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This page contains frequently asked questions related to import: {on-this-page} h1. Importing Joint Coordinates in CVS or TXT Format *Expanded Question:* I would like to import a .csv or .txt points file into SAP - one of the points represents the start point of a member, the next represents the end point. What is the best way to do this? I cannot find an import command that allows the importing of a plain comma delimited text file. The file is generated from another program and I would like to analyze structure with SAP. *Answer:* The best approach to import the joints coordinates would be to use [Interactive database editing] in combination with Excel spreadsheet. The steps involved are outlined below: * Create new model. * Go to "Edit > Interactive Database Editing" and check "Expose All Input Tables" on the right side of the form. * Now select table "Joint Coordinates" located in "MODEL DEFINITION > Connectivity Data > Joint Coordinates > Table: Joint Coordinates" * Click OK, this will open "Interactive Database Editing - Joint Coordinates" form. Click "To Excel" button on the right side of the form. * Cut and paste the content of the CVS or TXT file into Excel and place the data into their corresponding columns. * Return back to the "Interactive Database Editing - Joint Coordinates" form and click "From Excel" button. This will transfer the data from the Excel spreadsheet to the SAP2000 form. * Click "Apply to Model" and "Done" buttons to update the SAP2000 model. h1. Can I open my file in a lower version of the program? While the input files are not backwards compatible due to the changes that may be introduced to the database tables in higher versions of the program, you may be able to use the following manipulation to import your model to a lower version of the program: * Export your file as [S2K text file|File format and settings files]. * Modify the version of the file, say from 12.0.2 to 12.0.0, in the Program Control table. * Open the lower version of the program and import the text file created in the previous step. This approach should generally work if the two versions are "close enough" to each other, unless there was a change of database schema that directly affects the data stored in the file. In any case, it is always good idea to check the import log for any warning and error messages. I would also recommend to carefully review the model once imported to the lower version. h1. How can I validate IFC file to make sure that it is valid prior to importing it to CSI programs? You can try to first open the IFC file in one of the IFC viewers listed at the [iai-tech.org|http://www.iai-tech.org/developers/get-started/ifc-toolboxes/ifc-toolboxes-summary#IFC_geometry_viewers] website. We had a good experience with using the free [CAD-DDS viewer|http://www.dds-cad.net/132x2x0.xhtml]. h1. How can I validate CIS/2 file to make sure that it is valid prior to importing it to CSI programs? You can use online version of SteelVis tool made available by NIST at http://ciks.cbt.nist.gov/cgi-bin/ctv/ctv.cgi to upload your CIS/2 file and have the SteelVis generate VRML file in one the following formats: * Text file - the [VRML|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRML] text file can be downloaded to a local computer and viewed by VRML viewers such as [FreeWRL|http://freewrl.sourceforge.net/] * 3D interactive VRML model (this requires that VRML plugin is installed for your browser) h1. See Also * [Backups and troubleshooting corrupted models|kb:Backups and troubleshooting corrupted models] * [SAP2000 Import|sap2000:SAP2000 Import FAQ]page is devoted to frequently asked questions (FAQ) related to import. |
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How do I merge two models?
Extended Question: I have a substructure modeled in one file, and the superstructure in another. How do I merge the two such that they create a single model?
ANSWER: Models may be incorporated into a single file by opening the destination file, then import the .s2k text files through File > Import > SAp2000 .s2k Text File. Select the Add to Existing Model option to superimpose data onto the open model.
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How do I import joint coordinates which are in CVS or TXT format?
Expanded Question: I would like to import, into SAP2000, a .csv or .txt file which contains comma-delimited joint coordinates. One point represents the member start node, then the next represents the end node. The file was generated using another software, and now I would like to use SAP2000 to analyze the structure. What is the best way to do this?
ANSWER: The best approach would be to use Interactive Database Editing in combination with an Excel spreadsheet. The steps are as follows:
- Create a new model.
- Use the Edit > Interactive Database Editing menu to select Expose All Input Tables, located on the right side.
- Select Model Definition > Connectivity Data > Joint Coordinates > Table: Joint Coordinates to open the joint coordinates table.
- Select OK to open the Interactive Database Editing - Joint Coordinates menu, then select To Excel, located on the right side.
- Cut and paste the content of the CVS or TXT file into Excel, then organize the data into columns.
- Return to the Interactive Database Editing - Joint Coordinates menu and select the From Excel option. This will transfer the data from Excel into SAP2000.
- Update the SAP2000 model by selecting Apply to Model > Done.
Can I open my file in a previous version of the software?
ANSWER: Software changes made to the function of database tables prevent input files from being backwards-compatible. However, users may be able to import a model to a previous software version through the following process:
- Export the file in S2K text file format.
- In the Program Control table (search for string "Program Control"), modify the file version (ex. 12.0.2 to 12.0.0).
Figure 1: Replacing the program version in the model text file
- Open the lower version of the software and import the text file previously created.
Unless a database change was made between software versions which directly affects the storage of file data, this procedure should be effective so long as the software versions are relatively close in sequence.
Users should check the import log for error or warning messages, and carefully review the model once data is imported, to ensure successful transfer to the previous software version.
How can I ensure that an IFC file is valid prior to import to CSI software?
ANSWER: To validate an IFC file, users may first try to open the file using one of the IFC viewers listed on the iai-tech.org website. CSI recommends using the free CAD-DDS viewer.
How can I ensure that a CIS/2 file is valid prior to import to CSI software?
ANSWER: Users may upload a CIS/2 file to the online version of the NIST SteelVis tool to generate a VRML file in one of the following formats:
A text file in which the VRML text file can be downloaded to a local computer and viewed by such VRML viewers as FreeWRL.
- A 3D interactive VRML model, which requires installation of the VRML plugin to the browser.