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Import

Function

  • Import MCT files as well as other types of files.

 

Call

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [midas Civil MCT File]

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [Nodal Results (for MIDAS GTS)]

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [AutoCAD DXF File]

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [SAP2000(V6, V7) File]

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [SAP2000(V8) File]

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [STAAD2000 File]

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [STAAD2002 File]

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [MSC.Nastran File]

From the main menu, select [File]  > [Import] group > [Lusas DAT File]

 

Input

  • MIDAS / Civil MCT File

Import an MCT file (text input file of midas Civil)

 

  • Nodal Results (for MIDAS GTS)

This function allows users to import multilinear function of Point Spring Support from GTS NX into midas Civil.

 

  • AutoCAD DXF File

Import an AUTOCAD DXF file.

File-Import.png

1. Layer classification

Only the layers that represent the shape of the structure can be selected and incorporated into the modeling. Even in a drawing that includes dimension lines, details, etc., the model can be created without any separate modifications.

 

2. Importing points and surfaces

Lines and surfaces can be imported. Lines are imported as beams, and surfaces are imported as plates.

 

3. Importing polyline as plate elements

Polyline that forms triangles or quadrangles is considered as a line, but it is imported as a plate element.

 

4. Import error handling

When importing an DXF file, models can be generated by layers.
Even in case of element shape errors (e.g., overlapping nodes) during DXF file import, the import can be executed as the program is ignoring the parts with errors. In the message window, the following error messages will display. "[WARNING] Invalid Node (No.XX) is skipped!", "[WARNING] Invalid Element (No.XX) is skipped!"
Polyline cannot be imported. Split a Polyline into Lines.

 

NOTE.png

Various polyline types, such as polygon, triangle, rectangle, etc., can be imported to midas Civil as plate elements in .DXF format, where plate elements are imported as thick type (without drilling DOF)

 

  • SAP2000 (V6, V7) File

Convert a fn.s2k file (SAP2000 data file) into an MCT text input file of midas Civil. The fn.s2k file is created by *.s2k Export in SAP2000.

The limitations of converting a SAP2000 file into a midas Civil data file are as follows


SAP2000 command Detail command Conversion Limitation midas Civil function
System DOF O - STRUCTURE TYPE
LENGTH, FORCE O - UNIT SYSTEM
CYC O Converted into Static Analysis in the case of Harmonic Steady-State Analysis -
COORDINATE - O - -
JOINT - O - NODES TABLE
LOCAL ANG O - NODE LOCAL AXIS
AXVEC, PLVEC O - NODE LOCAL AXIS
RESTRAINT - O - SUPPORTS
CONSTRAINT (1) - O - RIGID LINK
WELD - X - -
PATTERN - O - -
SPRING - O - -
MASS - O - -
MATERIAL (2) Isotropic O - MATERIAL
Orthotropic O Only one axis converted MATERIAL
Anisotropic O Only one axis converted MATERIAL
FRAME SECTION (3) Prismatic R, P, B, C, T, A, I, L, 2L Shape Section O - SECTION
Prismatic General Section O - SECTION
Prismatic Database Section X - -
Nonprismatic Section O - SECTION
SHELL SECTION - O - THICKNESS
NLPROP (4) - O -

POINT SPRING SUPPORTS

ELASTIC LINK

FRAME GEN, DEL O - ELEMENT TABLE
LOCAL, ANG, PLVEC O - ELEMENT TABLE
IOFF, JOFF O - BEAM END OFFSETS
RIGID (5) O Converted into 1.0 for a value other than 1.0 BEAM END OFFSETS
IREL, JREL O - BEAM END RELEASE
SHELL GEN, DEL O - ELEMENT TABLE
PLVEC, ANG X - -
PLANE GEN, DEL O - ELEMENT TABLE
3, 4 Node element O - ELEMENT TABLE
9 Node element X - -
MATANG X - -
ASOILD GEN, DEL O - ELEMENT TABLE
3, 4 Node element O - ELEMENT TABLE
9 Node element X - -
MATANG, ARC X - -
SOILD GEN, DEL O - ELEMENT TABLE
6, 8 Node element O - ELEMENT TABLE
MATANG X - -
NLLINK (6) 1 Node element O - POINT SPRING SUPPORTS
2 Node element O - ELASTIC LINK
MATTEMP - X - -
RETTEMP - O - -
PRESTRESS - O - PRESTRESS BEAM LOAD
LOAD FORCE O - NODAL LOAD

RESTRAINT

DISPLACEMENT

O - SPECIFIED DISPLACEMENTS OF SUPPORTS

SPRING

DISPLACEMENT

O midas does not have a corresponding command. Converted into Specified Displacement at the closest support. SPECIFIED DISPLACEMENTS OF SUPPORTS

GRAVITY (Beam)

O - ELEMENT BEAM LOADS

GRAVITY (Shell)

