ETABS API Overview

user: I want you to help me as a code assistant to generate a calculation

model in the finite element program ETABS using the ETABS API. I want you
to generate different functions according to my next prompts using the
programming language python. I will provide you with examples from the
ETABS API in C# or VB.NET. In the examples of the ETABS API I will provide
you with, there is always a return variable of integer type that returns 0
if the ETABS function was executed correctly and 1 otherwise. I want you to
print the message “Function “XXX” was successful” (where XXX is the name of
the function) in whenever a function of the ETABS API returns the value 0
and to print the message “Error running function XXX” if the returned value
by the ETABS function is 1. Besides that, don’t print anything unless you
are told to do that. Finally, in most of the examples of the ETABS API I
will provide you with, there is a variable named “SapModel”. I want you to
always write this variable using lower case letters: “sapmodel”.
For your information, I’ll be using the following functions to attach to a
running instance of ETABS and to disconnect from it:

def connect_to_etabs():
#create API helper object
helper = comtypes.client.CreateObject('ETABSv1.Helper')
helper = helper.QueryInterface(comtypes.gen.ETABSv1.cHelper)

#attach to a running instance of ETABS

try:
#get the active ETABS object
myETABSObject = helper.GetObject("CSI.ETABS.API.ETABSObject")
except (OSError, comtypes.COMError):
print("No running instance of the program found or failed to
attach.")
sys.exit(-1)
#create SapModel object
SapModel = myETABSObject.SapModel
return myETABSObject, SapModel

def disconnect_from_etabs(etabs_object, sapmodel, close = False):

if close:
etabs_object.ApplicationExit(False)
sapmodel = None
etabs_object = None

assistant: Thank you for the detailed instructions. Please provide me with
an example of an ETABS API function in C# or VB.NET, and I will create a
Python function according to your requirements.

user: First I would like a function to initialize a new sapmodel and define
a new grid system. The parameters of the function should be the sapmodel
object (because the function connect_to_etabs is previously called), a list
of the story heights, X coordinates of the grid axis and a list of the Y
coordinates of the Y axis. The function should return a nested list of the
points resulting from the intersection of the X and Y axis, so each list of
the nested list contains the points in each of the axis in x direction. The
points should be expressed as tuples where each tuple contains the x and y
coordinates of one point. This is a example from the API to set a grid
system in ETABS. It considers a uniform spacing between grid lines, so take
the coordinate of the second axis in each direction as spacing. Finally
specify in a comment right above the return statement the expected
dimensions of the output nested list in relation to the function arguments.
Syntax
C#
VB
C++
F#
Copy
int NewGridOnly(
int NumberStorys,
double TypicalStoryHeight,
double BottomStoryHeight,
int NumberLinesX,
int NumberLinesY,
double SpacingX,
double SpacingY
)
Parameters
NumberStorys
Type: System. Int32
The number of stories in the model
TypicalStoryHeight
Type: System. Double
The story height that will be used for all stories in the model, except the
bottom story. [L]
BottomStoryHeight
Type: System. Double
The story height will be used for the bottom story. [L]
NumberLinesX
Type: System. Int32
The number of grid lines in the X direction.
NumberLinesY
Type: System. Int32
The number of grid lines in the Y direction.
SpacingX
Type: System. Double
The uniform spacing for grid lines in the X direction. [L]
SpacingY
Type: System. Double
The uniform spacing for grid lines in the Y direction. [L]
Return Value
Type: Int32
Returns zero if the new grid only model is successfully created; otherwise
it returns a nonzero value.
Remarks
Do not use this function to add to an existing model. This function should
be used only for creating a new model and typically would be preceded by a
call to InitializeNewModel(eUnits).
Examples
VB
Copy
Public Sub Example()
Dim SapModel As cSapModel
Dim EtabsObject As cOAPI
Dim ret As Integer = -1

'create ETABS object

Dim myHelper as cHelper = New Helper
EtabsObject =
myHelper.CreateObjectProgID("CSI.ETABS.API.ETABSObject")

'start ETABS application

ret = EtabsObject.ApplicationStart()

'create SapModel object

SapModel = EtabsObject.SapModel
 'initialize model in kN und m
ret = SapModel.InitializeNewModel(6)

'create grid-only template model

ret = SapModel.File.NewGridOnly(4,12,12,4,4,24,24)

'close ETABS
EtabsObject.ApplicationExit(False)

'clean up variables
SapModel = Nothing
EtabsObject = Nothing
End Sub

assistant: Here is the Python function to create a new sapmodel, define a

new grid system, and return the nested list of points resulting from the
intersection of the X and Y axis:

```python
def create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights, x_coordinates,
y_coordinates):
number_of_stories = len(story_heights)
typical_story_height = story_heights[1]
bottom_story_height = story_heights[0]
number_of_lines_x = len(x_coordinates)
number_of_lines_y = len(y_coordinates)
spacing_x = x_coordinates[1]
spacing_y = y_coordinates[1]

ret = sapmodel.InitializeNewModel(6)
if ret == 0:
print("Function InitializeNewModel was successful")
else:
print("Error running function InitializeNewModel")

ret = sapmodel.File.NewGridOnly(number_of_stories,
typical_story_height, bottom_story_height,
number_of_lines_x, number_of_lines_y,
spacing_x, spacing_y)
if ret == 0:
print("Function NewGridOnly was successful")
else:
print("Error running function NewGridOnly")

grid_points = [[(x, y) for y in y_coordinates] for x in x_coordinates]

# The output nested list has dimensions: len(x_coordinates) x

len(y_coordinates)
return grid_points
```

This function takes the sapmodel object, a list of story heights, a list of
X coordinates, and a list of Y coordinates as input arguments. It
initializes the new model and creates a grid-only template model according
to the provided input. The function returns a nested list of points
resulting from the intersection of the X and Y axis.

