SAF Translators - Overview

When you import and export SAF files between Archicad and external structural analysis softwares, the data exchange occurs based on SAF Translator settings. SAF Translators ensure that the Archicad structural analytical model is correctly recognized and interpreted by the external software, and vice versa.

Translator settings include

Building Materials (in Archicad) and corresponding SAF Materials

Archicad Profiles (in Archicad) and corresponding SAF Cross Sections

Local Coordinate System standards (how to interpret the orientation of 1D Members)

Archicad element default settings to use for incoming SAF elements

How to interpret curved Walls exported from Archicad if the receiving software cannot handle them

Access SAF Translator settings at File > Interoperability > SAF > SAF Translators.

During structural model exchange, the applied SAF Translators come from either the current Archicad project or a template file, as summarized in this

 

Which SAF Translators Are Applied?

Export Archicad to SAF

Translators in the Current Project

Open SAF in Archicad

Choose a Template File

Open SAF in Model Compare

Current Project OR Chosen Template

table:

Since different softwares may use different naming conventions, you should fine-tune the translator settings to ensure correct data exchange based on the specific software you are collaborating with.

Mapping the Cross Section/Profile and Material names between SAF data and Archicad can be done by hand in the corresponding Translator settings.

Detailed SAF Translator Settings

Shortcuts to ensure standard mapping of materials and profiles

For Archicad Profiles and 1D SAF Profiles that are NOT mapped by name in the Profile Mapping panels: you can activate automatic mapping based on a default database. This can save you a lot of time and effort compared to mapping by hand.

Use external database to translate unmapped profiles

Graphisoft also provides predefined data files to make mapping easier.

Download SAF Data Files optimized for structural applications

You can also create your own SAF data file based on your analysis software

Prepare and export a SAF Data File to ensure standard mapping