IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE)

e-ISSN: 2278-1684,p-ISSN: 2320-334X, Volume 14, Issue 4 Ver. VII (Jul. - Aug. 2017), PP 50-62
www.iosrjournals.org

Automation of Design Process Using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and

AutoCAD
*
Nancy Thakur1, Er. Abhishek Gupta2
1
PG Research Scholar Deptt of Civil Engg. Baddi University of Emerging Science and Technology, India.
2
Assistant Professor Deptt of Civil Engg. Baddi University of Emerging Science and Technology, India.
Corresponding Author: Nancy Thakur

Abstract: In past few years civil engineering industry is on boom due to fact that, India is being the developing
country many new projects start day by day which needs to be completed in given time scenario. The major
factor for completion of projects is designing and implementation which helps the structure to be stand still for
100 of years. In this paper, we have presented our new approach for Automation of design process using Etabs,
Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD. We have firstly designed the structure and simulate by applying various loads in
Etabs software. The combination of values which gives us best result by performing no. of iterations are
exported to MS Excel and further processing of exported results is done to design commands which could be
directly used in the AutoCAD for designing the structure by just copy and paste the commands. Our proposed
approach result shows the technique is very much efficient, time and cost saving. Normally designing process is
very lengthy which take couple of hours to finalize the structure design but with the help of proposed technique
efficient results could be achieved in just few minutes.
Keyword: ETabs, AutoCAD, Automation of Design Process, DSM.
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Date of Submission: 30-06-2017 Date of acceptance: 05-09-2017
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I. Introduction
Every building consists of two components superstructure and substructure foundations. The
superstructure is the upper portion of building which serves purpose of its intended use whereas substructure is
the lower portion of the building which transmits the load of the superstructure to the sub soil and the lower
portion of the foundation which has direct contact with the sub-soil is known as footing. The foundation is the
most important part of a building. The signs of failure of foundation are noticeable until it affected the building.
A foundation ought to be sufficiently robust to prevent excessive settlement also as unequal settlement. Unequal
settlement or differential settlement is caused by:-
(i) Weak sub-soils, like created up ground
(ii) Shrinkable and expansive soils (such as clay),
(iii) First action.
(iv) Movement of water, and uplift pressure,
(v) Excessive vibrations, because of traffic, machinery etc.,
(vi) Slow consolidation of saturated clays, and
(vii) Slipping of strata on sloping sites.
When coming up with the foundations therefore, the higher factors should be taken into consideration.

Fig. 1: Structural Design Process

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

A typical design method of a construction project involves varied participants from completely
different style disciplines. Most often, these stakeholders move with one another in an advert hoc manner that
enforces a scenario of ill-structured info exchanges. When these exchanges of knowledge occur ceaselessly in
cycles/loops, it's referred as design iterations [7]. Iteration is ineluctable in any design project [2]. Because the
project evolves in quality, iterations become tougher. In India, structural designers perform the analysis and
style in STAAD (Structural Analysis And Design) [1] computer code by following many steps like process
nodes and incidences, material properties, support conditions, hundreds and their mixtures, analyses, design
choices, etc. Structural style endures mental and manual iterations many times throughout this design tenure. A
number of these iterations are performed either because of changes in structural loads, mixtures or to get best
suited and optimized design section. The objective of this paper is to automatize the structural design iterations
to realize this objective, a framework comprising of STAAD and DSM (Design Structure Matrix) was planned.
STAAD pro is a comprehensive structural engineering software system that addresses all aspects of structural
engineering as well as model development, verification, analysis, style and review of results. It includes
advanced dynamic analysis and push over analysis for wind load and earthquake load.
1.1 Structure Design Iteration: A structural design method is characterized by the iterative steps of drawback
understanding and synthesis where individual style solutions are tried and optimized. Iteration may be a method
that happens throughout the entire designing and style part of any project. During the planning stages of style,
structural designers are responsible for selecting a configuration of material and members to resist a group of
applied loads and they focus on optimizing the solutions inside the planning requirements boundary. Figure 1
illustrates a generic structural design process that starts with identifying use of structure. As seen in the figure,
once the criterion for design is met then the drawings and specifications prepared at the end of design process
are sent for verification. The fabrication and erection follows the design verification. Alternately, if the design
does not satisfy the criteria, member sections will be redesigned and these iterations are highlighted using dotted
lines in the figure.
1.2 DSM Iteration Model: DSM (Design/Dependency Structure matrix) is a tool for planning iteration and
also for evaluating alternate sequences. DSM can determine the basic sequence and also identify the existence of
loops which are grouped as blocks. There are many strategies for executing the activities inside the blocks. The
choice of the ‘speed’ is decided based on the two parameters:-
(a) Estimation of duration
(b) No of repetition of the activities
A DSM is a square matrix, representing linkages between the systems elements are shown in Fig. 2.
Table 1 represents the list of activities comprising the entire design. The system elements are often labeled in the
rows to the left of the matrix and/or in the columns above the matrix. These elements can represent for example
product components, organization teams, or project activities. The off-diagonal cells are used to indicate
relationships between the elements. A marking of the cell indicates a directed link between two elements and
can represent design relations or constraints between product components, communication between teams,
information flow or precedence relations between activities. In one convention, reading across a row reveals the
outputs that the element in that row provides to other elements, and scanning a column reveals the inputs that
the element in that column receives from other elements. For example, in the DSM, the marking in row A and
column C indicated a link from A to C (output from A, input to C). Alternatively, the rows and columns may be
switched.

