.sdb

Extension: SAP2000 Model File

Developer: Computers & Structures

The .sdb file, or SAP2000 Model File, is a crucial component within the SAP2000 structural analysis software. It acts as a comprehensive database, holding all the essential information defining a structural model. This includes not only the geometrical aspects like the shape and dimensions of the structure, but also the properties of the materials used (e.g., steel, concrete), the applied loads (e.g., dead loads, live loads, wind loads), and the boundary conditions or constraints that restrict the structure’s movement. This detailed storage allows engineers to perform thorough analyses, ensuring the design’s stability and safety. The file’s integrity is paramount; any corruption can render the model unusable, highlighting the importance of regular backups.

Opening an .sdb file requires the SAP2000 software itself. It’s not a file type that can be viewed or edited using standard text editors or other general-purpose programs. Simply launching SAP2000 and then using the software’s “Open” function to locate and select the .sdb file will load the corresponding structural model. This will allow engineers to review the model’s characteristics, modify its parameters, run analyses, and generate design reports. Remember that the .sdb file is inherently linked to SAP2000’s internal format, therefore it cannot be directly accessed or interpreted outside of its intended software environment.