ETABS

E-tabs is an engineering software product that caters to multi-story building analysis and design. Modeling tools and templates, code-based load prescriptions, analysis methods and solution techniques, all coordinate with the grid-like geometry unique to this class of structure. Basic or advanced systems under static or dynamic conditions may be evaluated using ETABS.

For a sophisticated assessment of seismic performance, modal and direct-integration time-history analyses may couple with P-Delta and Large Displacement effects. Nonlinear links and concentrated PMM or fiber hinges may capture material nonlinearity under monotonic or hysteretic behavior.

Intuitive and integrated features make applications of any complexity practical to implement. Interoperability with a series of design and documentation platforms makes ETABS a coordinated and productive tool for designs which range from simple 2D frames to elaborate modern high-rises.

ETABS is used for the analysis of concrete shear walls and concrete moment frames. Once we are able to limit the drift, we can output the forces from ETABS into a spreadsheet for design. We design the piers of the shears walls for flexure and axial loads using PCA Column.

We design the moment frames using PCA Slab. For the gravity design of the concrete floor system, we use RAM Advanse and SAFE. ETABS is also very useful in designing complex steel braced frame and moment frame lateral system. It is especially useful in seismic applications. RAM is more suitable for the gravity design of steel floor systems, in my opinion. Often we have two models, a RAM gravity model and an ETABS lateral model.

Features and Benefits of ETABS:

• The input, output and numerical solution techniques of ETABS are specifically designed to take advantage of the unique physical and numerical characteristics associated with building type structures. As a result, this analysis and design tool expedites data preparation, output interpretation and execution throughput.
• The need for special purpose programmes has never been more evident as Structural Engineers put non-linear dynamic analysis into practice and use the greater computer power available today to create larger analytical models.
• Over the past two decades, ETABS has numerous mega-projects to its credit and has established itself as the standard of the industry. ETABS software is clearly recognised as the most practical and efficient tool for the static and dynamic analysis of multi-storey frame and shear wall buildings.