l Share link - save direct link to task to clipboard l Deselect all - discard whole project selection and selection from task

Name of task l Field to input name of the task l trash bin button - delete task

l chain button - show link to task

Task detail tab

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l Description - field to input additional task information l Priority - sets priority (shown in task list) l Status - sets status of task (open, solved, closed) l Person responsible - sets responsible team member l E-mail CC - copy email, where will be send notification and link to task (BIM manager email for example) l Due date - specify the date, since the task should be resolved l Tag - add tag to task for easier filter

Spots tab l is not supported in SCIA Engineer

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Comments tab l Add comment - adds comment inputted to comment field

Attachments tab l Add attachments - open dialog to attach file to task (picture, IFC, zip)

Hyperlinks tab l Add named external link

Add revision to bim+ If your actual project is already connected to bim+,and you upload it, you will create a new revision of model. To do so just click on Upload button in Taskboard, and follow instruction given in upload revision dialog.

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Revit link

Introduction The Revit Structure Interface is a tool that is used to transfer projects between Autodesk Revit Structure and SCIA Engin- eer. The projects are transferred with the help of a free plug-in for Revit Structure that can be freely downloaded on the SCIA website. (see more about instalation here) Revit Structure Interface is also called the Revit link and will be referred to as such. The file format which is used between Revit and SCIA Engineer is R2S (= Revit to SCIA). For more information about Revit link, we refer to the ‘Getting started’ & ‘Best Practices’ from CADS (which you find in the help of the plug-in in Revit).

The Revit link works with the analysis model, architectural elements are not supported.

Revit link requires Revit Structure and SCIA Engineeron users computer. The link is installed to Revit Structure applications (as a plug-in). It is displayed in the tab Add-ins (CADs from build 244). There are buttons and dialogues which provide link between Revit Structure and SCIA Engineer.

The setup can be found on the installation DVD of SCIA Engineer or on the secured download web site for SCIA users. The file format R2S is used between Revit Structure and SCIA Engineer . The export from Revit Structure works in two ways:

1. Revit Structure opens SCIA Engineer directly and import the project to it 2. Revit Structure saves the imported file to R2S format and user can import it afterwards to SCIA Engineer

This manual describes using Revit Structure, Revit Architectural is not supported.

The proper materials and cross sections in SCIA Engineer is defined by mapping tables. Mapping is user defined or based on national codes. Find more about mapping here.

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Installation and Revit link setup

Requirements for SCIA Engineer side To be able to import and export .R2S files in SCIA Engineer, you need a licensed version of SCIA Engineer or at least the module described below. Here follows an overview of the required SCIA Engineer modules / editions: l Revit Structure interface -> esa.21 ( Not part of any edition)

The link does not work with the following editions: l Student license l Try-out license (except for the special ‘try-out Revit link’)

There is no additional software required in SCIA Engineer. If the module is activated, the following option are displayed in SCIA Engineer:

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Requirements for the Revit Structure side Install Revit Structure to the computer. Install SCIA Engineer. Choose the type of installation as ‘custom’, switch on the box ‘Revit Structure plug-in’ in the next window and click on the button ‘next’. If Revit Structure is not installed on the computer, then the plug-in won’t be installed.

The SCIA Engineer is required for creating R2S file.

Once the link is implemented into Revit Structure, the tab Add-ins (CADs) in Revit Structure is displayed. There are buttons and dialogues which are used in the link between Revit Structure and SCIA Engineer or to export project to R2S file.

No additional licenses are required for Revit Structure to use Revit link. There are also no licenses necessary for the installation of SCIA Engineer on the computer with Revit Structure to use the Revit link. The installation of SCIA Engineer serves only as source for material and cross-section mapping.

How to find the Revit link on web The secured download page is in Service Packs > SCIA Engineer. ( http://nemetschek- scia.- com/en/support/downloads/plugin-revit-structure-scia-engineer)

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How to find Revit link in setup The folder with the Revit link setup file can be found here: Setup -> RevitLink -> revit_setup.exe

The process of installation Revit link may be installed on computer where SCIA Engineer and Revit Structure is already installed. The installation of the Revit link is a standard Windows tool. Selecting the proper Revit version and the correct path where the Revit link should be installed is required during the process. Then the installation can continue in a standard way. The plug-in is automatically installed to the selected version of Revit Structure.

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If there are more Revit Structure versions on the computer, user has to choose the one for the plug-in installation.

User must have all rights.

When the setup goes wrong If the setup of the Revit Structure plug-in goes wrong, use the following step: l The Revit link plug-in can also be installed independently. But it will still be necessary to also install a version of SCIA Engin- eer on the same computer as Revit Structure. This setup file can be found on the DVD or on our website (www.nemetschek-scia.com). l Also make sure that the folder containing the Revit families (including the standard families) is fully accessible for the Revit link. This folder can also NOT be set to “Read-only”.

Some Revit families are also installed in Revit link folder: c:\ProgramData\CADS\Revit To SCIA Engineer\Revit 2014\Revit Families\

Analytical versus structural model The Revit link comes down to exchanging the analytical model between SCIA Engineer and Revit Structure. In Revit Structure as well as in SCIA Engineer, there are 2 different representations of the model in each project. These are the analytic model and the structural model. The analytical model is used for calculations. It is a model in which a beam or column is represented by a single line. The cross-section that belongs to that beam or column is assigned to that line, and thus the properties of that beam or column are assigned to that line as well. A plate or wall in the analytical model is represented with a plane with no thickness, but the material and the thickness of the plate or wall are also assigned to that plane. For analysis of the structure (forces and sta- bility), this analytical model is used. The structural model is used for drawings and shows the volumes. For example in SCIA Engineer, the structural model must be activated to display a volumetric representation of the entire model. In Revit Structure the emphasis lies on this volumetric representation, but this does not ensure a good underlying analytical model at all! In the end, a modeller uses this structural model to see how the realisation of the project will look like and to create drawings etc.

- 54 - Revit link

Now the problem occurs: When the Revit link is used between Revit Structure and SCIA Engineer, the analytical model is used. The structural (volumetrical) model gets neglected and therefore it is important that the analytical model in Revit Structure is correctly constructed. So the modeller has to understand the importance of a correct analytical model of the project!

Good looking structural model can contain a very bad underlying analytical model - see the next picture - the beam is clearly not connected to the columns in the analytical model:

The reason that the link between Revit and SCIA Engineer only works with Revit Structure is because Revit Structure contains an analytical model while Revit Architecture does not contain an analytical model.

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How it is displayed in Revit - Analysis elements have a center line, which is displayed in Revit by colored lines.

Revit link buttons on the bar, Export and Import, Map- ping dialogues during Export

The Revit link options The Revit link is installed to Revit Structure tab named Add-ins (CADs). There are three parts. Quick buttons for Export and Import, Options part and Help part.

What can be exported Not all elements in Revit Structure are supported for export. It is mainly structure elements and some kinds of loads. Only analytical model is exported, no architectural elements are supported.

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Supported elements are (find more in Revit link help):

Export and Import buttons Export - means export from Revit Structure to SCIA Engineer Import - means import from SCIA Engineer to Revit Structure These buttons start export or import immediately. There are no settings. The dialogue with exported elements appears.

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There is a part where all elements display their status. The log part is displayed in the text-box under it.

The log file can be saved after the export is done. Use the button on the window bottom.

The two steps on the bottom show the status of exporting process. 1 - means loading elements 2 - saving R2S or opening SCIA Engineer

The dialogue for material and cross section definition When some material or cross section is not recognized according to the mapping rules, user has to define it manually during export/import. The special dialogue appears and user has to select the proper material or cross section in it.

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General and Numerical cross section The dialogue allows to define the cross section as a general cross section or numerical cross section. Only geometry of the cross section is exported to SCIA Engineer. This cross section is editable in SCIA Engineer.

- 60 - Revit link

This new rule is automatically saved to the User table.

Mapping tables, mapping rules, dialogue options The mapping between Revit Structure and SCIA Engineer is based on tables. There are three types of mapping tables – user-defined table, tables based on national codes and mapping rules. For most standard materials and cross-sections from Revit families, the tables between SCIA Engineer and Revit Structure are implemented. If you are using different families then the standard Revit Structure families, then manual mapping becomes much more necessary. Also families provided by separate Revit Structure dealers are considered as personal families (and not standard families). The upside is that mapping must be done just once for each material and cross-section that must be mapped (since the link stores the mapping in a file). The next text is about configuring the mapping and can be used on a simple example with a non-standard analytical family. This mapping is always based on the names of materials and cross-sections.

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Options There are several functions which affect what can be transferred to SCIA Engineer. These functions can be found in the Options dialogue. Until version 244:

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From version 244:

From version 244: Cross section as unknown and Null material has been removed. Overwrite has been converted to the checkbox Create new. Ignore load combination works in both ways SCIA Engineer->Revit and Revit->SCIA Engin- eer.

Mapping (tables, rules) The mapping between Revit Structure and SCIA Engineer is based on tables. There are three types of mapping tables.

1. user-defined table 2. tables based on national codes 3. mapping rules

Preferred tables This dialogue defines which predefined tables should be used. There are mapping tables based on national codes and also user defined table in the list.

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The top tables in the list have the higher priority. The mapping is done preferably by them. The checkbox can deactivate tables for mapping. The buttons Up and Down is used for moving the selected table in the list (and thus changing their priority).

Mapping rules The mapping rules can be used when mapping by tables is not sufficient anymore. These mapping rules were the original (old) way to configure the mapping.

Source and target rules The mapping rules can be used when mapping by tables is not sufficient anymore:

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1. There are too many items for mapping 2. There is no sufficient table and the mapping has to be done manually (some specific project or a national code).

The box with choices can set the mapping rule when the mapping tables become insufficient. There are three options:

1. “Do not Use”: if the mapping tables are insufficient, the mapping rules will NOT be used. 2. “Use If not found”: if the mapping tables are insufficient, the mapping rules will be used. 3. “Use mapping rules only”: the mapping tables are ignored, and ONLY the mapping rules will be used.

What do the mapping rules do exactly?

l The mapping rules define mapping between parts from Revit Structure and parts of SCIA Engineer. Each rule defines the name in the Revit (Source table) and the name for SCIA Engineer (Target table). This is not based on libraries from Revit Structure or SCIA Engineer but on exact naming.

l For example, if I open the “Source Mapping Rule” (or “Mapping Rule For Source Configuration”), I can select a line in the table, see Revit Structure name of the section in the preview, and the parts of the name will be explained in the selected line. E.g.: L200X100X150 has ‘Type Name’ L, it is an L(AISC)-section in SCIA Engineer, and its name can be decom- posed (with Delimiter ‘X’):

n TypeName : L200

n Depth = 100

n Width = 150

l For a section from SCIA Engineer, the same thing can be done. You will see that the mapping will look wether the Target Type Name and Type Name from SCIA Engineer and Revit Structure cross sections match.

The example with the L section: The source and the target table

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The explanation of the name composition:

The star symbol can be used to map the section as a particular family in SCIA Engineer. This can define the section which is not in the Revit actual model but should be adapted later in SCIA Engineer.

Revit family mapping The Revit family mapping dialog specifies the mapping of the section types to the Revit family names. This will result in the following procedure: l An imported (or exported) cross-section will be recognised as a certain section type by the ‘Mapping Rules for Source or Target Configuration’. l The ‘Revit family mapping’ will link this section type to a family.

Revit family path The Revit family path dialogue allows the user to define the path of another Revit family which is saved on the computer. The family mapping configuration (mentioned above) will be able to also look in the folders defined in this setting.

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The Revit link needs full read & write rights on this folder, and thus it can also not be set to ‘read-only’.

Mapping tables It is possible to look at the tables (mentioned in the preferred tables) in detail. This is done in a dialog which shows the whole database of mapping. These tables are based on the libraries taken from Revit Structure and SCIA Engineer. To access them, you can use “User Table” in the options window.

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This will result in the following table, where the different tables can be chosen. For each table you will be able to see how different cross-sections (or materials) are mapped.

The user table is clearly user defined. New mapping rules can be added in the user table by using the dialogue button “Add”. Then the user can select the section name in Revit Structure and the corresponding name in SCIA Engineer.

The other tables are predefined by the system.

If the user table contains rules with the higher priority then it must be moved in the list to the top. This table will be used in advance for exporting.

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User mapping is saved as XML file (named User Mappings.User.xml) where all mapped cross sections and materials are specified. It can be found on the driver e.g. c:\ProgramData\CADS\Revit To SCIA Engineer\Databases\User Map- pings.User.xml.

Options dialogue The following dialog is displayed when the “Options” command has been selected, either from the menu or from the toolbar.

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Export/Import part The Revit link exports structural 1D members and 2D members with openings. The supports can be exported as a Found- ation blocks or Standard supports. The Revit link exports the whole or the selected part of the structure from Revit project. Structural usage from SCIA Engineer can be imported to Revit. It means that Revit recognizes that the element is column, beam or bracing.

National Code The national code option specifies which national code is to be used in SCIA Engineer. The following National codes are supported:

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The link program does not validate when the national code used in the Revit template and the national code in the link software are not the same. For example if the user has modelled using the Canadian template and tries to export using the EC-EN national code, the program may not work as expected.

