Program design is based on a set of loading combinations. In CSiBridge, load combinations, or combos, are generated by the user or automatically by the program. If the automatically generated load combinations are acceptable, no definition of additional load combinations is required. Note, however, that 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.
The Design/Rating > Load Combinations panel has the following components:
New command. Use this command to create User Load Combinations. Clicking this button will display the Load Combination Data form.
Current Load Combination drop-down list with associated Copy, Modify, and Delete commands
Copy command. Select a load combination from the Current Load Combination drop-down list to display the Load Combination Data form "pre-loaded" with the parameters of the selected load combination. This adds a new load combination to the model.
Modify command. Select a property from the Current Load Combination drop-down list. Click this command to display the form for the selected type of property; use the form to modify the property definition as necessary.
Delete command. Click this command to delete the definition identified in the Current Load Combination drop-down list.
Add Defaults command. Use this command to specify that the program create the load combinations. Clicking this command will display the Add Code-Generated User Load Combinations form. Use that form to select a design type (Bridge Design, Steel Frame Design, Concrete Frame Design) for which load combinations will be created.
Load Combination expand arrow in the lower right-hand corner of the Load Combinations panel. Click this arrow to display the Define Load Combinations form. That form can be used to add, modify, or delete a load combination, including those automatically generated by the program (see previous bullet item).
Note: Automatic and user-defined combination may be used simultaneously for design. The Analysis > Load Cases - All > Convert Combos command can be used to convert automatic code-generated combos to user-defined combos.