O - PRESSURE LOADS
GRAVITY (Plane / Asoild / Soild) X - -
CONCENTRATED SPAN O - ELEMENT BEAM LOADS
DISTRIBUTED SPAN O - ELEMENT BEAM LOADS
PRESTRESS O - PRESTRESS BEAM LOADS
UNIFORM O - PRESSURE LOADS
SURFACE PRESSURE O - PRESSURE LOADS
PORE PRESSURE X - -
TEMPERATURE O -

ELEMENT TEMPERATURES

TEMPERATURE GRADIENT

ROTATE X - -
PDFORCE - O - INIFORCE
PDELTA - O - P-DELTA ANALYSIS CONTROL
MODES N, CUT, TOL O - EIGENVALUE ANALYSIS CONTROL
RITZ O - EIGENVALUE ANALYSIS CONTROL
SHIFT X - -
NLLINK X - -
FUNCTION - O If a file is used for FUNCTION, the file must be in the same folder, which contains *.2k.

RESPONSE SPECTRUM FUNCTIONS

TIME FORCING FUNCTIONS

SPEC NAME, ANG, DAMP, F1, F2, DIRF, MODC (CQC, SRSS, ABS) O - RESPONSE SPECTRUM FUNCTIONS
MODC (GMC) X - -
HISTORY Linear Transient / Periodic Analysis O - TIME HISTORY LOAD CASES
Nonlinear Transient Analysis X - -
Acceleration Data O - TIME VARYING STATIC LOADS
Load Data (7) O - DYNAMIC NODAL LOADS
LANE - O - TRAFFIC LINE LANES
VEHICLE DB Vechicle O - VEHICLES
User Define Vechicle O Converted into DB24 vehicle load & a warning issued. VEHICLES
VEHICLE CLASS - O - VEHICLES CLASSES
BRIDGE REPONSE - X - -
MOVING LOAD NAME, RF, CLASS, LANE, LMIN, LMAX, SF O - MOVING LOAD CASES
CALC O - MOVING LOAD ANALYSIS
TOL, SET X - -
COMBO - O - COMBINATIONS

 

  • SAP2000 (V8) File (Nonlinear) Import 

Target File: Unmodified *.s2k file created by Export in SAP2000(V8) can be converted.

The limitations of converting a SAP2000 (V8) file into a midas Civil data file are as follows:


Contents Table Conversion midas Civil Remarks
Joint Summary-Joint Assingments O -  
Joint Coordinates O NODE  
Joint Restraint Assignments O CONSTRAINT  
Joint Local Axes Assignments 1 Typical O LOCALAXIS  
Joint Local Axes Assignments 2 Advanced O LOCALAXIS  
Joint Pattern Assignments (1) O -  
Joint Pattern Definitions (1) O -  
Joint Spring Assignments 1 Uncoupied O SPRING  
Joint Spring Assignments 2 coupied O

GSPRING

GSPRTYPE

 
Joint Panel Zone Assignments X N/A  
Frame Summary-Frame Assignments O -  
Connectivity-Frame/Cable O ELEMENT  
Frame Cable Assignments X -  
Frame Design Procedures X -  
Frame Insertion Point Assignments O SECTION  
Frame Local Axes Assigments 1 Typical O ELEMENT  
Frame Local Axes Assignments 2 Advanced O ELEMENT  
Frame Material Temperatures X N/A  
Frame NL Hinge Assignments X -  
Frame Offset Along Length Assignments (2) O OFFSET  
Frame Output Station Assignments X N/A  
Frame P-Delta Force Assignments O INFORCE  
Frame Prestress 1 Patterns O PRESTRESS  
Frame Prestress 2 Load Multipliers O PRESTRESS  
Frame Property Modifiers O SECT-SCALE  
Frame Reference Temperatures O ELTEMPER  
Frame Release Assignments 1 General (3) O FRAME-RLS  
Frame Release Assignments 2 Partial Fixity (3) FRAME-RLS  
Frame Spring Assignments (4) SPRING  
Frame Auto Subdivision Assignments X N/A  
Frame Tension And Compression Limits X -  
Area Summary Area Assignments O -  
Connectivity Area (5) O ELEMENT  
Area Auto Mesh Assignments X N/A  
Area Local Axes Assignments 1 Typical (6) X Undefined  
Area Local Axes Assignments 2 Advanced (6) X Undefined  
Area Material Temperatures X N/A  
Area Reference Temperatures O ELTEMPER  
Area Spring Assignments (5) SPRING  
Soild Summary Soild Assignments O -  
Connectivity Soild O ELEMENT  
Soild Local Axes Assignments 1 Typical (6) X Undefined  
Soild Local Axes Assignments 2 Advanced (6) X Undefined  
Soild Material Temperatures X N/A  
Soild Property Assignments X N/A  
Soild Property Definitions X N/A  
Soild Reference Temperatures O ELTEMPER  
Soild Spring Assigments (4) X Undefined  
Soild Auto Mesh Assignments X N/A  
Link Summary Link Assigments O -  
Connectivity Link O