Selection The options as shown here allow the user to export only the selected members from Revit Structure and to control the beha- vior of the import / export.

If this option is selected, the program will expect a partial selection from the user.

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Preferences The following preferences can be set in this dialog.

These options work differently depending on the context in which they are used. If the model is exported from Revit Structure , the option “Launch SCIA Engineer = Yes” launches SCIA Engineer and exports the model into it. The option “LaunchSCIA Engineer = No” writes the FEM data as a .R2S file (e.g. model.R2S) which can be opened into SCIA Engineer using the command “Import Revit File.”

This option does not require SCIA Engineer to be installed in the computer and allows sending this file to other users who have installed SCIA Engineer. If the model is updated from Revit Structure , the option “Launch SCIA Engineer” reads the active SCIA Engineer job and updates the current Revit model.

Overwrite By default the “Export to SCIA Engineer” will overwrite if any existing SCIA Engineer file with the same name is available in the folder. If you select “Create New”, then the existing SCIA Engineer file with the same name in the folder is deleted and a new SCIA Engineer file is created.

Foundation type Isolated foundation It can be exported as standard support or foundation pads to SCIA Engineer. Foundation slab From version 244 - possibility to select the type of foundation plate was added:

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Default - takes the type from the member properties Foundation - the configuration works only for Revit foundation slabs, then it is exported as foundation Slab on grade - the member is exported as plate with surface support Slab - the member is exported as plate

Update 2D member openings The opening which is changed in Revit Structure is updated in SCIA Engineer.

Filter part There is a possibility to filter what should be exported.

User can export whole structure without load combinations, member releases, slabs or walls. l If the “Ignore Load” is set to “Yes”, the loads are not considered for both export and import. l If the “Ignore Load Combinations” is set to “Yes”, the loads combinations are not considered for both export and import. l If the “Ignore Revit Member Releases” is set to “Yes”, member end releases set in Revit are not exported to SCIA Engin- eer. l If the “Ignore Slabs” option is set to “Yes”, structural slabs are not considered for both export and import. l If the “Ignore Walls” option is set to “Yes”, structural walls are not considered for both export and import. l The above two options can be used when you want to analyse the frame excluding the slabs and walls. l If the “Ignore Support” option is set to “Yes”, the Boundary conditions defined in Revit is not exported.

Launching of the SCIA Engineer The export tool can launch SCIA Engineer application automatically or save the project as a R2S format. SCIA Engineer version which is launched and national code for exported project is defined by settings.

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If SCIA Engineer is not launched automatically then there are two possibilities:

1. The Export tool will ask for the path where R2S file will be saved (option "Prompt for file" to YES). 2. R2S is saved automatically to the default folder. User is not disturbed at all (option "Prompt for file" to NO).

The R2S file can be imported to the SCIA Engineer via the standard import tool.

User mapping part Following user mapping options makes the export option easier when suitable cross section or material is not found for majority of members, but the export is needed without any prompts for mapping with an automatic mapping as unknown sections or materials.

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If the ‘Material as Unknown’ is set to Yes, the program will not prompt the user for mapping a material whenever a material is not found in the map database. Exporting the structure from Revit to SEN The model in Revit Structure has to be saved before it is exported to SCIA Engineer. If it is not saved, Revit Structure asks for the path and name.

Start export The export button is in the Add-ins (CADs) tab and in the Options dialogue. Both start export from Revit Structure to SCIA Engineer.

Export dialogue and log file The dialogue displayed during export shows the number of items which were exported and their status. The information about the whole process is displayed in the log part. The exporting status is also displayed on the progress bar and by steps 1 and 2.

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The log can be saved to the text-file when the export is finished.

SCIA Engineer is opened automatically if it is set in the option dialogue. Newly exported structure is displayed in the model window.

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Exporting foundations blocks - prerequisites When user wants to export foundations as foundation block, he must check special option in Revit. It is "Member supports" in dialogue Structural settings, tab Analytical model settings.

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Foundation block created in SCIA Engineer cannot be imported to Revit Structure .

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Example no.1 - someting is not exported to SCIA Engineer If some part of Revit Structure model is not exported to SCIA Engineer, it is listed in the special dialogue.

1. The model in Revit Structured contains 2 columns - one structured and one has analytical line switched off 2. Export the model to SCIA Engineer 3. One column is not exported, it is displayed in the log file 4. Click on Filter button and see the reason

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The log content:

The result: One member is not exported, it is displayed in Filter dialogue.

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Example no.2 - deleted member in Revit Structure (from build 244) The information about deleted member is transferred from Revit Structure to SCIA Engineer, so the members is deleted during the update.

1. The exported structure consists from 4 members 2. One member is deleted in Revit Structure 3. The structure from Revit Structure is exported again to the same project in SCIA Engineer

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4. The deleted member and appropriate free node are displayed in the log file 5. The structure in SCIA Engineeris updated correctly

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The log content:

The result: The deleted member is recognized by SCIA Engineerand deleted correctly. Import (update) the structure from SEN to Revit

The Revit link is mainly developed for exporting the data from Revit Structure to SCIA Engineer. Only some smaller changes made in SCIA Engineer can be updated back to Revit Structure . Until build 244 (june 2013) it is not possible to delete item in Revit Structure and update it to SCIA Engineer. It is possible only to modify the item when it was already exported. From build 244 (june 2013) it is possible to track deleted members from Revit Structure to SCIA Engineer - see the example No. 2 in chapter Exporting the structure from Revit to SCIA Engineer.

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From build 262 (release of SEN 2014.1) it is possible to track deleted members from SCIA Enginer to Revit - see the example No. 5 in this chapter.

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The possible modifications are described in the next 4 examples:

Example no.1 - modification Adapt the column cross section in SCIA Engineer and import it back to Revit Structure .

1. The selected cross section in Revit Structure is the default 2. The selected cross section in SCIA Engineer is the adapted one after export 3. Import it back to Revit Structure (see the next picture) 4. The cross section in Revit Structure is updated according to SCIA Engineer

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The log content:

The result: The Revit cross section is modified after the import.

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Example no.2 - copy Copy exported column in SCIA Engineer and import it back to Revit Structure :

1. The column is copied in SCIA Engineer 2. The adapted project is imported back to Revit Structure - the changed member is visible in the log file

The log content:

The result: The Revit Structure adds one more column after the import.

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Example no.3 – create a new opening in exported wall Create new opening in the wall and import it back to Revit Structure :

1. The opening is created in the SCIA Engineer 2. The adapted wall is imported back to Revit Structure - the changed member is visible in the log file

The log content:

The result: The Revit Structure creates new opening in the wall after the import.

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Example no.4 – create new item The Revit link is not a tool for importing the whole new structure from SCIA Engineer to Revit Structure, but in the simple cases it is possible to add a new item:

1. The column is created in SCIA Engineer 2. The added member is imported back to Revit Structure (see the next picture) - the added member is visible in the log file

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The log content:

The result: The Revit Structure creates new column after the import.

Example no.5 – deleted item in SCIA Engineer Member deletion in SCIA Engineer is now recognised by the review manager. Deleted member is deleted in the Revit project after the import automatically.

Results from SCIA Engineer in Revit Structure It is possible to check results from SCIA Engineer in the Revit Structure application using Revit link 3.1 or higher (build 262). The visualization is possible by a special tool Structural Analysis Toolkit 2015. Start by creating a model in Revit as usual and export it to SCIA Engineer. Aadd loads, supports etc., analyse the model and import it back to Revit (update) as with previous releases. Once the import is complete click on Results Manager from the Analyze tab. It shows results from SCIA Engineer. Click on "Explore" button and view results in Results explorer tool.

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The new option to ignore results during the import was added to the Option dialogue. The import of results may take some time, we recommend to use it only if results are strongly required.

Please contact CADs support for more information - [email protected].

When something is not exported

This can be caused by several reasons:

The cross section or material is not correctly mapped Information concerning the problem can always be found in the log. You must also be sure that the folder containing the families (and used by the link) is not set to ‘read-only’.

The material is null when you have selected an element to be an ‘analytical element’, but you do not have given it a material in Revit Structure:

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Not exported items can be selected and showed by the Filter tool.

l There is a information why the item was not exported. l Checkbox displays only objects with a bad geometry. l Show button selects and zoom the item in the Revit model window.

The dialogue Option ignores the entity There is a possibility to ignore 2D member during the export. When this functionality is used then the 2D member is not exported to SCIA Engineer. This can be found in the log:

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The object is not supported by the Revit link Only analytical elements can be exported. If the model contain any architectural entities, then they won’t be exported to SCIA Engineer. This also applies for elements for which ‘Enable analytical model’ has not been ticked on (we refer again to the image on the previous page). If the model is created in the Revit Architecture then the model must be edited in Revit Structure in such a way that the objects are switched to the analytical objects.

The object is not supported by SCIA Engineer Some objects are specific so they don’t have any corresponding entities in SCIA engineer. Some of those are not yet implemented. It is possible to check in the help file of the Revit plug-in (in Revit Structure) what is and what is not supported.

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Problem with export in SCIA Engineer / import in Revit Structure l It is necessary to use ‘General XYZ’ in SCIA Engineer to import the project in Revit Structure later on. l Rigid links cannot be transferred to Revit Structure. l Horizontal 2D elements must have the type ‘plate’ and vertical 2D elements the type ‘wall’. l We advise to link to the necessary families in the options of the Revit link. To do this, go to: l CADS -> Plug-in Options -> Preferred Tables -> Family Revit Path

l Set to the folder containing the families which you will need when importing (see image for example of default path).

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Newest features (in build 244)

l Openings (in plates/walls) are now perfectly supported (see also example 3 in chapter First use of Revit link).

l Members deleted in SCIA Engineer are also deleted in Revit upon import (see the example No. 2 in chapter Exporting the structure from Revit to SCIA Engineer). First use of Revit link - example

Creating the model in Revit Structure

1. Start a new project in Revit Structure.

2. Start with inputting 2 column (standard Revit families; cross section H-Wide Flange Column: HEA300 and material Steel, 45-345) of 3 meters height at a distance of 4 meters. Then add a beam (same cross-section and material) between the upper ends of the columns.

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3. Now change the view towards the analytical model.

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4. This is the model that will be transferred by the Revit link. If there is nothing here, then you are not using the correct families. Also if the lines of the columns and the beam do not connect, then you must manually change the analytical model to correct this. 5. However, Revit structure is designed to optimally use both analytical models and volumetric models at once (when creating this example, it was also not necessary to correct the analytical model). This can also be seen in the properties of the beams and columns if we look at their ‘analytical’ properties.

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6. Also make sure that each element which you want to transfer, has ‘Enable Analytical Model’ activated, and that there is a ‘Structural Material’ indicated for that element. Revit Structure does not require a material for each element, but the Revit link does require that each element that you want to transfer has a material.

7. It can be possible that you must still indicate a material. To do this, click on the three dots in the same line as ‘Structural Material’, and choose the desired material.

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Using the Revit link

1. In Revit Structure, there should be a tab ‘CADS’. This tab is installed by the Revit Structure plug-in (as described in the part ‘Introduction & requirements’). If this tab is not available, then please check if the ‘requirements for Revit structure’ (p.2) have been met.

2. If you are searching for extra documentation/help, then the options ‘Getting Started’, ‘Best Practices’, ‘Help’ and ‘Check list’ can be of great help to you. Also the option ‘About’ will give you the version of the Revit link, but also the release notes (improvements in the last patch of the Revit link in comparison with the previous one).

3. The part described above is just for extra information. Now go to ‘Options’. There are several functions which affect what can be transferred to the SCIA Engineer. These functions can be found in the Options dialogue.

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4. The Revit link exports structural 1D members and 2D members with openings. The supports can be exported as a Found- ation blocks or Standard supports. The Revit link exports the whole or the selected part of the structure from the Revit project. These options give the Revit link the information it needs to execute the transfer. Since this is the first time the Revit link is used, the ‘National Code’ as well as ‘SCIA Engineer Version’ will be blank.

5. Click on the box after SCIA Engineer version and choose browse. Now the Revit Link wants you to add the different version of SCIA Engineer which you have installed on the pc. This is why a version of SCIA Engineer also has to be installed on the same pc as Revit Structure. The Revit link uses the installed files to make the link between Revit Structure and SCIA Engineer.

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6. Choose ‘Add’ and browse to the folder where SCIA Engineer is installed (the Revit link will search for esa.exe in this folder). For 64-bit pc’s, the default location is C:\Program Files (x86)\SCIA\Engineer 2013.0\. After indicating the path, you will see the version of SCIA Engineer in the window. After closing this window, you will also see that ‘National Code’ now has multiple choices available.

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7. In between the two options, there is ‘Launch SCIA Engineer’. If you chose ‘yes’, then the Revit link assumes that you wish to import and export from SCIA Engineer on this pc. If you chose ‘no’, it will create an .r2s (Revit to SCIA) file, which can be imported on the other pc later on in SCIA Engineer (regardless of this option, the transfer will always happen by means of a .R2S file). 8. Let us chose ‘no’ for this option (this makes it easier to find the (user) error during tests). Explanation for the other options can be found in the ‘Help’ of the Revit Link (which has been mentioned on the previous page). To completion of this tutorial, I have copied the explanation of the different options to appendix 1. 9. Before you are going to export the Revit Structure project to SCIA Engineer, you must save the project first. Then choose the ‘export’ option. Note that the ‘Export’ button under the tab ‘CADS’, or the ‘Export to SCIA Engineer’ button in the options of the tab ‘CADS’ do the exact same thing: create an .R2S file that can be imported in SCIA Engineer.

