Detailed Course Plan for ETABS

Total Course Duration: 40 Hours
Total Number of Classes: 20
Duration Per Class: 2 Hours

Class 1. Introduction to ETABS

o Overview of software capabilities, applications, and interface navigation.
o Project planning: understanding building types and structural systems.

 Overview of Software Capabilities and Applications
Capabilities: ETABS is tailored for structural analysis and design of buildings. It
integrates 3D modeling, analysis, and design into one software, offering features like
dynamic analysis, load application, and code-based design checks.
Applications: Ideal for high-rise buildings, bridges, and industrial structures. Common
uses include designing reinforced concrete, steel, and composite structures.

 Interface Navigation
 Familiarize with menus, toolbars, and workspace.
 Understand key sections: model explorer, graphical viewports, and output windows.
 Customize interface for efficient workflow.
 Project Planning
 Identify building type (e.g., commercial, residential, industrial).
 Define structural systems: moment frames, shear walls, braced frames, or hybrid systems.
 Discuss key design considerations: gravity loads, lateral forces, and material specifications.

Class 2. Creating Grids and Story Definitions

o Defining grids, story levels, and basic geometry setup.
o Introducing model views and story-specific settings.
 Defining Grids
 Importance of grids for precision in modeling.
 Customize grid spacing based on structural layout (e.g., 5x5m grid for offices).
 Label axes (X, Y, Z) and modify the grid for irregular shapes.
 Story Levels
 Define levels based on floor heights and building type.
 Assign varying story heights (e.g., 3m for residential, 4m for commercial).
 Link story data to structural elements like beams, columns, and slabs.
 Geometry Setup
 Place initial components: columns, walls, and slabs.
 Visualize and adjust geometry using the 3D graphical workspace.
 Model Views and Story-Specific Settings
 Switch between plan, elevation, and 3D views.
 Define specific settings for each story (e.g., different wall thicknesses or material
properties).
 Enable/disable diaphragms for flexible or rigid floors.

Class 3. Frame Property Specifications

o Assigning properties for beams, columns, and braces.
o Material selection: concrete and steel options.
 Assigning Properties for Beams, Columns, and Braces
 Beams: Define dimensions, cross-sectional shapes (e.g., rectangular, I-section), and assign
material properties (e.g., concrete grade, steel type).
 Columns: Input column dimensions and material properties to resist axial and bending
forces.
 Braces: Assign diagonal brace properties for lateral stability. Define cross-sectional shape
and connection types.
 Material Selection
 Concrete: Choose compressive strength grade, density, and modulus of elasticity.
 Steel: Assign yield strength, ultimate strength, and elasticity parameters.
 Apply predefined or user-defined material libraries.

Class 4. Shell Property Specifications

o Defining and assigning slab, wall, and diaphragm properties.
o Modeling various shell element configurations.
 Defining and Assigning Slab, Wall, and Diaphragm Properties
 Slabs: Specify slab thickness, material, and load distribution (e.g., one-way, two-way).
 Walls: Define wall thickness, stiffness, and reinforcement ratios for structural or nonstructural
walls.
 Diaphragms: Assign rigid or semi-rigid diaphragm properties for lateral load distribution.
 Modeling Various Shell Element Configurations
 Use shell elements to model curved, inclined, or irregular surfaces.
 Subdivide shell elements for finer mesh in complex regions.

Class 5. Joint Property Specifications

o Setting boundary conditions, supports, and hinges.
o Applying joint restraints and monitoring displacements.
 Setting Boundary Conditions, Supports, and Hinges
 Define fixed, pinned, or roller supports at base nodes.
 Introduce hinges for rotational freedom in beams or braces.
 Applying Joint Restraints and Monitoring Displacements
 Restrict node movements for stability.
 Monitor critical joint displacements to assess structural performance under loads.

Class 6. Defining and Assigning Loads

o Gravity loads: dead and live loads.
o Environmental loads: wind and seismic (static cases).
 Gravity Loads: Dead and Live Loads
 Dead Loads: Constant loads like the weight of the structure itself (beams, slabs, etc.).
Assign using standard material weights or manual input.
 Live Loads: Variable loads (e.g., occupancy, furniture) typically specified by building
codes or design standards for specific building types (residential, office, etc.).
 Environmental Loads: Wind and Seismic (Static Cases)
 Wind Loads: Use code-based procedures to calculate wind forces on the structure
depending on the location, building height, and shape.
 Seismic Loads: Apply based on the seismic zone and building design category, using static
or dynamic methods for analysis.