user: Now I want to start defining the main python script to create my
etabs model. This script will contain the geometric parameters of the
building and it will call the etabs functions we are defining separately.
For starters, create a script that connects to etabs, creates a new grid
and then disconnects from etabs. The building has 5 stories which are 3.5
meters high excepting the bottom story which is 5 meters high. The list
start with the height of the bottom story, not with zero. It has ten
vertical axis (related to x coordinates) which are spaced 8.1 meters and
six horizontal axis (related to y coordinates) with also a spacing of 8.1
meters. You don’t need to write the import command to import other packages
or modules. You also need to add “try except” statements to be able to
handle potential errors and print information about the errors.
assistant: Here is the main Python script that connects to ETABS, creates a
new grid, and then disconnects from ETABS:

```python
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 6)]

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Disconnect from ETABS

disconnect_from_etabs(etabs_object, sapmodel)

except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
```

This script defines the geometric parameters of the building, including

story heights, X coordinates, and Y coordinates. It then connects to ETABS,
creates a new grid using the `create_grid_system` function, and disconnects
from ETABS. The script also includes a try-except statement to handle
potential errors and print information about them.

user: Now I want to draw the building slabs. All slabs have rectangular
shapes so I want to create a function to draw a slab in ETABS that takes as
input the sapmodel object, the point list generated by the
create_grid_system function (you can check the dimensions of this point
list in the comment above the return statement of the create_grid_system
function), the starting and end axis indexes of the grid system in both x
and y directions, a numeric parameter representing an offset of this
rectangle beyond the grid points, the z coordinate in which it is located,
a name for its cross section and it draws a slab in the etabs model. The
function will return the slab name. This is the example from the API:
int AddByCoord(
int NumberPoints,
ref double[] X,
ref double[] Y,
ref double[] Z,
ref string Name,
string PropName = "Default",
string UserName = "",
string CSys = "Global"
)
Parameters
NumberPoints
Type: System. Int32
The number of points in the area object.
X
Type: System. Double[]
This is the array of x coordinates for the corner points of the area
object. The coordinates are in the coordinate system defined by the CSys
item. The coordinates should be ordered to run clockwise or counter
clockwise around the area object.
Y
Type: System. Double[]
This is the array of y coordinates for the corner points of the area
object. The coordinates are in the coordinate system defined by the CSys
item. The coordinates should be ordered to run clockwise or counter
clockwise around the area object.
Z
Type: System. Double[]
This is the array of z coordinates for the corner points of the area
object. The coordinates are in the coordinate system defined by the CSys
item. The coordinates should be ordered to run clockwise or counter
clockwise around the area object.
Name
Type: System. String
This is the name that the program ultimately assigns to the area object. If
no userName is specified, the program assigns a default name to the area
object. If a userName is specified and that name is not used for another
area object, the userName is assigned to the area object; otherwise a
default name is assigned to the area object.
PropName (Optional)
Type: System. String
This is Default, None or the name of a defined area property.
If it is Default, the program assigns a default area property to the area
object. If it is None, no area property is assigned to the area object. If
it is the name of a defined area property, that property is assigned to the
area object.
UserName (Optional)
Type: System. String
CSys (Optional)
Type: System. String
The name of the coordinate system in which the area object point
coordinates are defined.
Return Value
Type: Int32
Returns zero if the area object is successfully added, otherwise it returns
a nonzero value.
Remarks
Examples
VB
Copy
Public Sub Example()
Dim SapModel As cSapModel
Dim EtabsObject As cOAPI
Dim ret As Integer = -1
Dim x() As Double
Dim y() As Double
Dim z() As Double
Dim Name As String

'create ETABS object

Dim myHelper as cHelper = New Helper
EtabsObject = myHelper.CreateObjectProgID("CSI.ETABS.API.ETABSObject")

'start ETABS application

ret = EtabsObject.ApplicationStart()

'create SapModel object

SapModel = EtabsObject.SapModel
'initialize model
ret = SapModel.InitializeNewModel()

'create blank template model

ret = SapModel.File.NewBlank()

'add area object by coordinates

ReDim x(5)
ReDim y(5)
ReDim z(5)
x(0) = 50: y(0) = 0
x(1) = 100: y(1) = 0
x(2) = 150: y(2) = 40
x(3) = 100: y(3) = 80
x(4) = 50: y(4) = 80
x(5) = 0: y(5) = 40
ret = SapModel.AreaObj.AddByCoord(6, x, y, z, Name)

'refresh view
ret = SapModel.View.RefreshView(0, False)

'close ETABS
EtabsObject.ApplicationExit(False)

'clean up variables
SapModel = Nothing
EtabsObject = Nothing

End Sub

assistant: Here is the Python function to draw a slab in ETABS based on the
provided input:

```python
def draw_slab(sapmodel, point_list, start_x_index, end_x_index,
start_y_index, end_y_index, offset, z_coordinate, prop_name):
# Extract corner points of the slab
x1, y1 = point_list[start_x_index][start_y_index]
x2, y2 = point_list[end_x_index][start_y_index]
x3, y3 = point_list[end_x_index][end_y_index]
x4, y4 = point_list[start_x_index][end_y_index]

# Apply the offset

x1 -= offset
y1 -= offset
x2 += offset
y2 -= offset
x3 += offset
y3 += offset
x4 -= offset
y4 += offset

# Create coordinates arrays

x_coordinates = [x1, x2, x3, x4]
y_coordinates = [y1, y2, y3, y4]
z_coordinates = [z_coordinate] * 4

# Define the slab name

slab_name = ""

# Add the slab to the ETABS model

ret = sapmodel.AreaObj.AddByCoord(4, x_coordinates, y_coordinates,
z_coordinates, slab_name, prop_name)
 if ret == 0:
print(f"Function AddByCoord was successful for slab {slab_name}")
else:
print(f"Error running function AddByCoord for slab {slab_name}")

return slab_name
```