10. You will see the ‘CADS Revit SCIA Engineer link’ progress window appear. Here you can see which items (beams, columns, plates, load cases ...) are recognised by the link. It will also ask where to save the .R2S file (which is the file you must import in SCIA Engineer). Save the ‘SCIA Engineer r2s file’ as ‘Project1’ and choose ‘Save’.

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11. Once the transfer has started, the link will give a message when it does not recognise a certain item. The link is based on names. In this example, the Revit material ‘Steel, 45-345’ cannot automatically be linked to SCIA Engineer. This link is called ‘mapping’, and must be added manually if the link cannot do the mapping automatically.

12. Click ‘Yes’ and choose the correct ‘SCIA Engineer Material Name’ (for example S355).

There is also an option ‘Use as Unknown’. We strongly advise to NOT use this option. This will generate problems when you are importing the file in SCIA Engineer later on.

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13. Once the export is completed, you will be able to see the total number of items recognised for each category, and the amount which has been successfully exported. Not that the separate elements (structural columns and structural fram- ings) must have analytical lines to be recognised. 14. On the right side of the window, you will be able to see the log file. This explains how the mapping has been done for the different materials and cross sections.

- Revit Material “Steel, 45-345” is mapped as “S 355” based on user mapping - “HEA300” is mapped as “HE300A” This log file can also be saved by using the option ‘Save Log’ (in the bottom right corner of the window).

15. If we would not have mapped this material (by clicking ‘no’ for the question to add this material), then all elements that used this material, would not have been exported (see image below).

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16. The log can be saved to the text-file when the export is finished. SCIA Engineer is opened automatically if it is set in the option dialogue and the newly exported structure will be displayed in the model window. If you are doing tests with the Revit link, we advise to keep this option off, and to open SCIA Engineer manually later. The reason for this is to easily identify if the problem is on the the Revit side or on the SCIA Engineer side if there would be a problem configuring the link. 17. Now open your Windows explorer, and go to the .R2S file which has been generated by the Revit link. Copy this file to the pc where you wish to import the file in to SCIA Engineer.

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Importing in SCIA Engineer

1. Open SCIA Engineer, and import the .R2S file:

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2. SCIA Engineer will ask for a code. The .R2S file is mapped to the SCIA Engineer materials for the code that was con- figured in the Revit Link options (in this case the EC-EN). We will use the EC-EN in SCIA Engineer as well (if necessary, ‘Add’ the correct code). Click ‘close’ if you have the correct code.

3. Now you will see the imported items in SCIA Engineer.

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4. Under ‘load cases’, you will also find the load cases which have been transferred from Revit Structure to SCIA Engineer. These are the same 9 load cases that you could see being exported by the Revit link (2 pages back). The ‘Load Natures’ from Revit Structure are imported as ‘Load Groups’ in SCIA Engineer.

SCIA Engineer:

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Revit structure:

5. Now we will change the project in SCIA Engineer, and then export it back to SCIA Engineer. Copy 1 beam and 1 column, and change 1 cross-section to HEA600.

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6. Exporting from SCIA Engineer

7. The file will be saved as an .r2s file again. This time we’ll name it ‘Project1s.r2s’. Be sure to unselect everything in SCIA Engineer first, otherwise only the selection will be exported.

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Importing in Revit Structure

1. Copy the ‘Project1s.r2s’ file that has just been created to the computer with Revit Structure. 2. Open Revit Structure (with an empty project) and go to the ‘CADS’ tab. Choose ‘Import’ (which you can find both in the CADS-tab as in the options dialogue) and select the ‘Project1s.r2s’ file.

3. You will see that the ‘HE300A’ from SCIA Engineer is not linked to Revit Structure. This is probably a problem with families that are not loaded properly in Revit Structure. We will solve this by adding the referred family to our Revit link. 4. To add the mapping for this section to the Revit link, first click ‘Close’. Go back to the options of the Revit link, and open the ‘User table’. The user table contains the mapping defined by the user. If you click on ‘User Table’ in the new window, you will see different mappings that are already inserted. Now we want to add mapping for the database ‘user table’ in the table ‘CrossSectionsMapping’.

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5. So choose ‘Add’. In the window ‘Add Cross Section To User Table’, follow the next steps: a. 1. Supporting Mapping Database: choose ‘Belgium Columns’ (or ‘Europe Specific Sections’ or ‘Netherland Columns’) b. 2. Family Role = Column c. 3. Family Name = H-Wide Flange-Column d. 4. Section Name = HEA300 (you can start typing, instead of scrolling) 6. Then for the options under ‘SCIA Engineer’, Catalog Name = Rolled, and search the section HE300A. You should have the following options:

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7. Afterwards, click on ‘OK’. You will see that there is a new line in the mapping table. Now click on ‘Save’ to keep this new mapping. This will now always be used if you use the Revit Link.

8. Now we will add the same cross section, but then for the frames, and also the HEA600 from SCIA Engineer. If you do not know the name in SCIA Engineer, then run the Revit link again, and look at the message indicated in red. For the HEA600, it will be necessary to use the ‘Netherlands Beams’ (for example).

9. After you have clicked on save, close the mapping table with the cross in the corner. Try to use the Revit link again.

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It is possible that you have mapped everything correctly in the mapping table, but it is still possible that the ‘Revit Section Name’ you refer to, is from a family which has not been loaded. To solve this, go to ‘Insert -> Load from Library’. The family library for Revit Structure is by default in the ProgramData folder. (all families are not loaded by default, because it would make the software much slower)

10. If the import went successfully, you will see the same structure as you had in SCIA Engineer:

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The Revit link is mainly developed for exporting the data from Revit structure to SCIA Engin- eer. Most changes made in SCIA Engineer can be imported back to Revit Structure. But the functionality has its limitations. If you wish to check the possibilities (and impossib- ilities of the link, we refer to the help of the Revit Plugin. We refer to the plug-in instead of pla- cing the information here, because a newer version of the plug-in will allow more, and these options will also be updated in its help file. In the next image you can see that the help file has been used to check the possibilities concerning load combinations.

The Revit link was originally implemented to send files/models from Revit Structure to SCIA Engineer. It is also possible to send files back from SCIA Engineer to Revit Structure, but it can also still be possible to transfer these changes verbally to the architect using Revit Struc- ture so that he is fully aware of the changes. But as you will see in examples 2 and 3, changed, added and deleted items can be perfectly exchanged from SCIA Engineer to Revit Structure

Modification of cross-section in SCIA Engineer

1. Take the project which we ended with in example 1. We are now going to adapt the column cross-section in SCIA Engin- eer and import it back in the same existing Revit Structure project. 2. In SCIA Engineer, we are going to add the default rectangular concrete cross-section and change the property of one column to this cross-section.

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3. As you can see, the new rectangular cross-section is applied to one of the columns. The next step is to export the SCIA Engineer project to an .r2s file, and to import this file into Revit Structure. Be sure to deselect everything in SCIA Engineer first, otherwise only the selection will be exported.

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4. As you can see, only the changed element will be imported. The log mentions that the family symbol has changed. Only the imported elements cause changes in the model, so the imported column is the on we changed, and the message refers to exactly that column.

Adding elements in SCIA Engineer

1. For this example, we will continue with the modified SCIA Engineer project from the end of example 2. We are going to add a column and a wall and import the entire project in Revit Structure. 2. In the image below, the concrete column has been copied, and a (steel) wall has been placed between the two concrete columns. An opening has also been added to the wall (it is important that vertical 2D elements have the type ‘wall’ and horizontal the type ‘plate’).

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3. Next step is importing the project in to the Revit project which we acquired at the end of example 2. The import log will look like this:

4. The new elements are the one imported, the already existent (and not changed) have not been imported again. One column and one wall were imported. Also the opening has been imported (this opening could also be imported later on).

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XML

XML SCIA Engineer allows for the exchange of data with third-party applications through the popular and powerful XML format. Moreover, XML format can be used to develop tailor-made applications that use SCIA Engineer as a "hidden" engine working on the background and performing calculations of company-specific problems.

Note: The aim of this text is to present the principles of XML interface. The full explanation of all features and all capabilities of XML import/export/update would occupy dozens and maybe even hundreds of pages and exceeds the extent and scope of this text. Users who are interested in the application of XML interface in their practice are kindly asked to contact the help-desk of SCIA Company. SCIA specialists will be happy to give concrete piece of advice that could help solve the particular problem of your company.

XML import The procedure to import data from XML file

1. Start menu function File > Import >XML file. 2. Browse for the required .xml file. 3. Confirm the selection of the file. 4. If required by the import procedure, specify the national standard to be used. 5. Finish the import.

Note: The import function creates a new empty project and the specified file is imported into it.

XML export The procedure to export data into XML file

1. Use the tree menu to start function Tools > XML. 2. XML file editor is opened on the screen. Before it is opened, the program may ask you to select the default XML document template. You may select one or just close the dialogue without choosing anything. If you want to export the whole structure into a XML file, it is convenient to select the default.TDX template. 3. In the XML file editor define the structure of the XML document. 4. Use icon Export on the toolbar to export the created document into a XML file. 5. Close the XML file editor.

Note: Please remember that the order of SCIA Engineer entities stored in the exported XML file must guarantee that all the references are made to entities stored earlier in the file.

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It means, for example, that materials must come before cross-sections, cross-sections and nodes must come before 1D members, load cases must come before load case combinations, etc.

XML file editor The XML file editor is very similar to the Document of SCIA Engineer. The principle is that the user defines tables describing individual entities of the SCIA Engineer projects and there order. This table-form can be easily previewed (it is in fact identical to the standard SCIA Engineer document). When ready, the final XML file contents can be transformed into the real XML format through the Export function. The dialogue contains the following parts:

XML document selection Selects the required XML document if more than one document has been created. box

button to open the XML Opens the XML document manager where you can create new documents or delete the exist- document manager ing ones. It is a standard SCIA Engineer database manager.

XML file contents window This window shows the contents and structure of the currently edited document. This is analogous to the document tree window.

property window Displays parameters related to currently selected item in the XML file contents window. This is analogous to the document property window.

icon toolbar Contains buttons (icons) that perform various actions. The toolbar is identical with the Docu- ment window toolbar.

control buttons There are two control buttons:

[New] – adds a new item to the XML file contents window.

[Close] – closes the XML file editor.

action button There is just one action button – it refreshes the preview window of the XML file editor.

preview window Displays the currently edited XML file in table-form.

XML update The procedure to update the project through XML file

1. Open in SCIA Engineer the project to-be-updated. 2. Call function File > Update >XML file. 3. Browse for the file to-be-merged.

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4. Confirm the selection of the file. 5. The project in SCIA Engineer is updated by the data read from the file.

Note: For more information on the update function read chapter XML update example.

XML update example Let us have a project named Cantilever.esa with a simple cantilever beam of a circular cross-section.

The dimensions of the cross-section are defined through two parameters: Diameter and Thickness.

Both the parameters are of type Cross-section length (Css length) and their initial values are 200 mm and 5 mm.

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Now we have to open the XML file editor (tree menu function Tools > XML). There we have to create a new "XML document" containing the table of defined parameters. To do so, we add the table Libraries > Parameters.

The inserted table looks like this:

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The created XML document must be exported into XML file. This can be achieved through function Export (available on the toolbar of the preview window in the XML file editor). The generated XML file (named CantileverParameters.xml) looks like:

XML file Comment

- Parameter Diameter

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value = 0.2 m

- Parameter Thick- ness

value = 0.005 m

We will not explain the meaning of every single line of the XML document. The example above demonstrates the structure of the XML file and shows the way the two parameters from our example are stored.

Note: When the export function is invoked, the XML file editor generates in fact two files: XML file and the corresponding definition file (DEF file). For example, if the name of the XML file is MyFile.XML, the name of the definition file is MyFile.xml.DEF. Briefly said, the definition file contains the definition of all the characteristics that are referred to in the XML file.

Manual XML update And now, we may demonstrate the principle of the XML update function. Let us assume that we have a tool that can read and modify the XML file. Using this tool we can change the value of the parameters in the XML file. Let us assume that the value of the Diameter was changed to 0.8 m.

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Note: Later we will show how exactly this can be done. For the time being, let us take it for granted that the tool changed the XML file and modified parameter Diameter.

Let us go back to SCIA Engineer where our original project is still open. Call function File > Update > XML file and browse for our modified file. The program updates the data of the project (in our example - the values of the parameters) and we can see the result on the screen. The tube has increased its diameter four times.

Automatic XML update Now, let us return to the idea of an external tool that is capable of modifying the XML file. Probably every engineering office uses a kind of spreadsheet processor such as MS EXCEL. Taking into account the fact that the Microsoft’s product is probably the most widespread tool available in the market, we will use it in our example.

