Introduction
21.2.0_ETA_enhancement_video
Learn more about the latest enhancements in ETABS v21.2.0.
Design
21.2.0_ETA_AISC_360-16_360-10
Steel connection design is now available per the AISC 360-16 and AISC 360-10 codes. This includes Beam-Beam, Beam-Column, Column-Footing, welded, and bolted connections.
21.2.0_ETA_euro_steel_frame_corrigendum_2
An enhancement has been made to the Eurocode 3-2005 steel frame design to update the design according to Corrigendum 2 released in 2009.
Loading
21.2.0_ETA_turkish_code_2018_response_spec
The TSC-2018 response-spectrum function has been enhanced to allow specification of the R, D and I parameters.
The auto-seismic load pattern and response-spectrum function were added for the Malaysian National Annex of Eurocode 8-2004.
The auto-seismic load pattern and response-spectrum function were added for the Malaysian National Annex of Eurocode 8-2004.
Structural Model
21.2.0_ETA__frame_hinge_assign_presets
The frame hinge assignment feature has been enhanced with four new preset hinge assignment distribution types:
- 1. Beam Column, which adds a moment or PMM hinge at the ends of the frame object.
- 2. Distributed Plasticity, which adds hinges along the length of the frame object based on a specified integration rule.
- 3. Equal Spacing, which adds hinges at a fixed spacing along the length of the frame object.
- 4. Continuous Support, which adds one hinge at the center of every frame element associated with the selected frame object.
Analysis
21.2.0_ETA_multi-thread_solver
An enhancement has been made to allow the “Number of (Internal) Threads for Analysis" setting to also control number of threads that can be used by the Multi-threaded Solver. This creates less competition for resources and can speed up analysis.
21.2.0_ETA_modal_damping
An enhancement has been made to speed up direct-integration time-history load cases with additional modal damping specified for a large number of modes. For building structures, the higher-frequency modes typically respond statically to seismic and wind loading, and stiffness proportional damping is more efficient for the damping at high frequencies.
Output and Display
21.2.0_ETA_disable_sav_fiber_analysis_results
The option to disable saving of individual fiber results for Fiber P-M2-M3 frame hinges is now available. This can significantly reduce disk storage when individual fiber stress-strain results are not needed. Detailed hinge results will still be available, including the state and status of the hinge obtained from the fiber results.
Database Tables
21.2.0_ETA_parallelized_database_tables
The following "Analysis Results" database tables have been parallelized for increased speed during display or export: "Joint Displacements, "Joint Displacements - Absolute", “Joint Drifts", "Pier Forces", "Pier Force Status", "Spandrel Forces, and "Spandrel Force Status". In addition, individual table progress will now be displayed in the status bar while filling any of the “Analysis Results” tables for display/export. The progress bar is effective for tables that take significant time to display/export.
Import and Export
21.2.0_ETA_exporting_non-linear_links_Perform3D
Enhancement added for exporting Non-Linear links from ETABS to Perform3D. Following links types are handled:
- 1. ETABS Damper - Exponential > Perform3D Fluid Damper
- 2. ETABS Gap > Perform3D Nonlinear Elastic Gap-Hook Bar
- 3. ETABS Hook > Perform3D Nonlinear Elastic Gap-Hook Bar
- 4. ETABS Rubber Isolator > Perform3D Seismic Isolator, Rubber Type
- 5. ETABS Friction Isolator > Perform3D Seismic Isolator, Friction Pendulum
21.2.0_ETA_exporting_shells_Perform3D
ETABS models exported to Perform3D now include shell uniform loads in the global coordinate system. These loads will be exported to Perform3D as lumped nodal loads on the nodes which form the shell elements.
21.2.0_ETA_exporting_pier_elements_Perform3D
For ETABS models exported to Perform3D, frame objects that are assigned a Pier or Spandrel label will be exported to Perform3D in separate element groups based on their Pier or Spandrel label names.