ELASTICLINK

NL-LINK

 
Link Local Axes Assignments 1 Typical O

ELASTICLINK

NL-LINK

 
Link Local Axes Assignments 2 Advanced O

ELASTICLINK

NL-LINK

 
Link Property Definitions 01 General O NL-PROP  
Link Property Definitions 02 Linear O NL-PROP  
Link Property Definitions 03 MultiLinear X N/A  
Link Property Definitions 04 Damper O NL-PROP  
Link Property Definitions 05 Gap O NL-PROP  
Link Property Definitions 06 Hook O NL-PROP  
Link Property Definitions 07 Rubber Isolator O NL-PROP  
Link Property Definitions 08 Sliding Isolator O NL-PROP  
Link Property Definitions 09 Plastic (Wen) O NL-PROP  
Link Property Definitions 10 Plastic (Kinematic) X N/A  
Link Property Assignments O NL-PROP  
  Program Control O UNIT  
Material Material Properties 1 General O MATERIAL  
Material Properties 2 Advanced MATERIAL Anisotropic
Material Properties 3 Design Steel X -  
Material Properties 4 Design Concrete X -  
Material Properties 5 Design Aluminum X -  
Material Properties 6 Design ColdFormed X -  
Section Frame Section Assignments O SECTION  
Frame Seciton Properties 1 General O

SECTION

SECT-SCALE

 
Frame Section Properties 2 Concrete X -  
Frame Section Properties 3 Concrete Beam X -  
Frame Section Properties 4 Auto Select X -  
Frame Section Properties 5 Nonprismatic SECTION Sect. SCALE
Thickness Area Section Properties O THICKNESS  
Area Stiffness Modifiers X N/A  
Static Load Case Joint Loads -  Force O CONLOAD  

Joint Loads - Ground Displacement

O

SPDISP

 

Frame Loads - Distributed

O

BEAMLOAD

 

Frame Loads - Gravity (7)

O

BEAMLOAD

SelfModifier

Frame Loads - Point

O

BEAMLOAD

 

Frame Loads - Temperature (8)

O

ELTEMPER

THERGRAD

NDTEMPER

Joint Pattern

Area Loads - Gravity (7)

O

PRESSURE

SelfModifier

Area Loads - Pore Pressure

X

N/A

 

Area Loads - Rotate

X

N/A

 

Area Loads - Surface Pressure

O

-

 

Area Loads - Temperature (8)

O

ELTEMPER

THERGRAD

 

Area Loads - Uniform To Frame

X

Lack of Data

FLOADTYPE FLOORLOAD

Area Loads - Uniform

O

PRESSURE

Joint Pattern

Area Loads - Wind Pressure Coefficients

X

Undefined

 

Solid Loads - Gravity (7)

X

Undefined

SelfModifier

Solid Loads - Pore Pressure

X

N/A

 

Solid Loads - Surface Pressure

X

Undefined

 

Solid Loads - Temperature (8)

O

ELTEMPER

THERGRAD

 

Link Loads - Gravity (7)

X

N/A

 

Case - Static 1 - Load Assignments

O

STLDCASE

 

Load Case Definitions

O

STLDCASE

 

Moving Load Case

Bridge Loads 1 - Lane Definitions

O

LINELANE

Both  Independent

Bridge Loads 2 - Standard Vehicles

O

VEHICLE

 

Bridge Loads 3 - General Vehicles 1

O

VEHICLE

 

Bridge Loads 4 - General Vehicles 2

O

VEHICLE

 

Bridge Loads 5 - Vehicle Classes

O

VCLASS

 

Bridge Loads 6 - Bridge Response

O

MOVE-CTRL

 

Case - Moving Load 1 - Lane Assignments

O

MVLDCASE

 

Case - Moving Load 2 - Lanes Loaded

O

MVLDCASE

 

Case - Moving Load 3 - MultiLane Factors

O

MVLDCASE

 

Eigen Value Problem

Combination Definitions

O

LOADCOMB

Load Case

Masses 1 - Mass Source

O

LOADTOMASS

 

Masses 2 - Assembled Joint Masses

X

Generate after analysis

 

Joint Added Mass Assignments

O

NODALMASS

 

Frame Added Mass Assignments (9)

O

NODALMASS

 

Area Added Mass Assignments (9)

O

NODALMASS

 

Case - Modal 1 - General

O

EIGEN-CTRL

 

Case - Modal 2 - Load Assignments - Eigen

X

N/A

 

Case - Modal 3 - Load Assignments - Ritz

O

EIGEN-CTRL

 

Response Spectrum Analysis

Function - Response Spectrum - BOCA96

X

N/A

 

Function - Response Spectrum - EuroCode8

O

SFUNCTION

 

Function - Response Spectrum - From File

X

N/A

 

Function - Response Spectrum - IBC2000

O

SFUNCTION

 

Function - Response Spectrum - NBCC95

O

SFUNCTION

 

Function - Response Spectrum - NEHRP97

X

N/A

 

Function - Response Spectrum - NZS4203

X

N/A

 

Function - Response Spectrum - UBC94

O

SFUNCTION

 