Class 7. Load Combinations and Analysis Settings

o Defining load combinations per building codes.
o Setting up linear and nonlinear static analysis.
 Defining Load Combinations per Building Codes
 Specify different load combinations according to the relevant local or international building
codes (e.g., ASCE, Eurocode, IS 456).
 Combinations account for safety factors, using dead, live, wind, and seismic loads together
to simulate real-life loading conditions.
 Setting up Linear and Nonlinear Static Analysis
 Linear Static Analysis: Assumes material behavior remains linear, and deformations are
small (used for most standard designs).
 Nonlinear Static Analysis: Used for complex or highly nonlinear behavior (e.g., plastic
deformation, large displacements). Set up using appropriate material models and nonlinear
load paths.

Class 8. Concrete Frame Design

o Designing beams and columns for concrete structures.
o Exploring rebar layouts and code compliance checks.
 Designing Beams and Columns for Concrete Structures
 Use ETABS to design reinforced concrete beams and columns to meet strength,
serviceability, and stability requirements.
 Perform checks for bending, shear, axial load, and torsion according to the relevant code
(e.g., ACI, IS 456).
 Exploring Rebar Layouts and Code Compliance Checks
 Define rebar layouts in concrete elements, considering spacing and coverage.
 Verify compliance with code standards for minimum reinforcement, bar diameters, and
spacing.

Class 9. Detailing for Concrete Components

o Reviewing design outputs and editing reinforcement details.
o Generating drawings and exporting reinforcement schedules.
 Reviewing Design Outputs and Editing Reinforcement Details
 Review design results for reinforcement quantity, location, and sizing.
 Edit reinforcement to meet local regulations and practical constraints.
 Generating Drawings and Exporting Reinforcement Schedules
 Create detailed construction drawings of reinforced concrete elements.
 Export reinforcement schedules for fabrication, providing complete details of the layout,
size, and number of bars.

Class 10. Steel Frame Design

o Designing structural steel components, including columns and beams.
o Using automated design checks against code specifications.
 Designing Structural Steel Components (Columns and Beams)
 Use ETABS to model and design steel components like beams, columns, and braces.
 Design elements to meet strength and serviceability requirements using the appropriate
steel section (e.g., I-beams, channels).
 Consider factors such as axial load, bending, shear, and stability for column design.
 Automated Design Checks Against Code Specifications
 ETABS automatically performs design checks according to relevant steel design codes
(e.g., AISC, Eurocode).
 The software verifies that all elements satisfy the necessary strength and stability
requirements.

Class 11. Steel Connection Design

o Assigning connection types and detailing steel joints.
o Validating connection designs per code requirements.
 Assigning Connection Types and Detailing Steel Joints
 Select connection types (e.g., bolted, welded) based on structural requirements.
 Define joint configurations for beam-column, beam-to-beam, and column-to-foundation
connections.
 Assign connection properties such as bolt sizes and weld types.
 Validating Connection Designs Per Code Requirements
 ETABS evaluates connections against local codes and standards (e.g., AISC, Eurocode).
 The program ensures that all joints are structurally sound and meet design criteria for
strength, stiffness, and safety.

Class 12. Steel Joist Design

o Modeling composite steel joists for lightweight structures.
o Exploring pre-defined joist properties and customizing.
 Modeling Composite Steel Joists for Lightweight Structures
 Use composite steel joists for efficient design in lighter structures.
 Model joist properties like span lengths, loadings, and spacing for accurate analysis.
 Exploring Pre-Defined Joist Properties and Customizing
 ETABS offers predefined joist properties based on common steel joist specifications.
 Users can customize these properties for specific project requirements, such as joist depth,
material type, and spacing.

Class 13. Composite Beam Design

o Defining composite beam sections and properties.
o Performing checks for load capacity and deflections.
 Defining Composite Beam Sections and Properties
 Composite beams combine steel and concrete elements, which ETABS can model
accurately.
 Define the section properties (e.g., beam depth, flange width, reinforcement) to ensure
optimal performance.
 Performing Checks for Load Capacity and Deflections
 ETABS performs structural analysis on composite beams to check for strength,
serviceability, and deflection limits.
 The design checks are done according to relevant standards and ensure the beam is safe
under expected loads.

