WORKSHOP ON ETABS

National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh organized a three day workshop on ETABS (Extended Three Dimensional Analysis of Building Systems), Design and analysis software for structures in their Campus. ETABS software is used for designing and analyzing structures made up of RCC as well as steel. 10 Students from Department of Civil Engineering, Dronacharya Groups of Institutions, Greater Noida participated in the workshop. ETABS and SAFE are integrated software packages for the structural analysis and design of buildings. They integrate every aspect of the engineering design process.

The objective of the course was to provide comprehensive and in - depth knowledge of the use of the software for design of buildings.

Day 1 (15 / 02 / 16)

SESSION 1 :

On day one, the training program was inaugurated by Dr. M P Poonia, Director NITTTR, Chandigarh. Dr. Poonia highlighted activities undertaken by NITTTR, Chandigarh towards imparting training & developing technical manpower in the country. Dr. Poonia also highlighted the importance of design software in developing huge structures in RCC & steel.

SESSION 2 :

During the session the resource person Mr. Vivek Prasad, IIT Delhi introduced the importance and applications of the software. Mr. Prasad said that the innovative and revolutionary new ETABS is the ultimate integrated software package for the structural analysis and design of buildings. Incorporating 40 years of continuous research and development, the latest ETABS offers unmatched 3D object based modeling and visualization tools, fast linear and nonlinear analytical power. Mr. Prasad also said that the software has sophisticated and comprehensive design capabilities for a wide - range of materials, and schematic drawings that allow users to quickly and easily decipher and understand analysis and design results. From the start of design conception through the production of schematic drawings, ETABS integrates every aspect of the engineering design process.

SESSION 3 :

During the session students were taught to work on ETABS. Following topics were covered during the session:

1. Templates

ETABS has a wide selection of templates for quickly starting a new model. At this model template stage, the user has the ability to define grid and grid spacing, the number of stories, the default structural system sections, default slab and drop panel sections, and uniform loads (specifically dead and live loads).

2. Model views

View and manipulate analytical model with great precision. Plans and Elevation views automatically generated at every grid line. Easily define custom views and cutting planes to view and manipulate complex geometry with ease.

3. Grid Systems

In ETABS, grids can be defined as cartesian, cylindrical, or general free-form grid systems. There is no limit to the number of grid systems in a model, and they can be rotated in any direction or placed at any origin within the model.

SESSION 4 :

During the last session of the day students were made familiar to various drawing tools used for making the drawings.

Many drawing and drafting utilities are built into ETABS to enhance the engineer's modeling experience. Many of the common industry standard shortcuts and controls are also available in ETABS. Intelligent snaps make model generation simple by automatically detecting intersections, extensions, parallels, and perpendiculars. Drawing helper tools show physical extrusions even when in analytical draw model. Plan and elevation views are automatically generated at every grid line to allow for quick navigation of the model.

DAY 2 (16 / 02 / 16)

SESSION 1 :

On the second day students were trained on advanced analysis and post processing in ETABS. The session gave a glimpse on how to develop different structures and the analysis. The advanced structure concepts were also introduced.

SESSION 2 :

The post processing continued and automatic code based loading was discussed. The students came to know that ETABS can automatically generate and apply seismic and wind loads based on various domestic and international codes. Following codes are supported in ETABS :

1. ASCE 7-88

2. ASCE 7-95

3. ASCE 7-02

4. ASCE 7-05

5. ASCE 7-10

6. Indian IS875 : 1987

7. NBCC 2010

8. NBCC 95

9. NBCC 2005

10. BOCA96

11. BS 6399-95

12. UBC 94

13. UBC 97

P - delta analysis was also discussed during the session. P - delta analysis captures the softening effect of compression and the stiffening effect of tension. A single P - delta analysis under gravity and sustained loads can be used to modify the stiffness for linear load cases, which can later be superimposed. Alternatively, each combination of loads can be analyzed for full nonlinear P - delta effects. P - delta effects can be included for all elements and are seamlessly integrated into analysis and design.

SESSION 3 :

This session was conducted as practice and problem session. The problem based on design and analysis of basic structures was introduced and within a stipulated time frame the students were asked to solve the problem. Individual focus was given to each and every student while solving the problem.

DAY 3 (17 / 02 /16)

SESSION 1 :

On the last day students were introduced to second software named “SAFE” which is used for making integrated design of slabs, mats and footings. SAFE is the ultimate tool for designing concrete floor and foundation systems. From framing layout all the way through to detailed drawing production, SAFE integrates every aspect of the engineering design process in one easy and intuitive environment. Following topics were discussed during the session:

1. Modeling

2. Interactive Database Editing

3. Object Based Meshing

SESSION 2 :

During the session modeling and analysis on SAFE was done and Loading diagrams were discussed. Loading diagrams shows the loads in both 2D and 3D views of SAFE model. Instantaneous loading values can be obtained by just clicking the designated point. SAFE allows for an unlimited number of load cases and combinations. Design combinations can be automatically be added based on the selected design code, including strength and service combinations. Linear additive, envelope, absolute additive, SRSS, and range functions have been built in to the load combination editor for efficiency.

SESSION 3 :

The last session of the training program was another practice session where a structure was developed using SAFE software. During the session doubts raised by students were also clarified by Mr. Prasad.

The training program ended with the Valedictory Session where the participation certificates were issued to all the candidates.

The three day training program had useful insights for students for the development of structures using ETABS & SAFE. Various aspects of the design & analysis of structures by using ETABS & SAFE were studied in - depth. The knowledge imparted during the training program will definitely help students in developing sound RCC & steel structures.