Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
StruCAD*3D / ZenScad
Import Manual
for
The CSI Logo® and SAP2000® are registered trademarks of Computers and Structures, Inc. Adobe® and Acrobat®
are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
The computer program SAP2000® and all associated documentation are proprietary and copyrighted products.
Worldwide rights of ownership rest with Computers and Structures, Inc. Unlicensed use of this program or
reproduction of documentation in any form, without prior written authorization from Computers and Structures, Inc., is
explicitly prohibited.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or
retrieval system, without the prior explicit written permission of the publisher.
CONSIDERABLE TIME, EFFORT AND EXPENSE HAVE GONE INTO THE DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF
THIS SOFTWARE. HOWEVER, THE USER ACCEPTS AND UNDERSTANDS THAT NO WARRANTY IS
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY THE DEVELOPERS OR THE DISTRIBUTORS ON THE ACCURACY OR THE
RELIABILITY OF THIS PRODUCT.
THIS PRODUCT IS A PRACTICAL AND POWERFUL TOOL FOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN. HOWEVER, THE USER
MUST EXPLICITLY UNDERSTAND THE BASIC ASSUMPTIONS OF THE SOFTWARE MODELING, ANALYSIS,
AND DESIGN ALGORITHMS AND COMPENSATE FOR THE ASPECTS THAT ARE NOT ADDRESSED.
1 Introduction
1.1 Import a StruCAD*3D File 1
1.2 Review Import Log 2
2 Read the StruCAD*3D Input File
2.1 Input File Format 1
2.2 “Cards” Read 1
3 Translate the Model to SAP2000
3.1 Data Control Specification 1
3.1.1 TITLE “Card” 1
3.1.2 OPTIONS “Card” 2
3.1.3 LDOPT “Card” 2
3.1.4 UNITI “Card” 3
3.1.5 DLCASE “Card” 3
3.1.6 TMPOPT “Card” 3
3.1.7 SECLIB “Card” 4
3.2 Joint Specification 4
3.2.1 JOINT “Card” 4
3.2.2 PERSET “Card” 5
3.2.3 ELASTC “Card” 6
3.3 Member Specification 6
3.3.1 SECT “Card” 6
3.3.2 GRUP “Card” 7
3.3.3 GRUPL “Card” 9
3.3.4 CGRP “Card” 9
3.3.5 MEMBER “Card” 11
3.4 Finite Element Specification 12
3.4.1 PGRUP “Card” 12
3.4.2 PLATE “Card” 14
3.5 Weight (Mass) Specification 15
3.5.1 WGHTCN “Card” 15
3.5.2 WGHT UNIF “Card” 16
i
3.5.3 WGHT JOIN “Card” 17
3.5.4 WGHT CONC “Card” 18
3.6 Static Load Specification 19
3.6.1 LOADCN “Card” 19
3.6.2 LOAD UNIF “Card” 20
3.6.3 LOAD CONC “Card” 20
3.6.4 LOAD MOMT “Card” 21
3.6.5 LOAD JOIN “Card” 22
3.6.6 WGHTIN “Card” 22
3.6.7 DEAD “Card” 22
3.7 Pitch, Roll, and Wave Force Specification 22
3.7.1 CENTER “Card” 23
3.7.2 ACCEL “Card” 23
3.8 Load Combination Specification 24
3.8.1 LDCOMB “Card” 24
References
1 Introduction
This manual describes the capabilities for importing StruCAD*3D (or ZenScad) models into
SAP2000®. StruCAD*3D Version 4.3 files are currently handled. Models from other versions
should also import, although this has not been thoroughly tested.
It is important to read this entire manual before importing a StruCAD*3D model in order to be-
come familiar with any limitations of the import or assumptions that have been made.
The process of importing a StruCAD*3D model is broken into two main steps, namely
Chapter 2 of this manual describes the first step of reading the StruCAD*3D input file, while Chapter 3
describes in detail the translation of the StruCAD*3D model into a SAP2000 model.
Messages – these messages are for information purposes only and do not affect the imported model.
Typical messages tell the number of objects read or imported.
Warnings – these messages highlight items which should be reviewed after importing the model.
Typically these messages are related to assumptions made during the translation process where there
is not a direct one-to-one translation.
Errors – these messages highlight items which resulted in an error during the import process and
should be resolved before using the imported model. Typically these messages are related to incorrect
values in the StruCAD*3D file or an issue during the translation process.
The import log should be reviewed after the import process is complete and any issues should be resolved
before proceeding to use the imported model. It is also recommended that the imported model be
checked for accuracy.
2 Read the StruCAD*3D Input File
This chapter describes the process of reading the StruCAD*3D input file which is the first step
in the import process. The StruCAD*3D input file format is described in Chapter 5 of the Stru-
CAD*3D (ZenScad) User's Manual [GAI 2003].
Control Specification
Element Specification
Joint Specification
Member Specification
Load Specification
This chapter describes the translation of the StruCAD*3D model to SAP2000. Only the “cards”
defined in Chapter 3 as being read in are discussed in this chapter. Note that not all features on
each “card” type are imported, so it is important to review the following sections to determine
what parts of the model are imported.