This function takes the sapmodel object, the point list generated by the
`create_grid_system` function, the starting and end axis indexes of the
grid system in both x and y directions, an offset, the z coordinate, and a
name for the cross-section. It then calculates the corner points of the
slab, applies the offset, and adds the slab to the ETABS model. The
function returns the slab name.

user: That’s great, but the python functions of the ETABS API work in a
way, that they return all parameters that in the C# or VB.NET example are
passed by reference (in the same order they are passed in the example) plus
the ret parameter at the end. Note this for future cases. Now, we just need
the area name and the ret value, therefore the AddbyCoord method should be
called this way:
_ , _, _, slab_name, ret = sapmodel.AreaObj.AddByCoord(4, x_coordinates,
y_coordinates, z_coordinates, slab_name, prop_name)
Can you replace this in the draw_slab function please?
assistant: Of course, I have updated the `draw_slab` function with the
modified call to the `AddByCoord` method:

```python
def draw_slab(sapmodel, point_list, start_x_index, end_x_index,
start_y_index, end_y_index, offset, z_coordinate, prop_name):
# Extract corner points of the slab
x1, y1 = point_list[start_x_index][start_y_index]
x2, y2 = point_list[end_x_index][start_y_index]
x3, y3 = point_list[end_x_index][end_y_index]
x4, y4 = point_list[start_x_index][end_y_index]

# Apply the offset

x1 -= offset
y1 -= offset
x2 += offset
y2 -= offset
x3 += offset
y3 += offset
x4 -= offset
y4 += offset

# Create coordinates arrays

x_coordinates = [x1, x2, x3, x4]
y_coordinates = [y1, y2, y3, y4]
z_coordinates = [z_coordinate] * 4

# Define the slab name

slab_name = ""

# Add the slab to the ETABS model

_, _, _, slab_name, ret = sapmodel.AreaObj.AddByCoord(4, x_coordinates,
y_coordinates, z_coordinates, slab_name, prop_name)
if ret == 0:
print(f"Function AddByCoord was successful for slab {slab_name}")
else:
print(f"Error running function AddByCoord for slab {slab_name}")

return slab_name
```

Now the `AddByCoord` method is called with the correct syntax for Python,
and only the area name and the ret value are returned.
user: Great! Now we are going to add this method to the main function, so
it also adds in all stories rectangular slabs that cover the whole grid
(note that the index of the first axis is 0, not 1) and they have an offset
of 0.3m and the slab section is “Slab1”. Don’t change anything else from
the main method. Just add the new code and the new building parameters in
the placeholder “NEW SECTION”:
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 6)]

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Add slabs
NEW SECTION

# Disconnect from ETABS

disconnect_from_etabs(etabs_object, sapmodel)

except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")

assistant: I have added the new code section to create slabs for each story
in the main function. Here is the updated script:

```python
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 6)]

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Add slabs
slab_offset = 0.3
slab_prop_name = "Slab1"

for z, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:z + 1])
draw_slab(sapmodel, grid_points, 0, len(x_coordinates) - 1, 0,
len(y_coordinates) - 1, slab_offset, z_coordinate, slab_prop_name)

# Disconnect from ETABS

disconnect_from_etabs(etabs_object, sapmodel)

except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
```

The new code section iterates through each story and creates a slab that
covers the entire grid with the specified offset and section property name
"Slab1".

user:
That was fantastic. I just need you to add a method in the main function to
refresh the ETABS model just before disconnecting it. Here is an example:
Syntax
C#
VB
C++
F#
Copy
int RefreshView(
int Window = 0,
bool Zoom = true
)
Parameters
Window (Optional)
Type: System. Int32
This is 0 meaning all windows or an existing window number. It indicates
the window(s) to have its view refreshed.
Zoom (Optional)
Type: System. Boolean
If this item is True, the window zoom is maintained when the view is
refreshed. If it is False, the zoom returns to a default zoom.
Return Value
Type: Int32
Returns zero if the window views are successfully refreshed; otherwise it
returns a nonzero value.
Remarks
Examples
VB
Copy
Public Sub Example()
Dim SapModel As cSapModel
Dim EtabsObject As cOAPI
Dim ret As Integer = -1

'create ETABS object

Dim myHelper as cHelper = New Helper
EtabsObject =
myHelper.CreateObjectProgID("CSI.ETABS.API.ETABSObject")

'start ETABS application

ret = EtabsObject.ApplicationStart()

'create SapModel object

SapModel = EtabsObject.SapModel

'initialize model
ret = SapModel.InitializeNewModel()

'create steel deck template model

ret = SapModel.File.NewSteelDeck(4,12,12,4,4,24,24)

'refresh view
ret = SapModel.View.RefreshView()

'close ETABS
EtabsObject.ApplicationExit(False)
 'clean up variables
SapModel = Nothing
EtabsObject = Nothing
End Sub

assistant: I have added the `refresh_view` method in the main function just
before disconnecting from ETABS. Here is the updated script:

```python
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 6)]

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Add slabs
slab_offset = 0.3
slab_prop_name = "Slab1"

for z, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:z + 1])
draw_slab(sapmodel, grid_points, 0, len(x_coordinates) - 1, 0,
len(y_coordinates) - 1, slab_offset, z_coordinate, slab_prop_name)

# Refresh view
ret = sapmodel.View.RefreshView()

# Disconnect from ETABS

disconnect_from_etabs(etabs_object, sapmodel)

except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
```

Now the script includes the `refresh_view` method to update the ETABS model
view just before disconnecting.

user: Now we are going to start defining the walls. I need you to create a
function to define a vertical rectangular wall in ETABS based on the
starting and ending grid axis, the top and bottom z coordinate and the
section property. It returns the wall name. The method of the API is
actually the same one as the one used to define the slabs. Don’t forget to
print whether the API call was successful or not based on the ret value.
Note that for each wall either the start and end horizontal axis are the
same or the end and start of the vertical axis and also only two of the
coordinates x,y,z can be repeated in two consecutive points.

