Exporting .DXF from STAAD

I have two issues:
-I tried to export .dxf from STAAD and saved that file, but when tying to open it with AutoCAD 2006/2015 nothing was  shown on screen and even like nothing was exported. Do Ihave to select members or do some previous step before?

- Is it possible to export 3D rendered view of the whole model to be used bu AutoCAD? where the sections are visible rather than lines?
and can this be done for certain 2D plane for the purpose of detailing?

  • You don't have to select members before exporting. You will probably have to zoom - full in your cad program to see the lines, however. Currently the dxf export only supports:

    STAAD EntityDXF Object
    Member Line
    Element or Surface 3DFace
    Solid 3DFace (multiple)

    To get more than a wireframe, consider using ISM. If you export the STAAD.pro 3D model to the Structural Synchronizer, that model can be imported into ProSteel, AECOsim Building Designer, Revit, etc. with full cross section geometry. 

    Either way you can limit it to a section either by limiting the STAAD.pro model in advance or by trimming the output after the fact. There is a STAAD.pro feature planned that will eventually allow export of portions of the model to ISM (we use the term substructures for this)



    Answer Verified By: Maen Abdulhaq 

  • Few facts that you may find helpful. 3d model from STAAD will only be exported as wireframe if you are exporting using the 3D Dxf option . You can also export 2D views of plans and elevations by using the Export > 2D Dxf option. Have the appropriate view set up in STAAD before you do the export. Annotations like cross sectional property, if turned on in these views, can be transferred through the DXF too.



    Answer Verified By: Maen Abdulhaq