As we move toward the end of 2007, exciting things are on the horizon for CSI software users. First and foremost, SAFE 11 is in the final phases of development. The new version will offer major enhancements in the modeling, analysis, design and drafting of post-tensioned and reinforced concrete slabs and mats. We are especially excited about this release, and we know our users are too.

Construction of our New York office is underway and we look forward to serving our East Coast and international customers from the new location beginning in early 2008. The office is located in Midtown Manhattan between Times Square and Grand Central Station, and will house a team of sales and technical support specialists, as well as state-of-the-art training facilities.

This fall, CSI is offering a series of free webinars for SAP2000 and ETABS. Experienced users and new users alike will benefit from these one-hour sessions designed to cover the major features of each product. You’ll find the schedule and registration information below.

Be sure to check out the schedule of trade shows and conferences where we will be exhibiting in the coming months. We hope you’ll stop by and see us.

Sincerely,

Ashraf Habibullah, President & CEO
Computers & Structures, Inc.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• WEB-BASED TRAINING SEMINARS FOR SAP2000 & ETABS
• ANSI/AISC DIRECT ANALYSIS AVAILABLE IN ETABS & SAP2000
• ETABS 9.1.6 OFFERS ENHANCEMENTS FOR CANADIAN USERS
• CSI SPONSORS 76TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE STRUCTURAL
  ENGINEERS ASSN. OF CALIFORNIA
• ENGINEERS GATHER IN LOS ANGELES FOR PERFORMANCE BASED
  DESIGN SEMINAR

Whether you are a long-time user interested in CSI’s latest releases, or a new user looking for an introduction to SAP2000 or ETABS, these free, hour-long webinars cover all the major features of the latest versions.

There is no cost to participate, but enrollment is limited. Click here to register.

SAP2000 and ETABS now allow users to use the ANSI/AISC Direct Analysis Method in addition to the Effective Length Method. This new capability is practical and user-friendly, allowing many of the complex requirements of the Direct Analysis Method to be automated including second-order effects, reduced member stiffness, and notional load combinations. Click here for details.

To order, contact the CSI Sales Department at sales@csiberkeley.com
or (510) 649-2201.

ETABS 9.1.6 was released in September 2007 and features many enhancements to the program. Of particular interest to our Canadian users are the following developments:

• Support for the Canadian CAN/CSA-S16-01 code added to the steel frame design/check
• Concrete frame design/check available for the Canadian CAN/CSA A23.3-04 code
• Automated NBCC 2005 wind loads added
• Automated NBCC 2005 static seismic loads added
• NBCC 2005 response-spectrum functions available when doing a dynamic analysis

Other significant improvements include:

• Steel frame design check for the AISC 360-05 and IBC 2006 code, including the seismic provisions of AISC 314-05
• The Direct Analysis Method implemented as part of AISC 360-05, including second-order P-delta effects and tau-b fixed or variable.
• Automatic iteration is available for the effect of tau-b variable
• Automated notional loads for AISC 360-05 added
• Automated IBC 2005 seismic loads and response-spectrum functions added
• Automated ASCE 7-05 wind loads added

Design documentation, output and display have been updated and enhanced to reflect the above changes. This release also features an upgraded interface between ETABS and Revit Structure 2008, allowing for a more robust exchange of building information between the two products. Click here for the new ETABS/Revit link.

For more information about ETABS, click here.

CSI was the premiere sponsor of the 76th annual convention of the Structural Engineers Assn. of California. The convention was held Sept. 26-29 at the Resort at Squaw Creek near Lake Tahoe, Calif., and drew more than 400 engineers from throughout the state. It featured two days of dual-track technical sessions, a keynote session, a trade show and a presentation of the annual Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards and Nabih Youssef Younger Engineer Awards. As the premiere sponsor, CSI hosted the Blue Lake Casino and Supper Club social event, which featured dinner, live music, dancing, gaming and a raffle.

Dr. Graham H. Powell presented, “Performance Based Design Using Nonlinear Analysis” on Sept. 14 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif. Engineers came from throughout the United States and around the world to attend the day-long seminar, which was presented by CSI. It included an overview of performance based design plus specific information and recommendations on nonlinear modeling and performance assessment for frame and shear wall structures. It concluded with a session that covered the procedures and assumptions for nonlinear structural analysis, including both static push-over and step-by-step dynamic analysis.

For more information about seminars and educational opportunities offered by CSI, please e-mail education@csiberkeley.com.