Function - Response Spectrum - UBC97

O

SFUNCTION

 

Function - Response Spectrum - User

O

SFUNCTION

 

Case - Response spectrum 1 - General (10)

O

SPEC-CTRL SPLDCASE

 

Case - Response spectrum 2 - Load Assignments (10)

O

SPLDCASE

 

Case - Response spectrum 3 - Interpolated Damping

X

N/A

 

Case - Response spectrum 4 - Proportional Damping

X

N/A

 

Case - Response spectrum 5 - Damping Overrides

X

N/A

 
Analysis

Analysis Case Definitions

O

ANAL-CTRL

 

Active Degrees of Freedom

O

STRUCTYPE

 

Case - Static 2 - Nonlinear Load Application

X

N/A

 

Case - Static 3 - Nonlinear Stage Information

X

Lack of Data

STAGE

Case - Static 4 - Nonlinear Parameters

X

Lack of Data

STAGE

NONL-CTRL

Case - Direct History 1 - General (11)

O

THLDCASE

 

Case - Direct History 2 - Load Assignments

O

GROUND-ACC

DYN-SLOAD

 

Case - Direct History 3 - Proportional Damping

O

THLDCASE

 

Case - Direct History 4 - Integration Parameters

X

N/A

 

Case - Direct History 5 - Nonlinear Parameters

O

THLDCASE

 

Case - Modal History 1 - General

O

THLDCASE

 

Case - Modal History 2 - Load Assignments

O

GROUND-ACC 

DYN-SLOAD

 

Case - Modal History 3 - Interpolated Damping

X

N/A

 

Case - Modal History 4 - Proportional Damping

O

THLDCASE

 

Case - Modal History 5 - Damping Overrides

O

THLDCASE

 

Case - Modal History 6 - Nonlinear Parameters

O

THLDCASE

 

Case - Buckling 1 - General (12)

O

BUCK-CTRL

 

Case - Buckling 2 - Load Assignments

O

BUCK-CTRL

 

Case - Steady State 1 - General

X

 

 

Case - Steady State 2 - Load Assignments

X

 

 

Rigid Link

Joint Constraint Assignments (13)

O

RIGIDLINK

 

Constraint Definitions - Beam

RIGIDLINK

Auto Axes

Constraint Definitions - Body

O

RIGIDLINK

 

Constraint Definitions - Diaphragm

RIGIDLINK

Auto Axes

Constraint Definitions - Equal

O

RIGIDLINK

 

Constraint Definitions - Line

O

RIGIDLINK

 

Constraint Definitions - Local

X

N/A

 

Constraint Definitions - Plate

RIGIDLINK

Auto Axes

Constraint Definitions - Rod

RIGIDLINK

Auto Axes

Constraint Definitions - Weld

O

RIGIDLINK

 

Lateral Load (Wind)

Auto Wind - ASCE7-88

X

N/A

 

Auto Wind - ASCE7-95

X

N/A

 

Auto Wind - ASCE7-98

O

WIND

 

Auto Wind - BOCA96

X

N/A

 

Auto Wind - BS6399-95

X

WIND

 

Auto Wind - NBCC95

O

WIND

 

Auto Wind - UBC94

X

N/A

 

Auto Wind - UBC97

O

WIND

 

Auto Wind - User

X

N/A

 

Auto Wind Exposure For Horizontal Diaphragms

X

N/A

 

Auto Wind Loads To Groups

X

N/A

 

Auto Wind Loads To Horizontal Diaphragms

X

N/A

 

Auto Wind Loads To Joints

X

N/A

 
Lateral Load (Seismic)

Auto Seismic - BOCA96

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic - IBC2000

X

Lack of Data

Seismic Group

Auto Seismic - NBCC95

O

SEIS

 

Auto Seismic - NEHRP97

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic - UBC94

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic - UBC97

O

SEIS

 

Auto Seismic - UBC97 Isolated

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic - User Coefficient

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic - User Loads

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic Eccentricity Overrides

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic Loads To Groups

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic Loads To Horizontal Diaphragms

X

N/A

 

Auto Seismic Loads To Joints

X

N/A

 

Time History Functions

Function - Time History - Cosine

X

N/A

 

Function - Time History - From File

O

TFUNCTION

 

Function - Time History - Ramp

X

N/A

 

Function - Time History - Sawtooth

X

N/A

 

Function - Time History - Sine

X

N/A

 

Function - Time History - Triangular

X

TFUNCTION

 

Function - Time History - User

O

N/A

 

Function - Time History - User Periodic

X

N/A

 
Group

Groups 1 - Definitions

X

-

 

Groups 2 - Assignments

X

Lack of Data

GROUP

BNDR-GROUP

Groups 3 - Masses and Weights

X

-

 

 

<Commentary>

1. JOINT PATTERN

(1) For the present, it is applied to Element Temperature Load, Temperature Gradient and Area Surface Load.

