SAF Import

Imports a model from an SAF (Structural Analysis Format) file.
This tool must be downloaded from SDS2 Toolbox and installed in order to use it.
  • Step-By-Step
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Related Tools

1 . Click the SAF Import icon, which is pictured above. The icon can be found on the Toolbox page.

2 . The SAF Import window appears.

2a . Browse to the SAF file you are importing.

2b . Set the thresholds for the Shear, Axial, and Moment loads to be imported.

Note: If the SAF file includes loads that are larger than the threshold, those load will be imported for the member(s).

2c . Set the Moment type and Connection Type. Click Next.

Note: When a moment load is imported for a beam, the end of the member with the load receives the Moment type and Connection Type. All beams that import moment loads will use the specified settings.

3 . Map the SAF type to the correct SDS2 member type. Click Next.

Note: Depending on the software from which this file was exported, you may also see a "General" member type, this will be either vertical braces or horizontal braces. After the import is complete, you can use the Member Change Type tool to convert the other bracing members accordingly.

4 . Map the SAF Profile to the correct SDS2 section size. To change the SDS2 section size, select the "Select SDS2 Profile" button. Click Next.

5 . Map the SAF Grade Type to the correct SDS2 Grade Type. Click Next.

6 (optional) . If you are importing into a project that has previously imported an SAF file and there are changes to one or more members, you will get this change screen. Check ( ) Apply (or select all) to apply the changes to the existing model. Click Apply Changes.

You can sort the members in the list by selecting the category name (Piecemark, Member Number, Member Type, Status, or Apply) or by clicking the filter icon ( ) and setting the criteria.
Note: Members can be moved, changed, or deleted as a result of importing a file. If no changes are made on the import, Apply Changes is grayed out and you cannot run the import again.

7 . The model is imported when you select close.

  • This tool will only import beams, columns, vertical braces, and horizontal braces.
  • This tool will not import the following materials:
    • Welded Plate Wide Flange
    • Welded Plate Box
    • Any Joist materials
    • Cold Formed Channel
    • Cold Fomed Z
    • S Tee
    • Beaded Flat
    • Round Bar
    • Clevis/Turnbuckle
    • Rail
    • Cruciform

  • This imports the worst-case loads from all the load cases specified in the SAF file.

  • Negative shear loads are ignored and will not be imported into the project.
  • The import will work even if load information is not present in the SAF file.