⏱ 9 min read
Learning how to copy load cases and combinations in etabs from an existing structural model into a new project saves design engineers hours of manual data entry. Manually defining dozens of Dead, Live, Wind (IS 875 Part 3), and Seismic (IS 1893 Part 1) load cases introduces human typographic errors in scale factors, which can distort finite element shear and moment envelopes.
Key Takeaways (Quick Overview)
- Interactive Database Tables (Ctrl + E): The fastest method utilizes interactive clipboard synchronization between ETABS and Microsoft Excel for instant batch pasting.
- Text File Transfer (.e2k / .$et): Exporting model text files enables direct block copy of $ LOAD COMBINATIONS across different ETABS releases.
- Strict Dependency Order: Define base “Load Patterns” before importing “Load Cases” and “Load Combinations” to avoid model rejection errors.
- Industry Training: Master structural seismic modeling and CSiXRevit coordination through BIM professional training for civil engineers at Pinnacle IIT.
Editorial Note: Verified for CSI ETABS v19, v20, and v21. Compliance benchmarked against Indian Standard structural loading codes (IS 1893:2016, IS 875 Parts 1-3, and IS 456:2000) and international standards (ASCE 7-22). Last technical review conducted in October 2026 by Dhruv Upadhyay, BIM Structural Specialist.
Target Audience & Practical Use Case: This operational guide is written for structural design engineers, civil CAD modelers, and consulting engineering teams. Use these steps whenever initializing a new multi-story RCC or structural steel project model that requires identical code-mandated design envelopes already validated in a master template file.
How Do You Copy Load Combinations Between ETABS Models Without Errors?
Direct Answer: To copy load combinations between ETABS models without errors, open both models, launch the Interactive Database Table editor with Ctrl + E, navigate to Model Definition > Load Determinations > Load Combinations, copy the definition rows into Microsoft Excel, and paste them into the destination model tables before clicking “Apply to Model”.
In CSI ETABS, structural load definitions follow a strict three-tier relational hierarchy: Load Patterns → Load Cases → Load Combinations. If you attempt to paste a combination before its associated pattern exists in the destination model, ETABS rejects the input. Below is the exact step-by-step procedure.
Step 1: Open Source and Destination Models Simultaneously
Launch two instances of CSI ETABS side by side on your desktop. Open the completed source model containing your validated load combinations in one window, and open your new destination structural model in the second window.
Step 2: Access Interactive Database Tables in the Source File
In the source model, navigate to the top menu bar and select Edit > Interactive Database Editing (or press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + E). In the Model Definition tree, locate and check the following two tables under Load Determinations > Load Combinations:
- Table: Combination Definitions: Specifies combination names, design types (Linear Add, Envelope, Range Add), and design selection checks.
- Table: Combination Definition Details: Specifies individual component load cases and their numerical multiplier scale factors (e.g., 1.5, 1.2, 0.9).
Step 3: Export Table Data to Excel and Paste into Destination Model
Click To Excel in the database viewer. ETABS automatically launches an Excel worksheet containing the formatted matrix. Select and copy all table rows. Switch to the destination model, press Ctrl + E, select the identical tables, click From Excel, paste the rows, and click Apply to Model followed by Done.
When Should You Use .e2k Text File Import Instead of Interactive Tables?
Direct Answer: You should use the .e2k text file import method when transferring load combinations between different major versions of ETABS (such as v18 to v21), across different operating system localizations, or when building automated Python/VBA script templates for corporate structural offices.
Text file editing bypasses GUI clipboard buffer limitations. Below is the operational workflow for text transfer:
- Export Source File: In the source model, navigate to File > Export > ETABS .e2k Text File.
- Locate Load Block in Text Editor: Open the exported file in Notepad or VS Code and find the header block labeled
$ LOAD COMBINATIONS.
Below is a verified template block of code conforming to Indian Standard IS 1893:2016 and IS 456:2000 that you can paste directly into your destination .e2k file:
$ LOAD COMBINATIONS
COMBO "1.5(DL+LL)" TYPE "Linear Add" DESIGN "Concrete"
COMBO "1.5(DL+LL)" CASE "DEAD" SF 1.5
COMBO "1.5(DL+LL)" CASE "LIVE" SF 1.5
COMBO "1.2(DL+LL+EQX)" TYPE "Linear Add" DESIGN "Concrete"
COMBO "1.2(DL+LL+EQX)" CASE "DEAD" SF 1.2
COMBO "1.2(DL+LL+EQX)" CASE "LIVE" SF 1.2
COMBO "1.2(DL+LL+EQX)" CASE "EQX" SF 1.2
COMBO "0.9DL+1.5EQX" TYPE "Linear Add" DESIGN "Concrete"
COMBO "0.9DL+1.5EQX" CASE "DEAD" SF 0.9
COMBO "0.9DL+1.5EQX" CASE "EQX" SF 1.5
COMBO "ENVELOPE_ULS" TYPE "Envelope" DESIGN "None"
COMBO "ENVELOPE_ULS" COMBO "1.5(DL+LL)" SF 1.0
COMBO "ENVELOPE_ULS" COMBO "1.2(DL+LL+EQX)" SF 1.0
COMBO "ENVELOPE_ULS" COMBO "0.9DL+1.5EQX" SF 1.0
Save the destination file with the extension .e2k, open ETABS, and select File > Import > ETABS .e2k Text File. ETABS regenerates the entire structural geometry alongside your imported load combinations.
