3.8.5 Export Model to ETABS (.e2k)
Karamba3D can export the structural model to the .e2k text format used by ETABS. After exporting, the .e2k file can be imported into ETABS to continue with structural analysis, code checks, or detailing workflows.
Inputs
In addition to the standard export component inputs, the e2k Exporter provides two additional inputs:
Names Specifies the names of the stories associated with the elevations defined in the Elevations input.
Elevations (Elev) Defines the vertical positions at which reference stories are generated.
The Names and Elevations inputs must contain the same number of elements. If the lists differ in length, the component will not accept the input.
Overview
.e2k is a plain-text format that describes an ETABS model's internal data structure in a tabular, hierarchical layout, parsed strictly from top to bottom.
ETABS references point coordinates using storey definitions. The exporter therefore relies on a valid storey layout to position all imported objects correctly.
By default, the exporter automatically generates storey definitions based on the model elements encountered during processing. This can result in an excessive number of stories being created in ETABS. To control this behaviour, the Elevations and Names inputs can be used to explicitly define the storey levels and their labels.
Generated "$ STORIES" output for provided input in Fig. 3.8.5.1:
If the user-defined storey set is incomplete (e.g. it does not cover the full vertical extent of the model), the exporter will automatically add additional stories above or below as required to ensure that the resulting ETABS model remains valid.
The exporter converts Karamba3D objects into their corresponding ETABS entities as follows:
Supports
Point restraints (assigned at joints)
Linear Elements
Frame elements, automatically classified based on orientation
Surface Elements
Area elements; planar shells are imported as native surfaces, while curved (arc, Bézier, circular) edges are preserved
Beam Joints
Frame end releases applied to corresponding frame elements
Materials
Material definitions and properties
Spring
Line spring properties assigned to the host element
Point loads
Joint forces and moments
Imposed displacements
Ground (support) displacements
Element loads
Frame or area loads, depending on the host element type
Load cases
Load patterns and load cases
Load case combinations
Load combinations
Limitations
Non-planar shells are not supported Karamba3D attempts to export shells as native ETABS area objects. For this to succeed, an underlying Brep representation must be available for the mesh (see 3.9.1 Mesh Breps). If the exporter encounters a mesh without underlying Brep or non-planar geometry, the element cannot be exported, as ETABS does not support curved surfaces.
Limited beam cross-sections Only I, T, Box, Trapezoid, and circular profiles are currently supported. All other cross-section types are ignored and reported with a warning.
Variable shell thickness Variable thickness definitions for membrane elements are not supported by ETABS.
Mesh loads are not exported Mesh-based loads must be converted into equivalent point loads prior to export, or applied directly within ETABS after import.
Vertical openings (e.g. windows) Openings in vertical shell elements are not fully supported and may not be transferred accurately.
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