User Interface

One Window, Many Views

SAP2000 offers a single user interface to perform: Modeling, Analysis, Design, and
Reporting.
Enhanced User Interface
Dockable Windows
The customizable SAP2000 interface allows users to define window layouts and toolbar layouts.
Modeling
Templates
SAP2000 has a wide selection of templates for quickly starting a new model. SAP2000 includes parametric templates
for the following types of structures: Simple Beams, 3D Trusses, 3D Frames, Storage Vessels, Staircases, Dam
Structures, and Pipes.
Model Views
View and manipulate analytical and physical models with great precision. Easily define
custom views and developed elevations to view and manipulate complex geometry with
ease.
Object Model View
Element Model View
Object model views accurately display cardinal insertion points, local axes rotations, wall junctions, and geometry.
Grid Systems
Plans and Elevations
In SAP2000, grids can be defined as cartesian or cylindrical. 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.
Plan and elevation views are automatically generated at every grid line to allow for quick navigation of the model.
Users can create their own elevation sections by using our Developed Elevation feature.
Interactive Database Editing
Interactive database editing allows users to edit model data in a table view which simplifies the task of making
changes to the model. Tables are easily exportable and importable from Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.
Meshing Tools
Engineers have many options when it comes to mesh generation in SAP2000. Simply select
the area object and then select the rules for the automatic mesh generator to use.
Meshing Overview
Edge Constraints
Structural Components
Joints
Frames and areas can have refined meshes for analysis.
SAP2000 automatically create joints at structural object intersections or internal joints when meshing structural
Frames
objects. Joint coordinates and information may be displayed on screen in the model window or in tabular format.
The frame element uses a general, three-dimensional, beam-column formulation which
includes the effects of biaxial bending, torsion, axial deformation, and biaxial shear
deformations. SAP2000 has a built-in library of standard concrete, steel and composite
section properties of both US and International Standard sections.
Frames Overview
Section Properties
Cables
Intermediate joints will automatically be generated where other members intersect with the frame to ensure finite
element connectivity.
The cable element is a highly nonlinear element used to model the catenary behavior of slender cables under their
own self-weight. Tension-stiffening and large deflection nonlinearity are inherently included in the formulation.
Tendons
Tendons are easily drawn as independent objects, with geometry specified as straight lines, parabolas, circular curves,
or other arbitrary shapes. Tendon loads, including all losses, are easily defined in SAP2000.
Shells
The shell element is a type of area object that is used to model membrane, plate, and shell behavior in planar and
three-dimensional structures. The shell material may be homogeneous or layered throughout; material nonlinearity
can also be considered when using the layered shell.
Solids
The solid element is an eight-node element for modeling three-dimensional structures and solids. It is based upon an
isoparametric formulation that includes nine optional incompatible bending modes and is useful for modeling objects
in which loading, boundary conditions, section properties, or reactions vary by thickness.
Links
A link element may exhibit up to three different types of behavior: linear, nonlinear, and frequency dependent,
according to the types of properties assigned to that element and the type of analysis being performed. The following
link elements are available in SAP2000: Linear, Multi-linear Elastic, Multi-linear Plastic, Gaps, Hooks, Dampers,
Friction Isolators, Rubber Isolators, T/C Isolators, Frequency-dependent Springs, and Frequency-dependent Dampers.
Hinges
Users can create and apply hinge properties to perform pushover analyses in SAP2000. Nonlinear material behavior in
frame elements (beam/column/brace) can be modeled using fiber hinges. This approach represents the material in the
cross section as discrete points, each following the exact stress-strain curves of the material. Mixed materials, such as
reinforced concrete and complex shapes can be represented.
Springs
Spring supports are link elements that are used to elastically connect joints to the ground and can be linear or
nonlinear in nature. Nonlinear support conditions can be modeled to include gaps (compression only), multi-linear
elastic or plastic springs, viscous dampers, and base isolators.
Loading
Automatic Code Based Loading
SAP2000 will automatically generate and apply seismic and wind loads based on various
domestic and international codes. SAP2000 also has a sophisticated moving load generator
that allows users to apply moving loads to lanes on frame and shell elements.
