Research on Custom API for efficient Data Transfer between ETABS / SAP 20000 and Revit in HK（只提供英文版本） | 行業支援

Research on Custom API for efficient Data Transfer between ETABS / SAP 20000 and Revit in HK（只提供英文版本）

Summary

Project Title	Research on Custom API for efficient Data Transfer between ETABS / SAP 20000 and Revit in HK
Principal Investigator	Ms. Cecilia Wan
Project ID
Research Institution	WSP
Subject Area	Building Information Modelling
Duration	12 Months

Introduction

ETABS and SAP2000 are advanced structural analysis and design software developed by CSI (Computers and Structures, Inc.), widely used by civil and structural engineers for modelling, analysing, and designing buildings, bridges, and other complex structures with high precision and efficiency. Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software developed by Autodesk that enables architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design, visualize, and manage building projects collaboratively in a 3D environment with integrated documentation and analysis tools.

In current industry workflows, structural engineers often build ETABS/SAP2000 models manually from 2D architectural drawings, and any design changes from architects require time-consuming manual updates to the analysis model; conversely, structural revisions by engineers usually translate into new 2D drawings for architects to adjust their designs, leading to inefficiencies and potential coordination issues.

This tool aims to enable automatic model transformation between Revit and ETABS/SAP2000, ensuring integration between architectural design and structural analysis. By facilitating efficient data exchange, it reduces repetitive manual work, maintains model consistency throughout the project lifecycle, and enhances interdisciplinary collaboration while accelerating the design-to-analysis workflow.

The objectives of developing the tool are:
- To develop software for converting ETABS/SAP2000 text files and Revit data files.
- To develop a Revit plugin that can read Revit data file and generate Revit model as well as export the Revit model to Revit data files.

Description

In this project, the team has developed data conversion software capable of seamlessly transforming between ETABS/SAP2000 text files (e2k/s2k) and Revit data files, converting information including story data, frame sections, wall sections, slab sections, beam geometry, column geometry, bracing geometry, wall geometry, and slab geometry. On top of this, the team further developed a Revit plugin that automatically reads Revit data files to generate accurate story levels, sections, and structural components within the Revit model, and another plugin that extracts data from the Revit model and generates Revit data files for conversion back to ETABS/SAP2000 formats.

In addition to developing the tool, the team conducted a case study on a three-story reinforced concrete building using a frame and shear wall system to test the proposed solution. The results demonstrate that the tool performs effectively in bi-directional data conversion between ETABS/SAP2000 and Revit. Furthermore, a comprehensive user guide is already available to introduce the tool's functions and provide instructions on its us

User Guide (Updated on 3 Nov 2025) can be downloaded from: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DwjIMtdd8PYHETOJaXsDoCuFWKZrTHqL/view?usp=sharing

Frequently Asked Questions

1 - What model information can the tool transfer?

The plugin can transfer story data, frame sections, wall sections, slab sections, beam geometry, column geometry, bracing geometry, wall geometry, and slab geometry.

2 - Is the plugin free of charge?

Yes. But you have to sign a Material Transfer Agreement before you can officially use it.

3 - What version(s) of Revit and ETABS/SAP2000 could the plugin work with?

The plugin works with Revit 2019 and later, ETABS 2016 and later, and SAP2000 version 14 and above.

4 - Who should I contact for technical support?

You could send your problem with detail description and contact number to Ms. Cecilia Wan at [email protected] .

Remark / Disclaimer
The Materials are provided by the CIC on an "AS IS" basis and to the fullest extent permissible by applicable laws. In view of the experimental nature of the Materials, the CIC gives no representation or warranty including (without limitation) as regards the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, latent or patent defects, lawfulness or non-infringement of the Materials. Under no circumstances will the CIC be liable, directly or indirectly for any claim, cost, loss, damage, demand, proceedings, penalty, fine, liability or like of whatsoever kind or nature including but not limited to any direct or indirect economic or consequential loss relating to the Materials (including but not limited to its use, handling or storage). The Recipient assumes and accepts all risks and liabilities that may arise from the use, handling or storage of the Materials by the Recipient or any third party.

Download / Relevant Information

You can download the following documents in one single package from this link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15LPkpkT75olvNATBxiOu9VZwakNtk2IN/view?usp=sharing

User Guide (Updated on 3 Nov 2025): Provides an overview of the tool’s features and step-by-step instructions for use.
Plug-in Package (Updated on 3 Nov 2025): Includes the installer, template file, sample files, and installation instructions.
Demonstration videos(Updated on 3 Nov 2025): (SAP2000 Plugin and ETabs Plugin)

Contact Information

Should you have any inquiries, please contact Ms. Cecilia Wan at [email protected] .