DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) files, such as those produced using AutoCAD, may be imported into SAP2000 through the process which follows:

1. Within SAP2000, select File > Import > AutoCAD .dxf File, as shown in Figure 1:
   
   
   
   
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   Figure 1 - Import DXF file

   
   
   
2. Select DXF Files (*.DXF) from the drop-down menu within the browse window, as shown in Figure 2:
   
   
   
   
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   Figure 2 - Select DXF file for import

   
   
   
3. Choose the DXF file you wish to open from the list of saved files which are available.
   
   
4. Specify the coordinates desired as the origin of the SAP2000 analytical model.
   
   
5. Select OK to begin the conversion process. During conversion, the software within which the DWG file was created will automatically open and then close. The file will then automatically open within SAP2000.

A few notes which concern this process are as follows:

• The software used to create the DWG file which is being imported into SAP2000 must be installed on the desktop.

• Layer 0 of the DWG file will not be imported into SAP2000.

• Entities from the DWG file will convert into SAP2000 objects as described in the following chart:

• Solids must be drawn in AutoCAD as meshed polygons or as meshed solids such that their DXF entities may be imported into SAP2000.

See Also

• The Sample DXF files for import article provides sample shell and solid models in DXF format.