New Model

Form:  New Model

Click the File menu > New Model command to access the New Model form and start a new model. The form has options to initialize the model and to start the model from template files. Initializing the model determines the units to be used and the default definitions of all properties, loads, analysis cases,and the like—everything except the grids, objects, and assignments to the objects. The template files include a wide range of typical structures. The templates typically produce structures with uniform spacing, unless you choose to modify the spacing using the individual template forms (see below). After a model has been generated using a template, the model can be modified using the commands on the Edit, Draw, Define, and Assign menus.

• New Model Initialization. Select one of the following options:

• Initialize the Model from Defaults with Units option and drop-down list. When this option is selected, SAP will use the default program definitions. The default definitions are typical for the choice made in the Select Template area of the form (see below). Where necessary, the default definitions can be modified using the commands on the Define and Assign menus. Use the drop-down list to specify the units to be used in the model.

Note: The units used to start a model become the base units for that model. If different units are used in the model, they are always converted to and from these base units. The model will always open in the base units, so choose the units carefully.

• Initialize Model from an Existing File  option. When this option is selected, SAP will use the units and definitions from an existing model. This method is generally preferable if common sets of properties, analyses, and design definitions are to be used for projects of a certain type. If this option is selected, click one of the template buttons in the Select Template area of the form. Then, when the program displays the Open Model File form, specify the path and filename for a previously stored model file that is to be used for initializing the new model.  

• Select Template. This area of the form has several buttons with drawings of typical structures.

1. Click the button that most closely describes the structure to be modeled. The model can be modified using the commands on the Edit, Draw, Define, and Assign menus. However, choosing a template that closely resembles the structure to be analyzed and designed can greatly speed the overall modeling process.  

2. A form specific to the type of structure will appear. Choose or change the default values in the edit boxes on the form. Also, use the appropriate Section Properties drop-down list(s) to specify the frame, chord, brace or area section properties for the model. The drop-down list(s) provide access to additional forms that can be used to define the material properties.

3. Click the OK button to close the form. SAP will display the selected structure in the active window.

Note: Remember to save your model periodically. Click the Save button or use the File menu > Save command.

The Edit menu > Add to Model from Template command also will access these templates and add them to an existing model.

The following table identifies the structure templates available and the buttons to be clicked on the New Model form to access them.

See Also

Change Labels

New Labels

Show Tips at Startup

Set Menu Level

Request Module License

Auto Save Model

3D View Up Direction

Preferences - includes options to specify codes

Show Aerial View

Show Floating Property Window

Auto Refresh

Starting SAP2000 from the Command Line