assistant: Here is a function to define a vertical rectangular wall in

ETABS based on the given input parameters. It returns the wall name and
prints whether the API call was successful or not based on the `ret` value.

```python
def define_wall(sapmodel, start_axis, end_axis, top_z, bottom_z,
section_prop):
# Determine if the wall is vertical or horizontal
 is_vertical = start_axis[0] == end_axis[0]

# Set the corner points of the wall

x_coordinates = []
y_coordinates = []
z_coordinates = [bottom_z, bottom_z, top_z, top_z]

if is_vertical:
x_coordinates = [start_axis[0], start_axis[0], end_axis[0],
end_axis[0]]
y_coordinates = [start_axis[1], end_axis[1], end_axis[1],
start_axis[1]]
else:
x_coordinates = [start_axis[0], end_axis[0], end_axis[0],
start_axis[0]]
y_coordinates = [start_axis[1], start_axis[1], end_axis[1],
end_axis[1]]

# Add the wall in ETABS

wall_name = ""
_, _, _, wall_name, ret = sapmodel.AreaObj.AddByCoord(4, x_coordinates,
y_coordinates, z_coordinates, wall_name, section_prop)

# Check if the API call was successful

if ret == 0:
print(f"Wall '{wall_name}' was successfully added.")
else:
print(f"Error adding wall '{wall_name}'.")

return wall_name
```

This function takes the sapmodel object, the starting and ending grid axis,
the top and bottom z coordinates, and the section property as input. It
calculates the corner points of the wall and adds the wall to the ETABS
model using the same `AddByCoord` method that is used to define slabs.

user: Great! Now we are going to add this method to the main function, so
it also adds the core walls the model. There are two rectangular cores (so
you have to add for walls for each core in each story namely up, right,
down, left and The first one is located between the fourth and fifth
horizontal axis and between the second and forth vertical axis. The second
one is located between the fourth and fifth horizontal axis and between the
seventh and ninth vertical axis. The are present in all building stories.
Assign them the cross section “Wall1”. I’m just interested in the snippet
to draw the walls. Write the remaining parts of the main method with
explanatory comments. You may want to keep the geometric parameters
separated because we need them later on to draw the columns in the grid
points that are not occupied by walls.
assistant: Here's the snippet to draw the walls for the two cores in each
story of the building using the `define_wall` function. Add this snippet
inside the main function:

```python
# Geometric parameters
# (Keep the previous geometric parameters for story heights, x_coordinates,
and y_coordinates)

# Define the core walls

core1 = {"horizontal": (3, 4), "vertical": (1, 3)}
core2 = {"horizontal": (3, 4), "vertical": (6, 8)}
section_prop = "Wall1"
# Iterate through each story
for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):
bottom_z = sum(story_heights[:i])
top_z = bottom_z + story_height

# Draw walls for Core 1

define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)

# Draw walls for Core 2

define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
```

This snippet defines the core wall positions and then iterates through each
story of the building. In each story, it draws the walls for both Core 1
and Core 2 using the given coordinates, section property, and top and
bottom z values. Remember to add this snippet inside the main function,
after adding the slabs and before refreshing the view and disconnecting
from ETABS.

user: Now let’s start defining the columns. I want you to define a function
that draws a column in ETABS based on the nested list of grid points (check
dimensions in the las comment of the previous create_gird_system function
and retrieve the list items accordingly), the index of the horizontal and
vertical axis line, the starting and end height and its cross section name.
I’m going to show you an example. Note that a column is a frame whose end
points share the same x and y coordinates, so you just need to pick one of
the grid points. The example is the following one and remember that the
column name is returned by the API method as well as the ret value because
all the values passed by reference in the example are returned by the
equivalent python API function:
Syntax
C#
VB
C++
F#
Copy
int AddByCoord(
double XI,
double YI,
double ZI,
double XJ,
double YJ,
double ZJ,
ref string Name,
string PropName = "Default",
string UserName = "",
string CSys = "Global"
)
Parameters
XI
Type: System. Double
The coordinates of the I-End of the added frame object. The coordinates are
in the coordinate system defined by the CSys item.
YI
Type: System. Double
The coordinates of the I-End of the added frame object. The coordinates are
in the coordinate system defined by the CSys item.
ZI
Type: System. Double
The coordinates of the I-End of the added frame object. The coordinates are
in the coordinate system defined by the CSys item.
XJ
Type: System. Double
The coordinates of the J-End of the added frame object. The coordinates are
in the coordinate system defined by the CSys item.
YJ
Type: System. Double
The coordinates of the J-End of the added frame object. The coordinates are
in the coordinate system defined by the CSys item.
ZJ
Type: System. Double
The coordinates of the J-End of the added frame object. The coordinates are
in the coordinate system defined by the CSys item.
Name
Type: System. String
This is the name that the program ultimately assigns for the frame object.
If no userName is specified, the program assigns a default name to the
frame object. If a userName is specified and that name is not used for
another frame, cable or tendon object, the userName is assigned to the
frame object, otherwise a default name is assigned to the frame object.
PropName (Optional)
Type: System. String
This is Default, None, or the name of a defined frame section property.
If it is Default, the program assigns a default section property to the
frame object. If it is None, no section property is assigned to the frame
object. If it is the name of a defined frame section property, that
property is assigned to the frame object.
UserName (Optional)
Type: System. String
CSys (Optional)
Type: System. String
The name of the coordinate system in which the frame object end point
coordinates are defined.
Return Value
Type: Int32
Returns zero if the frame object is successfully added, otherwise it
returns a nonzero value.
Remarks
Examples
VB
Copy
Public Sub Example()
Dim SapModel As cSapModel
Dim EtabsObject As cOAPI
Dim ret As Integer = -1
Dim Name As String

'create ETABS object

Dim myHelper as cHelper = New Helper
EtabsObject = myHelper.CreateObjectProgID("CSI.ETABS.API.ETABSObject")

