If you are upgrading from a previous version of SAP2000, be aware that there are a number of significant changes in the program, particularly:
The model is defined in terms of objects, which are automatically and internally meshed into elements during analysis.
Loads cases and analysis cases are now separate and distinct concepts.
Text-based input has changed to be consistent with the new database capabilities.
These changes significantly improve the capabilities of the program in a consistent and forward-looking way. We recommend that you read the SAP2000 Getting Started manual to familiarize yourself with the new concepts.
Latest Modifications
Models can be viewed in an object-based display and as an analysis model after an analysis model has been created
Right clicking on an object in the object-based model will display the Point, Line, Area, Solid, or Link Information form for that object in a form that allows many of the items displayed to be edited
When displaying analysis results, right click on an element to display the information form for that element in a non-editable form
Display assignments on the analysis model, rather than on the object-based model (Display menu > Show Load Assigns commands or Display menu > Show Misc Assigns commands)
Material properties and sections can be defined when the model geometry is specified (i.e., when the New Model form is displayed to start a new model or when template forms are displayed to add to a model from a template)
Only straight line objects and area objects are allowed to have None for an assigned section property.
Enhanced Graphical User Interface
New parametric templates for frame, building, bridge, shell and solid models
New options for graphical generation of plane stress/strain and solid objects
Object Creation by Point, Line, Area Extrusions into Line, Area and Solid
Object Creation by Linear, Radial and Mirror Replication with Assignment Options
Several New Controls for Fast Creation of Line and Area Objects
User-Controlled Object-Based Internal Meshing of Frames, Shells and Solid Elements
New Options for Aligning, Extending, Offsetting and Trimming
On Screen Nudging and Duplication of Objects
New Drawing Controls for Accurate Placement and Reshaping of Objects
New Comprehensive Customizable Toolbars
New General Skewed Intersecting Grid System in addition to Cartesian and Cylindrical
Option to convert Cartesian and Cylindrical System to New General System
Generation of Reference Lines for Drafting Geometry
Option to Add Developed Elevations
New Fine Grid Snap Activated with respect to Origin or Last Mouse Down
Convenient Unit Conversion with Appended Abbreviations such as ft, psf, psi…etc.
Formulae can be used for all numerical text box entries
Built-in calculator accessible from all numerical text boxes
Object-Based Assignments for Line and Area Loads, Springs and Masses
Property Assignments During On Screen Object Creation
Copying and Pasting Assignment Patterns Across a Series of Objects
Vastly Expanded Group Capabilities and Uses
Reverse Fence Selection Added to Allow Box Intersection Selection
Interactive Spreadsheet Input of Model Geometry, Loading and all Assignments
Analytical Features
Large Deformation Cable Element
Tension Only/ Compression Only Frame Elements
Nonlinear Dynamic Direct Integration Time History Analysis
Static And Dynamic Large Displacement Analysis Across All Element Types
Stiffness and Mass Proportional Damping
Control Over Selective Execution of Analysis Cases
Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
Steady-State Analysis with Damping
Power Spectral Density Analysis
Incremental Construction Sequence Modeling and Loading (Staged Construction)
Restart Capabilities From Any Previous Analysis
Multiple Modal eigen or Ritz Analysis Cases From Any Linear or Non-Linear State
Multiple P-Delta Analysis From Any Linear or Non-Linear State
Linear Analysis From any Non-Linear State
Mass matrix may now be assembled from a load combination
Frame hinges for both static and dynamic nonlinear analysis
Nonlinear links can now be multi-linear elastic or multi-linear plastic
Nonlinear links can now be for both static and dynamic nonlinear analysis
Automated joint panel zone deformations - linear or nonlinear
Frame member joint partial fixity
Frame member cardinal points and joint offsets
Frame and shell property modifiers for cracking
Automated calculation of wind loads for various US and international codes
Automated calculation of seismic loads for various US and international codes
Automated transfer of tributary surface loads to supporting members
Variety of built-in functions for response spectrum and time history analysis
Automatic multiple run batch capability from inside the GUI
Output for user specified generalized displacements
Stress and force integration across section cuts - enhanced of group sum forces
Design Features
Strength and drift controlled optimization
The American Petroleum Institute - API-RP 2A LRFD 1997
The American Petroleum Institute - API-RP 2A WSD 2000
Latticed Transmission Structures - ASCE-10-97 2000
The Uniform Building Code - UBC-ASD 1997
The Uniform Building Code - UBC-LRFD 1997
The British Standard Institute - BS 5950 2000
The Italian Standard - CNR-UNI-10011 1988
The Aluminum Association - LRFD 2000
The Aluminum Association - ASD 2000
The Indian Standard - IS 456-2000
The Mexican Standard - RCDF
The Italian Standard - DM 14-2-93
The British Standard - BS 8110 1997 (Updated from 1989)
Import and Export
Import model information from Access databases
Import model information from Excel spreadsheets
Import model information from AutoCAD 3D - DXF
Import model information from CIS/2 (CIMSteel) files
Import model information from Steel Detailing Neutral Files (SDNF)
All imports can now add to or replace the existing model
Export model information to Access databases
Export model information to Excel spreadsheets
Export model information to AutoCAD via DXF
Export model information to CIS/2 (CIMSteel)
Creation of the Steel Detailing Neutral Files (SDNF)
Capture Enhanced Meta File (EMF) of any SAP2000 Window
Capture Windows Bitmap (BMP) of any SAP2000 Window
Other Features
Integrated generation of arbitrary steel and concrete cross sections
Parametric shape generation
Section property calculations
Three dimensional axial force and biaxial interaction diagrams
Moment-curvature relationships
New customizable Report Writer
Generation of analysis and design reports in customizable format
Output to Word (RTF), Internet Explorer (HTML), Text Editor and printer
Any input or output table may be added to a report
Any graphics or text may be added to a report
Information in the tables may be filtered and sorted
Display units may be user-specified for any numerical field in a table
Documentation
New user manual
New HTML-based Help
New QA Program in place
New verification manual
Your program comes with three introductory manuals bound into one volume:
SAP2000 Getting Started, which introduces you to the concepts of the structural model, the graphical user interface, and working with data tables.