21.2.0_ETA_exporting_gage_elements_Perform3D
ETABS models exported to Perform3D now include Line and Quad gauge elements. Translational type line gauges in ETABS will be exported as Perform3D Axial Strain Gage (2-node) components. Rotational type line gauges in ETABS will be exported as Perform3D Rotational Gage, Beam Type (2-node) components. Shear type quad gauges in ETABS will be exported as Perform3D Shear Strain Gage (4-node) components. Rotation type quad gauges in ETABS will be exported as Perform3D Rotation Gage, Wall Type (4-node) components.
Cloud Sign-in Licensing
21.2.0_ETA_cloud_sign_in_lic
Cloud Sign-in licensing is now available
- • Access CSI software using secure user credentials — no more activation keys
- • Access licenses anywhere with internet access
- • Option to create License Groups to manage who has access to your licenses
- • Option to remotely terminate an active license session
- • Option to federate your identity provider (IdP), allowing users to user their familiar company credentials instead
Bug Fixes
21.2.0_ETA_bug_fixes
Issues reported by users have been corrected.
Loading
21.1.0_ETA_function_def
Several enhancements have been made to the handling of time-history and response-spectrum functions:
- ∙ The processing of large function files, such as wind records, has been made more efficient for speed and storage.
- ∙ Functions can be added or modified after the analysis is run and the model is locked.
- ∙ More control has been given to locating function files on the local computer or network.
Analysis
21.1.0_ETA_speed_eff_parallelized_design
Parallelized design and response-recovery have been made more efficient for speed, memory usage, and disk IO for large analysis models and/or models with many long time-history functions, such as wind records. Parallelized response recovery affects certain larger output tables and time-consuming graphical displays.
Design
21.1.0_ETA_design_code_crack-width
Crack-width (serviceability) design of concrete members has been added according to Eurocode 2-2004 and Italian NTC 2008 codes. This feature is available for beam (M3) design and for the design or check of column reinforcement. Crack width, concrete stress, and steel stresses are calculated and compared against the limits imposed by the Eurocode 2-2004.
Detailing
21.1.0_ETA_pt_tendon_vert_profile
An enhancement was made to show PT tendon vertical profiles in slabs and beams in Detailing drawings. Previously the PT profiles were shown in the on-screen Detailing, but not in the drawing sheets produced for printing and/or export.
Bug Fixes
21.1.0_ETA_bug_fixes
Issues reported by users have been corrected.
Detailing
21.0.0_ETA_detailing_menu
Detailing of concrete and steel structures, as well as the production and management of schematic design drawings, is now available from a new Detailing menu inside ETABS. It can now handle multiple towers as well.
21.0.0_ETA_detailing_revit_reinforcement
Detailed reinforcement from beams, slabs, column stacks, and wall stacks can now be exported from ETABS to Autodesk® Revit® through the CSiXRevitTM 2023 plugin to Revit 2023.
Structural Model
21.0.0_ETA_tributary_PT_tendon
Tributary PT tendons are now accounted for in finite element-based design of slabs and cracked-slab deflection analysis (short- and long-term).
Loading
21.0.0_ETA_NBCC_2020
Auto-wind load, auto-seismic load, and response-spectrum function based on NBCC 2020 have been added.
21.0.0_ETA_ASCE_7-22
Auto-wind load, auto-seismic load, and response-spectrum function based on ASCE 7-22 have been added.
21.0.0_ETA_assign_loads_null_lines/areas
Loads assigned to null lines and null areas applied in any local or global direction are now transferred to the underlying structural floors. In earlier versions only loads in the gravity direction were transferred.
Design
21.0.0_ETA_steel_design_AS_4100:2020
AS 4100:2020 steel frame design has been added.
21.0.0_ETA_composite_design_Euro_4-2004
Eurocode 4-2004 composite column design has been added.
Output and Display
21.0.0_ETA_crack_sec_modifiers_database
Cracked-section modifiers for beam and floor objects are now included in the database tables.
21.0.0_ETA_database_tables_includes
Nonlinear shear-material state and status output for general wall hinges is now available in the database tables, deformed shape display, and performance-check output.
Database Tables
21.0.0_ETA_edit_select_perf_check_def
Performance-check definitions can now be edited when the model is locked and selected for associated tabular output.
