# Read Structural Model Data (.k file)

To get the data (effective properties) from the output file (`.k`), use the
{func}`sgio.read_output_model` function.

```python
import sgio

model = sgio.read_output_model(
    file_name,    # Name of the output file.
    file_format,  # Format of the output file.
    model_type,   # Type of the structural model.
)
```

`file_name` includes the `.k` extension. `file_format` can be `'vabs'` for
VABS output or `'sc'`/`'swiftcomp'` for SwiftComp output. `model_type` should
be chosen from a list of built-in keywords indicating the type of the
structural model. See Section {ref}`guide_model` for more details.

The function returns a structural model ({ref}`ref_model`).

## Get Timoshenko Beam Properties from a VABS Output File

Consider the following VABS output file
(`sgio/examples/files/cs_box_t_vabs41.sg.K`):

```{literalinclude} ../../../examples/plot_cs/sg21eb_tri3_vabs40.sg.K
:language: text
```

The following code (`sgio/examples/read_vabs_output_h.py`) shows how to read
the output file and get some Timoshenko beam properties:

```{literalinclude} ../../../examples/read_vabs_output_h/run.py
:language: python
```

The output should be:

```text
EA = 1653700.125
GJ = 6322.4210975
EI22 = 79466.796504
EI33 = 200742.66655
```

For named beam properties such as `ea`, `gj`, `ei22`, and `ei33`, prefer the
direct model attributes. Use the typed section-query methods only when you need
matrix or theory-schema quantities.