Less repetition.
More engineering.
22 modelling, loading, design and model-exchange tools for SAP2000 and ETABS — as a standalone Windows app or as plugins inside SAP2000 and ETABS.
A better way through
everyday model work.
Every tool, the program it works in, and a guide that matches V1.3.10R. In the app, the “?” on each tool opens its guide here.
NCSE Structural Model Explorer.
See the whole model.
A 3D viewer for SAP2000 and ETABS models, version V1.0. It is in final testing and not yet available for download.
What it does
- Opens a running SAP2000 or ETABS session, or a text model file (
.s2k/.e2k), as a 3D model with real section shapes, shell thickness and offsets. - Colour by type, section, material or story; cut the model with section planes and boxes; show member end releases.
- Click any object to inspect it. In a live session, read the steel design parameters (unbraced lengths, K factors, utilisation) and refresh them after you re-run analysis and design.
- Show load patterns (joint, frame and area loads) and measure distances between points.
It is a viewer: it reads your model and does not run analysis or design. Quantities that the tool itself computes (for example load distribution to frames) are marked as such and are approximate.
Licensing and availability
- Same licence system as CSI Tools, with its own licence entry for the Explorer.
- Licensed per program: SAP2000, ETABS, or both. A SAP2000 licence opens SAP2000 sessions and
.s2kfiles; an ETABS licence opens ETABS sessions and.e2kfiles. - Windows 10/11 64-bit, .NET Framework 4.8; your own SAP2000 or ETABS installation for live sessions.
- Release date and pricing: to be announced.
From first connection
to your next workflow.
Each guide has its own link (for example #guide-frame-to-truss) so it can be shared or opened from the app.
Save a backup. Open the model in SAP2000 or ETABS and confirm its units. Design tools need an AISC 360 steel code.
Run the EXE and pick the running model — or start the plugin from Tools inside SAP2000/ETABS. Complete licence verification.
Follow the prompts, check the changes, and save the run report (Help & Licence menu) for your QA file.
Run the tools inside
SAP2000 and ETABS.
The same tools, loaded by SAP2000 or ETABS. Windows stay open while you keep working in the model. Download the plugins →
SAP2000 plugin
- Copy
NCSE_CSI_Tools_SAP2000_Plugin.dllto a folder on your PC (keep it there). - In SAP2000: Tools → Add/Show Plug-Ins…
- Browse to the DLL. Plug-in name:
NCSE_CSI_Tools_SAP2000_Plugin(classcPlugin). Menu text: NCSE CSI Tools. Click Add. - Start it from the Tools menu. The first start shows the EULA and licence check.
ETABS plugin
- Copy
NCSE_CSI_Tools_ETABS_Plugin.dllto a folder on your PC. - In ETABS: Tools → Add/Show Plug-Ins…
- Browse to the DLL. Plug-in name:
NCSE_CSI_Tools_ETABS_Plugin(classcPlugin). Click Add. - Start it from the Tools menu. One licence covers the EXE and both plugins on the same PC.
Get to know
NCSE CSI Tools.
Two downloads: the standalone Windows application, and the plugins for SAP2000 and ETABS. One licence covers both on the same PC.
New to the tools? Start with the Load Combination Generator or Frame to Truss guide, then read the release notes.
NCSE Structural Model Explorer is not part of these downloads: it is coming soon.
Standalone application
- Runs on its own and connects to your open SAP2000 or ETABS model
- SAP2000 v27 and ETABS v23 (your own CSI licence is required)
- Windows 10/11 64-bit, .NET Framework 4.8; internet needed for licence checks
- 15-day trial, activated in the application
ZIP package · 1.85 MB
SHA-256 (check with Get-FileHash file.zip in PowerShell):
E78B8A8CC3447B546EC1069C20A1FF7FAFFFE1904F1472C4D51A9150DC248444
Getting started
- Download the ZIP, right-click → Extract All.
- Keep the EXE, DLLs and configuration file together in the extracted folder.
- Run NCSE_CSI_Tools_V1.3.10R.exe and read the EULA shown in the application.
- Request your 15-day trial, then connect to your open SAP2000 or ETABS model.
SAP2000 and ETABS plugins
- Run the same tools from the Tools menu inside SAP2000 or ETABS
- Package contains the SAP2000 plugin and the ETABS plugin
- The standalone application is not required; the same licence covers both on one PC
ZIP package · 3.16 MB
SHA-256:
8196863A5E7415F80E9571D8A667D9F210F7B67675EB3853A56AD729A1C4AB88
Installation steps: see Plugins.
By downloading you accept the EULA. See the privacy notice for the data used for licensing.
Talk to NCSE.
Support
Bug reports and questions: e-mail ncse2000@gmail.com. Please attach the log file (Help & Licence → Open log folder) and the run report if a tool changed your model unexpectedly.
Licences & pricing
Commercial licences per user and computer, for SAP2000, ETABS or both, for CSI Tools and (when released) the Structural Model Explorer. Request a quotation with the number of users and programs. Existing users: Help & Licence → Request licence renewal.
Moving to a new PC
Use Move / Restore Licence in the licence window on the new computer. NCSE approves the move; your device limit is respected.
Engineering experience.
Computational thinking.
A few useful answers.
Does CSI Tools replace SAP2000 or ETABS?
No. It works with a compatible installed program and its running model. You still need your own SAP2000 or ETABS licence.
Do all tools work in both programs?
Most do. Convert Frames to Cables, Create One-Joint Links and Export Robot Model to SAP2000 are SAP2000 only; 3D Replicate Elements is ETABS only. The catalogue above shows each tool’s program.
Which design codes do the design tools support?
Adjust Member Design Parameters, Adjust Fy, Clear Fy and the Auto-Design Optimizer work with AISC 360 (05/10/16/22). Fy by thickness follows EN 10025-2:2019 Table 6 for S235–S500 materials.
Is there an installer?
No — V1.3.10R is a portable package. Extract the ZIP before running the EXE and keep the supplied files together. Plugins are added through SAP2000/ETABS Tools → Add/Show Plug-Ins.
Which download do I need: standalone or plugins?
Either one works on its own. The standalone application is the quickest start. The plugins run inside SAP2000 or ETABS. One licence covers both on the same PC.
What is the NCSE Structural Model Explorer, and when is it available?
A 3D viewer for SAP2000 and ETABS models (live session or .s2k / .e2k files), version V1.0. It is coming soon and is not yet downloadable. See the Explorer section; write to us to be notified at release.
Will the Explorer need a separate licence?
It uses the same licence system as CSI Tools, but it is its own licence entry and is licensed per program (SAP2000, ETABS or both). Details will be published at release.
Can I use generated combinations without checking them?
No. Review the standard, load classifications, factors and project requirements. Export the combinations to CSV for your calculation package.
What data does the licence check send?
The same for CSI Tools and, once released, the Explorer: An installation ID, a device token, a one-way machine fingerprint, the computer name and the app version — plus name, e-mail and company when you request a licence. Details: privacy notice.