Fig. 2: Structured Design Matrix with DSM

Table 1: List of activities for the structural design flow
A Architectural drawing
B Structural geometry
C Structural framework
D Structural design
E Design verification
F Structural loads
G Analysis of structure
H Fabrication and erection
I Inspection and approval

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

1.3 Automation of iterations using DSM and OpenSTAAD

In base paper, OpenSTAAD was planned to modify the STAAD iteration. OpenSTAAD provides a
standard platform to both STAAD and DSM so as to perform the structural analysis, design and additionally to
change the identified iterations. Further, it will export the look output when every iteration. As seen in Figure 3,
STAAD is liable for executing structural analysis and style whereas surpass will model the DSM and determine
iterations. At present, the refinement and completion of section sizes in STAAD are done manually. Moreover,
after every and each information update in style like load combos or new section property to be assigned, etc.
structural analysis and style must be performed manually for every iteration. When the 2 models (i.e. STAAD
and DSM) area unit integrated exploitation OpenSTAAD as represented within the Figure 3, it facilitates the
constant customization and up gradation of structural framework in STAAD user interface (Graphical User
Interface) by triggering the look iterations mechanically. Few instance that area unit worthy to mention are
alteration within the structural geometry, introducing a new member to framework or continuous refinements in
member section sizes to attain optimization, etc. STAAD includes a large in-built database of varied section
sizes that is prompted by OpenSTAAD and runs the analysis and style when trying the required section kind.
With the integrated VBA editor of OpenSTAAD, designers will establish the need for iteration or process from
the DSM model in Excel and direct the command to STAAD user interface to incorporate the required changes
and re-run the structural analysis and design.

Fig. 3: Base Paper integration framework

II. Literature Review

P. Mujumdar et.al in (2015) modeled and automate the structural layout iterations the use of DSM and
OpenSTAAD respectively. This proposed framework becomes implemented to a case example of six storey
building. Preliminary effects of the model are presented herewith [3].
Soo-Haeng Cho et.al in (2005) presented a technique modeling and analysis technique for dealing with
complicated design initiatives using advanced simulation. The version computes the chance distribution of lead
time in a stochastic, aid-constrained task network where iterations take area amongst sequential, parallel, and
overlapped responsibilities. The version makes use of the layout structure matrix illustration to capture the
records flows between responsibilities. We use a simulation-primarily based analysis to account for plenty
practical aspects of layout process conduct which were not feasible in previous analytical fashions. We advise a
heuristic for the stochastic, resource-restricted challenge scheduling hassle in an iterative project community [2].
Purva Mujumdar et.al in (2015) examined if there exist any correlation a few of the numerous sorts of DSMs
(crew DSM to parameter DSM or activity DSM to team DSM, etc.) formed. To acquire this objective, facts was
amassed for an offshore mission through interactions and discussions with experts of the eight teams for several
weeks. For the present day study, 4 teams—mechanical, HVAC, piping and structure which interact frequently
was considered. To ease the analysis, deliverables DSM and group DSM turned into simplest taken into
consideration. Through partitioning procedure, the sequences of deliverables and groups had been determined
and different factors which include parameters or sports have been neglected. It was discovered that there exists
no relation among the extraordinary DSMs fashioned [4].
Purva Mujumdar et.al in (2017) designed segment of any construction assignment entails several designers
who alternate records with each other most usually in an unstructured way for the duration of the layout
segment. When those records exchanges appear to occur in cycles/loops, it is termed as layout iteration. Iteration
is an inherent and unavoidable element of any design phase which calls for proper planning. Till date, only a
few researchers have explored the design new release (“complexity”) in construction quarter. Hence, the goal of
this paper was to report and evaluation the complexities of generation all through design phase of production
tasks for green layout planning [5].