Seismic
Wind
Moving Loads
Wave Loads
Supported codes include: UBC 94; 97, BOCA 96, NBCC 95; 2005; 2010, IBC 2003; 2006, Chinese 2002, ISI1893
2002, NEHRP 97, User coefficient, and User loads
The wave-loading feature automatically generates loading on the structure resulting from waves, current flow,
buoyancy, and wind. Multi-stepped static linear loading can be generated to simulate the wave moving through the
structure. In addition, dynamic (time-history) loading can also be generated to include inertial effects as the wave
moves through the structure.
User Loads
Define specific loads to model a wide array of loading conditions with SAP2000 built-in
user loading options.
Force/Moment
Displacement
Temperature
Strain
Pore Pressure
Analysis
Displacement loading represents the effect of support settlement and other externally imposed displacements upon the
structure. Displacement loading can act through restraints as well as linear and nonlinear spring supports. Multiple-
support dynamic excitation can be considered for structures supported on varying soils conditions or over large
spans.
Overview
Static
CSI Solvers have been tried and tested by the industry for over 35 years. The SAPFire Analysis Engine can support
multiple 64-bit solvers for analysis optimization and perform both Eigen Analysis and Ritz Analysis.
SAP2000 can perform both linear static and multi-step static analysis. The linear static analysis of a structure involves
the solution of the system of linear equations represented by K u = r. Certain types of load patterns are multi-stepped,
meaning that they actually represent many separate spatial loading patterns applied in sequence. These include the
vehicle, live, and wave types of load patterns.
Dynamic
SAP2000 dynamic analysis capabilities include the calculation of vibration modes using
Ritz or Eigen vectors, response-spectrum analysis, and time-history analysis for both linear
and nonlinear behavior.
Modal
Response Spectrum
Time History
Buckling
Time-history analysis captures the step-by-step response of structures to seismic ground motion and other types of
loading such as blast, machinery, wind, waves, etc. Analysis can use modal superposition or direct-integration
methods, and both can be linear or nonlinear. The nonlinear modal method, also called FNA for Fast Nonlinear
Analysis, is extremely efficient and accurate for a wide class of problems. The direct-integration method is even more
general, and can handle large deformations and other highly nonlinear behavior. Nonlinear time-history analyses
can be chained together with other nonlinear cases (including staged construction) addressing a wide range of
applications.
Linear (bifurcation) buckling modes of a structure can be found under any set of loads. Buckling can be calculated
from a nonlinear or staged-construction state. Full nonlinear buckling analysis is also available considering P-delta or
large deflections effects. Snap-through buckling behavior can be captured using static analysis with displacement
control. Dynamic analysis can be used for modeling more complex buckling, such as follower-load problems.
P-Delta
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
superposed. Alternatively, each combination of loads can be analyzed for full nonlinear P-delta effects. P-delta effects
are included for all elements and are seamlessly integrated into analysis and design.
Pushover
Pushover analysis features in SAP2000 include the implementation of FEMA 356 and the hinge and fiber hinge
option based on stress-strain. The nonlinear layered shell element enables users to consider plastic behavior of
concrete shear walls, slabs, steel plates, and other area finite elements in the pushover analysis. Force-Deformation
relations are defined for steel and concrete hinges.
Time Dependent
Staged construction is a type of nonlinear analysis in SAP2000 that is allows you to define
a sequence of stages wherein you can add or remove portions of the structure, selectively
apply load to portions of the structure, and to consider time-dependent material behavior
such as aging, creep, and shrinkage.
Staged Construction
Creep and Shrinkage
Power Spectral Density
Steady State
Staged construction is variously known as incremental construction, sequential construction, or segmental
construction.
Power-spectral-density analysis is available to determine the probabilistic response of a
structure due to cyclic (harmonic, sinusoidal) loading over a range of frequencies. This is
useful for fatigue studies, random response due to earthquakes, and other applications.
Multiple loads may be applied at different phase angles, and may be correlated or
uncorrelated.
Target Force
Load Combinations
Steady state analysis is available to determine the response of the structure due to cyclic (harmonic, sinusoidal)
loading over a range of frequencies. Frequency-dependent stiffness and damping (complex impedance) properties
may be included for modeling foundations and far-field effects, including radiation damping. Steady state analysis can
be used to measure the effects of multiple machines operating at different frequencies can be considered by
combining the results of several analyses in the same model.
