ETABS

ETABS v 8.4.6 or Higher

AFES Program interfaces with ETABS in its 8.4.6 or higher versions. In order to import a structure from
ETABS, certain procedure as below has to be followed.

Open ETABS program and open a model file.

Run ETABS analysis.

Click on the menu file /Export>Save Input/Output as Access Database Files

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A new window will appear.

Click File Name button and select directory to save the file. An mdb file is created for the structure.

Click on the Save button.

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Click on the Create New Structure button. Add: New Structure Name dialog window will appear.
Input structure name, and then click on the New button.

Click on the Geometry Data button.

The Geometry form will appear as below.

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From the Import selection list choose ETABS.

Click on the Import button then navigate the file you want to import. Note that only with .MDB file
can be imported.

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Click Open button.

Import from Structural Analysis Program dialog box will appear. Select the Load
cases/Combination import from ETABS by toggling on the corresponding check box. Select the
foundation type that will be placed on the footing or mat to be analyzed or designed from Apply
Foundation type drop-down list box, and then click the OK button.

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The support coordinate, load cases and load combinations from ETABS analysis will be imported in the
AFES program. As shown below, geometry data is automatically imported from the superstructure
analysis output.

The dialog box below will appear after clicking on the Load Case/Combination toolbar. It shows the
load case name and values on the supports. The imported load case and values can be verified by
clicking on the Load Case command button.

The import wizard will automatically convert the values into the coordinates system used by the AFES
program in order to complete the foundation design and analysis.

The coordinate system of AFES is as follows:

Note: All loads at the top of pier are assumed to act at the center of the pier.

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Imported load combinations and load factors can be verified by clicking on the Load Combination
command button.

Note: For the imported load combinations, half is for stability checked and the other half is for
reinforcement and shear check.

Load combination can be changed by choosing Elastic Strength or Ultimate Strength on the toggle button.