Prepare and Export a SAF Data File to Ensure Standard Mapping
Use this method if your project uses a limited number of specific SAF Materials/Cross Sections. This way you can easily access the exact Material/Profile names used in the external software.
Note: GRAPHISOFT also provides several predefined SAF data files - these are much more comprehensive catalogs. See Download SAF Data Files Optimized for Structural Applications
In the external software, create a file that contains all the SAF Materials and SAF Cross Sections used by the external software (e.g. SCIA Engineer or RISA-3D). Then export the file as SAF (*.xls).(This saved file does not need to contain any actual structural Members, just the SAF Cross Section and material lists.)
Sample SAF file, containing SAF Materials and Cross Sections
Now you can import or merge the file in the relevant SAF Translator dialog.
See these sections:
Add More SAF Materials to Mapping List (Export to SAF)
Add More SAF Cross Sections to Mapping List (Export to SAF)
Add More SAF Cross Sections (Import SAF to ARCHICAD)
Mapping Imported “General” or “Parametric” SAF Cross Sections