The StruCAD*3D input file format is described in Chapter 5 of the StruCAD*3D (ZenScad)
User's Manual [GAI 2003]. For further information about a particular feature or capability of
SAP2000, refer to the SAP2000 manuals available from the Help menu > Documentation...
command or to the interactive help, available from the Help menu > Contents and Index...
command.
Load Options
SAP2000 Usage StruCAD*3D Field
not translated Create Output File
not translated Flooding Option
not translated Water Density
GRUP and GRUPL steel density default Steel Density
not translated Mudline Elevation
not translated Water Depth
not translated Hydrostatic Collapse Analysis Option
Perform Hydrostatic Collapse Analysis on Flooded
not translated
Members
CGRP concrete density default Concrete Density
not translated Enclosed Material Density
not translated Encasing Material Density
not translated Grout Density
not translated Marine Growth Density
Table 3.2: LDOPT "card" translation
If a new SAP2000 model is created, the default database units are set based on the default unit
system defined in the UNITI “card” as follows.
Temperature Options
SAP2000 Usage StruCAD*3D Field
not translated Reference Temperature
Coefficient of thermal expansion for steel material Steel Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
properties generated from GRUP and GRUPL “cards”
Coefficient of thermal expansion for concrete material Concrete Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
properties generated from CGRP “cards”
Table 3.3: TMPOPT "card" translation
Section Libraries
SAP2000 Library StruCAD*3D Library
AISCASD9.pro AISC1
AISCLRFD3.pro AISC2
not translated BRIT1
not translated JAPN1
not translated EURO1
Table 3.4: SECLIB "card" translation
3.2 Joint Specification
This section describes the imported “cards” that are related to joint locations and assignments to
joints.
Joint Properties
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
X X-coordinate larger + X-coordinate smaller value
Y Y-coordinate larger + Y-coordinate smaller value
Z Z-coordinate larger + Z-coordinate smaller value
Restraint Fixed in Translation Along the X-axis
Fixed in Translation Along the Y-axis
Fixed in Translation Along the Z-axis
Fixed in Rotation About the X-axis
Fixed in Rotation About the Y-axis
Fixed in Rotation About the Z-axis
not translated Exclude
Table 3.5: JOINT "card" translation
Section Types
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
not translated Section Label
I/Wide flange WF – wide flange
Pipe TUB – tube section
Tube BOX – box section
Channel CHN – channel section
Double Channel DCH – double channel section back to back
not translated DCB – double channel section face to face
Angle ANG – single angle section
Double Angle DAN – double angle section
General PRI – prismatic element
Tee TEE – tee section
not translated CTB – concentric tube with grout
not translated CON – cone frustum tubular member
not translated PLG – plate girder
Rectangular RBM – uniaxial rectangular concrete beam
Rectangular RBB – biaxial rectangular concrete beam
Tee TBM – uniaxial concrete T-beam
Tee TBB – biaxial concrete T-beam
Circular COL – circular concrete column
Rectangular REC – rectangular concrete column
Table 3.8: SECT “card” shape translation
Material Properties
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Material Name N/A – taken as “SCAD#” where # is a unique number
Material Type N/A – taken as Steel
Weight per Unit Volume Steel Density
Mass per Unit Volume N/A – automatically calculated by SAP2000
Modulus of Elasticity Modulus of Elasticity
Poisson's Ratio N/A – calculated from the elastic and shear moduli
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion N/A – taken from TMPOPT “card”
Shear Modulus Shear Modulus Elasticity
Minimum Yield Stress Minimum Yield Stress
Minimum Tensile Stress N/A – taken as 1.3*Fy
Effective Yield Stress N/A – taken as 1.1*Fy
Effective Tensile Stress N/A – taken as 1.1*Fu
not translated Minimum Yield Stress for Web of PLG
Table 3.9: GRUP "card" material properties translation
The section properties are used to define new frame section properties in SAP2000. Table 3.10
shows the mapping to the frame section properties.
Section Properties
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Section Name “SCAD” + Group ID
N/A – based on the name assigned to the material
Material
properties on the GRUP or SECT “card”
Outside Diameter (Pipe Section) Tube Outer Diameter
Wall Thickness (Pipe Section) Tube Wall Thickness
not translated Segment Length
not translated Hot-rolled vs Built-up
Table 3.10: GRUP "card" section properties translation
Additional fields in the GRUP “card” are translated according to the mapping in Table 3.11.
Material Properties
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Material Name N/A – taken as “SCAD#” where # is a unique number
Material Type N/A – taken as Concrete
Weight per Unit Volume Weight Density of Concrete
Mass per Unit Volume N/A – automatically calculated by SAP2000
Modulus of Elasticity Young's Modulus of Elasticity
Poisson's Ratio N/A – calculated from the elastic and shear moduli
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion N/A – taken from TMPOPT “card”
Shear Modulus Shear Modulus Elasticity
Specified Concrete Compressive Strength Compressive Strength of Concrete
Lightweight Concrete Concrete Type Flag
Shear Strength Reduction Factor N/A – taken as 1
Table 3.12: CGRP "card" material properties translation
The section properties are used to define new frame section properties in SAP2000. Table 3.13
shows the mapping to the frame section properties.
