SAP 2000 Tutorial for Analyzing Trusses. The following is a step-by-step procedure for analysis a two-dimensional truss structure using SAP 2000. The order of some of these steps is not critical; however, all step should be completed before execution of the analysis. ...

Step 1: Set Problem Dimensions - On the bottom on the interface window, set the desired units for the problem using the pull-down menu. In this example, the units are feet and kips.

Step 2: Grid Spacing - Determine the appropriate number of grid line and grid spacing to locate the joints of the truss. The grid spacing is set by defining a new problem. To create a new problem, select New Model under the File menu.

Remember, that SAP 2000 assumes that your twodimensional structure resides in the x-z plane.

Define your grid system by entering data on the Coordinate System Definition window. For the truss shown above, the the grid spacing in the x and zdirections is 20 feet. The number of grid spaces in the x and z-directions are 4 and 1, respectively. No y-direction grid line are necessary for this problem.

When you click OK, SAP 2000 generates the grids line you have just defined and shows you the grid system in the SAP 2000 interface window.

By default SAP 2000 show two views of your problem, typically a 3-D view and an x-y plane view. To adjust the views, select an window and click on the appropriate view button located along the top edge of the interface window.
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Source: www.ce.memphis.edu