SAP2000 to STAAD.Pro converter – saving time and cost for our Client

By Sondre Minnesjord, Senior Structural Analysis Engineer, Focus Techouse Engineering AS

For the Anna Nery FPSO project, Focus Techouse Engineering designed seven topside modules. Our preferred tool for structural analysis is SAP2000, while the Client required STAAD.Pro models as part of the delivery. The quickest way for us to accomplish this was through an Excel macro.

Our Structural Analysis Engineer used Excel VBA and made a spreadsheet that converts the complete SAP2000 analysis model to a working STAAD input file in one click. Throughout the project, this macro has saved an estimated 25% of time spent on structural analyses.

This means that we were able to continue to use our favourite analysis tool, while still providing the correct format for our Client. There is only one analysis model that needs to be kept up-to-date. Potential mismatches between our SAP2000 model and the Client STAAD.Pro model are eliminated through the fully automated conversion process. The model includes applied loads and load combinations, as well as code checking parameters. Node and member numbering is maintained, as is load combinations and tag numbers; ensuring good communication through the analysis model across the two formats.