A Windows Desktop application developed in VB.Net that enables engineers to seamlessly transfer joint reactions between different ETABS models based on multiple selection criteria.
This tool eliminates the need for manual workflows with spreadsheets, saving significant time and reducing errors.
The ETABS Base Reactions Exchange Tool (BRE Tool) transfers joint reactions from a Source ETABS model into a Target ETABS model as reversed point loads.
Key features:
- Transfer reactions based on Groups and Load Combos.
- Handle misalignment between models with a customizable location tolerance.
- Save outputs as new ETABS models with clear naming conventions.
- Simplify workflows that would otherwise require multiple spreadsheets.
- Run the provided MSI installer.
- Select the installation folder (e.g.
C:\Users\<username>\ETABSPlugins). - Click Next until installation completes.
- A new folder
ETABS BRE Tool/will be created containing all required files. - A desktop shortcut will be added automatically.
Before running the tool, ensure:
- ✅ No ETABS instances are running (check Task Manager).
- ✅ Shared levels between Source and Target models have identical names.
- ✅ Automatic Wall Meshing is switched off in the Source model.
⚠️ Only Linear Static Load Cases are currently supported.
Displays logo, name, version, and copyright.
Shows features and limitations of the tool. Always check this when new versions are released.
The main window where users configure the transfer:
- ETABS Source File selection
- Storeys (choose one shared level)
- Groups (filter base joints)
- Load Cases (select multiple)
- Joints Location Tolerance (meters)
- ETABS Target File selection
- Transfer Reactions button
- Progress Bar
- Source File → Select ETABS model to extract reactions.
- Storeys → Choose the shared level.
- Groups → Filter reactions by group.
- Load Cases → Select cases to transfer.
- Tolerance → Define acceptable offset between joints.
- Target File → Select ETABS model to receive reactions.
The tool generates a new ETABS model with transferred reactions as point loads.
Output Naming Convention:
BRE_Year_Month_Day_OriginalModelName.edb.
Example: BRE_20251026_HOI Substructure.edb
- Only Linear Static Load Cases supported.
- Wall reactions at mesh points not coinciding with shell corner points are neglected.
- Non-linear load case support planned for future releases.