Creating a Grid

Creating a Grid in a New ETABS Model Using Python

To define and add a grid to a new ETABS model using Python, we can use the new_grid_only function, which creates the grid based on the specified parameters. Here's how you can implement this in Python:

Python Code Example:

# Change the current units to 'kN_m_C' (option 6 from the table)
set_unit = EtabsModel.SetPresentUnits(6)
if set_unit != 0:
    print("Failed to change the units.")

# Define grid parameters
number_stories = 10               # Total number of stories (floors) in the building
typical_story_height = 3.0        # Height of each story, except the bottom story
bottom_story_height = 4.0         # Height of the bottom story, which may differ from the others
number_lines_x = 5                # Number of grid lines in the X direction (horizontal)
number_lines_y = 6                # Number of grid lines in the Y direction (vertical)
spacing_x = 6.0                   # Distance between grid lines in the X direction (meters)
spacing_y = 5.0                   # Distance between grid lines in the Y direction (meters)

# Call the function to create the grid
set_grid = EtabsModel.File.NewGridOnly(
    number_stories, 
    typical_story_height, 
    bottom_story_height, 
    number_lines_x, 
    number_lines_y, 
    spacing_x, spacing_y
)

# Check the result and display appropriate message
if set_grid != 0:
    print("Failed to add grid.")  # Print error message if grid creation failed
else:
    print("Grid added successfully!")  # Print success message if grid is added

Explanation of the Code:

Unit Options Table

Grid Parameters:

The function EtabsModel.File.NewGridOnly() accepts the following parameters:

Parameter	Type	Description
number_stories	int	Total number of stories (floors) in the building.
typical_story_height	float	Height of each story, excluding the bottom story.
bottom_story_height	float	Height of the bottom story, which may differ from others.
number_lines_x	int	Number of grid lines in the X direction (horizontal).
number_lines_y	int	Number of grid lines in the Y direction (vertical).
spacing_x	float	Distance between grid lines in the X direction.
spacing_y	float	Distance between grid lines in the Y direction.

Creating the Grid:

• The function EtabsModel.File.NewGridOnly() will create the grid using the parameters provided above.
• It sets up both the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) grid lines, as well as the building's floor heights, including a specific height for the bottom floor.

Error Handling:

• The function returns a value (ret), which you can check to see if the grid was successfully created.
• If ret is non-zero, the grid creation has failed, and an error message is printed.
• If ret is zero, the grid was added successfully, and a success message is printed.