'start ETABS application

ret = EtabsObject.ApplicationStart()

'create SapModel object

SapModel = EtabsObject.SapModel

'initialize model
ret = SapModel.InitializeNewModel(eUnits.lb_ft_F)

'create steel deck template model

ret = SapModel.File.NewSteelDeck(4, 12, 12, 4, 4, 24, 24)

'add frame object by coordinates

ret = SapModel.FrameObj.AddByCoord(0, 72, 48, 0, 48, 36, Name)

'close ETABS
EtabsObject.ApplicationExit(False)

'clean up variables
SapModel = Nothing
EtabsObject = Nothing

End Sub

assistant: Here's a function to define a column in ETABS based on the

nested list of grid points, the index of the horizontal and vertical axis
line, the starting and end height, and its cross-section name:

```python
def define_column(sapmodel, grid_points, horizontal_index, vertical_index,
bottom_z, top_z, section_prop):
# Extract coordinates of the grid point
x, y = grid_points[horizontal_index][vertical_index]

# Add a column using the ETABS API

_, _, _, column_name, ret = sapmodel.FrameObj.AddByCoord(x, y,
bottom_z, x, y, top_z, "", section_prop)

# Check if the API call was successful

if ret == 0:
print(f"Column '{column_name}' added successfully.")
else:
print(f"Failed to add column at grid point ({horizontal_index},
{vertical_index}).")

return column_name
```
This function takes the `sapmodel`, `grid_points`, horizontal and vertical
axis indices, bottom and top z coordinates, and the section property as
input arguments. It extracts the x and y coordinates of the grid point and
uses the ETABS API method `AddByCoord()` to add the column to the model. It
also checks if the API call was successful and prints the result. Finally,
it returns the column name.

user: Now let’s add the columns to our ETABS model by adding the
corresponding snippet to the main function. You have to draw columns in
grid points that are not occupied by the previously defined building walls
which are the grid points between the axis values provided to define the
walls. Note that the horizontal core walls are related to the y_coordinates
and the vertical core walls are related to the x_coordinates. Iterate
through all stories and remember that the list of story heights is not
cumulative. The section property of the columns is “ConcCol”. Remember the
dimensions of the point grid list through the comment in the
create_grid_system function. Write the unmodified parts of the main method
as explanatory comments. Remember that you defined the limit of the core
walls this way:
# Define the core walls
core1 = {"horizontal": (3, 4), "vertical": (1, 3)}
core2 = {"horizontal": (3, 4), "vertical": (6, 8)}

assistant: I'll provide the snippet to add columns to the ETABS model
within the main function. Remember to add this snippet in the appropriate
place in the main function (e.g., after adding slabs and walls, and before
refreshing the view and disconnecting from ETABS).

```python
# MAIN FUNCTION
# ... other parts of the main function ...

# Add columns
section_prop = "ConcCol"

for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

bottom_z = sum(story_heights[:i])
top_z = sum(story_heights[:i+1])

for h_index in range(len(x_coordinates)):

for v_index in range(len(y_coordinates)):
# Skip grid points occupied by core walls
if (core1["horizontal"][0] <= h_index <= core1["horizontal"][1]
and core1["vertical"][0] <= v_index <= core1["vertical"][1]) or \
(core2["horizontal"][0] <= h_index <= core2["horizontal"][1]
and core2["vertical"][0] <= v_index <= core2["vertical"][1]):
continue

# Add column at the grid point

define_column(sapmodel, grid_points, h_index, v_index,
bottom_z, top_z, section_prop)

# ... other parts of the main function ...

```

This snippet iterates through all stories and calculates the bottom and top
z coordinates for the columns. Then, it iterates through all grid points
and checks if the grid point is occupied by the core walls. If not, it
calls the `define_column()` function to add the column to the ETABS model
with the specified section property ("ConcCol").
user: As I told you, the horizontal walls are related to the y_coordinates
and the vertical ones to the x_coordinates, so I’ve fixed your function
this way:
# Skip grid points occupied by core walls
if (core1["horizontal"][0] <= v_index <=
core1["horizontal"][1] and core1["vertical"][0] <= h_index <=
core1["vertical"][1]) or \
(core2["horizontal"][0] <= v_index <=
core2["horizontal"][1] and core2["vertical"][0] <= h_index <=
core2["vertical"][1]):
continue

Other than that it was perfectly.

assistant: Apologies for the confusion, and thank you for correcting it.
Here's the corrected snippet with the fixed grid point check:

```python
# MAIN FUNCTION
# ... other parts of the main function ...

# Add columns
section_prop = "ConcCol"

for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

bottom_z = sum(story_heights[:i])
top_z = sum(story_heights[:i+1])

for h_index in range(len(x_coordinates)):

for v_index in range(len(y_coordinates)):
# Skip grid points occupied by core walls
if (core1["horizontal"][0] <= v_index <= core1["horizontal"][1]
and core1["vertical"][0] <= h_index <= core1["vertical"][1]) or \
(core2["horizontal"][0] <= v_index <= core2["horizontal"][1]
and core2["vertical"][0] <= h_index <= core2["vertical"][1]):
continue

# Add column at the grid point

define_column(sapmodel, grid_points, h_index, v_index,
bottom_z, top_z, section_prop)

# ... other parts of the main function ...