Class 14. Modeling Shear Walls and Diaphragms

o Advanced shell modeling for lateral load resistance.
o Assigning diaphragms for rigid/flexible floor behavior.
 Advanced Shell Modeling for Lateral Load Resistance
 Use shell elements to model shear walls and diaphragms for lateral load resistance.
 Define material properties and assign boundary conditions to simulate the structural
behavior under lateral forces such as wind or seismic loads.
 Assigning Diaphragms for Rigid/Flexible Floor Behavior
 Assign rigid or flexible diaphragm properties based on the floor system's behavior.
 Consider the effects of diaphragm flexibility in multi-story buildings, particularly in
seismic or wind load analysis.

Class 15. Dynamic Analysis: Modal and Time History

o Understanding dynamic properties of structures.
o Modal and time history analysis setup.
 Understanding Dynamic Properties of Structures
 Investigate the dynamic behavior of structures under time-varying loads.
 Study natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping characteristics essential for seismic
and vibration analysis.
 Modal and Time History Analysis Setup
 Set up modal analysis to determine the vibration modes of the structure.
 Configure time history analysis for assessing the impact of dynamic loads (e.g.,
earthquakes) on the structure over time.

Class 16. Seismic Analysis

o Defining response spectrum functions.
o Simulating seismic effects on multi-story buildings.
 Defining Response Spectrum Functions
 Define seismic response spectrum functions based on the region's seismic code (e.g., IS
1893, ASCE 7).
 Use the spectrum to capture the dynamic response of the structure during an earthquake.
 Simulating Seismic Effects on Multi-Story Buildings
 Apply seismic loads to multi-story buildings, considering their mass distribution, stiffness,
and damping.
 Analyze the structural behavior under seismic forces, checking for displacement, drift, and
stability.

Class 17. Wind Load Analysis

o Defining wind loads and applying to structural models.
o Reviewing analysis outputs for stability and drift.
 Defining Wind Loads and Applying to Structural Models
 Define wind load parameters (e.g., velocity pressure, exposure factor) according to relevant
codes.
 Apply these loads to the structural model based on the building’s location, shape, and
height.
 Reviewing Analysis Outputs for Stability and Drift
 Assess the building's stability by reviewing displacement and drift under wind loads.
 Check the deflections and ensure the building meets serviceability limits to prevent
discomfort or damage.

Class 18. Troubleshooting and Optimization

o Identifying common modeling errors.
o Optimizing designs for cost and material efficiency.
 Identifying Common Modeling Errors
 Learn how to detect common modeling mistakes, such as incorrect boundary conditions,
improper material assignments, or geometry errors.
 Use diagnostic tools and error-checking methods in ETABS to ensure the model is set up
correctly before analysis.
 Optimizing Designs for Cost and Material Efficiency
 Explore methods for optimizing the design of structural elements to reduce material use
while maintaining safety and performance.
 Focus on beam and column sizing, reinforcement layouts, and connection design.

Class 19. Report Generation and Documentation

o Creating detailed calculation reports and export options.
o Preparing drawings and project documentation.
 Creating Detailed Calculation Reports and Export Options
 Learn how to generate detailed calculation reports from ETABS, which include all design
checks, load combinations, and analysis results.
 Understand the different export options available for documentation purposes (e.g., Excel,
PDF, Word).
 Preparing Drawings and Project Documentation
 Generate construction drawings directly from the model, including plan views, elevation
views, and reinforcement details.
 Prepare project documentation that includes structural analysis, design calculations, and
code compliance.

Class20. Final Project and Presentation

o Completing a full-scale ETABS model.
o Presenting project results with peer and instructor feedback.
 Completing a Full-Scale ETABS Model
 Apply all skills learned throughout the course to complete a full-scale ETABS model of a
building or structure.
 Incorporate all elements, including loadings, analysis, design, and detailing.
 Presenting Project Results with Peer and Instructor Feedback
 Present the final project to peers and instructors, discussing design decisions, challenges
faced, and how the software was used to resolve them.
 Receive feedback for further improvement and understanding of ETABS applications.