Importing columns from DXF File
Importing columns from DXF File
(OP)
I am trying to import my column locations from a dxf file but can't seem to get it to work. There was mention about creating the columns as blocks in autocad but I can't get that to work. I cant even get the pull down box in the import dxf to pick the layer that I have the columns on Ii would have thought columns would be points).
To bad there isn't an option to just get the entities into etabs and let the user do the actual assignments.
What am I doing wrong?
K
To bad there isn't an option to just get the entities into etabs and let the user do the actual assignments.
What am I doing wrong?
K





RE: Importing columns from DXF File
1. If you are using blocks, you need to draw a closed shape, I usually use a circle and define that as a new block. Add a new layer and then define all the columns defined as blocks in that layer. Save it as a dxf and when you import it, select that particular layer in the columns drop down box. It usually works 95% of the time.
2. The less fancy and error-free way to do it is to draw an "X" or a "+". Draw lines and not polylines. Once this is done for all columns, save and export as a dxf. Import the columns as beams. Once you do this, you get an "X" or "+" at each column location. Then all you have to do is to click at the intersections and you have your column layout. You can later delete the "X" and "+".
HTH
RE: Importing columns from DXF File
Next question is how do you import walls? I can't seem to find any way to easily convert a beam to a wall in etabs.
-k-
RE: Importing columns from DXF File
RE: Importing columns from DXF File
RE: Importing columns from DXF File
I can get a beam in but not a wall. How did you convert a beam to a wall? As slickdeals said, you have to do that manually.
-k-
RE: Importing columns from DXF File
RE: Importing columns from DXF File
RE: Importing columns from DXF File
To know exactly what goes where, simply create a basic model in Etabs with all beams, walls, columns, braces, and then export to dxf. Then open up the dxf and see how the Etabs have exported all these items. Next time you generate a real model in Acad you will know exactly how to draw a beam, column or wall.
Hope this helps.