List of operations carried out by the EXCEL application The EXCEL "application" will do the following operations:

1. it will take our input of the diameter and thickness of the cross-section, 2. it will generate the appropriate XML file, 3. it will open the SCIA Engineer project with the cantilever in question, 4. it will update the cross-section using the values from the generated XML file, 5. it will perform the calculation, 6. it will generate output document containing the calculated deformation of the cantilever, 7. it will import this document into the EXCEL sheet, 8. it will show the vertical displacement of the free end of the cantilever directly in the EXCEL sheet.

Note: The EXCEL application could naturally display also other results. In the interests of brevity, clarity, and comprehension, we will deal in our example just this single result value.

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We will prepare a VBA script (run from a XLS sheet) that will perform all the described operations. SCIA Engineer as a calculation engine will be running "somewhere" on the background. The user won’t even spot it on the screen and will be able to think that the EXCEL sheet itself does everything.

To start with, we have to pre-prepare something in SCIA Engineer. First, we have to generate the .XML "template" file and the corresponding .DEF file. This was already done earlier in our example and we can simply take the produced .XML file. Unless we decide to use different folder (different then SCIA Engin- eer project folder) for our EXCEL application, we do not have to bother about the .DEF file. It will be in the right place by default. Second, we have to create a document in our SCIA Engineer project. The document must contain the table with calculated nodal displacements. The project must be then saved.

Let us now start MS EXCEL, create a new document and define two sheets. Let us name them "Table" and "XML". The first one (Table) will be our "User interface", i.e. it will be the sheet that will be used by the user. The other one (XML) will be used as an auxiliary sheet to hold the contents of the XML file we have to generate (Please note that there are other possibilities (in terms of programming techniques) to store the contents of the XML-file-to-be-generated that may prove more efficient in terms of speed for large projects with large XML files. Our example is quite a simple one and we may afford to store the data in the sheet).

Design the "Table" sheet as in the figure:

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You can see that the sheet takes two values as input (the blue cells B17 and B18) and displays one value as output (the yel- low cell B25). The sheet contains a simple illustrative picture (scanned from SCIA Engineer) and a button that starts all the operations listed above.

The second sheet holds the contents of the XML file that is needed for the XML update functionality of SCIA Engineer.

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The XML content is in the second column (B). The first column (A) is almost(!) empty. It just contains letters "d" and "t" in rows where the values of the diameter and thickness are stored. This arrangement was selected with regard to the algorithm programmed in our sample VBA script. The simplest way to fill in this "XML" sheet is to open the exported Canti- leverParameters.xml file in a simple text editor, remove all blank lines and copy+paste it to the second column of the "XML" sheet. The blank lines have been removed to allow for a very simple VBA script.

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Now we have to define the procedure that is triggered by clicking the button [Recalculate] from the "Table" sheet. The procedure may look like:

Private SubRecalculate_Click() ' Open XML file for writing Dimfs, f Setfs = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") Setf = fs.CreateTextFile("E:\SCIA\EsaData\CantileverParameters.xml",True) ' we assume that the data are stored in folder E:\SCIA\EsaData ' Generate XML file using the two input values DimSomethingToWriteAsBoolean SomethingToWrite =True DimmystringAsString DimiAsInteger i = 1 Do mystring = Worksheets("XML").Cells(i, 2).Value Ifmystring <> ""Then IfWorksheets("XML").Cells(i, 1).Value = "d"Then ' this line stores the value of the diameter mystring = " " End If IfWorksheets("XML").Cells(i, 1).Value = "t"Then ' this line stores the value of the thickness mystring = " " End If f.WriteLine (mystring) i = i + 1 Else SomethingToWrite =False End If Loop WhileSomethingToWrite =True f.Close 'Invoke the update of the project + ' Run the calculation+ ' Export the document into XLS file

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Shell ("D:\ESA\Esa_XML.exe LIN E:\SCIA\EsaData\Cantilever.esa E:\EsaData\SCIA\CantileverParameters.xml /tHTML /oE:\SCIA\EsaData\CantileverParameters.xls") 'Assumptions: 'SCIA Engineerinstalled in folder D:\ESA ' project file stored in fodler E:\SCIA\EsaData ' XML file generated to folder E:\SCIA\EsaData 'Note: 'File Esa_XML.exeis an integral part ofSCIA Engineerinstallation ' Parameters of "SHELL" command ' D:\ESA\Esa_XML.exe= location ofEsa_XML.exe ' LIN= linear calculation ' E:\SCIA\EsaData\Cantilever.esa= original project file ' E:\EsaData\SCIA\CantileverParameters.xml= XML file for the update function ' /tHTML /oE:\SCIA\EsaData\CantileverParameters.xls= export the document stored inside the project file as HTML file with location and nameE:\SCIA\EsaData\CantileverParameters.xls

Application.Wait (Now + TimeValue("0:00:15")) 'wait in orderto guarantee thatSCIA Engineercompletes the calculationbefore the control of the operation is returned to the VBA script 'Read result into XLS sheet+ ' Insert the result value into the appropriate cell of the "Table" sheet DimmyresultAs Variant Workbooks.Open Filename:="E:\SCIA\EsaData\CantileverParameters.xls" myresult = Sheets("CantileverParameters").Cells(8, 5).Value 'Cell (8,5) of the "document file" contains the required vertical displacement 'to find out this, you have to open the generated XLS file manually (only once) and note down the cell coordinates Workbooks("CantileverParameters.xls").Close Worksheets("Table").Cells(25, 2).Value = myresult

End Sub

Now we can start playing with the EXCEL application. Just type the two input parameters, click button [Recalculate] and (after a few seconds) you can see the vertical displacement shown in the "Deflection" cell.

Note: Please, consider this chapter to be only a brief introduction to the XML update and contact SCIA support team for more information and/or guidance.

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Main characteristics, general information A general text format XML has been developed for program SCIA Engineer. This format can be used to obtain easily the information about project input data or calculation results. It is a matter-of-course, that the format provides for the modification of ESA projects and even for the creation of a new ESA project including recording of a new structure and additional data. This can be achieved not only by means of the text file in XML format, but also through the programming language that supports COM interface (C++, Visual Basic). What is advantageous is that, following the established rules, the user can define his personal format. He can very simply, using an interactive graphical environment, select which data will be stored in the final text file and in what order. Another interesting feature - useful mainly for programmers of extension modules – is that one can define his own data structures in the SCIA Engineer database and process these data using the XML format.

Export All preprocessor data such as material, cross-sections, geometry, model, load, etc. and also all postprocessor data such as calculation results, etc. can be exported into XML format. If I want to perform the XML export, first of all I have to exploit interactive tools to create the output format. I must specify which data groups, which particular values and in what order will be needed in the output file. I can create an arbitrary number of such formats for the given project and I can store them as templates into files on a disk and also transfer them into other projects. Only when I have prepared the output format, the recording into the selected XML file can be performed. The procedure is as follows. Select item Tools / XML in the tree menu.

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If no output format has yet been defined in the project, program offers the option to load it from a file on the disk. A template in file Default.tdx is distributed with the installation of SCIA Engineer. Selection of this file can save a lot of effort needed for production of standard outputs, that consists of basic input data of a structure. Of course, if I already prepared a template, I can use it. I may also decide not to accept any template and to produce the output format myself from the scratch. The definition of output format can be performed in the XML dialogue.

- 134 - The combo box in the top left corner enables you to select individual formats. The “three-dot” button opens a dialogue for processing of individual formats (creation of a new one, removal of existing one, copying, etc.) Another control in this dialogue is the tree showing the order of data groups or tables. The tree is editable. One can select tables, delete or move them, etc. Button [New] located below the tree adds a new table. The other button [Close] closes the whole XML dialogue. Below the New and Close buttons, there is the property dialogue. Table properties such as name, visibility, etc. can be edited here. Also Filter is a very interesting feature. It can reduce the number of displayed lines in the table. The right-hand side of the dialogue contains a field where tables are shown with all the information that is later stored into the XML file.

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Example: Part of XLM file

As stated above, it is possible to say which particular values and in what order will be present in the output.

Adding a new table

In order to insert a new table, press button [New]. It opens New document item dialogue. In order to add the required item, just select it and confirm with button [<<

- 136 - In the displayed pop-up menu select item Table composer. Table composer dialogue is opened. It contains two trees. The top tree contains all the table properties that can be user for output. The bottom tree then shows the properties that will be displayed in the table. This tree can be edited (delete, move, add). A new item can be added from the top tree using Drag and Drop feature.

Once the dialogue is closed the edited table is changed immediately.

ATTENTION: It is possible that some properties have no meaning for the current state of he project and therefore, they are not displayed in the table.

When the output format contains all the data we need, we can proceed to the very creation of XML file.

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Use icon Export on the toolbar – circled red in the picture below. A dialogue is opened where you can input the file name, output coding of the text file (unicode) and you can say that the file should be opened once generated.

Overriding the existing project XML file can also be used to change the data of currently opened SCIA Engineer project. The standard procedure for this task is: l create the output XML format – using the procedure given above l create the XML file l edit the XML file manually or through a special program l load the modified XML file back to SCIA Engineer

Generation of XML file and modification of project data can be made interactively using commands of the program or it can be made via program exploiting the functions of COM interface. In this chapter we will see the interactive procedures. The information about the other approach can be found in the chapter on COM program interface. The syntax of XML format and a guide how to find the information in it will be presented in chapter 6 focusing on the description of XML format. Overriding of the existing file can be done using function File/Update/XML file.

When this command is activated, a dialogue for the selection of XML file is opened. Once the file is opened, the project data are changed in the following way: l the modifications are performed in the same order as they are read l an object that is not present in the project is added as a new object

- 138 - l object that referred to in the data, must already exist in the project or must be created before the object that uses the reference to this object

If a first error occurs in the XML file, the action is stopped and the project is restored to the status in which it was before the action started. An error may occur due to: l invalid XML syntax l the file does not contain the required arrangement of XML tags and elements l the rules for references to another ESA object are not met

Creating a new project XML file can also be used to create a new project. Procedure and rules are similar to those for the modification of the project. There are only a few differences. l all objects are created as new ones l before reading starts, object for units and material (according to the selected code) are automatically prepared l objects of material cannot be created as new ones, en read-error occurs l unless the XML contains the object with project data, it is automatically made using the default settings l object that is referred to in the data, must be created before the object that uses the reference to this object l all objects that are referred to (except materials) must have been created using the XML file

Import is run through menu command File/Import/XML file

Once the command is run, a XML selection dialogue is opened.

Program ESA_XML It is executable from another program, that is capable of using XML file to modify ESA project data and obtain outputs in various formats. It is a command line program and is able to perform the following tasks. l open the existing ESA project l read the given XML format and use its data to override the project l perform the given type of calculation l regenerate the existing document in the ESA project and export it into the selected format (HTML,TXT,PDF,RTF,ESA). In case of several documents, one can specify the name of the document, otherwise the current document is used. l regenerate the existing output XML format and use it to generate XML file. If there are more then one output formats in the project, it is possible to select the format by name.

Command line parameters:

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1. calculation type (LIN, NEL, etc.) If text CMD is input, it is possible to perform arbitrary number of actions within one run of the program. The second parameter is the name of text file, where each line has the same syntax as the whole program and leads to opening of one file (sub-levels are not allowed in CMD). 2. input ESA project (file name including path) 3. input XML file (file name including path) – optional parameter Switches – starting with ‘/’ or ‘-‘ character

/t output file type: TXT, HTML, PDF, RTF if not stated, the output file type is set to ESA /l log file name output file name, the extension must be specified by used according to the selected /o output file type if not stated, no output is performed /x name of output XML file if not stated, no output is performed name of document from which the output is performed, if not stated, the current /d document is used /m name of output XML format, if not stated, the current one is used

Example ESA_XML LIN E:\mydir\test.esa E:\mydir\test.xml /tHTML /oD:\listr\test.htm /xD:\listr\test.xml Multiple output If we want to make several outputs for one calculation, we have to use the following syntax for switches (o, x, d, m). The first character after the switch sign must be ‘#’, which is followed by several correct texts separated by ‘,’ (comma) or ‘;’ (semicolon). If sign ‘#’ is used, it must be present at both switches for output from document (o, d), or at both switches for output into XML (n, m). Example: two XML outputs ESA_XML LIN E:\mydir\test.esa E:\mydir\test.xml /x#D:\listr\test1.xml, D:\listr\test2.xml /m#F1,F2

Description of SCIA Engineer XML format The data exchange format SCIA Engineer XML complies with the specification that is available on the server of W3C con- sortium http://www.w3.org/. For better understanding of the following text we recommend studying the basic properties of XML language. Czech user may find it interesting to study thee course at http://www.kosek.cz/clanky/swn-xml/syntaxe.html. Text format XML belongs to markup languages. Important parts of the document are marked by special marks. In XML ter- minology the individual marked parts of the document are called elements. The elements may be embedded one into another (we may say structured sub-levelled) and thus maintain the structure of the information stored in the document. Each element can hold other embedded data called attributes. ESA PF format is attribute-oriented, which means that all data are stored in attributes. Elements are used only to structure the data.

- 140 - Two files with different contents and different syntax are created during XML export. First one has extension XML and contains the project data. Second one uses extension DEF and this is the definition file. This file describes the structure of the data file and its present is necessary for reloading of data. One can say that this file tells ESA how to read the information stored in the data file.