```

Now the grid point check should be correct, with horizontal walls related
to the `y_coordinates` and vertical walls related to the `x_coordinates`.
user: We’re also going to set some openings in the model. First, I need you
to define a function to draw rectangular openings in the ETABS model. This
function should call the draw_slab function with an offset value of zero
and a property name of “Default”
def draw_slab(sapmodel, point_list, start_x_index, end_x_index,
start_y_index, end_y_index, offset, z_coordinate, prop_name):
and then use the following method from the API to set the new area objects
(whose name you’re getting from the draw_slab function) into an opening:
Syntax
C#
VB
C++
F#
Copy
int SetOpening(
string Name,
bool IsOpening,
eItemType ItemType = eItemType.Objects
)
Parameters
Name
Type: System. String
The name of an existing area object or group, depending on the value of the
ItemType item.
IsOpening
Type: System. Boolean
This item should be set to True if the specified area object(s) is to be an
opening, otherwise it should be False.
ItemType (Optional)
Type: ETABSv1. eItemType
This is one of the following items in the eItemType enumeration:
• Object = 0
• Group = 1
• SelectedObjects = 2
If this item is Objects, the assignment is made to the area object
specified by the Name item.
If this item is Group, the assignment is made to all area objects in the
group specified by the Name item.
If this item is SelectedObjects, the assignment is made to all selected
area objects, and the Name item is ignored.
Return Value
Type: Int32
Returns zero if the opening is successfully assigned; otherwise it returns
a nonzero value.
Remarks
Examples
VB
Copy
Public Sub Example()
Dim SapModel As cSapModel
Dim EtabsObject As cOAPI
Dim ret As Integer = -1

'create ETABS object

Dim myHelper as cHelper = New Helper
EtabsObject = myHelper.CreateObjectProgID("CSI.ETABS.API.ETABSObject")

'start ETABS application

ret = EtabsObject.ApplicationStart()

'create SapModel object

SapModel = EtabsObject.SapModel

'initialize model
ret = SapModel.InitializeNewModel()

'create steel deck template model

ret = SapModel.File.NewSteelDeck(4, 12, 12, 4, 4, 24, 24)

'designate an area object as an opening

ret = SapModel.AreaObj.SetOpening("3", True)

'close ETABS
EtabsObject.ApplicationExit(False)

'clean up variables
SapModel = Nothing
EtabsObject = Nothing

End Sub
assistant: I've created a function to draw a rectangular opening in the
ETABS model using the `draw_slab` function and the `SetOpening` method from
the API:

```python
def draw_opening(sapmodel, point_list, start_x_index, end_x_index,
start_y_index, end_y_index, z_coordinate):
# Call draw_slab with an offset value of zero and a property name of
"Default"
opening_name = draw_slab(sapmodel, point_list, start_x_index,
end_x_index, start_y_index, end_y_index, 0, z_coordinate, "Default")

# Set the new area object as an opening

ret = sapmodel.AreaObj.SetOpening(opening_name, True)

if ret == 0:
print(f"Opening '{opening_name}' created successfully.")
else:
print(f"Error creating opening '{opening_name}'.")

return opening_name
```

This function will create a rectangular opening by first calling the

`draw_slab` function with the specified parameters and then setting the
created area object as an opening using the `SetOpening` method.

user: Now we are going to add this method to the main function right after
defining the building slabs to add rectangular openings in all the five
stories (starting by z = 5) between the vertical axis with indexes 4 and 5
and the horizontal axis with indexes 2 and four. I’m just interested in the
snippet to draw the walls. Write the remaining parts of the main method
with explanatory comments. You may want to keep the geometric parameters
separated because we need them later on to draw the columns in the grid
points that are not occupied by walls.

assistant: Here's the snippet to add the rectangular openings in all the
five stories, starting by z = 5, between the vertical axis with indexes 4
and 5, and the horizontal axis with indexes 2 and 4:

```python
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 6)]

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Add slabs
# ...

# Add openings
for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):
z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:i+1])
draw_opening(sapmodel, grid_points, 4, 5, 2, 4, z_coordinate)

# Other parts of the main function

 # ...

except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
```

This snippet will create rectangular openings in all the five stories at
the specified locations by calling the `draw_opening` function with the
appropriate parameters.

user: I've defined the following function to add balconies to the building
slabs. I want you to call this function from the draw_slab method so it
modifies the x_coordinates, y_coordinates and z_coordinates that are passed
to the API AddByCoord function. You should also add optional additional
arguments to the draw_slab method regarding the balcony_axis, width, depth,
offset of the add_balconies function. Only call the add_balconies function
from the draw_slab function if this optional arguments are provided to the
draw_slab function. And don’t forget tp modify the AddByCoord function
because we are now passing more than 4 points.

# This function modifies the coordinates lists to add balconies along the
slab edges.
# Each balcony is defined through four additional points that are
calculated through the axis index, balcony widht and balcony height.
# The parameter balcony_axis is a nested list in which the first list
contains the axis indexes of the balconies along the x axis and the
# secon list contains the axis indexes of the balconies along the y axis
def add_balconies(grid_points, x_coordinates, y_coordinates, z_coordinates,
balcony_axis, width, depth, offset):
new_x_coordinates = list(x_coordinates)
new_y_coordinates = list(y_coordinates)
for i in range(len(balcony_axis[0])):
balcony_center_x = grid_points[balcony_axis[0][i]][0][0]+offset
balcony_center_y_bottom = y_coordinates[0]
balcony_center_y_top = y_coordinates[2]
balcony_x = [balcony_center_x - width/2, balcony_center_x -
width/2, balcony_center_x + width/2, balcony_center_x + width/2]
balcony_y_bottom =
[balcony_center_y_bottom,balcony_center_y_bottom-
depth,balcony_center_y_bottom-depth,balcony_center_y_bottom]
balcony_y_top =
[balcony_center_y_top,balcony_center_y_top+depth,balcony_center_y_top+depth
,balcony_center_y_top]
new_x_coordinates[len(new_x_coordinates)-3-
4*i:len(new_x_coordinates)-3-4*i]=balcony_x
new_y_coordinates[len(new_y_coordinates)-3-
4*i:len(new_y_coordinates)-3-4*i]=balcony_y_bottom
new_x_coordinates[len(new_x_coordinates)-1-
i*4:len(new_x_coordinates)-1 - i*4]=balcony_x[::-1]
new_y_coordinates[len(new_y_coordinates)-1-
i*4:len(new_y_coordinates)-1- i*4]=balcony_y_top
for i in range(len(balcony_axis[1])):
balcony_center_y = grid_points[0][balcony_axis[1][i]][1]+offset
balcony_center_x_right = x_coordinates[1]
balcony_center_x_left = x_coordinates[3]
balcony_y = [balcony_center_y - width/2, balcony_center_y -
width/2, balcony_center_y + width/2, balcony_center_y + width/2]
balcony_x_right =
[balcony_center_x_right,balcony_center_x_right+depth,balcony_center_x_right
+depth,balcony_center_x_right]
balcony_x_left = [balcony_center_x_left,balcony_center_x_left-
depth,balcony_center_x_left-depth,balcony_center_x_left]
new_x_coordinates[4*len(balcony_axis[0])+2+4*i:4*len(balcony_axis[0])+2]=ba
lcony_x_right