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

Purva Mujumdar et.al in (2015) accumulated statistics for an offshore mission via interactions and discussions
with experts of the eight teams for several weeks. For the modern-day have a look at, four teams—mechanical,
HVAC, piping and shape which have interaction frequently became considered. To ease the analysis,
deliverables DSM and group DSM changed into handiest considered. Through partitioning procedure, the
sequences of deliverables and teams were determined and different elements including parameters or activities
had been left out. It changed into located that there exists no relation between the unique DSMs shaped [6].
D. V. Steward et.al in (1981) designed system entails the determination of interdependent variables. Thus the
precedence ordering for the tasks of determining those variables entails circuits. Circuits require planning
decisions about how to iterate and in which to apply estimates. Conventional planning strategies, such as critical
course, do no longer deal with those problems. Techniques are shown which acknowledge those circuits inside
the layout of structures. These techniques may be used to broaden an effective engineering plan, displaying
where estimates are for use, how design iterations and reviews are dealt with, and how data flows during the
layout paintings [8].
Ali A. Yassine et.al in (2004) designed and improved complicated engineering products require the efforts and
collaboration of hundreds of contributors from various backgrounds resulting in complicated relationships
amongst both humans and duties. Many of the conventional undertaking management gear (PERT, Gantt and
CPM techniques) do now not deal with issues stemming from this complexity. While these tools allow the
modeling of sequential and parallel methods, they fail to address interdependency (remarks and generation), that
is commonplace in complex product improvement (PD) projects. To cope with this problem, a matrix-primarily
based tool called the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) has advanced [9].

III. Problem Formulation

The different methods are reviewed, and sufficient studies are done to indicate the wide range of
problems in structural design to which they have been applied. The base paper presented how currently available
software fails to meet the needs of structural engineers. This is followed by a sample program specification to
show how a system could be arranged to effectively integrate analysis, design, and drawing development
processes. Because engineering judgment is an essential element of the structural design process, the keys to an
effective system are: a high level of interactivity for the user to control analysis and design processes; a central
data base that permits the user to extract segments for processing; and special purpose routines for the analysis
and design of simple elements. These combine to give engineers the ability to develop judgment for the
structure and implement their own decisions within the system.

IV. Resrearch Methodology

In this paper, we have taken a typical RC frame structure. To achieve the above objective research will
undertake:
 Identification of design activities involved in the structural design process and their information
interdependencies.
 A framework comprising of ETABS and DSM (Design Structure Matrix) will be planned and proved DSM
as a potential matrix-based, compact tool for modeling iterations using MS Excel.
 Once the ETABS are initiated; structural geometry is established by importing the architectural drawings
and layouts. Then, the structural framework is modeled by assigning supports, member properties, and
loads/load combinations.
 Once the structure is modeled in ETABS, EXPORTS THE RESULTS OF ETABS TO MS EXCEL A
changes in design as well as further refinement of member sections is done by undergoing iterations
introduced by DSM using trial and error approach until the optimized sections are obtained.
OpenSTAAD will be planned for automating the iterations. It is basically API (Application Programming
Interface) functionality with VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) editor to STAAD engines.
The entire concept will be modeled with Excel VBA. The next is to discuss the structural design
iteration in STAAD followed by modeling of those iterations using DSM. OpenSTAAD will provide the design
outputs and results after each iteration as well as the final design reports once all the iterations are undergone
and optimized section sizes are obtained. The analysis and design are performed on the structural framework. If
there is a necessity to redesign or optimize, the DSM iteration model can reveal the upcoming iterations to be
performed. At this juncture, OpenSTAAD starts executing the design iterations and optimization in the STAAD
design model. OpenSTAAD prints the design results every time once the analysis is done after incorporating
each iteration.

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

V. Results
We have presented the proposed work for Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel
and AutoCAD. The structure is firstly implemented using Etabs software, then the designed structure parameters
are exported to excel sheet and equations are manipulated according to structure design which are further used
to design the structure components using AutoCAD. In Etabs software from file option New Model option is
selected then a window popups in which units are selected and grid only view is Chosen.

Fig. 4: Define Grid Data

The window of defining grid data is shown in Fig. 4. There X and Y grid data properties are defined.
Loads:
(i) 100mm Floor.
(ii) 3KN/m2LL(1,2)
(iii) 1.5 KN/m2 on terrace LL(3,4)
(iv) 9” Wall
(v) Seismic Load

Fig. 5: Plain View of 4 Storey Structure

The plain view of 4 storey structure is shown in Fig. 5. In figure X and Y labels are shown with grid ID’s 1, 2
and 3 for Y label whereas A, B and C for X label.