ATTENTION: All values in XML file are given in basic SI units.

Structure of data The structure of data in XML file in fact reflects the structure of database of the SCIA Engineer program. Project All data are covered by one object named ‘project’. In data file this is the element marked by tags: … In the definition file this is the element marked by tags: … It contains: - one element named which holds the information about the definition file example: - any number of data groups marked container Container The container is a set of objects of the same type. In data file this is the element marked by tags: … or by the old notation: … Both variants are equivalent. In the definition file this is the element marked by tags: … The container has an important attribute id that gives the identification in SCIA Engineer database. Example: container of nodes in the data file or in the definition file Table The previous chapter describes the way the XML format is created. One of the tools described was Table composer showing all properties or values that the object can display. The user could create his own format from these properties. And it is just the table that is the image of such created output format. In its definition part that table specifies which properties and in what order will be included into the XML file or – respectively – in what order they will be read. Any number of such tables can be prepared for one container and, therefore, they must be marked somehow. In data file this is the element marked by tags:

…

or by the old notation: … Both variants are equivalent.

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In the definition file this is the element marked by tags: … Plus there is one specialty here. If the identification of a table in the data file is set to “default”, then the first definition of the table for the given container is used for reading. It simplifies the notation because in 99 cases out of 100 just one table is defined for the container. Object An object is the basic element in SCIA Engineer database. For example, it is material, cross-section, node, beam, plate, etc. It is identified by a name or by an internal database identificator. In XML the identification by name if of highest priority. Id is not obligatory and is taken into account only if the name has not been defined or if the name is invalid. In appears only in data file and it is the element marked by tags: … Its attributes are: l ‘id’ – optional internal database identificator l ‘nm’ – object name

A few notes with regards to name: The name is a text and as a rule there should not be more objects of the same name in one container. If this happens and the name is used in reference, the first object of that name is used. The length of the name is not limited. It is however advis- able – for the sake of understandability – not to use names longer than 8 characters. Properties Properties are defined in the definition file. It happens during the definition of the table. These elements are marked by tags: … Attributes: x – specifies the order in the table, starts with zero and in the data file the corresponding property is marked by tag: …

Example: property with index 28 …. / name – name type – variable type id – identification of the property in the database, used for write operation Example: definition of text property at position zero Variable types "string" text value, in data file written in attribute „v“ Example: "bool" Boolean value YES/NO , attribute „v“ can be 0 or 1 Example: "enum" enumeration type, can only be of value defined in the definition file in the element marked by tag: … Example: enum declaration in definition file

- 142 - Example: property of enum type in the data file The value in attribute „v“ is obligatory. Attribute „t“ is optional comment. "integer" integer value, the value is in attribute „v“ "param" parametric value. It is in fact a value that can be parameterised. SCIA Engineer database contains a special container storing parameters and if a property of “param” type refers to one of these objects, then it reads and takes its value. If it refers to none, then it has normal constant value defined in attribute „v“. The value in attribute „n“ is obligatory and defines the internal identification of the object in the database. Example: a value referring to parameter „Xx“, the value of the parameter is 10, in this case it is informative information

l "ref" – a reference to another object in the database, reference to any object in the specified container is assumed. The value in attribute „n“ is obligatory and defines the name of object. Attribute „i“ is optional and specifies internal identification of the object in the database.

example: the definition of property of reference type, it will refer to an object in the container of nodes example: property of reference type in data file, refers to the node named „N3“

l "real" - floating point number, , value is in attribute „v“

l "real2" – two floating point numbers, values are in attributes „v1“ and „v2“

example:

l "real3" – three floating point numbers, values are in attributes „v1“ , „v2“ , „v3“

l "table" – embedded table. If the structure of object data is so complex that it cannot be expressed in above discussed types, the final solution is an embedded table. It may contain all described types excluding the table type. This means that subsequent embedding of tables is not allowed.

The internal table is defined in the definition file similarly to the definition of a standard table. An example will explain it best. Example: a table with five values

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The syntax in the data file is a bit more complex. Every line is enclosed in the element that is tagged … This element has a single compulsory parameter „id“ that identifies the line of the table. Example: two lines of a table defined in the previous example

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Graphical format

Graphic format

Export SCIA Engineer enables the user to export the graphical representation of the project into a graphical file. This type of export usually work with the data that are displayed in the graphical window of SCIA Engineer at the moment the export procedure is started. Formats VRML, DXF and DWG are exceptions as they allow the user to export the whole project and even specify special export parameters. The procedure to export data into a graphical file is given in a separate topic. Various graphical formats are available in SCIA Engineer:

Standard Windows bitmap BMP

Virtual Reality Modeling Language (V-R-M-L)

A standardised language used to transmit information about 3D images over the web (WWW). Since the image is built up on the local computer VRML information transmission is more efficient than sending the VRML actual image.

For more information on this format read bellow the table.

Internal graphical format of SCIA Engineer EP3

Extended (Enhanced) Windows Metafile Format EMF

Windows Meta File (W-M-F)

A graphic file format used by Microsoft to transfer graphics between Windows applications. Both bitmap WMF and vector graphics are supported by WMF. A variation on WMF is and extended version known as EMF.

3D DWG AutoCAD R14, 2000 DWG (AutoCAD) format.

3D DWG AutoCAD R11– 2006

2D DWG Please note that only versions R14 and 2000 are supported. AutoCAD R14, 2000 3D DXF AutoCAD DXF (e.g. AutoCAD) format. R14, 2000

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3D DXF AutoCAD R11 - 2006 2D DXF AutoCAD Please note that only versions R14 and 2000 are supported. R14, 2000

Import For special graphical formats DXF, DWG, VRML also the import procedure is supported in SCIA Engineer. This is described in separate topics.

VRML This format represents a powerful tool enabling the users to publish virtual objects via VRML and also import them into SCIA Engineer. Vast number of CAD software applications support the export of VRML files (AllPlan, AutoCAD, CEA Systems, etc.). The import of VRML files is done the same way as for DXF and DWG files. For example, the imported data can be used as a 3D grid or as a background. They are not taken into account for the analysis. The virtual objects can be used: l for the visualization architectural elements sent from 3rd parties, l as a drawing tool – snapping functionality, l for pro-active viewing of changes and consequences due to optimisation or structural adaptations (e.g. deformations), l for visualization of the analysed structure in its environment, l for the visualization of piping generated by Plant design applications, l etc.

The virtual objects can afterwards be exported again to VRML format file for 3D publishing of the structure including the results of analysis. Examples:

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Graphic format export The procedure to export data into a graphical file

1. Start menu function File > Export >Graphic format. 2. Select the format of the graphical file.

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3. Specify the required output folder. 4. Type the name of the file. 5. Complete the export. 6. Note: A special dialogue opens for DWG and DXF formats in which you can specify some export parameters. Export and import of DXF, DWG and VRML

Export from the graphical window The procedure to export DXF / DWG file from graphical window 1) Use one of the following functions: a) File > Export > Graphic format. b) Righ-mouse-button-pop-up menu > Save picture to file. 2) It is possible to choose from the following formats: a) 3D DWG AutoCAD R11 - 2007 (*.dwg) b) 2D DWG AutoCAD R14, 2000 (*.dwg) c) 3D DXF AutoCAD R11 - 2007 (*.dxf) d) 2D DXF AutoCAD R14, 2000 (*.dxf) (Note: this list is only informative, available options may vary from version to version). 3) When you enter the file name and path, confirm with button [Save]. Another dialogue is opened on the screen where you can define some details of the export.

4) Adjust the properties (see below) and confirm with [OK].

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Export properties

File properties group name Name Pathname of the exported file. Text code page Windows ANSI or Eastern Europe coding can be adjusted. Advanced group name Scale Scale for text and graphical symbols that will be in the exported drawing. Structure surface always as 3D solid If ON, the individual members will be exported including the surface.

Note: 2D DXF and 2D DWG export does not support option Structure surface always as 3D solid, which is quite understandable.

Note: See also Saving the picture into an external file.

Export of FE mesh to AutoCAD as 3D-face It is possible to export the generated finite element mesh as 3D-face to both DWG and DXF file. To do so, the mesh must be displayed in SCIA Engineer . There is no other action required. If the FE mesh is displayed in the graphical window at the moment the export to DWG/DXF is started, the mesh is automatically exported as a separate layer called "3D-FACE". By default, this layer is hidden. In order to see it in AutoCAD, the layer must be switched ON manually.

Export from the picture gallery The pictures from the Picture gallery may be exported into DWG or DXF file in the same way as from the graphical window. The procedure to export DXF / DWG file from the Picture gallery

1. Open the Picture gallery. 2. Select the picture to be exported. 3. Click icon Save picture to file. 4. Input the file name and path. 5. Adjust file parameters (see Export from graphical window). 6. Confirm with [OK].

Export from the Paperspace gallery The pictures from the paperspace may be exported into DWG or DXF file in the similar way as from the graphical window. The procedure to export DXF / DWG file from the Paperspace gallery

1. Open the Paperspace gallery manager. 2. Select the picture to be exported. 3. Click icon Save picture to file.

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4. Input the file name and path. 5. Adjust file parameters (see Export from graphical window). 6. Confirm with [OK].

Note: The export from Paperpace gallery is limited to 2D DWG and 2D DXF format.

Import into the graphical window Procedure for the import of DWG, DXF or VRML file into the graphical window

1. Start the tree menu function Structure > Drawing tools > Import DWG, DXF, VRML 97file. 2. The Open file dialogue is opened on the screen. 3. Browse for the file and confirm. 4. A special import dialogue is opened on the screen.

5. Adjust the required parameters in dialogue and perform the import itself – see below.

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Layers This list box contains the layers that were defined in the original DWG/DXF file. Only selected layers are shown in the preview window of the Import dialogue.

Entity types This list contains available entity types. Only selected types are shown in the preview window of the Import dialogue.

Selection mode

The drawing is read as lines. The lines may be assigned to particular layers. Lines On pressing the "Import" button, the property dialogue is opened and you may specify the required parameters.

The drawing is read as 1D members. On pressing the "Import" button, the Beams property dialogue is opened and you may specify the required parameters.

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The drawing is read as slabs. On pressing the "Import" button, the property Slabs dialogue is opened and you may specify the required parameters.

The drawing is read as solid objects that are displayed together with the ana- Solids lysed structure but are neglected during the calculation.

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Note: When slabs are to be imported, it is required that the closed polygon was created already in the file that will be imported.

Scale The scale for the import. It may be necessary when the drawing is not in SI units. The item provides for the transformation from "imaginary" units of the DWG/DXF file and metres (used in SCIA Engineer as the basic unit).

Note: If the scale is set to 1 (one), SCIA Engineer assumes the data to be stored in metres.

Insertion point The user can define the insertion point: Centre The centre of the model in the imported file is selected as the insertion point (where the cursor is) and by this point the user can place the imported model into the graphical window. The "centre" is the centre of a bounding rectangle circumscribed around the imported model. Original The original insertion point of the imported model is selected as the insertion point (where the cursor is) and by this point the user can place the imported model into the graphical window. Origin in 0,0,0 The origin of the coordinate system of the imported file is placed into the origin (0,0,0) of the coordinate system in SCIA Engineer.

Sizes This is an informative item, which shows the dimensions calculated from the input scale.

Tools (Connect curves, Connect solids, Solids smoothing) These tools allow the user to slightly "modify" the DWG/DXF file before it is imported into SCIA Engineer. Connect curves This tool connects individual lines from the imported file to a polyline. This may be useful to reduce the total number of lines in the imported model. It may also simplify the manipulation with the imported model. The procedure:

1. Select Connect curves. 2. Click [Start]. 3. Select the lines to be connected together. 4. Press [Run]. 5. Repeat as many times as required. 6. Click [End]

Connect solids This tool connects individual solids from the imported file. Similarly to connecting of lines (above) it can reduce the total number of solids in the imported model and simplify the manipulation with the imported model.

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The procedure:

1. Select Connect solids. 2. Click [Start]. 3. Select the solids to be connected together. 4. Press [Run]. 5. Repeat as many times as required. 6. Click [End]

Solids smoothing This tool allows the user to "improve" the imported solid by smoothing the surface, which means reducing the number of edges. This is especially useful if the imported solid was not modelled in an ideal way and contains redundant edges that are not important for the description of the proper shape of the solid. The procedure:

1. Select Solids smoothing. 2. Click [Start]. 3. Select the part of the imported solid that is to be smoothened. Alternatively, use the window selection to select everything (click in the top left corner of the preview window and drag the mouse to the bottom right corner, then release the button). 4. Press [Run] andspecify the smoothness parameter: 0 = the minimum possible number of edges will be used to represent the shape of the imported solid (in some situations it may degrade the shape - e,g, a cube may get rounded corners). 60 = all the edges in the imported model will be preserved. Usually, a few (trial and error) rounds are necessary to find the best value for a particular model - there is no general rule to say which value is the best. 5. Repeat as many times as required. 6. Click [End]

Number of vertexes on polyline substituting imported spline Some CAD applications use a definition of a spline curve that is different from the one used in SCIA Engineer. Such splines are imported as polylines. This parameter specifies the number of vertexes on the substituting polyline.