2. BEAM END OFFSET

(1) No Rigid Factor function (Converted into Fully Rigid Offset)

3. BEAM END RELEASE

(1)  SAP inputs Partial Fixity as Stiffness whereas MIDAS inputs it as Proportion in the case of Frame Release. (Converted into Full Fixity)

4. ELEMENT SPRING

(1) Frame Spring Assignment: Converted into Node Spring

(2) Area Spring Assignment: Converted into Node Spring (only in the case of face#5 and #6 (∵local axes))

(3) Solid Spring Assignment: Not converted since local axes are not defined

5. AREA ELEMENT

SAP2000 Ver. 8.0.8 midas Civil Remark
Section Type Sub Type Element Type
Shell Shell Thick Plate (5-1) Thick  
Thin Thin
Membrane Plane Stress (5-2)  
Plate Thick Plate Thick Consistent Element Properties
Thin Thin  
Plane Stress Plane Thick Consistent Element Properties
Strain Thin  
Asoild Axisymmetric Consistent Element Properties

 

5-1. In SAP 2000, Shell-Shell Element is the combination of Shell-Membrane Element and Shell-Plate Element, and the element has both translational and rotational degrees of freedom in ECS (element coordinate system) x, y, and z directions. In MIDAS/Gen, however, since there is no corresponding element to Shell-Shell Element of SAP 2000, it is converted into Plate Element.

5-2. In SAP 2000, Shell-Membrane Element has translational degrees of freedom in two in-plane directions and a rotational degree of freedom (drilling moment) perpendicular to the plane. As the counterpart of MIDAS/Gen, Wall-Membrane Element may be used.
But it has a limitation in that the nodes of Wall-Membrane Element have to be connected counterclockwise starting from the bottom left and the element must be parallel to the Global Z-axis. Due to the limitations, the Shell-Membrane Element of SAP2000 is replaced with the Plane-Stress Element of MIDAS, which has only translational degrees of freedom in two in-plane directions.

6. LOCAL AXES

(1) Area Local Axes : SAP - default : Identical to GLOBAL Axes / MIDAS - default : Local Axes are defined by the sequence of nodes

 

  SAP (Default : GLOBAL) MIDAS
Ex (1)

Face # 1

Face # 1

Ex (2)

Face # 1

Face # 1

 

7. GRAVITY LOAD

(1) Frame : Converted into Element Beam Load (*if self modifier > 0, self weight is applied)

(2) Area : Converted into Pressure Load (in the direction of Global Axes of face#5, #6 since local axes are not defined)

(3) Solid : Not converted since local axes are not defined

8. TEMPERATURE LOAD

(1) Frame Temperature Load : It is converted into Nodal Temperature if Joint Pattern exists. The average of Joint Pattern is converted into Element Temperature Load.

(2) Frame Temperature Gradient : Neglect Pattern if Joint Pattern exists.

(3) Area Temperature load : It is converted into Nodal Temperature if Joint Pattern exists. The average of Joint Pattern is converted into Element Temperature Load.

(4) Area Temperature Gradient : Neglect Pattern if Joint Pattern exists.

(5) Solid Temperature Load : It is converted into Nodal Temperature if Joint Pattern exists. The average of Joint Pattern is converted into Element Temperature Load.

9. ADDED MASS

(1) Frame added mass -> Converted into Nodal Mass 

(2) Area Added mass -> Converted into Nodal Mass 

10. RESPONSE SPECTRUM ANALYSIS CONTROL

(1) In SAP, it is possible to assign Analysis Control for each Response Spectrum Load Case. However, in MIDAS, only one Analysis Control can be assigned, so the first Analysis Control is converted.

11. When Direct Integration Analysis Method is used in Time History Load Case, only Newmark method's parameter can be converted.

12. Buckling Analysis Control

(1) In SAP, it is possible to assign Analysis Control for each Response Spectrum Load Case. However, in MIDAS, only one Analysis Control can be assigned, so the first Analysis Control is converted.

(2) It is converted only when Load Type is "Load Case" in SAP.

13. RIGID LINK

(1) Master node is assigned to the first Slave node.

(2) In case of Diaphragm and Plate, node (center of mass) which considered mass is assigned to the Master node.

(3) Beam, Diaphragm, Plate, Rod : They are not converted after processing Auto Axis Message.

14. etc.

(1) Section Offset and Beam End Offset cannot be taken into account simultaneously, and Global Type and Element Type of Beam End Offset cannot be taken into account simultaneously.

(2) Frame Auto Subdivision - Not converted.

(3) Area Auto Mesh - Not converted.

 

  • STAAD 2000&2002 File

Convert a fn.std file (STAAD data file) into an MCT text input file of midas Civil.

The limitations of converting a STAAD file into a midas Civil data file are as follows.

STAAD 2000 & 2002 File
NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

Unit

-

O

Converted into Neutral Unit System (Newton, Meter)

*UNIT

Joint Coordinate

JOINT
COORDINATE

O

-

*NODE

JOINT
COORDINATE
CYLINDRICAL Or CYLINDRICAL REVERSE

X

To be updated in a Future Version

REPEAT

O

-

REPEAT ALL

O

-

Member Incidence

MEMBER INCIDENCE

O

If SHELL and SOLID have the same ID, it prints out a warning message, reassigns IDs to them and then converts them.