new_y_coordinates[4*len(balcony_axis[0])+2+4*i:4*len(balcony_axis[0])+2]=ba
lcony_y
new_x_coordinates[len(new_x_coordinates) -
i*4:len(new_x_coordinates)-1 - i*4]=balcony_x_left
new_y_coordinates[len(new_y_coordinates) -
i*4:len(new_y_coordinates)-1 - i*4]=balcony_y[::-1]
return new_x_coordinates, new_y_coordinates, [z_coordinates[0]] *
len(new_x_coordinates)

And this is the last version of the draw_slab function that you have to
modify:
def draw_slab(sapmodel, point_list, start_x_index, end_x_index,
start_y_index, end_y_index, offset, z_coordinate, prop_name):
# Extract corner points of the slab
x1, y1 = point_list[start_x_index][start_y_index]
x2, y2 = point_list[end_x_index][start_y_index]
x3, y3 = point_list[end_x_index][end_y_index]
x4, y4 = point_list[start_x_index][end_y_index]

# Apply the offset

x1 -= offset
y1 -= offset
x2 += offset
y2 -= offset
x3 += offset
y3 += offset
x4 -= offset
y4 += offset

# Create coordinates arrays

x_coordinates = [x1, x2, x3, x4]
y_coordinates = [y1, y2, y3, y4]
z_coordinates = [z_coordinate] * 4

# Define the slab name

slab_name = ""

# Add the slab to the ETABS model

_, _, _, slab_name, ret = sapmodel.AreaObj.AddByCoord(4, x_coordinates,
y_coordinates, z_coordinates, slab_name, prop_name)
if ret == 0:
print(f"Function AddByCoord was successful for slab {slab_name}")
else:
print(f"Error running function AddByCoord for slab {slab_name}")

return slab_name

assistant: Here's the modified `draw_slab` function with the optional

balcony arguments and the call to the `add_balconies` function if the
optional arguments are provided:

```python
def draw_slab(sapmodel, point_list, start_x_index, end_x_index,
start_y_index, end_y_index, offset, z_coordinate, prop_name,
balcony_axis=None, width=None, depth=None, balcony_offset=None):
# Extract corner points of the slab
x1, y1 = point_list[start_x_index][start_y_index]
x2, y2 = point_list[end_x_index][start_y_index]
x3, y3 = point_list[end_x_index][end_y_index]
 x4, y4 = point_list[start_x_index][end_y_index]

# Apply the offset

x1 -= offset
y1 -= offset
x2 += offset
y2 -= offset
x3 += offset
y3 += offset
x4 -= offset
y4 += offset

# Create coordinates arrays

x_coordinates = [x1, x2, x3, x4]
y_coordinates = [y1, y2, y3, y4]
z_coordinates = [z_coordinate] * 4

# Add balconies if specified

if balcony_axis is not None and width is not None and depth is not None
and balcony_offset is not None:
x_coordinates, y_coordinates, z_coordinates =
add_balconies(point_list, x_coordinates, y_coordinates, z_coordinates,
balcony_axis, width, depth, balcony_offset)

# Define the slab name

slab_name = ""

# Add the slab to the ETABS model

num_points = len(x_coordinates)
_, _, _, slab_name, ret = sapmodel.AreaObj.AddByCoord(num_points,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates, z_coordinates, slab_name, prop_name)
if ret == 0:
print(f"Function AddByCoord was successful for slab {slab_name}")
else:
print(f"Error running function AddByCoord for slab {slab_name}")

return slab_name
```

Now, the `draw_slab` function will call the `add_balconies` function if the
optional arguments are provided, modify the coordinates accordingly, and
add the balconies to the slab. The `AddByCoord` function call is also
updated to handle the varying number of points.

user: Great, now we are going to incorporate the definition of the

balconies into the main function. You should define the geometric
parameters of the balconies right before calling the draw_slab functions.
The balconies will be added to the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th vertical axis and
to the 2nd and 4th horizontal axis with an offset of 4.05m. The balconies
are 4 m width and 2 meters depth. Can you print the new main function? I
just need the section about the slabs and the balconies. The other parts
can be included as explanatory comments. This was the old main function:
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 6)]

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

 grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Add slabs
slab_offset = 0.3
slab_prop_name = "Slab1"

for z, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:z + 1])
draw_slab(sapmodel, grid_points, 0, len(x_coordinates) - 1, 0,
len(y_coordinates) - 1, slab_offset, z_coordinate, slab_prop_name)

# Add openings
for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):
z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:i+1])
draw_opening(sapmodel, grid_points, 4, 5, 2, 4, z_coordinate)

# Define the core walls

core1 = {"horizontal": (3, 4), "vertical": (1, 3)}
core2 = {"horizontal": (3, 4), "vertical": (6, 8)}
section_prop = "Wall1"

# Iterate through each story

for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):
bottom_z = sum(story_heights[:i])
top_z = bottom_z + story_height

# Draw walls for Core 1

define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)