Preview window The view in the preview can be adjusted using the standard SCIA Engineer mouse+key controls (shifted, rotated, zoomed in/out). Three check boxes are related to the preview window: OpenGL in preview window If ON, the parts of the model hidden behind other parts of the model are not drawn. Of OFF, the visibility is not considered and everything is displayed (which means faster response but may cause in some confusions). OpenGL selection If ON, the cursor selects the "visible" (the top most) part of the model (if two entities re located over each other). If OFF, the standard selection mode is active. Show all objects Some objects from the DWG/DXF that has no equivalent in SCIA Engineer (e.g. text) cannot be imported to SCIA Engineer. This objects are not shown in the Preview window. If you want to see them, select this option.

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Note: Sometimes it may be convenient to import the drawing as lines and only later (i.e. in SCIA Engineer graphical environment) transform the lines to 1D members using function

Drawing a member in mode Select line ( ).

Import selected / Import all This button start the import itself. Either entities selected in the Preview window or All entities from the Preview window are imported as lines or 1D members or slabs (depending on the adjustment of other import parameters). When the button is pressed, the property dialogue for lines or 1D members or slabs (depending on the adjustment of other import parameters) is opened on the screen and you may set the required properties.

Import into the Paperspace gallery DWG, DXF and VRML files can be imported as a picture or as a drawing.

Importing a picture This function imports the DWG, DXF and VRML file as a "standalone" picture. The picture can be placed anywhere to the drawing, resized, moved, etc. Procedure to insert a picture from DWG or DXF file

1. Open the Paperspace gallery. 2. Open or create a drawing. 3. Start function Insert picture > Insert picture from DWG or DXF file. 4. Two file types are available:

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1. 1. AutoCAD R12, R13, R14, 2000 (*.dxf) 2. AutoCAD R12, R13, R14, 2000 (*.dwg) 2. Select the file and open it. 3. Import properties dialogue is opened on the screen.

5. Adjust the required properties (see below) and confirm. 6. Use the mouse to position the picture and the left mouse button to drag the size of the picture on the drawing.

Procedure to insert a picture from VRML file

1. Open the Paperspace gallery. 2. Open or create a drawing. 3. Start function Insert picture > Insert picture from VRML file. 4. Select the file and open it. 5. Use the mouse to position the picture and the left mouse button to drag the size of the picture on the drawing.

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Layers This list box contains the layers that were defined in the original DWG/DXF file. Only selected layers are shown in the preview window of the Import dialogue.

Entity types This list contains available entity types. Only selected types are shown in the preview window of the Import dialogue.

Line styles This window contains all the line styles that are used in the imported file.

Style This box offer the styles of a line that can be used in the program. They can be assigned to individual line types from the original file.

Default line thickness Lines in DWG/DXF files may have either specific thickness or default thickness. In order to avoid using unknown thickness lines, the import dialogue enables you to define the numerical value for the default thickness.

Optimize scene If ON, the lines with the same properties are joined together and drawn at the same time.

Text scale Specifies the scale of the text.

Preview, view direction The view in the preview can be adjusted using the standard SCIA Engineer mouse+key controls (shifted, rotated, zoomed in/out).

Importing a drawing This function imports the DWG/DXF file as a drawing, i.e. it is added to the current drawing as a new part of it. The "size" of the imported drawing can be defined through parameter Scale. Procedure to insert a drawing from DWG or DXF file

1. Open the Paperspace gallery. 2. Open or create a drawing. 3. Start function Insert picture > Insert drawing from DWG or DXF file. 4. Two file types are available:

1. 1. AutoCAD R12, R13, R14, 2000 (*.dxf) 2. AutoCAD R12, R13, R14, 2000 (*.dwg) 2. Select the file and open it. 3. Import properties dialogue is opened on the screen.

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5. Adjust the required properties (see below) and confirm. 6. Use the mouse to position the imported drawing to the current drawing.

Layers This list box contains the layers that were defined in the original DWG/DXF file. Only selected layers are shown in the preview window of the Import dialogue.

Entity types This list contains available entity types. Only selected types are shown in the preview window of the Import dialogue.

Line styles This window contains all the line styles that are used in the imported file.

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Style This box offer the styles of a line that can be used in the program. They can be assigned to individual line types from the original file.

Transformation – Insertion point The imported drawing can be placed to a specified place in the current drawing (e.g. bottom left corner, centre, etc.). The meaning of individual options is clear from the name of the option.

Note: When option By mouse two points is selected, the input box Scale is hidden. The two points define the size of the imported drawing and the Scale parameter becomes redundant.

Scale Specifies the scale for the imported drawing.

Text scale Specifies the scale of the text.

Preview, view direction The view in the preview can be adjusted using the standard SCIA Engineer mouse+key controls (shifted, rotated, zoomed in/out).

Import of a general cross-section Not only a structure itself, but also a cross-section shape can be imported from DWG/DXF files. The editor of a general cross-section can be opened via the Cross-section manager. Use function New cross-section > Gen- eral cross-section.

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Procedure to import the shape of a cross-section from DWG/DXF file

1. Open the Cross-section manager. 2. Start function New. 3. Select General. 4. The Cross-section editor is opened on the screen. 5. Double click function Import DXF/DWG. 6. Browse for the file to be imported. 7. The import dialogue is opened on the screen. 8. Make necessary adjustments and/or actions (see below for the meaning of dialogue controls). 9. Complete the action of the import usng buttons [Import selected] or [Import all].

Layers This list box contains the layers that were defined in the original DWG/DXF file. Only selected layers are shown in the preview window of the Import dialogue.

Entity types This list contains available entity types. Only selected types are shown in the preview window of the Import dialogue.

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Selection mode

Thin walled The selected lines are imported as a thin-walled section. Polygons The selected lines are imported as a polygonal cross-section. Polygonal openings The selected lines are imported as a polygonal opening in the cross-section.

Note: If the scale is set to 1 (one), SCIA Engineer assumes the data to be stored in metres.

Sizes This is an informative item, which shows the dimensions calculated from the input scale.

Connect single curves to closed polygon The following procedure merges individual lines of the drawing into polygon Press [Select curves]. Select lines to be inserted into the polygon. Press [Connect curves]. Repeat as many times as required. Press [End]

Preview window The view in the preview can be adjusted using the standard SCIA Engineer mouse+key controls (shifted, rotated, zoomed in/out).

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Tekla

Tekla Structures interface

Note: This import/export capability is not directly related to SCIA Engineer functionality. Nevertheless, it can prove useful to SCIA Engineer users. Please, consider this chapter to be only a brief introduction and contact SCIA support team for more information and/or guidance.

Note: The interface works with Tekla Structures versions 15 and 16.

If IFC format is not a solution for you to export to and from Tekla Structures, you can use the STEP Steel format. Altern- atively, export can be made through Tekla Structure API link.

STEP Steel format

Tekla to SCIA Engineer

1. Export a project by StepSteel export option in Tekla Structures to e.g. "Tekla_output.stp". 2. Open "Tekla_output.stp", and replace the text 'FILE_SCHEMA(('DATA_SECTION_SCHEMA_3_99'))' with 'FILE_ SCHEMA(('PSS_2000_04'))' in the header, then save it again. 3. Now import this output-stp ("Tekla_output.stp'" into SCIA Engineer. 4. Make necessary modifications, analyses, checks, etc. 5. Export the structure into StepSteel CAD format (not levels 1-3), e.g. to "output01.stp" (see chapter StepSteel - export of structural model). 6. Change the header back: So now replace 'FILE_ SCHEMA (('PSS_ 2000_ 04'))' with 'FILE_ SCHEMA (('DATA_ SECTION_SCHEMA_3_99'))'. 7. Then save it as "output01e.stp".

SCIA Engineer to Tekla

1. In SCIA Engineer you have to generate a new STP-File (e.g."Esa_output.stp'". Choose the option: Stepsteel export CAD (not levels 1-3) (see chapter StepSteel - export of structural model). 2. Open "Esa_output.stp", and replace the text 'FILE_SCHEMA(('PSS_2000_04'))' with 'FILE_SCHEMA(('DATA_ SECTION_SCHEMA_3_99'))' in the header, then save it again. 3. Now import this output-stp ("Esa_output.stp'" into Tekla Structures.

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Tekla Structure COM plug-in

Installation Tekla to SCIA link Tekla to SCIA link is a separate setup which is launched during SCIA Engineer installation if the plug-in is selected by a user in typical installation. After Tekla to SCIA link is installed a dialog with question about configuration is displayed.

If you choose [No] during installation then, please, do not forget to configure it later. The configuration editor is located in the same folder as SCIA Engineer. The default path is C:\Program Files (x86)\SCIA\Tekla to SCIA link\SCIAPlu- ginCfgEditor.exe for 32bit Tekla Structures and C:\Program Files\SCIA\Tekla to SCIA link\SCIAPluginCfgEditor.exe for 64bit Tekla Structures. If you choose [Yes] the plug-in configuration dialog is displayed.

Plug-in configuration The main and usually the only thing which is necessary to do is to set the proper path to SCIA Engineer which should be used. In the right bottom corner in SCIA Engineer box there is an empty item Folder (see in the picture)is expected the path to Esa.exe. The rest of paths, e.g. to templates, is set automatically during installation.

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Mapping tables In the right top corner there is a path to mapping table for material and cross-sections. The default tables can be changed by a user, then it is necessary to change the Type from Master to User (see picture). Even if changes are made only in one of the table the type has to be set to User in both.

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The type of mapping database is defined in the xml file header.

Cross-section mapping database The particular definition of cross-sections start under the line . The definition of each profile conversion starts with and ends . Id is only order in the file therefore with each new one please add the previous number +1.

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The first line defines profile name in SCIA Engineer profile library. The next line says that the profile is from Profile Library database . It is the only one which is supported for data exchange with Tekla Structures therefor use always the same string. On the third line there is the id from SCIA Engineer database. Use a number in the following way: number 1 for I profiles number 1002 for L profiles number 5 for U profiles number 6 for T profiles number 2 for rectangle hollow profiles number 3 for circular hollow profiles Forth line defines material type of profile which has to be always steel for rolled profiles. O the fifth line there is a name which is used in Tekla structures database. The last line defines profile id in Tekla Structures in the following way: for I profiles number 4 for L profiles number 6 for U profiles number 8 for T profiles number 2 for rectangle hollow profiles number 9 for circular hollow profiles number 11 Material mapping database The particular definition of materials start under the line . The definition of each material conversion starts with and ends . Id is only order in the file therefore with each new one please add the previous number +1.

The first line defines material name in SCIA Engineer material library. The next line defines the id from SCIA Engineer database. Use a number (for EC-EN) in the following way: number 1 for steel material - S 235 number 2 for steel material - S 275 number 3 for steel material - S 355 number 65 for concrete material - C12/15 number 66 for concrete material - C16/20

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number 67 for concrete material - C20/25 number 68 for concrete material - C25/30 number 69 for concrete material - C30/37 number 70 for concrete material - C35/45 number 71 for concrete material - C40/50 number 72 for concrete material -C45/55 number 73 for concrete material - C50/60 number 74 for concrete material - C55/67 On the third line is a definition of code in a format which is used in SCIA Engineer. The forth line says the type of material in Tekla Structures. The last line defines the Tekla Structures name.

Export of Model

When the plug-in is installed the link to SCIA Engineer is available in Tekla Structures menu Analysis > Analysis & Design Models.

In the dialog Analysis & Design Models press [New] button.

Dialog Analysis Model Properties is opened.

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In the Analysis model tab in the Analysis application combo box select the SCIA Engineer - automatic start or SCIA Engineer - manual start. Automatic start tries to launch SCIA Engineer and open the exported model immediately. Manual start means that only .t2s file is exported and a user has to run SCIA Engineer and import the file. The .t2s file is saved always in the Tekla project in the directory Analysis\Model[number]\ for 32bit Tekla Structures or Analysis\Model[number]\decrypt\ for 64bit Tekla Structures.

Note: The option Automatic start does not work for Tekla Structures 64bit.

When Analysis Model Properties are defined Analysis model name is displayed in the dialog Analysis & Design Models.

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Choose the proper analysis model name and press [Export] button for exporting Tekla Structures model to SCIA Engin- eer. If no load combination exists in the model a message is displayed. The load combination is not necessary for export to SCIA Engineer.

After the message a following warning is displayed :

Then the process of export starts.

If any issues was found a warning is displayed.

For detailed log press [Details] button.

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After export a report about export is automatically opened in html browser.

Note: The report is in UTF-16. It may happen that any browsers do not display it automatically with the proper encoding.

Update cross-sections from SCIA Engineer This interface allows update of changed cross-sections in SCIA Engineerto Tekla Structures. Run export of Tekla file in SCIA Engineerin menu File > Export >Tekla file and save the .s2t file into the same directory and with the same name as the original exported file from Tekla Structures is . Then press [Get results] button in Analysis & Design Models dialog. Optimization Results dialog is shown where is possible to select only cross-sections which will be updated.

Update The exported model can be updted with .t2s file in SCIA Engineer. Run File>Update>Tekla file. The update is based on XML update therefore the same names are compared.

