ETABS

[phil123123]

I have used ETABS in the past to build small (40m by 40m) but detailed models. It has all worked acceptably. Today I have built a large scale model (200m by 400m). It has no detail however (ground and then two curved triangular floors (beams around outside with slab and diaphragm). The grid is setup to be every 20m in x and y. When I do anything like zoom in and out or rotate the model it is very smooth and perfect until I let go of the scroll wheel at which point the windows loading sign appears for 20-30 seconds - as if ETABS were redrawing a complex model everytime! Are there some settings I can change as I do not need a perfectly crisp view everytime - some kind of draft view? As currently what should have been a quick concept design check is becoming unworkable.

Many thanks in advance.


PS: As I am sure someone will ask on what machine I modelling it; it is an HP elitebook 840 with 8gb of RAM, intel i7 4600U @2.1GHz, AMD Radeon HD 8750M, Intel 180 GB SSD, running on a 1080p monitor.

 

[phil123123]

PPS: I should add I have tried changing the monitor to 640by480 with no impact whatsoever (I used a stopwatch on my phone and same to the nearest second). I have also unchecked all items in the special effects and other special items in "Set view options"

 

[laurelerin22]

Sometimes ETABS gets really hung up when there are 3 grid lines in the X-Y plane crossing at a single point, due to decimal inaccuracies (this often happens when you have grid lines at different angles, where three or more grid lines cross at the same point). Do you have this condition anywhere? If so, try eliminating or shortening your grid lines so you have no more than 2 crossing at the same point.

Also, ETABS sometimes takes a long time to generate graphics if you're zooming in on the model when you have forces, stresses, or displacements displayed (particularly if you have values shown as well). If I'm working in a complex model, I try to do my zooming and panning only when I have the "undeformed" model displayed, and then I turn on whatever graphical displays I want once I have the view I desire.

Other things to try:

1.) Run the "Check Model" feature (although, I assume you probably already did this) to see if you have any model errors.
2.) Export the file to a .e2k file and then import it again as a new model.
3.) Run the "Auto-Relabel All" feature in the Edit menu (although keep in mind that this will reassign the numbers for your points, lines, and areas).

 

[phil123123]

Thanks for the reply Laurel. I spent quite a bit of time last week reviewing my model and trying your suggestions. Certainly helped - had something that I could work with by the end even if a bit slow but certainly workable

Thanks for your reply and explanations