Application Programming Interface (API)
21.0.0_ETA_.net6
Support for .NET 6 has been added including a help topic in the "Key Concepts" folder.
Bug Fixes
21.0.0_ETA_bug_fixes
Issues reported by users have been corrected.
Bug Fixes
20.3.0_ETA_bug_fix
Issues reported by users have been corrected.
Structural Model
20.2.0_ETA_specified_rebar_layout
The "Specified Rebar Layout" rebar option for wall hinges now allows the option of assigning the rebar in a Pier orientation or a Spandrel orientation.
20.2.0_ETA_fixed_length_damper
The exponential and bilinear viscous-damper link properties have been enhanced to add a Fixed Length Damper option for the axial degree of freedom. When enabled, this allows a fixed-length damping device to be modeled together with variable-length extenders that are automatically determined from the length of the drawn link objects. For analysis, the extender is effectively a linear spring that is in series with the damper.
20.2.0_ETA_steel_csa_g40.20-13
A built-in material library has been added for Canada with steel materials per the CSA G40.20-13/G40.21-13 standard, concrete materials per the CSA A23.3 standard, and rebar materials per the CSA G30.18:21 standard.
Analysis
20.2.0_ETA_faster_analysis_model_gen
An enhancement has been made to speed up generation of the analysis model for models with nonlinear staged-construction load cases and many area objects using line constraints.
Design
20.2.0_ETA_concrete_csa_a23.3-19
The concrete code “CSA A23.3-19” has been added for reinforced-concrete and post-tensioned slab design.
20.2.0_ETA_nzs_310-06
Reinforced-concrete and post-tensioned slab design have been updated for the NZS 3101-06 code to accommodate Amendments 1 to 3.
20.2.0_ETA_concrete_slab_aci_318-19
A new concrete slab design preference is available for the "ACI 318-19" code to optionally set the depth-dependent shear-strength reduction factor, Lambda_s, to 1.0 for mats and footings per ACI 318-19 13.2.6.2.
Loading
20.2.0_ETA_temp_load_area_objects
An enhancement was made so temperature loads on overlapping area objects will be applied additively. Previously, temperature loads assigned to the slab would not affect overlapping drop panel objects.
Output and Display
20.2.0_ETA_integrated_wall_reactions
Integrated wall reactions are now available for graphical display and in a new database table.
Application Programming Interface (API)
20.2.0_ETA_api_ntc_2018
The Application Programming Interface (API) has been enhanced with the addition of functions to get and set:
- • Parameters for the Italian NTC 2018 response-spectrum function.
- • Design preferences and design overwrites for steel frame code CSA-S16-19.
- • Parameters for eigen and Ritz load cases.
20.2.0_ETA_api_multiple_instances
The following enhancements have been made to the Application Programming Interface (API):
- • The client can attach to any running instance of ETABS given its process ID.
- • A new command "Set as active instance for API" has been added to the Tools menu.
- • A new interface cPluginContract has been added to simplify plugin development.
- • Speed has been improved for external .NET clients that call the API by chaining properties and methods in deeply nested loops.
Structural Model
20.1.0_ETA_shear_wall_hinges
A new general shear wall hinge has been added, which consists of a pair of orthogonal P-M3 or Fiber P-M3 hinges, plus a linear or nonlinear shear material. These features allow the hinge to be used for modeling spandrels as well as piers, and to handle more complex wall geometries, such as near openings or geometry transitions. General shear wall hinges can be used for nonlinear static, staged-construction, and direct-integration time-history analyses.
20.1.0_ETA_age_of_concrete
The age of concrete at which loading is applied can now be specified for long-term cracked-section analysis. Previously, the age at loading was assumed to be 7 days.
Design
20.1.0_ETA_CSA A23.3_concrete_design
The CSA A23.3-19 code has been added for concrete frame design.
The CSA S16-19 code has been added for steel frame design.
The CSA S16-19 code has been added for composite beam design.
The CSA S16-19 code has been added for steel frame design.
The CSA S16-19 code has been added for composite beam design.
