To Create a multi-story model in ETABS software

Creating a Multi-Story Model in ETABS Software

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a multi-story building model in ETABS, including defining grid lines, stories, structural sections, and assigning loads.

Step 1: Launch ETABS and Start a New Model

1. Open ETABS.
2. Click on File > New Model.
3. Select the desired units (e.g., kN, m, C) and click OK.

Step 2: Define Grid Lines

1. In the New Model dialog box, select Grid Only or Grid and Story Data.
2. Enter the number of grid lines in the X and Y directions.

• Example: 5 grid lines in the X-direction and 4 grid lines in the Y-direction.

1. Specify the spacing between grid lines.

• Example: 5 m spacing in the X-direction and 4 m spacing in the Y-direction.

1. Click OK to generate the grid system.

Step 3: Define Story Data

1. In the New Model dialog box, select Story Data.
2. Enter the number of stories (e.g., 5).
3. Specify the height of each story.

• Example: 3 m for typical floors.

1. Optionally, add a basement or mezzanine floor if required.
2. Click OK to create the stories.

Step 4: Define Structural Sections

4.1 Define Beam Sections

1. Go to Define > Section Properties > Frame Sections.
2. Click Add New Property.
3. Choose the type of section (e.g., Rectangular).
4. Enter the dimensions (e.g., width = 300 mm, depth = 500 mm).
5. Assign material properties (e.g., concrete grade M25).
6. Click OK to save the section.

4.2 Define Column Sections

1. Go to Define > Section Properties > Frame Sections.
2. Click Add New Property.
3. Choose the type of section (e.g., Rectangular).
4. Enter the dimensions (e.g., width = 400 mm, depth = 400 mm).
5. Assign material properties (e.g., concrete grade M25).
6. Click OK to save the section.

4.3 Define Slab Sections

1. Go to Define > Section Properties > Area Sections.
2. Click Add New Property.
3. Choose the type of section (e.g., Slab).
4. Enter the thickness (e.g., 150 mm).
5. Assign material properties (e.g., concrete grade M25).
6. Click OK to save the section.

Step 5: Draw Structural Elements

5.1 Draw Beams

1. Go to Draw > Draw Frame Elements.
2. Select the beam section you defined earlier.
3. Draw beams along the grid lines for each story.

5.2 Draw Columns

1. Go to Draw > Draw Frame Elements.
2. Select the column section you defined earlier.
3. Draw columns at the intersections of grid lines for each story.

5.3 Draw Slabs

1. Go to Draw > Draw Area Elements.
2. Select the slab section you defined earlier.
3. Draw slabs for each floor by connecting the grid lines.

Step 6: Define and Assign Loads

6.1 Define Load Patterns

1. Go to Define > Load Patterns.
2. Add load patterns for:

• Dead Load (Type: Dead)
• Live Load (Type: Live)
• Wind Load (Type: Wind)
• Seismic Load (Type: Quake)

6.2 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.

6.3 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.

6.4 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.

6.5 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 7: Verify and Analyze the Model

1. Go to Analyze > Run Analysis.
2. Check for errors or warnings in the analysis.
3. Review the results to ensure the model behaves as expected.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this practical, you will:

• Understand how to create a multi-story building model in ETABS.
• Learn how to define and assign structural sections and loads.
• Gain hands-on experience in modeling and analyzing a building.