*ELEMENT
( Beam, Truss )

REPEAT

O

REPEAT ALL

O

Element Incidence (Shell)

ELEMENT INCIDENCE (SHELL)

O

If MEMBER and SOLID have the same ID, it prints out a warning message, reassigns IDs to them and converts them.

*ELEMENT
( Plate, Plane Stress)

REPEAT

O

REPEAT ALL

O

Element Incidence Solid

ELEMENT INCIDENCE SOLID

O

If MEMBER and SHELL have the same ID, it prints out a warning message, reassigns IDs to them and then converts them.

*ELEMENT
( Solid )

REPEAT

O

REPEAT ALL

O

Element Mesh Generation

-

X

-

-

Redefined of
Joint and Member Numbers

-

X

-

-

Groups

GEOMETRY

O

Nodes and Elements with corresponding IDs  Convert into the MIDAS GROUP Command.

*GROUP

JOINT

O

-

MEMBER

O

-

ELEMENT

O

-

SOLID

O

-

Rotate of Structure Geometry

-

X

-

-

Inactive/Delete Specification

-

X

-

-

Start User Table

External File Name

X

User Section Table using files is not converted.

-

TYPE

O

-

*SECTION

NAME

O

-

PROPERTY

O

-

Member Properties

DB Section

Only AISC DB can be converted

-

PRISMATIC

O

Converted into Value Type if Property (AX, AY, AZ, IX, IY, and IZ) is present.


Trapezoidal Shape is converted into Rectangular Shape.

*SECTION

TAPERED

O

-

UPTABLE

O

User Table input using files is not converted

ASSIGN

X

Cannot convert into a command that automatically assigns sections after analysis and design.


Arbitrary IDs are assigned to corresponding elements after printing out a warning message (assign #1).

-

Element Properties

-

O

Only f1 is converted.
A warning message is printed out if f2꿧4 (Thickness at other nodes of the element) exist.

*THICKNESS

Define Material

E, G, POISSON, DENSITY, ALPHA

O

Only Material used in CONSTANT Command is converted after arbitrary Material Name and IDs are assigned.

*MATERIAL

DAMPING,CDAMP

X

-

Constant

E, G, POISSON, DENSITY, ALPHA

O

Only Material used in CONSTANT Command is converted  after arbitrary Material Name and IDs are assigned.

 

Converted into values if CONCRETE, STEEL and ALUMINUM are used.

*MATERIAL

CDAMP

X

-

 

BETA, REF, REFJT

O

-

 

Member Truss

-

O

-

*ELEMENT

Member Cable

-

O

-

*ELEMENT

Member Tension

-

O

-

*ELEMENT

Member Compression

-

O

-

*ELEMENT

Element Plane Stress(1)

-

O

ELEMENT TYPE is assigned as Plane Stress.

*ELEMENT

Element Ignore (Inplane Rotation)(1)

-

O

-

*ELEMENT

Support

INCLINED

X

To be updated

-

FOOTING

X

-

-

ELASTIC MAT

X

-

-

FX, FY, FZ, MX, FY, MZ

O

-

*CONSTRAINT

KFX, KFY, KFZ, KMX, KMY, KMZ

O

-

*SPRING

Member Offsets

LOCAL

X

-

-

GLOBAL

O

Converted into DB24 vehicle load & a warning issued.

*OFFSET

Member Release

Partial Moment Release

X

-

-

Release other than Partial Moment

O

-

*FRAME-RLS

Master / Slave

-

O

Not converted when slave nodes are assigned using XRANGE, YRANGE and ZRANGE (to be upgraded).

*RIGIDLINK

Loading

-

O

MIDAS uses Name for defining load cases. "LDC Load Case Numbers" define the names of converted load cases.

*STLDCASE

Joint Load

-

O

-

*CONLOAD

Member Load

UNI or UMOM

O

f4 value (Perpendicular distance from the member shear center to the plane of loading) is not converted.


Loads input in X, Y and Z Axes (Local Axes) are converted into Loads in the Global Axes.

*BEAMLOAD

CON or CMOM

O

*BEAMLOAD

LIN

O

*BEAMLOAD

TRAP

O

*BEAMLOAD

Element Load

PRESSURE

O

Element Concentrated Load prepared with the input of only x1 and y1 is not converted.


Loads applied to certain points of element with the input of x1, y1, x2 and y2 are not converted.