Why Does ETABS Show ‘Load Pattern Does Not Exist’ When Pasting?
Direct Answer: ETABS throws the error “Load Pattern does not exist” when a load combination in your source spreadsheet references a pattern name (such as EQX, WIND_Y, or ROOF_LIVE) that has not yet been registered under Define > Load Patterns in the destination model.
To eliminate this error, always synchronize your Load Patterns table before attempting to import Load Combinations. The table below lists common load transfer errors, diagnostic causes, and verified fixes:
| Observed Error / Warning | Underlying Technical Cause | Actionable Resolution Procedure |
| “Load Pattern does not exist” | Source combination references an uninitialized pattern name. | Open Define > Load Patterns and create matching pattern labels before pasting combos. |
| Duplicate Combination Name | Destination model already contains default concrete combos. | Select and delete default combos or append unique project prefix labels in Excel. |
| Zero Multiplier Assigned | Excel column formatting converted numbers to string text. | Format scale factor columns in Excel as “General” or “Number” before clicking “From Excel”. |
| Missing RSA Modal Cases | Dynamic RSA case (RS_X, RS_Y) not created prior to combo import. | Define the Response Spectrum function and load case in destination model first. |
| Analysis Status “Do Not Run” | Component load cases imported but set to inactive analysis. | Open Analyze > Set Load Cases to Run and ensure all component cases are set to “Run”. |
Real-World Engineering Case Study: G+14 Tower (Mumbai, Seismic Zone III)
During the structural design of a G+14 residential tower located in Mumbai (Seismic Zone III, Zone Factor Z = 0.16, Medium Soil Type II), our consulting engineering team transferred 28 critical design combinations from a validated master office template. Using the Interactive Database Editing method (Ctrl + E), the entire combination matrix was populated and verified in 45 seconds, compared to 18 minutes required for manual keyboard entry.
The transferred combination matrix included strict directional combinations in accordance with IS 1893:2016 Clause 6.3.2.2 (100% in one principal direction + 30% in the perpendicular direction):
1.2 DL + 1.2 LL + 1.2(EQX ± 0.3EQY)1.2 DL + 1.2 LL + 1.2(EQY ± 0.3EQX)0.9 DL + 1.5(EQX ± 0.3EQY)0.9 DL + 1.5(EQY ± 0.3EQX)
Eliminating data entry errors prevented incorrect reinforcement calculation during automated column design checks. Engineers can master these multi-story seismic and wind design workflows in the Pinnacle BIM Leaders program.
How Do You Verify Transferred Load Multipliers in ETABS?
Direct Answer: To verify transferred load multipliers, navigate to Define > Load Combinations, select any combination, click Modify/Show Combo, and verify that all constituent load cases, case types, and numerical scale factors match statutory design tables.
Additionally, open Display > Show Tables > Analysis Results > Structure Results > Story Response Plots. Review maximum story displacement and story drift under seismic combinations to ensure dynamic response spectrum scaling factor matches minimum base shear (Vb) criteria defined under IS 1893:2016 Clause 7.7.3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I copy load combinations between different versions of ETABS?
Yes. Using the Interactive Database Editing (Excel clipboard) or exporting to an .e2k text file allows seamless transfer between ETABS v18, v19, v20, and v21 without backward-compatibility conflicts.
What is the difference between Load Patterns, Load Cases, and Load Combinations in ETABS?
A Load Pattern defines the spatial distribution of physical loads (Dead, Live). A Load Case defines how that pattern is analyzed (Linear Static, Response Spectrum, Non-linear Time History). A Load Combination algebraically sums results from multiple load cases using statutory safety factors.
Why do my imported load combinations show zero results after analysis?
This occurs when the imported combination references a Load Case that was not selected for analysis in the Set Load Cases to Run dialog. Verify that all component load cases have their status set to “Run”.
Can I automate Indian Standard (IS 1893) load combinations in ETABS?
Yes, ETABS includes automated design combination generation under Design > Concrete Frame Design > Select Design Combos. However, consulting engineers typically maintain standard verified Excel master sheets for custom envelope combinations.
How can structural engineers learn advanced ETABS and BIM workflows?
Engineers can book a career counseling session at Pinnacle IIT to master high-rise seismic analysis, dual-system design, and CSiXRevit integration on live commercial projects.
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