Supported data for exchange straight beams and columns rolled profiles eccentricity of members hinges and supports rigid arms

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flat slabs 2D member openings materials

Tekla Structure API link The link is based on Tekla Structure API supports the export of: Geometry of straight beams and columns (beginning- and end-nodes) Materials using the mapping database Cross-sections due to mapping database or geometrical profiles (except twin profiles) Eccentricity, ey,ez Member system-lines welded cross-section, hinges. General procedure 1. Call File > Export > Tekla file. 2. File with .s2t extension is created. 3. Then it is needed to run Tekla plugin – SCIA2Tekla.exe. Go to windows menu Start>Programs>SCIA Engineer>BIM tools and run the link with Tekla Structures number which you use. 4. Load .s2t file, material and cross-section mapping database - otherwise the default profile (rectangle 10x10) is used. 5. Press button Load Data into Tekla Structures. 6. In Tekla Structures the project is imported.

Note: Tekla Structures has to be running before the step 5 is done.

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Export dialogue

Menu File New – opens a new dialogue SCIA2Tekla plugin without any settings (clears previous settings) Open – opens a dialogue for to select an existing *.sts (SCIA to Tekla settings) file. Save – saves the user settings in the dialogue to *.sts (SCIA to Tekla settings) file. Save as – saves the user settings in the dialogue to *.sts (SCIA to Tekla settings) file. Close – closes the plugin dialogue . Dialogue items File from SCIA Engineer It loads s2t file which should be imported to Tekla Structure. Name of new project in Tekla It is possible to define a name of Tekla model. SCIA Engineer model Either the Analysis or the Structural model can be selected for export.

Note: In the current version only Eccentricity def. - purlin on rafter is imported to Tekla Struc- tures if the structure model is selected.

Material mapping database It loads XML file which contains conversion table for materials Cross section mapping database

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It loads XML file which contains conversion table for profiles [Load data into Tekla Structures] It runs a dialogue for defining and editing of conversion table for materials [Edit CSS database] It runs a dialogue for defining and editing of conversion table for cross-sections [Close] It closes the dialogue. At the bottom of dialogue is a window where a log is written. Above this window it is possible to choose what kind of information should be displayed. On the right side it is possible to define a text file to which the log will be saved.

Mapping database editor

Mapping databases are stored in XML. The mapping database contains information about versions of Tekla structures for which it was tested. Two working modes are available: Administator (SCIA emploee) and User: - Administrator can create the master database, - User can create only "user database".

Note: For detailed information see chapter Mapping Database Editor.

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ETABS

Interface with ETABS

Why and how to use? There are lots of reasons why the interface between SCIA Engineer and ETABS may be . Some users can need to use curved members others can need to use a steel check of hall. The next ones can want only to work with more customized environment. All this we can to provide to users. But they have got more projects in ETABS format and they surely do not want to lost them with changing of software and this is the reason why the interface with ETABS was developed. User can import project to SCIA Engineer and to finish her/his work there. This interface cannot import everything at this moments but it is clear then a development of the interface will be continue in next versions of SCIA Engineer.

What is better in SCIA Engineer? It knows: - Curved beams. - Curved walls. - Lots of possibility to create shells. - Better displaying of structure. - Different types of results. - More possibilities of reinforcement of concrete structures. - More possibilities of checks (steel, concrete,..). - Steel connections etc. - More type of supports – line, surface,.. - Variable load on slabs. - Free loads. - Variable thickness of 2D and subregions. - Haunches and arbitrary beams. e2k file The exchange of data between ETABS and SCIA Engineer is done through the e2k file. This type of file can be created and also read-back in a standard version of ETABS. SCIA Engineer offers the possibility to import and export this type of file in its standard File > Import and File> Export menu.

Import This chapter explains what data are read during the import of e2k file. At the end of the chapter you will find the procedure how to make the import of e2k file to SCIA Engineer.

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Project data

Name Name is filled in with the Model Name defined in e2k file. Author Author is filled in with the Company Name defined in e2k file. Description In Description there is the Etabs version which the e2k file was exported from.

Units - Units are calculated in accordance with SCIA Engineer units and the entire structure is imported in basic units (kN/m).

Nodes - Names of nodes are generated during the import.

Beams and columns - Beams are imported as 1D members with the type set to beam. - Columns are imported as 1D members with the type set to column. - Braces are imported as 1D members with the type set to beam.

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- Line members with “none” profile are imported as 1D members with very a small cross-section and they are inserted to a special layer named NullBeam which is marked as CAD only. That means it is not taken in account during calculations. - Properties: member system, type, cross-section.

Cross-sections - Cross-section conversion table (a default one is distributed with SCIA Engineer and users can create their own by means of tools distributed with Tekla-plugin). - Geometric profiles (rectangular and circular shapes). - If a profile is defined as auto-select section in ETABS, the first one from the auto-select section list is taken in account as the profile of the member during the import.

Walls and slabs - Walls are imported as 2D members with the type set to wall. - Slabs, decks and planks are imported as 2D members with the type set to slab. - Ramps are imported as 2D members with the type set to slab. - Area members with a “none” profile are imported as very thin 2D members that are inserted to a special layer named NullSlab and marked as CAD only. They are not taken in account during calculations. - Openings. - Properties: thickness, material, type.

Materials - User defines a conversion table during the import. A dialog for the defining of material conversion appears on the screen during the import:

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- On the left side there is a list of all materials defined in the imported e2k file. On the right side there will be a list of SCIA Engineer materials which user assigns to each one from the ETABS file. - Click button [Define equivalent materials]. A new dialog with a list of SCIA Engineer materials for selected code is displayed.

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- At the top part of the dialog there is a combo box where you can choose a type of material, such as steel or concrete, or all materials. - Select which one you want to work with and confirm with [OK]. - If all materials are defined a button [OK] is available in the Equivalent material dialog and the user can continue with the import.

Supports - ETABS has got only point supports and these can be imported to SCIA Engineer. - Each restraint (Fx, Fy, Fx, Mx, My, Mz) is imported correctly as rigid or free. Springs or flexible supports are not supported.

Hinges - Beam releases in ETABS are imported as hinges to SCIA Engineer. In many cases it will be necessary to edit these hinges in SCIA Engineer because their philosophy in SCIA Engineer is different from the definition of releases in ETABS. - Hinges on 2D member edges are not supported.

Loads - Point load in point Forces Fx, Fy, Fz, and moments Mx, My, Mz in global and local coordination systems are supported. They are imported as native SCIA Engineer forces in node. - Point (repeating) loads on beam

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Both forces and moments in global or local coordination systems are supported. Repeated loads are imported as several separate point forces on beam. It is not possible to import them as native SCIA Engineer repeated forces. - Line loads on beam Both forces and moments with a uniform or a trapezoid distribution in global or local coordination systems are supported. Load with the trapezoidal distribution is imported as several line loads. Each part of trapezoidal load is an independent load in SCIA Engineer. - Surface load on slab ETABS has got only a constant surface load which is supported for import to SCIA Engineer. - Temperature Point temperature load is not imported because SCIA Engineer has no point temperature implemented. Line temperature load is imported only on 1D members. Surface temperature load is imported only on 2D members. - Loads (except temperature) on line beam with a none profile are imported as free point or line loads with selection – select. In the selection there is only the closest member. - Loads (except temperature) on area with none profile are imported as free surface loads with selection – select. Only the closest member is in the selection. - Load cases All static linear load cases are imported with their name, action type and load type to SCIA Engineer. - Load combination All linear combinations are imported with their lists of load cases. Procedure 1. Call function File > Import > ETABS file.

2. Dialog Open file is opened on the screen. 3. Select the required e2k file for import.

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4. Confirm with [Open]. 5. Dialog Codes in project appears. 6. Select a code and confirm with button [Close].

7. The Import from ETABS dialog is opened. The ETABS version where e2k file was exported from is shown here. The user can choose the required user-defined cross- section mapping table or to keep the default one which is distributed with SCIA Engineer.

8. Press button [Import]. 9. The dialog for material conversion defining is displayed. 10. Define the materials and confirm with [OK]. 11. The import is in progress. A big structure can take some time to import. 12. The log is shown.

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13. The structure is imported.

Export

Storeys and line grid - If storeys are defined in SCIA Engineer project then they are exported to e2k files. It is important to have defined each member in the only strorey. If any member is in no storey or in two or more stroreys the member will be assigned to basic one or to the lower one. A basic line grid is generated during an export. No line grid from SCIA Engineer is exported to e2k file.

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Note: The export of storeys is supported from SCIA Engineer 2011

Units - A structure is always exported in basic units (kN/m).

Materials - Each material is correctly written to an exported file.

Cross-sections - For export of cross-sections the default (or user) conversion table is used. It is the same table which is used for import.

1D members - Straight For export only straight members without haunches, arbitrary shapes, openings, etc are supported. Polyline members are exported as several members. Member properties as angle, profile, material, member system and member type are taken in account. Columns and beams are exported as column and beams, others types are exported as brace to e2k file. - Curved No curved members are supported for export. All curved members are exported as straight.

2D members - Flat Only flat members with straight edges and openings and constant thickness and without subregions are supported. Mem- ber properties as material and member type are taken in account. Member types for export are only wall and slab. If a flat member has got a curved edge, the edge is exported by means of straight lines. - Shells Shells are not supported for export. They can be exported only as flat members to e2k file.

Supports - Point in node For export there are supported only point supports in nodes with rigid or free restrains. If a support with a flexible stiffness is defined it is exported as free. - Others Point supports on a beam or an internal node, line supports on beam or 2D member edge and surface supports are not supported for export and nothing will be exported to e2k file.

Hinges - Hinges on beams are exported as beam releases to e2k file. - Hinges on 2D member edge are not supported.

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Loads - Point in node Point forces Fx, Fy, Fz, and moments Mx, My, Mz in a node in global and local coordination system are supported for export to e2k file. Point force in an internal node is not supported. - Point on beam Both forces and moments in global or local coordination system are supported. Repeated ones are exported as several point forces on beam. - Free point Free point forces or moments are not supported. - Line on beam Both forces and moments with uniform or trapezoidal distributions in global or local coordination system are supported for export. - Line on edge Line forces on 2D member edge are not supported. - Free line Free line forces are not supported. - Surface Only uniformly distributed surface load is supported for export to SCIA Engineer. - Free surface Free surface load is not supported. - Temperature Only constant thermal loads on 2D members and 1D members are supported. If the thermal load is defined as variable it is exported to e2k file as constant load with top delta z+. - Load cases All load cases are exported to e2k file with their action type and load type. - Load combination All linear load combinations are exported to e2k file with a list of load case. Procedure 1. Call function File > Export > ETABS file.

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2. Dialog [Save as] is opened. 3. Define the name of the exported e2k file. 4. Confirm with [Save]. 5. Export dialog is opened. It is possible to choose a supported version of ETABS where e2k file should be exported to. he user can choose a user cross-section mapping table or keep the default one which is distributed with SCIA Engineer.

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6. Press button [Export]. 7. The export is in progress. 8. The log is displayed.

9. The structure is exported to e2k file.

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ECtools

ECtools ECtools© is a design software for Reinforced Concrete and Unreinforced Masonry Structures that aims to facilitate the prac- ticing structural engineer or the design office in the correct application of the several clauses of Eurocodes 2, 6 and 8. It util- ises the analysis results of SCIA Engineer© and can be used in the following cases: * Seismic design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings * Checking/Reviewing the Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings * Seismic Assessment and Retrofitting of existing Reinforced Concrete Buildings * Seismic design of Composite buildings with Concrete Cores (The cores) * Seismic design of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings * Seismic Assessment and Retrofitting of existing Unreinforced Masonry Buildings The procedure to export the project to ECtools 1) Run function: Plugins > ECtools > ECtools. 2) Type the name of the file and confirm with OK. 3) The file (a XML file with corresponding definition (DEF) file) is created.

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SDNF

SDNF Interface

Import

Project data

Project data which are loaded from the SDNF file: - Name is “Project Id” - Part is “Structure Id” - Description is “Client Id” - Author is "Engineering Firm Id" - Date is correctly loaded from *.sdn file

1D members Member types: - column is imported as column - types beam and brace are imported as beam

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Profiles – if the same name of profile is found in SCIA profile database or if a user conversion table is defined Material – if the same name of material is found in SCIA material database or if a user conversion table is defined Member properties: - cardinal points are correctly set as “Member System At” property - eccentricity – ez,ey is read from file - correct position and orientation of begin and end node of member

Add data Supports/hinges Supports and hinges are automatically generated from the defined releases in the file. The conversion is based on certain rules and not always the result is as what the user expects. Procedure: 1. Run File > Import > SDNF file

2. Choose .sdn file and confirm dialog Open. The version of SDNF is recognized by a record inside the file. 3. Choose a code

4. Import dialog is displayed. It is possible to select user defined tables for profile and material conversion. At the bottom of dialog there is a check box Import only structure. If ON, only 1D members with properties will be imported. If OFF the releases defined in the file will be taken in account.

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5. After the import a report is shown summarising how many entities were imported.