*PRESSURE

TRAP

O

-

*PRESSURE

Area Load

-

X

-

-

Floor Load

-

X

-

-

Prestress Load

PRESTRESS

O

-

*PRESTRESS

POSTSTRESS

Fixed End Load

-

X

-

-

Support Displacement

-

O

-

*SPDISP

TEMPERAURE LOAD

-

X

-

 

SELFWEIGHT

-

O

-

*SELFWEIGHT

SPECTRUM

-

X

To be updated

 

TIME LOAD

-

X

To be updated

 

REPEAT LOAD

-

X

 

 

LOAD GENERATION

-

X

 

 

UBC LOAD

-

X

 

 

WIND LOAD

-

X

 

 

CALCULATE NATURAL

-

X

To be updated

 

MODAL

-

X

To be updated

 

LOAD COMBINATION

Linear Combination

O

-

*LOADCOMB

SRSS

O

If LOAD CASE Number is a negative number, SRSS and Linear Combination coexist.

 

In such a case, SRSS Combination and Linear Combination are created as separate LOAD COMBINATIONs (LCBSRSS and LCBADD) respectively, and then they become Sub Combinations of a NEW COMBINATION.

  • NASTRAN File

NASTRAN File

Nastran data files are converted to text files (MCT file) of Civil and interpreted. FEAMAP file is required to accurately convert the files. The unit system is converted to a kgf, m, and there are several limitations imposed in converting process.

 

User defined coordinate(1)

 

NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

CORD1R

-

O

-

-

CORD2R

-

O

-

-

CORD1C

-

O

-

-

CORD2C

-

O

-

-

CORD1S

-

O

-

-

CORD2S

-

O

-

-

 

Node(2)

 

NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

GRID

-

O

-

NODE

GRIDB

-

X

"Grid point location on boundary of axisymmetric fluid problem" does not exist in MIDAS Civil.

-

 

Element

 

NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

Line Elements(3)

CBAR

EID,PID,GA,GB,

X1,X2,X3

O

Only PDI values can be converted, and PBAR data cannot be converted.

ELEMENT (Beam)

PA,PB,

W1A,W2A,W3A,

W1B,W2B,W3B

X

To be updated

-

CBEAM

EID,PID,GA,GB

X1,X2,X3

O

Only PID values can be converted, and PBEAM data cannot be converted.

ELEMENT (Beam)

BIT,PA,PB,

W1A,W2A,W3A,

W1B,W2B,W3B,

SA,SB

X

To be updated

-

CBEND

-

X

Curved elements can not be converted.

-

CONROD

EID,G1,G2,MID,

A,J,C

O

Only MID values can be converted, and MAT data cannot be converted. · Need to create a new section, using A,J,C values. · To be updated

ELEMENT (Truss)

NSM

X

-

-

CROD

EID,PID,G1,G2

O

Only PID values can be converted, and PBEAM data cannot be converted.

ELEMENT (Truss)

CTUBE

EID,PID,G1,G2

O

Only PID values can be converted, and PBEAM data cannot be converted.

ELEMENT (Beam)

Surface Elements

CTRIA3,

CTRIARR

EID,PID,G1,G2,

G3

O

-

ELEMENT (Beam)
(Plane stree, Plate)

THETA or MCID,

ZOFFS,

T1,T2,T3

X

-

-

CTRIA6

-

O

Convert to elements with 3 nodes.

-

CQUAD4,

CQUADR

EID,PID,G1,G2,

G3,G4

O

-

ELEMENT (Beam)
(Plane stree, Plate)

THETA or MCID,

ZOFFS,

T1,T2,T3

X

-

-

CQUAD

-

X

Plane Strain Element(4)

-

CQUAD8

-

O

Convert to elements with 4 nodes.

-

CHSEAR

-

X

Not existing in Civil

-

CCONEAX,

CTRIAX6,

CTRIAX,

CQUADX

-

X

Axisymmetric Elements(5)

-

Solid Elements

CTETRA

EID,PID,

G1-G10

O

Convert considering only G1 to G4, Elements with more than theses are converted to 4 node elements.

ELEMENT (Soild)

CPENTA

EID,PID,

G1-G15

O

Convert considering only G1 to G6, Elements with more than theses are converted to 6 node elements.

ELEMENT (Soild)

CHEXA

EID,PID,

GA-G20

O

Convert considering only G1 to G8, Elements with more than theses are converted to 8 node elements.

ELEMENT (Soild)

 

NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

Elastic Scalar Elements

CELAS1(6)

EID,PID,G1,

C1,G2,C2

O

-

ELASTICLINK

SPRING

CELAS2

EID,K,G1,

C1,G2,C2

O

-

ELASTICLINK

SPRING

GE,S

X

-

-

CELAS3

CELAS4

-

-

It is "Scalar Spring Connection to Scalar Points Only".

"Scalar Points" is not considered, therefore can not be converted.

