Design Master Excel Add-in

Import Data from SAP2000

2 min read

1 Export Data from SAP2000

  1. In SAP2000, select the elements and nodes that you would like too design
  2. Display > Show Table or use hot key Ctrl + T
  3. Check the following tables:
    • Connectivity Data - Joints Coordinates
    • Object Connectivity - Frame
    • Object Connectivity - Link (optional)
    • Joint Restraint Assignments
    • Frame Section Assignments
    • Frame Local Axes Assignments (optional)
    • Link Property Assignments (optional)
    • Link Local Axes Assignments (optional)
    • Element Forces - Frame
    • Element Forces - Links (optional)
  4. Select load combinations and cases.
    1. Consider Save Named Set to avoid navigating the selection next time.
  6. Click OK and the output table will be rendered. Then click File > Export All Tables > To Excel. Save the excel table that contains the selected output data in your designated location.

2 Import Data to Workbook

  1. Go to the workbook, Design Master Tab > Import Data > Import SAP2000 Output (Existing Data will be DELETED). A file selection box will pop up. Select the .xlsx data file you saved previously. This option will cleared all previously imported data and import the data from the selected file.
  2. When success, a message box will pop up notifying you about the operation completed.

3 Viewing Import Data

The imported data are stored in the Data_Joint, Data_Frame and Data_FrameForce sheets. These sheets are hidden by default, and can be unhide by right click at the sheet tab > unhide

4 Q&A

  • What is the difference between Import SAP2000 Output (Existing Data will be DELETED)and Import SAP2000 Data?
    • The Import SAP2000 Data option will NOT delete the existing data in the workbook. The imported data will be added to the workbook. It is assumed that there is no frame name/ joint name conflict between the original data in the workbook, and the imported data, or otherwise error or unpredictable result may occur
    • Hence, in most of the situation, Import SAP2000 Output (Existing Data will be DELETED) is recommended.

Graph View