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

Fig. 6: 3D View of 4 Storey Structure

The 3D view of 4 storey structure is shown in Fig. 6. In figure X, Y and Z labels are marked.

Fig. 7: Define Material Properties of Rectangular Section

In Etabs software from Define option Material Properties option is selected then a window popups in
which properties of rectangular section are defined. The window of defining material properties of rectangular
section is shown in Fig. 7. The name of rectangular section, dimensions (Depth and Width) and material chosen
are provided for beam formation. Proper ties of column formed are shown in Fig. 8.
Beam 400x400 – 4th Floor.
Beam 600x600 – 3rd Floor.
Beam 700x400 – 1st and 2nd Floor.
Also define columns same as beam. Define wall, slab deck sections and slab membrane.

Fig. 8: Properties of Object

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

Fig. 9: Seismic Load Pattern

In Etabs software from Define option Load Pattern option is selected then two window popups first is
seismic load pattern and second is define load pattern. The window of seismic load pattern is shown in Fig. 9
and window of define load pattern is shown in Fig. 10. In seismic load pattern direction of seismic load is
defined as per IS1893-2002. In define load pattern dead load, live load or combinational load is selected.

Fig. 10: Define Load Patterns

Define static load case add EQx, EQy and EQz. Also define dead and live loads.

Fig. 11: Frame Load Assignment

In Etabs software from Assign option Frame Load option is selected then Distributed option is selected then
window popups frame load assignment. The window of frame load assignment is shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 12: Plain View of 4 Storey Structure

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

The plain view of 4 storey structure is shown in Fig. 12. In figure Rectangular Section is also shown on grid
points.

Fig. 13: 3D View of 4 Storey Structure

The 3D view of 4 storey structure is shown in Fig. 13. In figure 3D Rectangular Section is also shown on grid
points.

Fig. 14: 3D View of 4 Storey Structure Displacements

In Etabs software from Analyze option Run Analysis option is selected then displacements according
to load applied and material selected are shown in software. The 3D View of 4 Storey Structure Displacements
is shown in Fig. 14.
After performing the all steps mentioned above we come to certain result by performing several
iterations and table for various values of load dimensions are formed which are to be exported from Etabs to MS
Excel and further analysis are performed to design the equations for drawing Beams and Columns etc. for the
structure. Then these equations could be directly used in AutoCAD for Structure Designing Process
Automation.
Exported Tables:
 Joint Co-ordinate Data
 Joint Co-ordinates
 Load Pattern
 Base reactions
 Joint reactions

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

 Design reactions
 Frame reactions
 Column Connectivity Data
 Frame Assignment
In MS Excel a lot calculations are performed for defining commands of various parameters such as footing,
bearing pressure, area of reinforcement and shear.
1. Footing Design
 Load Case
 DL – Dead load
 LL – Live load
 EQx – Seismic load in x direction
 EQxn – Seismic load in -x direction
 EQz – Seismic load in z direction
 EQzn – Seismic load in -z direction
 Fz, Mx and My forces from design table
 Load Combinations
DL+LL
DL+LL+EQx
DL+LL-EQxn
DL+LL+EQz
DL+LL-EQzn
By adding or subtracting value of Fz, Mx and My follows load combinations.
Then column size and footing size – exported table by using V-Lookup function to obtain the corresponding
values of size with points in the first column. Then enter the values of overall depth (D) and effective depth (d).

2. Check for Bearing Pressure

There are four cases. The formula outcome or output values should not be less than 0. Therefore, we have used
conditional formatting if the value is less than 0 then the color of resultant cell turn blue.

3. Area of Reinforcement
 Area Required

These are values from exported table and inputs.

 Area Provided
Area provided >Area Required
Here also use condition formatting. If area provided is less than the area required then it will turn red.
4. Check for Shear
 One Way Shear
 Two Way Shear
For Drafting in AutoCAD:-
For drafting in AutoCAD make commands in MS Excel so that it can be easily copied to AutoCAD or for
automatic drafting. Both footing and columns are in rectangular shape. So, two points are required to make
rectangle. If (X,Y) is the midpoint then:-
For Footing:
1st point -
2nd point -

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

For Column:
1st point -
2nd point -

In MS Excel Rectangular command for of AutoCAD can be coded as:

=“rectangle“&X&”,“&Y&”“&X&”,“&Y&””
For Layer:
end
=“_layer”
Set
Foundation
end
For Text:
(“-text_“&X&”,“&4&”_“&(height)&”_0_f”A7)
Finally Compile the Commands, Copy and Paste them in AutoCAD. Rectangular footing and columns designed
in AutoCAD after Pasting Commands are shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 15: Rectangular footing and columns designed in AutoCAD after Pasting Commands
For Beam Design:
 Shape and Size – from exported table (Frame assignment, frame section). Take the corresponding value for
beam of storey 4 by using Vloop function.
 Steel Required – detailing, values from table (exported table) also find steel provided and use conditional
formatting.