During nonlinear static analysis, cable and frame elements can be automatically strained to
achieve specified target axial force values. This is most commonly used to tighten cables to
pre-specified tensions, but it can also be used to jack structures to a specified force using
frame elements, as well as other applications.
SAP2000 allows for an unlimited number of load cases and combinations. Load combination types include: linear
additive, envelope (min/max), absolute add, SRSS, and range combinations. Combination components can include
other combinations.
Model Alive
Design
Steel Frame
For small to medium sized structures, analysis can be performed on the fly as you build and
modify the model. For each change you make to the geometry, properties, or loading, the
structure instantly responds with the new deformed shape, moment diagram, or any other
plot of results. Its like working with a live model, and it is a very powerful tool for
conceptual design and for testing "what-if" scenarios.
Concrete Frame
Fully integrated steel frame design includes member size optimization and implementation of design codes. SAP2000
allows users to interactively view design results at any frame member, change the parameters or section properties,
and display the updated member results.
See supported design codes
Fully integrated concrete frame design in SAP2000 includes: required area of steel calculations, auto selection lists for
new member sizing, implementation of design codes, interactive design and review, and comprehensive overwrite
capabilities.
See supported design codes
Aluminum Frame
See supported design codes
Cold Formed Frame
See supported design codes
Output and Display
Deformed Geometry
Users can display deformed geometry based on any load or combination of loads, as well as animations of modes.
Force Diagrams
Shear and moment diagrams display internal shear forces, moments, and displacements at all locations along the
length of a frame element for any load case or load combination. SAP2000 gives the option to scroll along the length
to display values or scroll directly to the maximum value location.
General Displacement
Arbitrary displacement measures can be defined using generalized displacements. These are linear combinations of
joint translations and rotations, and can be used to calculate averages, drifts, and other quantities of interest.
Generalized displacement output can be obtained for all types of analysis cases and combinations.
Section Cuts
The resultant (free-body) forces and moments across any cut in the structure can be defined using section cuts. A
section cut can have any shape, and can be used to compute story shears, connecting forces, design forces in shear
walls, and for many other purposes. Section cut results can be obtained for all types of load cases and combinations.
Virtual Work Diagrams
In SAP2000, virtual work diagrams can be used as an aid to determine which elements should be stiffened to achieve
the most efficient control over the lateral displacements of a structure.
Influence Lines
SAP2000 uses influence lines to compute the response to vehicle live loads. Influence lines are also of interest in their
own right for understanding the sensitivity of various response quantities to moving loads. Influence lines may be
displayed in the user interface for the displacement, force, or stress response of any element in the structure.
Tabular Output
SAP2000 has the ability to display tables for all input data, analysis results, and design results. Tables support sort,
cut, copy and paste for use in other programs. Print or save tabular data to Access, Excel, Word, HTML, or TEXT.
Video Animations
Reporting
Quick Report
SAP2000 has the ability to generate video (.avi) files to visually display a set of analysis
results that vary over a particular time period, such as in a time history analysis.
Advanced Report Writer
Pre-formatted printed reports are now available at the push of a button. These reports include all pertinent model data
and the results of analysis and design. Data is presented in tabulated format, along with graphics, table of contents,
and a cover sheet displaying project information and your company name and logo.
The Advanced Report Writer is a robust utility that can be used for creating sophisticated reports of the SAP2000
model. These reports are fully customizable; companies can define and save complex template files to standardize the
analysis and design report generation.
Tools
Load Optimizer
The load optimizer is a tool in SAP2000 to compute the optimal load application to achieve desired structural
response. Loads may be applied linearly, nonlinearly, or in staged-construction. Goals and limits may include
displacements, forces, moments, and more.
Section Designer
Section Designer is a utility that is built into SAP2000. It allows users the ability to create specialized sections of any
arbitrary shape and material, including rebar layout. All sections properties, biaxial interaction diagrams, and moment
curvature diagrams are automatically calculated.
Import and Export
Supported Formats
SAP2000 supports many industry standards for importing and exporting data. Autodesk Revit Structure, Tekla
Structures, AutoCAD (DXF/DWG), CIS/2, IFC, IGES, and SDNF are all supported. SAP2000 also supports
exporting of a model to an Microsoft Access database. If users are using other analysis packages, SAP2000 can
import files from FrameWorks Plus, STAAD, and STRUDL.
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