How Import (AutoCAD) DXF file in STAAD

STAAD Pro software has the ability to import drawing files from AutoCAD for which can save the user a lot of time of geometry creation, for a successful and error free import of AutoCAD file into STAAD Pro a user shall first understand the correct procedure for importing DXF and the following given example will help you in understanding the procedure.

Step-1: Creating a DXF

AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange Format, or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.

A user can create a DXF by using a write block command or by using save as function from file menu, in our example we have created a 2d frame in X-Y plane using line command. When imported into STAAD all the lines will be treated as members thus a user must import only centerline plans using only single lines for all the beam members.

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In Image 01,  you can see we have created a dwg file in X-Y plane using line command, the unit settings which I have used for my dwg is given in the Image 02

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Now select your created geometry & use write block command ‘ w ‘, the following window will appear on the screen.

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Now define a file location & save your file as DXF & keep the insert units same as your default drawing units.

Step-2: Importing DXF

Now go to staad pro welcome screen & create a new file and make sure that you set your length units as inches same as that of your dxf units Image 04

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Now after successfully creating a new staad pro file go to File>>Import the following window will open.

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Choose 3D DXF & click import, choose the file location where you have saved your DXF & click ok. The following window will appear on the screen.

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This option is given to the user to change the orientation of coordinate axis of the DXF file, as we know the coordinate axis directions are different in AutoCAD as comparison to STAAD. In Auto CAD Z axis is UP while in STAAD Pro Y axis is UP. Suppose for example if you create a 2d floor plan in autocad you will draw it in X-Y plane with the length span in X & width span in Y but when you will import this floor beam plan in staad pro you will have to choose Y-Up so that STAAD Pro will make all the adjustments & replace the coordinate values of Y in Z, thus by doing this it will import the plan created in X-Y plane into X-Z plane.

In our example we have created a frame in X-Y & we don’t need to change the structure convention so we will select No Change & Click Ok. Set current input units dialogue box will appear.

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Now, choose Inch from this dialogue box & click ok. You will find that your geometry has been imported in STAAD Pro. You can use display node to node distance command available in Tools menu to check the dimensions of the imported members.

Note: If the imported dxf contains any of other things such as dimension lines or other lines they also will be imported. So make sure that the created DXF doesn’t contain any unnecessary objects.

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If the user wishes to change the current display units he/she can change the units by using current display units available in quick access toolbar Image 09

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set current input units as Meter & you can now check the structure again, this time the dimensions will be displayed in meters Image 10.

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