6. A project is opened.

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Export

Project data Project data which will be saved to the file: - Name is “Project Id” - Part is “Structure Id” - Description is “Client Id” - Author is "Engineering Firm Id" - Date is correctly written to *.sdn file

1D members Member types - column is exported as column - type beam is exported as beam - others types are exported as brace Profile names and material names are written to the file. No conversion table is possible for export Member properties - member system is set as correct cardinal points number - alpha of cross-section and/or LCS rotation - eccentricity – ez,ey is written as cross-section offsets - correct position and orientation of begin and end node of member

Add data Supports/hinges - both is exported as member releases to the file Procedure: 1. Run File > Export > SDNF file

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2. Define a file name and confirm dialog Save as. 3. Export dialog is displayed. The user can choose the version of SDNF format and confirm with [OK].

4. Export report dialog is opened.

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4. A file with sdn file extension is created.

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DSTV

DSTV SCIA Engineer allows for both import and export of files in DSTV format. The interface is based on the format according to: Schnittstellenkonvention Statik-CAD, Köln : Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband, 1993

Note: Only steel frame structures (i.e. structures composed of 1D members) can be imported/exported through DSTV format.

Note: More information about the DSTV format can be found in a separate SCIA manual titled SCIA EngineerASCIIImport/Export Manual.

DSTV import The import is based on the file with extension SC2. Parts *B00, *B01, *B02, *B03 and *B04 of this file are read into SCIA Engineer.

The contents of the .SC2 file (origin : analysis)

Part Description *B00 General information (units, delimiters, etc.) *B01 Topology of 1D members *B02 Nodal co-ordinates *B03 Names of cross-sections *B04 Properties of 1D members

Note: More information about the DSTV format can be found in a separate SCIA manual titled SCIA Engineer ASCII Import/Export Manual.

The procedure to import data from DSTV file

1. Start menu function File > Import > DSTV. 2. Browse for the required .SC2 file. 3. Finish the import.

Note: The import function creates a new empty project and the specified file is imported into it.

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DSTV export SCIA Engineer generates files with extension SC1, SC2, SC3.

The contents of .SC1 file (origin : CAD)

Part Description *A01 Assembly definition

The contents of .SC2 file (origin : analysis)

Part Description *B00 General information (units, delimiters, etc.) *B01 Topology of 1D members *B02 Nodal co-ordinates *B03 Names of cross-sections *B04 Properties of 1D members

The cross-section names written in this file can be the original SCIA Engineer names or the corresponding DSTV names. In order to have the DSTV names in the output file, you have to select the option "Use DSTV name conversion for section name". A dialogue with this option appears on the screen during the export procedure.

The contents of .SC3 file (origin : analysis)

Part Description *C01 Assembly definition

Note: More information about the DSTV format can be found in a separate SCIA manual titled SCIA EngineerASCIIImport/Export Manual.

The procedure to export data into DSTV file

1. Start menu function File > Export > DSTV. 2. Specify the required output folder. 3. Type the name of the file (i.e. the base name without extension). 4. Confirm the input. 5. During the export procedure a dialogue opens on the screen. 6. Decide whether to "Use DSTV name conversion for section name" or not. 7. Complete the export.

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StepSteel

StepSteel - analysis model The interface provides for the exchange of data with StepSteel and is based on the following references: (1) Standardbeschreibung Produktschnittstelle Stahlbau Teil 1 : Emphehlungen für den Anwender DSTV – Arbeitsausschuss EDV April 2000 (2) Standardbeschreibung Produktschnittstelle Stahlbau Teil 2 : DatenModell DSTV – Arbeitsausschuss EDV April 2000 (3) Standardbeschreibung Produktschnittstelle Stahlbau Teil 3 : Implementierungsbereiche und Konformitaetanforderungen DSTV – Arbeitsausschuss EDV April 2000 The implemented EXPRESS-scheme is PSS_2000_04.exp. SCIA Engineer allows for both import and export of StepSteel files. In addition to the analysis model, also the structural model can be imported and exported – this is described in separate topics.

Note: Only steel frame structures (i.e. structures composed of 1D members) can be imported/exported through StepSteel format.

StepSteel - import of analysis model The procedure to import data from StepSteel file

1. Start menu function File > Import >StepSteel. 2. Browse for the required input file. 3. Finish the import.

Note: The import function creates a new empty project and the specified file is imported into it.

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Note: More information about the StepSteel format can be found in a separate SCIA manual titled SCIA Engineer ASCII Import/Export Manual.

StepSteel - export of analysis model The procedure to export data into StepSteel file

1. Start menu function File > Export >StepSteel. 2. Specify the required output folder. 3. Type the name of the file (i.e. the base name without extension). 4. Select the output level – see below. 5. Adjust parameters relating to section names – see below. 6. Complete the export.

Available implementation levels

Implementation level Entity group Abbreviation Note

Read in static structure General data 1(IN) Not available for export

Structural Analysis I data Write static structure General data 1(OUT)

Structural Analysis I data Read in structural analysis General data 7(IN) Not available for export

without results Structural analysis I data

Structural analysis II data Write structural analysis General data 7(OUT)

without results Structural analysis I data

Structural analysis II data Write structural analysis General data 2(OUT)

Structural analysis I data

Structural analysis II data

Structural analysis III data Write draft General data 3(OUT)

Design data

Note: More information about the StepSteel format can be found in a separate SCIA manual titled SCIA EngineerASCIIImport/Export Manual.

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Section names The cross-section shape is recognised from the name of the cross-section. The user may adjust a few parameters that influ- ence the applied conversion of cross-section names.

Use DSTV conversion for section names If ON, the DSTV convention is used for cross-section names. Use mapping table as conversion for section If ON, the mapping table is used to convert the names of cross-sec- names tions.

StepSteel - structural model The import and export of structural model is an extension to the import and export of the analysis model.

Note: Only steel frame structures (i.e. structures composed of 1D members) can be imported/exported through StepSteel format.

StepSteel - import of structural model The procedure to import data from StepSteel-CAD file

1. Start menu function File > Import >StepSteel-CAD. 2. Browse for the required input file. 3. Finish the import.

Note: The import function creates a new empty project and the specified file is imported into it.

Note: More information about the StepSteel format can be found in a separate SCIA manual titled SCIA Engineer ASCII Import/Export Manual.

StepSteel - export of structural model The procedure to export data into StepSteel-CAD file

1. Start menu function File > Export >StepSteel-CAD. 2. Specify the required output folder. 3. Type the name of the file (i.e. the base name without extension). 4. Complete the export.

Note: More information about the StepSteel format can be found in a separate SCIA manual titled SCIA EngineerASCIIImport/Export Manual.

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CEA Plant-4D

CEA Pland-4D SCIA Engineer allows for export of project data into CEA Pland-4D file. This option is available only if the corresponding software is installed on your computer.

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Mapping Database Editor

What is it? Mapping Database Editor is a tool for definition of conversion tables for cross-sections and materials during an import and an export from and to other applications. The conversion table is saved in XML file format. The reason of creation of this tool was the fact that not all other applications use the same name of cross-sections and materials, not all contain all of them and some allow you to name it with a user name. Then it is necessary to allow users to define a link with SCIA Engineer database profile or material. Each file with the conversion table has defined the application for which it should be used. The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce this tool and explain how to work with it. Imports and exports which need the mapping tables Export to Tekla Structures Needs cross-section and material mapping tables Export to ETABS Needs only a cross-section table Import from ETABS Needs only a cross-section Import of SDNF file Needs cross-section and material mapping tables Work with Editor You can run the Editor from import and export dialogs or from menu Start. If you run it from the Start menu a basic window is opened. Otherwise a file with the defined mapping table is opened.

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Basic window

File New creates a new empty file for database Open opens an Open dialog where you can select a file Save saves the file Save as saves the file under different name Close closes the opened file Exit closes the Editor

Data Add - Material adds a new line for a material definition Add - Cross-section adds a new line for a cross-section definition

Windows Shows all opened windows and allows you to switch between them. Help About shows basic information about the tool

Filters Toolbar Filters is very important. It allows you to find a defined profile(s) or material in the table. Available filters depend on the type of opened file, i.e. a table for material or profile, for which application, etc. Common filter for all applications:

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l Id l sciaName l sciaCatalogItem l sciaSectionName

Other filters are by application.

In the first combo box you say which filter you want to use if any and in the second one you type what you are searching for. You can type the profile name or a part of profile name or a part of profile name with an asterisk. E.g. HE3*A means you are searching for profile HEA which has at first position of number the digit 3.

If nothing changes in the tree, use button [Apply] on the filter toolbar. If you want to cancel the filter use button [Clear].

Database window Fill in the information about the mapping file.

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Application selects Name of application for which the mapping database is Name being created Major version version of application Minor version version of application Database Name name of database Version version of database Type type Master - default one, User

Note: If you change the Application type, only the defined settings from SCIA Engineer are preserved.

Basic tab In the left side there is a window with a tree with defined profiles or materials. In the middle of the dialog there is all the information about the profile or material from SCIA Engineer. In the right side there is the information/name about the profile from the other application.

Cross-section definition SCIA Engineer is automatically generated after adding a new profile. If two or more items Id with the same Id exist, the one with the lower number has a priority. Cross-sec- the name is filled in by the user. The name must be from SCIA Engineer tion database. Catalogue must be defined. type

Other application name of cross-section is filled in by the user. It has to be in accordance with Profile profile names of that application.

Material definition SCIA Engineer is automatically generated after adding a new material. If two or more items Id with the same Id exist, the one with lower number has a priority. the name is filled in by the user. The name must be from SCIA Engineer data- Material base.

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Other application name of material is filled in by the user. It has to be in accordance with mater- Material ial names of that application.

Grid tab It is another definition than in the Basic tab. Both types of definition can be mixed. On the Grid tab there are two sub tabs – Cross-section and Material, which can be switched on the right side.

It has the same items as the Basic tab only in a different arrangement. The Catalogue type is filled as a number where:

1 I profile 2 hollow section 3 tube section 4 L section 5 channel section 6 T section 7 full rectangular section 11 full circular section 101 asymmetric I section 102 rolled Z section 111 cold formed angle section 150 rail type KA section 1002 minus L section

Note: Both cross-section and material mapping table can be defined in the same file.

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Examples of procedure

Define a new mapping table

1. Launch the tool from Start > Programs > SCIA Engineer 2010.1 > BIM tools > Mapping Database Editor. 2. Run File > New. 3. Define Application Name – e.g. Tekla Structures. You can also fill in the other information about the file. 4. Add a material by means of

– menu Data > Add > Material – or a right mouse button click in the window in the left side of the dialogue. Then click on Add > Material.

5. Define Id (e.g. as 1), Material in SCIA Engineer (e.g. as S 450) and Material in Tekla Structures (e.g. as S237).

6. Switch from Basic to Grid tab with Material subtab. You can see the first defined material. 7. Click into the second line and again define Id (e.g. as 2), sciaName material (e.g. as S 335) and teklaName material (e.g. as S275).

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That means materials S 450 and S 335 from SCIA Engineer will be substitute in Tekla Structures with S237 and S275.

8. Save it with File > Save as and define a name of the table. You can try to export a simple structure from SCIA Engineer with materials S450 and S335 and check up if it is correctly imported to Tekla Structures.

Edit an existing mapping table

1. Launch the tool from Start > Programs > SCIA Engineer 2010.1 > BIM tools > Mapping Database Editor. 2. Run File > Open and select e.g. SdnfCss.xml in Addons directory. 3. Set Filter by sciaSectionName and input a key – HEA.

4. Select one of profiles in the left side window – e.g. id 1721 and remove it with a right mouse button click – Delete.

Or in the Grid tab using Delete key on your keyboard.

5. Select next one in either Basic or Grid tab and change the profile name in SCIA Engineer column e.g. from HEAT100 to HEA100 and Catalogue type from T section to I section in the Basic tab or from 6 to 1 in the Grid tab. It means the T profile T-HE100A/.5/ from SDNF file will be imported to SCIA Engineer as I profile HEA100.

6. Add new one by means of

- right mouse button click Add > CrossSection - or menu Data > Add > CrossSection

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- or start to write in the last line in the Grid tab.

7. After all changes save it using File > Save or Save as.

Westok Cellbeam link

This link between SCIA Engineer and Westok Cellbeam application allows to make a better cellular beams design. The link is bi-directional. The analysed model inSCIA Engineer is sent to Westok Cellbeam to finished the proper analyse of cellular beams and optimised the beam parameters based on internal forces. When the optimal design is done it is possible to update the cellular beam parameters back to original SCIA Engineer model. The link is available only for EC-EN with British and Irish national annexes and for BS.The model has to be calculated first. Without results the link could not be used. If all prerequisites are fulfilled then the function Westok cellular beam design in Steel service can be used.

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Export to Westok Westok cellular beam design allows to export all or selected member to Westok Cellbeam.

Defines if all members or only selected members are exported. Selection can be defined as Cur- Type of selection rent, Advanced, Named selection, Design group Filter There can be set filter by Cross-section, Material, Wildcard, Layer or Type of beam.

For export of the model press the action button Export to Westok. A dialog with further options appears. For explanation of items on this dialog please go to the Help - Manual EC or Manual BS.

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Use the button Transfer data from SCIA Engineer to Westok Cellbeam. The exported model can be directly opened in Westok Cellbeam or saved into Westok Cellbeam file format. Also there is possible to see log file where is basic info about what was exported.

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Import from Westok For update of the original model with the optimised parameters from Westok Cellbeam application use the action button Import from Westok. The Open dialog appears. Select the corresponding file to the model which has to be updated.

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