Etabs Mass Summary By Story Better

Mass summary by story is a quick diagnostic and reporting tool that ensures your dynamic and seismic analyses are based on correct mass distribution. Regularly check this table during modeling and before final design checks.

The table provides a detailed, floor-by-floor breakdown of the total seismic mass ( Micap M sub i ) and the center of mass ( ) for each level. Why You Should Focus on This Table:

Extracting the mass summary data in ETABS is a straightforward process. Follow these steps after running your structural analysis:

ETABS displays mass in (metric) or kip-s²/in (imperial). Do not confuse mass (force/g) with weight (force) . Seismic weight in kips is Mass (kip-s²/in) * 386.4 in/s² . etabs mass summary by story better

Quickly spot anomalies, such as an unexpectedly heavy mid-rise mechanical floor.

Display > Show Tables > Analysis Results > Structure Results > Mass Summary by Story Cumulative Mass X (Sum to N) Total Mass

Engineers must verify that the software correctly calculates the building's dead load and appropriate live load reductions according to local building codes (like ASCE 7 or Eurocode 8). Mass summary by story is a quick diagnostic

Total Story Mass=Slab Mass+Beams/Columns Mass+Wall/Cladding Mass+FinishesTotal Story Mass equals Slab Mass plus Beams/Columns Mass plus Wall/Cladding Mass plus Finishes

) and ensures that the model’s total weight matches the design assumptions. Conclusion Mass Summary by Story

Using the table simplifies structural peer reviews and internal quality checks. Instead of sorting through disorganized node-by-node data, this table provides an aggregated, floor-by-floor overview of your building's dynamic weight. Incorporating this check into your standard post-analysis workflow helps catch modeling mistakes early, ensuring safer designs and smoother project approvals. Why You Should Focus on This Table: Extracting

When you run Analyze > Run Analysis > Display > Show Tables > Analysis Results > Structure Results > Mass Summary by Story , ETABS reports:

: The coordinates of the Center of Mass (COM) for that specific story. Why Mass Summary by Story is Better

Why ETABS "Mass Summary by Story" is Superior for Seismic Design