Lecture on ETABS User Interface

Introduction

• Welcome to the ETABS learning series.
• Focus on user interface of ETABS software.

Opening ETABS

• Upon opening ETABS, you see the main screen.
• Navigate to File > New Model to initialize a new model window.
• Click OK twice to open a new file with default settings.

Exploring the User Interface

Menubar

• File Menu: General file options (open, save, new, etc.).
• Edit Menu: Options for cut, copy, paste, and editing details like grids and frames.
• View Menu: Allows switching between different views in ETABS.
• Define Menu: Define sections, material properties, loadings, functions, and gauge properties.
• Draw Menu: Tools to draw beams, columns, etc.
• Select Menu: Select elements and assign properties like loads and shell properties.
• Analyze Menu: Analyze models using F5 and view properties post-analysis.
• Design Menu: Design RCC, steel, composite beams, and columns.
• Options: Set or change software settings.
• Tools: Manage plugins and other software tools.

Toolbars

• Two types of toolbars: Horizontal and Vertical.
• Offer quick access to commands available in the menubar.

Model Explorer

• Displays model properties and views.
• Show tabular data and generate reports.
• Can be turned off if not needed.

Views

• Plan View and 3D View: Default views for model visualization.
• Additional windows can be opened via Window > Add New Window.
• Typically, one side displays the plan view, and the other displays the 3D view.

Conclusion

• This is an overview of the ETABS user interface.
• Further details will be provided in the next session.