SAP2000 Basic Analysis Reference, which gives an introduction to the fundamental concepts underlying the structural model and the analysis techniques used by SAP2000; it is recommended reading.
SAP2000 Introductory Tutorial, which is intended to provide first-time users with hands-on experience using the modeling, analysis and design features of SAP2000.
These three manuals are designed to help you quickly become productive with SAP2000.
It is strongly recommended that you read these manuals and work the tutorial before attempting to use SAP2000 to analyze and design a project.
Additional information can be found in the on-line Help facility available within the SAP2000 graphical user interface, and in the other manuals supplied with the program. These manuals are available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format on the SAP2000 CD, and can also be accessed from within the program using the Help menu. They include:
the SAP2000 Basic Analysis Reference identified above.
Design manuals presenting detailed design features specific to supported design codes.
SAP2000 Verification Manual, containing examples showing the capabilities and verifying the accuracy of the analytical features of the program.
Three Dimensional
Analysis of Structures
With Emphasis on Earthquake Engineering
Edward L. Wilson
If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this book, contact CSI for cost and shipping.
Support is available, free of charge, for 90 days after purchase and for the term of the maintenance agreement. Please call CSI’s offices to inquire about the maintenance agreement. Beyond the 90-day period, users may purchase a yearly SUM subscription plan, which offers Support, Upgrades and Maintenance. Priority technical support is available only to current SUM subscribers; users without a current SUM plan can still obtain technical support, but it will be available via e-mail on a Non-Priority basis only.
For SUM subscribers, standard phone and fax support is available in the United States from CSI support engineers via a toll call between 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Pacific time, Monday through Friday, excluding US holidays.
If you are experiencing problems using the software:
Consult the documentation and other printed information included with the software.
Check the online Help.
If you cannot find a solution:
Contact CSI’s Offices via phone at (510) 845-2177.
Send a fax with questions and a sketch of the model to CSI at (510) 845-4096.
You may also send the input file via e-mail to support@csiberkeley.com .
When you call, you should be at your computer and have the following information:
The version number of the program that you are using.
The hardware configuration (computer make, operating system, hard disk size and RAM size).
The exact wording of error messages that appeared on your screen.
A description of what happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred.
A description of how you tried to solve the problem.
When you send a Fax or e-mail, include the following information:
Your name, Company name, and phone number.
The version and version number of the program that you are using.
The hardware configuration (computer make, operating system, hard disk size and RAM size).
The exact wording of any error messages that appeared on your screen.
A full description of the problem.
A full description of how you tried to solve the problem.
Email only: an attachment, including your model and any other pertinent data files.
SAP2000 is a full-featured program that can be used for the simplest problems or the most complex projects. This topic briefly describes the new features in the program and directs you to manuals and technical support to help you get started using this latest version of the program.
The topics in the Getting Started book of this Help provide overviews of how to use the program, including suggested step-by-step instructions for the Modeling Process and design (Aluminum Frame, Concrete Frame, Steel Frame) as well as introductions to Bridge Analysis and Nonlinear Static Pushover Analysis.
Example Problems. Twenty-six example problems have been prepared to demonstrate how to use the various SAP2000 commands and features. The problems may help improve your understanding of the sequence for using the commands and how the commands relate to one another during the modeling process. The Problems Introduction topic identifies the problem name and structure type being modeled, the features involved in the model, and some of the key commands used to complete the model. The list of commands is intended to help you locate an example(s) that demonstrates use of a command. The listed commands are not the only commands used.