'Intelligent Section Builder' Plugin for ETABS

Introduction of the 'Intelligent Section Builder' Plugin in ETABS
One of the challenges that structural engineers face during the design process, particularly in projects involving columns of varying sizes, is the selection and definition of column sections that comply with code regulations and construction requirements in the ETABS software.

The current plugin provides the ability to rapidly and accurately define preferred sections directly within the ETABS file. The workflow is as follows: considering the specified dimensions and the selected rebar size by the designer, the program gathers a list of sections that fully comply with the code regulations and suggests them to the designer. Subsequently, the sections chosen by the designer are defined within the program.

An important point to note about the plugin is that it does not use any database for section creation. Additionally, due to its advanced algorithms, it identifies sections that conform to the code regulations but are infeasible and unconventional, and it does not suggest them to the structural designer. As a result, the possibility of mistakenly defining a section that violates code regulations, construction standards, or results from human error during the section definition phase is reduced to zero.

Therefore, in each project, sections needed are defined based on the dimensions of the columns in that specific project, and additional sections can be deleted without the concern for redefinition.