ETABS SOFTWARE ELECTIVE COURSE 2020-2021

ETABS Software

Introduction
ETABS is a powerful program that can greatly enhance an engineer’s analysis and
design capabilities for structures. Consists array of options and features and simple to
use.
The basic approach for using the program is very straightforward. The user establishes
grid lines, places structural objects relative to the grid lines using joints, frames, links,
tendons, and shells, and assigns loads and structural properties to those structural objects
(for example, a frame object can be assigned section properties; a joint object can be
assigned spring properties; a shell object can be assigned slab or deck properties).
Analysis, design, and detailing are then performed based on the structural objects and
their assignments. Results are generated in graphical or tabular form that can be printed
to a printer or to a file for use in other programs.
Behavior of load path gravity and lateral loads
- For Gravity Loads,
Analysis of Gravity Load Resisting System for:
Dead Load, Live Load, Pattern Loads, temperature, shrinkage
Important Elements: Floor slabs, beams, openings, Joists, etc.
- For Lateral Loads
Analysis of Lateral Load Resisting System for:
Wind Loads, Seismic Loads, Structural Un-symmetry
Important elements: Columns, shear walls, bracing, beams

EXCITATION STRUCTURE
Loads
RESPONSES
Vibrations Displacements
Stress
Thermal Changes
Strains
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The Need for Modeling

Real Structure cannot be Analyzed:
It can only be “Load Tested” to determine response
We can only analyze a “Model” of the Structure
We therefore need tools to Model the Structure and to Analyze the Model
Finite Element Method: The Analysis Tool
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
“A discretized solution to a continuum problem using FEM”
• Finite Element Method (FEM)
“A numerical procedure for solving (partial) differential equations associated
with field problems, with an accuracy acceptable to engineers "

(a) Real Structure

(b) Solid Model (c) 3D Plate-Frame (d) 3D Frame

(e) 2D Frame

Fig. 1 Various Ways to Model a Real Struture

1 D Elements (Beam type)
- Can be used in 1D, 2D and 2D
- 2-3 Nodes. A, I etc. Truss and Beam Elements (1D,2D,3D)

2 D Elements (Plate type)

- Can be used in 2D and 3D Model
3-9 nodes. Thickness
Plane Stress, Plane Strain, Axisymmetric, Plate and Shell Elements (2D,3D)

-
3 D Elements (Brick type)
- Can be used in 3D Model
- 6-20 Nodes.
Brick Elements

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 ETABS SOFTWARE ELECTIVE COURSE 2020-2021
Real Structure cannot be Analyzed:
It can only be “Load Tested” to determine response
We can only analyze a “Model” of the Structure
We therefore need tools to Model the Structure and to Analyze the Model
Finite Element Method: The Analysis Tool
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
“A discretized solution to a continuum problem using FEM”
• Finite Element Method (FEM)
“A numerical procedure for solving (partial) differential

Elastic Material
Follows the same path during loading and unloading and returns to initial state of
deformation, stress, strain after removal of load.

Inelastic Material
Does not follow the same path during loading and unloading and may not returns to
initial state of deformation, stress, strain after removal of load.
Most materials exhibit both, elastic and inelastic behavior depending upon level of
loading.

Linearity
The response is directly proportional to load (Deflection doubles if load is doubled)

Non-Linearity
The response is not directly proportional to load (deflection may become 4 times if
load is doubled

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 ETABS SOFTWARE ELECTIVE COURSE 2020-2021
Structure, Member, Element
Structure can consider as an assemblage of Members
Slabs, Beams, Columns, Footings
Members can be modeled by using one or more Elements
1D elements, 2D element, 3D elements
Frame element, plate element, shell element, solid element, etc.
Modeling in terms Graphical Objects to represent Physical Components

Vertical Load Resisting Systems

Transfer Gravity Loads Applied at the Floor Levels down to the Foundation Level
Gravity loads: Self weight, Super imposed load, live load
Direct Path Systems
• Slab Supported on Load Bearing Walls
• Slab Supported on Columns
Ex. Flat Slab and Flat Plate, Waffle Slab
Indirect Multi Path Systems
• Slab Supported on Beams
• Beams Supported on Other Beams
• Beams Supported on Walls or Columns
Ex. (Beam, Slab), (Girder, Beam, Slab
Lateral Load Resisting Systems
Transfer Lateral Loads Applied at any location in the structure down to the
Foundation Level
Lateral Loads
- Wind Load
- Seismic Load
- Horizontal component of Gravity Loads in Inclined Systems and in Un-symmetrical
structures
- lateral soil pressure, liquid and material retention
Single System
• Moment Resisting Frames
• Braced Frames
• Shear Walls
• Tubular Systems
Dual System
• Shear Wall - Frames
• Tube + Frame + Shear Wall
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Moment Resisting Frame

▪ The Load is transferred by shear in columns, that produces moment in columns
and in beams
• The Beam-Column connection is crucial for the system to work
• The moments and shear from later loads must be added to those from gravity
loads

Shear Wall and Frame

• The lateral loads is primarily resisted by the shear in the walls, in turn
producing bending moment
• The openings in wall become areas of high stress concentration and need to be
handled carefully
• Partial loads is resisted by the frames

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Shear Wall and Frame

• The Walls are part of the frame and act together with the frame members
• The lateral loads is primarily resisted by the shear in the walls, in turn
producing bending moment.
• Partial loads is resisted by the frame members in moment and shear

Braced Frame
• The lateral loads is primarily resisted by the Axial Force in the braces, columns
and beams in the braced zone.
• The frame away from the braced zone does not have significant moments
• Bracing does not have to be provided in every bay, but should be provided in
every story

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Tubular System
• The system is formed by using
closely spaced columns and deep
spandrel beams
• The lateral loads is primarily
resisted by the entire building
acting as a big cantilever with a
tubular/ box cross-section
• There is a “shear lag” problem
between opposite faces of the tube
due to in-efficiency of column
beam connection

Braced Tube System

• Diagonal Braces are added to
the basic tubular structure
• This modification of the Tubular
System reduces shear lag
between opposite faces

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 ETABS SOFTWARE ELECTIVE COURSE 2020-2021

START WITH ETABS

Main window
- Latest News: new versions, products of CSi company
- Resources: Learn ETABS videos, Manuals, Knowledge Base, Website.
-

Open new model

Select units and main code of design

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 ETABS SOFTWARE ELECTIVE COURSE 2020-2021

According to structure element select a template

Model Explorer: (model, Display, Tables, Reports)

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Define material property

- Concrete and steel

Define section properties

- Column, Beam, Slab, Walls

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Define load pattern

- DL, LL

Define load cases

Define load combination

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 ETABS SOFTWARE ELECTIVE COURSE 2020-2021
Model Simple Building
Draw
- Draw column and quick draw column
- Draw wall
- Draw slab
- Opening
- Draw beams

• Assign loads
- Slab loads
- Own weight
- Live
- Beams loads

• Mesh
- Shear wall and core (assign supports)
- Slab

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ETABS SOFTWARE ELECTIVE COURSE 2020-2021
Ex.1: Simple Building

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