Welcome to SAP

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.

The following list identifies changes made to the program since the prior release:

• More responsive graphical user interface, especially for the use of database tables

• Real-time analysis for smaller models

• Quick and easy generation of final printed reports

• • Predefined reports, or fully user-customized reports

  • Cover sheet

  • Formatted tables of model definition, analysis and design results

  • Graphical displays

  • Detailed design sheets

• Improved automated load combinations for design

• AISC 360-05/IBC2006 steel-frame design code, with seismic provisions

• Direct Analysis Method of AISC 360-05 code

• • Includes small P-delta effect

  • Automated inclusion of stiffness modification factors, with user control

  • Design-decision guidance on when Direct Analysis Method is needed

• CAN/CSA-S16-01 steel-frame design code, with seismic provisions

• Enhanced design of eccentrically braced frames for AISC 360-05/IBC 2006 and CAN/CSA-S16-01 steel-frame design codes

• Canadian NBCC 2005 wind loads, seismic loads, and response-spectrum functions

• Load combinations can be converted to nonlinear load cases for advanced design

• Enhanced display of failure modes for steel-frame design

• DirectX graphics

• Hyperstatic analysis for secondary prestress forces

• Staged construction enhancement

• • Control by individual objects as well as by group

  • Frame end releases can be changed

  • Property modifiers for frames, tendons, and shells can be changed

  • Section properties for frames, tendons, and shells can be changed

• Enhanced Section Designer

• • More control over material properties, including Mander model for all sections

  • Overlapping shapes allowed

  • Improved Boolean operations

• Frame element fiber hinges for arbitrary sections can be defined using Section Designer

• External tools developed by dealers and third parties can be accessed in SAP2000

• OpenAPI functionality is complete and available without additional license

• Users can add their own documents to be accessed through the SAP2000 Help menu

• Export of geometry and element connectivity to CSi Perform-3D

• Enhanced import of STAAD models

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 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 CSi Analysis Reference Manual.

• 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.