Data Files
20.1.0_ETA_external_data_files_faster
The handling of time history functions defined in external data files with many data points has been significantly enhanced for speed.
20.1.0_ETA_indian_database_files
New section-property database files have been added for steel sections produced by Indian manufacturers TATA, Jindal Steel Ltd. and APL Apollo Ltd.
CSI Spotlight
20.0.0_ETA_enhancement_videos
Watch our Spotlight Videos to learn more about the latest enhancements in ETABS v20.0.0.
Part 1 - Modeling & Loading
Part 2 - Design & Performance-Based Design
Structural Model
20.0.0_ETA_support_lines
Support lines have been added for faster modeling of design strips, tendons, and slab panels. They can be drawn and edited on-screen as well as generated automatically along grid lines.
s20.0.0_ETA_slab_panels
Slab panels are a new entity that can be automatically generated using grids or support lines, or they can be user-drawn. They overlay the floor system and can be used to apply live load for load-pattern analysis, and they can also be used to report mid-panel displacements and soil-pressure summaries.
20.0.0_ETA_floor_line_releases
Moment and shear releases can now be specified along lines within a slab object. Previously hinges could only be specified at the boundaries of slab objects.
20.0.0_ETA_AS_Creep
Time-dependent behavior of concrete has been added for the AS3600-2018 code, including creep, shrinkage, and age-dependent stiffness.
20.0.0_ETA_scale_factors
Scale factors can now be applied to time-dependent material properties - creep, shrinkage, and stiffness - allowing more control over behavior for special situations.
Loading
20.0.0_ETA_pattern_live_load
Pattern Live load is now available as a type of loading, allowing manual assignment of live loads to different regions of the structure that will be automatically varied in load combinations to produce the maximum response.
20.0.0_ETA_auto_patt_loading
Pattern loading, including Auto-Pattern loading, can now be assigned to slabs. Auto-Pattern loading automatically creates multiple load patterns from specified live loads on slabs, each loading a single slab panel.
20.0.0_ETA_patt_loading_img
20.0.0_ETA_AS_NZ_wind_load
Auto wind loading has been added for the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 code.
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20.0.0_ETA_temp_gradient_loads
Temperature gradient loads can now be assigned to frames and shells, representing a change in temperature across the depth that tends to cause bending.
Analysis
20.0.0_ETA_named_sets_chng_mod_release
New staged-construction operations are available to change stiffness modifiers applied to frames and shells, as well as end releases applied to frames. These operations reference named sets of modifiers and releases and they can be applied to individual objects or groups.
20.0.0_ETA_analy_speed_FNA
The speed of analysis has been improved for nonlinear modal time-history (FNA) load cases that have a large number of undamped linear link elements, such as for meshed base mats on an elastic foundation.
20.0.0_ETA_opt_AMD_CPUs
The analysis engine has been optimized for newer AMD CPUs.
Design
20.0.0_ETA_moment_cap_PT_sections
The reporting for the PT design of slabs has been enhanced with tabular and graphical displays of the moment capacity at every station of the design strips, as well as a tabular display of the pre-compression due to PT along the strips.
20.0.0_ETA_concrete_frame_design
Several enhancements have been made to Eurocode 2-2004 concrete frame design, including improved calculation of slenderness effects and new national-annex values of TanTheta for shear design.
20.0.0_ETA_shear_design
Slab design for IS 456:2000 now provides an option increase longitudinal reinforcement in slabs as needed to avoid shear links in the slab.
20.0.0_ETA_Euro_NTC_steel design
Several enhancements have been made to steel frame design for the Eurocode 3-2005 and NTC 2008/2018 codes, including improved calculation of Mcr, and results output referred to y-z axes rather than major-minor axes.
Performance-Based Design
20.0.0_ETA_frame_hinge_coupling_beams
Nonlinear frame hinges can now be automatically generated for coupling beams per ASCE 41, Table 10-19 for flexure-controlled members and Table 10-20 for shear-controlled members.
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20.0.0_ETA_rebar_mat_wall_hinge
User-specified rebar material is now available for defining vertical and horizontal wall hinge reinforcement.