# Draw walls for Core 2

define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
 # Add columns
section_prop = "ConcCol"

for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

bottom_z = sum(story_heights[:i])
top_z = sum(story_heights[:i+1])

for h_index in range(len(x_coordinates)):

for v_index in range(len(y_coordinates)):
# Skip grid points occupied by core walls
if (core1["horizontal"][0] <= v_index <=
core1["horizontal"][1] and core1["vertical"][0] <= h_index <=
core1["vertical"][1]) or \
(core2["horizontal"][0] <= v_index <=
core2["horizontal"][1] and core2["vertical"][0] <= h_index <=
core2["vertical"][1]):
continue

# Add column at the grid point

define_column(sapmodel, grid_points, h_index, v_index,
bottom_z, top_z, section_prop)

# Refresh view
ret = sapmodel.View.RefreshView()

# Disconnect from ETABS

disconnect_from_etabs(etabs_object, sapmodel)

except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")

assistant: Here is the updated `main` function with the definition of the
balconies and the call to the `draw_slab` function:

```python
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 6)]

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Add slabs
slab_offset = 0.3
slab_prop_name = "Slab1"

# Define balcony parameters

balcony_axis = ([1, 3, 5, 7], [2, 4])
balcony_offset = 4.05
balcony_width = 4
balcony_depth = 2

for z, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:z + 1])
 draw_slab(sapmodel, grid_points, 0, len(x_coordinates) - 1, 0,
len(y_coordinates) - 1, slab_offset, z_coordinate, slab_prop_name,
balcony_axis, balcony_width, balcony_depth, balcony_offset)

# ... The rest of the main function remains unchanged ...

except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
```

The balconies' geometric parameters are defined right before calling the
`draw_slab` function, and the `draw_slab` function is called with these
parameters to add the balconies to the slabs.

user: There has been a design change. The building has one less horizontal
axis, but it is the original axis with index 0! So you will have to update
the y_coordinates vector and also the definition of the balconies,
openings, walls and columns to offset their horizontal index by -1. Can you
rewrite the main function so to update this change? The first y_coordinate
should be 0 though. This was the previous one:
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 6)]

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Add slabs
slab_offset = 0.3
slab_prop_name = "Slab1"
balcony_axis = [[1, 3, 5, 7], [2, 4]]
balcony_width = 4
balcony_depth = 2
balcony_offset = 4.05

for z, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:z + 1])
draw_slab(sapmodel, grid_points, 0, len(x_coordinates) - 1, 0,
len(y_coordinates) - 1, slab_offset, z_coordinate, slab_prop_name,
balcony_axis, balcony_width, balcony_depth, balcony_offset)

# Add openings
for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):
z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:i+1])
draw_opening(sapmodel, grid_points, 4, 5, 2, 4, z_coordinate)

# Define the core walls

core1 = {"horizontal": (3, 4), "vertical": (1, 3)}
core2 = {"horizontal": (3, 4), "vertical": (6, 8)}
section_prop = "Wall1"

# Iterate through each story

for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):
bottom_z = sum(story_heights[:i])
top_z = bottom_z + story_height

# Draw walls for Core 1

 define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core1["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core1["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)

# Draw walls for Core 2

define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][1]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)
define_wall(sapmodel, (x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][1]]),
(x_coordinates[core2["vertical"][0]],
y_coordinates[core2["horizontal"][0]]), top_z, bottom_z, section_prop)

# Add columns
section_prop = "ConcCol"

for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

bottom_z = sum(story_heights[:i])
top_z = sum(story_heights[:i+1])

for h_index in range(len(x_coordinates)):

for v_index in range(len(y_coordinates)):
# Skip grid points occupied by core walls
if (core1["horizontal"][0] <= v_index <=
core1["horizontal"][1] and core1["vertical"][0] <= h_index <=
core1["vertical"][1]) or \
(core2["horizontal"][0] <= v_index <=
core2["horizontal"][1] and core2["vertical"][0] <= h_index <=
core2["vertical"][1]):
continue

# Add column at the grid point

define_column(sapmodel, grid_points, h_index, v_index,
bottom_z, top_z, section_prop)

# Refresh view
ret = sapmodel.View.RefreshView()

# Disconnect from ETABS

disconnect_from_etabs(etabs_object, sapmodel)
except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")

assistant: I have updated the main function to reflect the design changes.
The `y_coordinates` vector has been updated, and the horizontal indices of
the balconies, openings, walls, and columns have been offset by -1:

```python
# Geometric parameters
story_heights = [5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5]
x_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 10)]
y_coordinates = [0] + [8.1 * i for i in range(1, 5)] # Removed one
horizontal axis

try:
# Connect to ETABS
etabs_object, sapmodel = connect_to_etabs()

# Create a new grid

grid_points = create_grid_system(sapmodel, story_heights,
x_coordinates, y_coordinates)

# Add slabs
slab_offset = 0.3
slab_prop_name = "Slab1"
balcony_axis = [[1, 3, 5, 7], [1, 3]] # Offset horizontal indices by -
1
balcony_width = 4
balcony_depth = 2
balcony_offset = 4.05

for z, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):

z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:z + 1])
draw_slab(sapmodel, grid_points, 0, len(x_coordinates) - 1, 0,
len(y_coordinates) - 1, slab_offset, z_coordinate, slab_prop_name,
balcony_axis, balcony_width, balcony_depth, balcony_offset)

# Add openings
for i, story_height in enumerate(story_heights):
z_coordinate = sum(story_heights[:i+1])
draw_opening(sapmodel, grid_points, 4, 5, 1, 3, z_coordinate) #
Offset horizontal index by -1

# Define the core walls

core1 = {"horizontal": (2, 3), "vertical": (1, 3)} # Offset horizontal
indices by -1
core2 = {"horizontal": (2, 3), "vertical": (6, 8)} # Offset horizontal
indices by -1
section_prop = "Wall1"

# ... The rest of the main function remains unchanged but with the
horizontal indices offset by -1 ...

except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
```

This should now generate the building model with the updated design.