-

Rigid Elements

RBE2

EID,GN,CM,GMi

O

-

RIGIDLINK

RBAR

RBE1

RBE3

RROD

-

X

-

-

 

Section Properties

 

NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

PBAR

PID,MID,A,I1,I2,J,

K1,K2

O

 Converted to Value Section in midas Civil

SECTION

NSM,Ci,Di,Ei,

Fi,I12

X

-

-

PBEAM(7)

PID,MIDl,A(A,B),

I1(A,B),I2(A,B),

J(A,B),K1,K2

O

-

SECTION

NSM(A,B),C1(A,B),

C1(A,B),D1(A,B),

D2(A,B),E1(A,B),

E2(A,B), F1(A,B),

F2(A,B),S1,S2,

NSI(A,B),CW(A,B),

M1(A,B),M2(A,B),

N1(A,B),N2(A,B)

X

-

-

PROD

PID,MID,A,J,C

O

-

SECTION

NSM

X

-

-

PTUBE(8)

PID,MID,OD,T,OD2

O

-

SECTION

NSM

X

-

-

PSHELL(9)

PID,MID1,T

O

-

THICKNESS

MID2,12I/T**3,

MID3,TS/T,NSM,

Z1,Z2,MID4

X

-

-

PSOLID

MID

O

-

-

PID,CORDM,IN,

STRESS,ISOP,

FCTN

X

-

-

PELAS

K1,K2

O

-

ELASTICLINK

SPRING

PID1,PID2,GE1,

GE2,S1,S2

X

-

 -

 

Material

 

NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

MAT1

MID,E,G,NU,A

O

-

MATERIAL

RHO,TREF,GE,

ST,SC,SS,MCSID

X

-

-

 

Boundary condition

 

NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

SPC

SID,G1,C1,D1,

G2,C2,D2

O

-

CONSTRAINT

SPC1

SID,C,Gi

O

-

CONSTRAINT

 

Static load

 

NASTRAN command Detail command Conversion Limitation Related midas Civil function

FORCE

SID,G, F,N1,

N2,N3

O

-

CONLOAD

CID

X

To be updated

-

MOMENT

SID,G,M,N1,

N2,N3

O

-

CONLOAD

CID

X

To be updated

-

PLOAD1

SID,EID,TYPE,

SCALE,X1,P1,

X2,P2

O

-

BEAMLOAD

PLOAD4

SID,EID,P1,P2,

P3,P4,G1,

G3orG4,N1,N2,N3

O

-

PRSSURE

CID

X

To be updated

-

 

<Commentary>

1. User-Defined Coordinate

(1) User-defined coordinates, such as rectangular coordinate, cylindrical coordinate, and spherical coordinate are converted to base coordinate/global coordinate in midas Civil.

(2) Nodes in the user-defined coordinate in Nastran input file is converted to nodes in the base coordinate.

2. Node

(1) Nodes with ID number greater than 100,000 can not be recognized in MIDAS/CIVIL, therefore, need to be assigned new ID before being converted.

(2) In the case of (1), any data related to the changed node ID will be changed accordingly.

3. Surface Elements

The type of surface elements (ex. Plane stress element, Plate element) is determined based on PID in PSHELL data. MID1 in PSHELL data will convert to Plane stress element, otherwise (MID2 or MID1 and MID2), convert to Plate element.

4. Plane Strain Element

Plane strain elements in Nastran use the X-Y plane based coordinate while those in  MIDAS/CIVIL use the X-Z plane based coordinate.  For this reason, conversion is not applicable.

5. Axisymmetric Element

Axisymmetric elements in Nastran use the X-Y plane based coordinate while those in  MIDAS/CIVIL use the X-Z plane based coordinate.  For this reason, conversion is not applicable.

6. CELAS1

(1) When both G1 and G2 are inputted in Nastran, they are converted to Elastic Link in MIDAS/Gen, CIVIL. When one of the two are inputted, they are converted to Elastic Support.

(2) When converting to Elastic Link, a warning message appears if DOF at C1 and C2 are different. Conversion is applicable as well.

(3) Same limitations are applied to CEAS2.

7. PBEAM

(1) PBEAM is a command that defines section properties of CBEAM. It supports tapered section inputs.

(2) If A, I1, I2, I12 and J values are 0, section in consideration is considered as a tapered section.  Otherwise, converted to a normal shaped section.

8. PTUBE

(1) In USER/DB, converts based on the entered size.

(2) When T = 0, converts to Solid Round Section, otherwise to Pipe Section.

(3) When 0D2 value is not 0, converts to a tapered section

9. PSHELL

(1) When only MID1 is entered, the value of In-plane thickness is converted as the value of T.

(2) When only MID2 is entered, the value of In-plane thickness is converted as the value of T/1000 and the value of out-of-plane thickness is converted as the value of T.

(3) For cases other than (1) and (2), both the in-plane thickness and out-of-plane thickness values are converted as the value of T.

10. Material

(1) Only isotropic material is available in MIDAS/Gen, CIVIL.  Accordingly MAT2 and MAT3, such as anisotropic material, supported in Nastran can not be converted.

 

  • Lucas DAT File

Lucas DAT File checklist

1. A plane strain element existing on  the LUSAS X-Y plane cannot be converted into midas Civil.(In midas Civil, a plane strain element can exist only on the X-Z plane.)

2. Consistent Mass k of LUSAS cannot be converted.

 

 

Q & A

Question

What is the format for importing lines, polylines, and solid models from AutoCAD to MIDAS?

 

Answer

The following Image will help clarify this:

At the moment, solid models cannot be imported from AutoCAD.

 

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