20.0.0_ETA_auto_hinge_hysteresis
The hysteresis type can now be specified for certain types of auto-generated frame hinges.
Integration with Perform 3D
20.0.0_ETA_importsFrom_perform
Imports from Perform3D now support nonlinear components "Moment Hinge, Rotation Type", "Shear Hinge, Displacement Type", and "P-M2-M3 Hinge, Concrete Rotation Type". Additionally, the following load types can now be imported: Self Weight, Nodal Loads, and Element Loads.
Graphics
20.0.0_ETA_UI_measuring_tool
On-screen measuring tools are now available to measure line lengths, the angles between two lines, and the areas and perimeters of closed polygons.
20.0.0_ETA_UI_PT_display
PT tendon display options now include Number of Strands, Tendon System, Vertical Profile Control Points, Vertical Profile Values, Total Length, Jacking Force, and Elongation.
Database Tables
20.0.0_ETA_Diaph_table
A new table displays the applied, reactive, and net diaphragm forces acting at column and wall locations for selected floors.
Data Exchange
20.0.0_ETA_exr_files_csi_products
EXR files can now be imported and exported directly between ETABS and CSI products SAP2000 and SAFE. Previously this feature required using CSiXRevit as an intermediary.
20.0.0_ETA_uni_load_sets_revit_export
Shell uniform load sets can now be exported from ETABS for import into Revit using CSiXRevit.
Application Programming Interface (API)
20.0.0_ETA_API_improvements
API functions have been added or enhanced for accessing SP 63-13330-2021 concrete frame design, Eurocode 3-2005 steel frame design, and NTC 2008/2018 steel frame design.
Modeling
19.1.0_ETA_UI_PT tendon profile
PT tendon vertical profile enhanced. All editable information related to the tendon profile, geometry, loads, and losses are available in one location.
19.1.0_ETA_analysis_null line
Line Spring assignments are now available for “Null” line objects.
Loading
19.1.0_ETA_model_uniform area loads
Uniform area loads assigned to floor objects are now additive when the loaded objects overlap.
19.1.0_ETA_loading_seismic ASCE 7-16
ASCE 7-16 auto seismic load has been enhanced to incorporate the exception contained on section 11.4.
19.1.0_ETA_loading_seismic AS 1170
AS 1170.4 auto seismic load has been enhanced for base shear scaling based on Amendment 1.
Design
19.1.0_ETA_design_user control
Concrete beam and strip-based slab design now allow control over including or excluding axial compression in flexural design if the axial compression reduces the required reinforcement. Axial tension and axial compression that increase the required flexural reinforcement are always considered. For post-tensioned construction all axial load is always considered.
19.1.0_ETA_design_Euro 2004
Eurocode 2-2004 concrete frame design has been updated to consider the extra longitudinal rebar due to shear.
Performance-Based Design
19.1.0_ETA_PBD
- Calculation of shear yield (Vy) now includes user-specified rebar in beam and column hinges even if the member has not been designed.
- Faster initialization and finalization of the analysis process when running cases in parallel.
- Faster nonlinear stiffness formation, event determination, and state update operations for small to moderate sized models.
Database Tables
19.1.0_ETA_UI_interactive database
Interactive database editing is now available for Section-Designer (SD) sections, including general pier SD sections.
Import and Export
19.1.0_ETA_UI_Revit IDs
Mapping of Revit element Unique IDs to ETABS Object GUIDs can now be exported to Excel.
Application Programming Interface (API)
19.1.0_ETA_API
Improved performance and examples for remote API and COM clients. New Python API example uses direct communication with underlying .Net Objects.
Analysis
ETABS 19.0.1 Analysis Enhancements
- Stiffness solution has been parallelized to further speed-up nonlinear static and direct-integration time-history load cases.
- Tabular output for element nonlinear energy and base reactions is now much faster for load cases with many output steps.
Loading
ETABS 19.0.1 Loading Enhancements
NBCC 2015 wind load now supports the dynamic procedure for Open and Rough Terrain using the exposure factor Ce. Wind-load calculations are now available in the project report.
