Flexible Workflow Between SAP2000 and Steel Connection Studio
Designing steel connections is often time-consuming, especially when projects involve dozens or hundreds of joints. For models created in CSI software (SAP2000, ETABS, CSiBridge), Steel Connection Studio (SCS) streamlines the workflow: it imports your model, groups similar connections, generates editable design files, and makes it easy to reuse work from past projects while staying in sync as your analysis evolves.
Video Walkthrough
Watch the video for a full demonstration of the workflow.
Step 1 — Load the CSI Model
In SCS, click Automatic Design, choose SAP2000/ETABS/CSiBridge, and click Load data to import the active model.
See video at [00:09]
Step 2 — Select Load Combinations
Choose the combinations for connection design (typically Ultimate Limit States). Exclude serviceability or envelope combos if they don’t apply.
See video at [00:25]
Step 3 — Set Up Design Options
Define defaults so the preliminary design aligns with your practice:
- Standard (Eurocode, AISC, etc.)
- Working directory (where files will be saved)
- Preferred bolt diameters, plate thicknesses/materials, and pin-type connections
See video at [00:50]
Step 4 — Start Automatic Design
Click Start Automatic Design. SCS will:
- Detect joints and their connection types
- Group similar connections automatically
- Display a summary table and a 3D view with color-coded spheres for quick identification
See video at [01:02]
Step 5 — Review and Prioritize
Sort the table by repetition count to address the most frequent connections first. Use the 3D view to isolate a group and left-click any sphere to read the connection name.
See video at [01:23]
Step 6 — Generate Design Files
Mark target groups as Design and click Generate Design Files.
- If a file doesn’t exist, SCS creates it
- If it exists, SCS updates the load combinations and section/material data without overwriting your local edits
See video at [01:49]
Step 7 — Edit and Verify
Open a connection file to:
- Review imported forces and section properties
- Adjust geometry, bolt size/position, plate thickness, and welds
- Check the LOG for messages and warnings (e.g., weak-axis moments not evaluated for that connection type—validate magnitudes in the CSI model)
See video at [02:23]
Step 8 — Manual vs. Automatic Update
With many combinations, switch to Manual update so recalculation happens only when you trigger it. This speeds up iterative edits.
See video at [02:46]
Step 9 — Reuse a Connection from a Past Project
Copy a previously designed connection (e.g., an EM3 end-plate beam-to-column) from an older project into your current project folder.
- In the table, change the Type if needed
- Rename to match the copied file, mark Design, then Generate Design Files to refresh forces and sections
- Open, adapt geometry if required, verify, and save
See video at [09:17]
Step 10 — Reload Data After Model Changes
When you revise the CSI model (releases, combinations, or member sections):
- Click Reload all data to re-import from the active CSI model
- Mark the relevant groups as Design and click Generate Design Files to refresh loads and section/material data
See video at [07:42]
Step 11 — Generate Reports
Select one or multiple designed connections and click Report.
Choose Short, Standard, or Full (selected/all cases). Reports are saved in the project folder and can be shared or customized.
See video at [11:47]
Step 12 — Save and Manage the Project
Save the project file to preserve options, group statuses (OK, Overstressed, To check, Solve problems), colors, and file paths for future sessions.
See video at [12:47]
Notes & Tips
- Automatic grouping of similar connections reduces duplication; use merge/reset/delete to fine-tune groups when engineering judgment says they’re equivalent or should be split
- The Design checkbox controls which items are processed and updated; existing files won’t be auto-redesigned, but their loads and sections/materials will be refreshed
- Keep an eye on Notes/LOG: it flags mismatches (e.g., missing profiles/materials, zero loads, weak-axis moments outside the scope of a connection type)
- As you progress project to project, your connection library becomes an asset—design once, reuse often with minor adaptations
Conclusion
This workflow is about removing friction, not replacing judgment. For CSI-based models, SCS Automatic Design helps you scale connection design: import, group, design, reuse, and keep everything synchronized as your analysis evolves—so more time goes to engineering decisions and less to repetitive tasks.
C11.docx