Define the nodes for the structure, starting from the bottom. See the N command.

Set the boundary conditions using the D command

Define the groups and elements using the GROUP and E commands

Check the elements by opening a Model Plot window by using the Plot > Model > Element menu or the Model

Define the materials, soil layers, and beam properties using the M, L, and R command

Assign materials and properties to the elements using the MSET and RSET command

Check the assigned materials and properties in the Model Plot window by showing the elements in their material / property color (see sections and ) and comparing their color with the material / property color shown when selecting the Options > Colors menu or the Color Command.

Set the element integration order for SOLID elements using the EINT command.

Define the nodal masses (MT and MR Commands) and set the mass units option (MUNITS Command)

Check the masses by displaying them in the Plot>Model>Nodes which opens the node plot window

Set the model options by selecting the Options > Model Menu

Define the analysis frequency set (FREQ Command)

Define the analysis options by selecting the Options / Analysis menu command

Run the AFWRITE command to write the analysis files for the selected modules

Run the desired modules for the simulation