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

Fig. 16: Excel sheet

 Shear provided – let it be = 82100

Spacing=
Diameter=
No. of leged Strips=

Shear Provided=
Then conditional formatting is used. If shear required is less than shear provided then then green else turn red.
Values from exported table:
Span = 7315
Depth = 914.4
Width = 609.6
Clear Cover = 50,40
Length of column: C1=500, C2=500

Table 2: Coordinates for the drafting of beams

Beam Point X Y
1S 0 2000
1E 0 0
4S C1 2000
4E C1 1500
5S C1 (1500-d)
5E C1 0
8S 1500

8E (1500-d)

9S 0

9E 2000

12S 2000

12E 0

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 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

Table 3: Coordinates for Beam Design in AutoCAD

X1Y1 X2Y2
1S 1E
1S 4S
1E 5E
4S 4E
5E 5E
4E 8E
5S 9S
8S 8E
9S 9E
8S 12S
9E 12E
12S 12E

Commands for Beam Design in AutoCAD:

1. For Drafting and Line Command
=(“L“&X1&”,“&Y1” “&X2&”,“&Y2&””)
2. For Text Command
“_text“&X&”,“&Y&”“&NAME”08-2l@300c/c”
3. For Leader Command
“LEADER“&X1&”,“&Y1&”“&X2&”,“&Y2&””
4. For Dimlin Command
“DIMLIN“&X1&”,“&Y1&”“&X2&”,“&Y2&””
5. For Layer Coommand
end
=“layer”
Set
_______
end
Different layers are used:
a. fDS
b. fDS_FRAME
c. fDS_DIMLIN
d. fDS_TEXT
e. fDS_STRUPPS
f. fDS_STEEL

Fig. 17: Beam designed in AutoCAD after Pasting Commands

VI. Conclusion
In this paper, we have presented our new approach for Automation of design process using Etabs,
Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD. We have firstly designed the structure and simulate by applying various loads in
Etabs software. The combination of values which gives us best result by performing no. of iterations are
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1404075062 www.iosrjournals.org 61 | Page
 Automation of design process using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD

exported to MS Excel and further processing of exported results is done to design commands which could be
directly used in the AutoCAD for designing the structure by just copy and paste the commands. Our proposed
approach result shows the technique is very much efficient, time and cost saving. Normally designing process is
very lengthy which take couple of hours to finalize the structure design but with the help of proposed technique
efficient results could be achieved in just few minutes.

References
[1] Bentley. STAAD Pro v8. Online: http://www.bentley.com, Accessed: 03/02/2015.
[2] Cho, S.H. and Eppinger, S.D. A simulation based process model for managing complex design projects. IEEE Transactions on
Engineering Management, 52(3):316–328, 2005.
[3] Mujumdar, P. and Maheswari, J.U., 2015, January. Integrated Framework for Automating the Structural Design Iteration. In
ISARC. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (Vol. 32, p. 1). Vilnius
Gediminas Technical University, Department of Construction Economics & Property.
[4] Mujumdar, P., Bhattacharya, S. and Maheswari, J.U., 2015. A study on DSM partitioning through case study approach. In
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[5] Mujumdar, P. and Maheswari, J.U., 2017. Design iteration in construction projects–Review and directions. Alexandria Engineering
Journal.
[6] Mujumdar, P., Bhattacharya, S. and Maheswari, J.U., 2015. A study on DSM partitioning through case study approach. In
ICoRD’15–Research into Design Across Boundaries Volume 2 (pp. 653-662). Springer India.
[7] Mujumdar, P. and Maheswari, J.U. A design iteration framework for construction projects. RICS Cobra conference, pages 1–6,
New Delhi, India, 2013.
[8] Steward, D.V., 1981. The design structure system: A method for managing the design of complex systems. IEEE transactions on
Engineering Management, (3), pp.71-74.
[9] Yassine, A., 2004. An introduction to modeling and analyzing complex product development processes using the design structure
matrix (DSM) method. Urbana, 51(9), pp.1-17.

Nancy Thakur. “Automation of Design Process Using Etabs, Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD.”
IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE) , vol. 14, no. 4, 2017, pp.
50–62.

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