Section Properties
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Section Name “SCAD” + Group ID
N/A – based on the name assigned to the material
Material
properties on the CGRP or SECT “card”
Depth or Diameter Diameter or Z-dimension (depth)
Width Y-dimension (width)
not translated Associated Rebar Label
Property Modifier – Torsional Constant Cracked Section Reduction Factor Ix
Property Modifier – Moment of Inertia About 3 Axis Cracked Section Reduction Factor Iy
Property Modifier – Moment of Inertia About 2 Axis Cracked Section Reduction Factor Iz
Table 3.13: CGRP "card" section properties translation
Additional fields in the CGRP “card” are translated according to the mapping in Table 3.14.
Additional fields in the MEMBER “card” are translated according to the mapping in Table 3.16.
Material Properties
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Material Name N/A – taken as “SCAD#” where # is a unique number
Material Type N/A – taken as Steel
Weight per Unit Volume Structural Weight Density
Mass per Unit Volume N/A – automatically calculated by SAP2000
Modulus of Elasticity Modulus of Elasticity
Poisson's Ratio Poisson's Ratio
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion N/A – taken from TMPOPT “card”
Shear Modulus N/A – automatically calculated by SAP2000
Minimum Yield Stress Minimum Yield Stress
Minimum Tensile Stress N/A – taken as 1.3*Fy
Effective Yield Stress N/A – taken as 1.1*Fy
Effective Tensile Stress N/A – taken as 1.1*Fu
Table 3.17: PGRUP "card" material properties translation
The section properties are used to define new area section properties in SAP2000. Table 3.18
shows the mapping to the section properties.
Section Properties
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Section Name “SCAD” + Plate Group ID
Type N/A – taken as Shell-Thick
N/A – based on the name assigned to the material properties on
Material Name
the PGRUP “card”
Material Angle N/A – taken as 0
Thickness – Membrane Plate Thickness
Thickness – Bending Plate Thickness
Stiffness Modifiers N/A – not set, defaults assumed
Table 3.18: PGRUP "card" section properties translation
Additional fields in the PGRUP “card” are translated according to the mapping in Table 3.19.
Area Object
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Label Plate Name
Point 1 1st Joint ID
Point 2 2nd Joint ID
Point 3 3rd Joint ID
Point 4 4th Joint ID
Section Name Plate Group ID
Table 3.20: PLATE "card" object translation
If material properties are specified, they overwrite the values specified on the PGRUP “cards”
or in global definitions. Table 3.21 shows the mapping to the material properties.
Material Properties
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Material Name N/A – taken as “SCAD#” where # is a unique number
Material Type N/A – taken as Concrete
Weight per Unit Volume Steel Density
Mass per Unit Volume N/A – automatically calculated by SAP2000
Modulus of Elasticity Modulus of Elasticity
Poisson's Ratio Poisson's Ratio
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion N/A – taken from TMPOPT “card”
Shear Modulus N/A – automatically calculated by SAP2000
Minimum Yield Stress Minimum Yield Stress
Minimum Tensile Stress N/A – taken as 1.3*Fy
Effective Yield Stress N/A – taken as 1.1*Fy
Effective Tensile Stress N/A – taken as 1.1*Fu
Table 3.21: PLATE "card" material properties translation
Additional fields in the PLATE “card” are translated according to the mapping in Table 3.22.
When importing a LOADCN card that is followed by a CENTER card and optionally an AC-
CEL card, the SAP2000 loadcase is built-up based on various load patterns that are created
when importing the CENTER and ACCEL cards. NOTE: the scale factors used in a load case
that includes CENTER and ACCEL cards are length unit dependent and should always be con-
sidered and edited using kip-ft units.
Center Data
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Mass source used to define the weight/mass associated 'D' Consider Dead Weight
with this condition has the self-mass of the structure
enabled.
Center of rotation coordinates for an auto-seastate load X-coordinate of Center of Rotation
pattern.
Y-coordinate of Center of Rotation
Z-coordinate of Center of Rotation
Inertia load parameters for an auto-seastate load pattern Rotation Angle about X
based on rotations/translations.
Period of Rotation about X
Rotation Angle about Y
Period of Rotation about Y
Heave Amplitude
Heave Period
Table 3.32: CENTER "card" combination translation
Center Data
SAP2000 Field StruCAD*3D Field
Inertia load parameters for an auto-seastate load pattern X-translational Acceleration
based on accelerations/velocities.
Y-translational Acceleration
Z-translational Acceleration
X-rotational Acceleration
Y-rotational Acceleration
Z-rotational Acceleration
X-rotational Velocity
Y-rotational Velocity
Z-rotational Velocity
Table 3.33: ACCEL "card" combination translation
GAI 2003. ZenScad User's Manual. Guntur and Associates, Inc. 2003
References i