To analyze a multi-story building using ETABS software.

Analyzing a Multi-Story Building Using ETABS Software

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of analyzing a multi-story building model in ETABS, including defining loads, running the analysis, and interpreting the results.

Step 1: Open the Multi-Story Model

1. Launch ETABS.
2. Open the existing multi-story model you created (or create a new one following the previous guide).

Step 2: Define Load Cases

2.1 Define Dead Load

1. Go to Define > Load Patterns.
2. Add a new load pattern named Dead Load.
3. Set the type to Dead.
4. Click OK.

2.2 Define Live Load

1. Go to Define > Load Patterns.
2. Add a new load pattern named Live Load.
3. Set the type to Live.
4. Click OK.

2.3 Define Wind Load

1. Go to Define > Load Patterns.
2. Add a new load pattern named Wind Load.
3. Set the type to Wind.
4. Click OK.

2.4 Define Seismic Load

1. Go to Define > Load Patterns.
2. Add a new load pattern named Seismic Load.
3. Set the type to Quake.
4. Click OK.

Step 3: Assign Loads

3.1 Assign Dead Load

1. Select the slabs.
2. Go to Assign > Area Loads > Uniform.
3. Enter the magnitude of the dead load (e.g., 5 kN/m²).
4. Click OK.

3.2 Assign Live Load

1. Select the slabs.
2. Go to Assign > Area Loads > Uniform.
3. Enter the magnitude of the live load (e.g., 3 kN/m²).
4. Click OK.

3.3 Assign Wind Load

1. Go to Define > Wind Load Cases.
2. Specify the wind parameters (e.g., wind speed, exposure category).
3. Click OK to generate the wind load.

3.4 Assign Seismic Load

1. Go to Define > Response Spectrum Cases.
2. Specify the seismic parameters (e.g., zone factor, soil type).
3. Click OK to generate the seismic load.

Step 4: Run the Analysis

1. Go to Analyze > Run Analysis.
2. Select the load cases to include in the analysis (e.g., Dead, Live, Wind, Seismic).
3. Click Run Now to start the analysis.
4. Wait for the analysis to complete and check for any errors or warnings.

Step 5: Interpret the Results

5.1 View Deformation and Displacements

1. Go to Display > Show Deformed Shape.
2. Select the load case (e.g., Dead, Live, Wind, Seismic) to view the deformed shape.
3. Check the maximum displacements and ensure they are within acceptable limits.

5.2 View Member Forces

1. Go to Display > Show Forces/Stresses > Frame Forces.
2. Select the load case (e.g., Dead, Live, Wind, Seismic) to view the forces in beams and columns.
3. Check the axial forces, shear forces, and bending moments.

5.3 View Reactions

1. Go to Display > Show Forces/Stresses > Reactions.
2. Check the reactions at the supports for each load case.

5.4 View Stress Contours

1. Go to Display > Show Forces/Stresses > Area Stresses.
2. Select the load case to view stress contours on slabs and walls.

Step 6: Design Structural Elements

1. Go to Design > Concrete Frame Design.
2. Select the design code (e.g., IS 456, ACI).
3. Click Start Design/Check of Structure.
4. Review the design results and ensure all elements are within code limits.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this practical, you will:

• Understand how to define and assign loads in ETABS.
• Learn how to run an analysis and interpret the results.
• Gain hands-on experience in analyzing and designing a multi-story building.