ARCHICAD can share the Structural Analytical Model with structural analysis applications via the Structural Analysis Format (SAF). This is a global, open-source file format, developed by Nemetschek Group and optimized for this purpose.
Note: Import and export of the Structural Analysis Model in IFC format (IFCStructural Analysis View, developed by buildingSMART) is available in ARCHICAD 24 as an Experimental Feature. See IFC Structural Analysis Model Import/Export.
With the SAF format, the Structural Analytical Model from ARCHICAD can be used for analysis and design in external applications which use the finite element method (FEM).
SAF is a new schema developed on the Excel platform. Its content is easy to understand and well-structured by analytical model components, thanks to its table sheets.
After structural analysis, the modified Structural Analytical Model in SAF format can be reimported to ARCHICAD, where the original Physical Model can be adjusted accordingly. This bi-directional workflow is ensured by ARCHICAD’s import/export functions and the new Model Compare tool.
With ARCHICAD’s new Model Compare tool:
•Visualize changes between the received new and the previously exported Structural Analytical Model
•Decide which differences can be turned into suggestions for modification, and create issues out of them, using ARCHICAD’s new Issue Manager
•Based on these suggestions, decide whether to update the current project’s Physical Model
Comparing two Structural Analytical Models: 1: Profile change, 2: Length change, 3: Position change
Data Mapping for Structural Analytical Model Exchange
Since different structural analysis applications may use different naming conventions, ARCHICAD translators ensure correct data exchange when importing and exporting SAF files.
These translators, which include customizable mapping, ensure that ARCHICAD definitions (e.g.: profile and material attributes) are correctly recognized and interpreted by the external software, and vice versa. The translator also allows segmenting of curved Walls at export (and any associated supports/links) to fit the receiving software’s capabilities.