Define Load Combinations Form

Program design is based on a set of loading combinations that are defined by the user or by the program. Automatic and user-defined combination may be used simultaneously for design. Use this form to manage user-defined combinations or to specify that the program generate load combination automatically. If the automatically generated load combinations are acceptable (see below), no definition of additional load combinations is required.

Note: Notional loads are not included in code-generated combinations. Thus, to consider the combination of notional and lateral loads, appropriate User Load Combinations should be generated.

Note: The Analysis > Load Cases - All > Convert Combos command can be used to convert automatic code-generated combos to user-defined combos that can then be modified to meet specific requirements.

Click the Design/Rating > Load Combinations expand arrow to access the Define Load Combinations form.
Use the buttons on the form as follows:

To Generate User-Defined Combinations:

- Add New Combo button. Click this button to display the Load Combination Data form and manually create a user-defined load combination for the model.
- Modify/Show Combo button. Use this button to modify an existing combo without adding a new combination.

- 1. Select the load combination to be modified in the Load Combinations display area.
  2. Click the Modify/Show Combo button to access the Load Combination Data form.
  3. Make the necessary adjustments using the options on the form (see above).
  4. Click the OK button to return to the Load Combination Data form. Then click the OK button on that form to close it.

To Delete Any Combination:

- Delete Combo button. Use this button to delete a combo.
- 1. Select the load combination to be deleted in the Load Combinations display area.
  2. Click the Delete Combo button.

To Specify That the Program Generate Combinations:

- Add Default Design Combos button. Click this button to access the Add Code-Generated User Load Combinations form and define a user-defined load combination based on code. Select the design type (e.g., bridge, steel frame, or concrete frame). If necessary, click the Set Load Combination Data button to access the Code-Generated User Load Combinations for {Code} form and refine the definition of the code-based combination.

To Convert a Combination to a Nonlinear Case:

- Convert Combos to Nonlinear Cases button. Click the button to display the Select Combos to Convert to Nonlinear Cases form. Highlight the combo name(s) to select it and click the OK button. The combo(s) will be converted immediately and a message will display indicating that the combo(s) has been converted.