Intro
This plugin allows users to decompose complex load combinations into simple and fundamental forms based on the primary load cases of MIDAS CIVIL. With this tool, users can analyze the effects of various load combinations and precisely determine the impact of specific combinations on structures.
- Convert Load combinations to basic load cases
- Simplifies complex load combinations into basic forms using MIDAS CIVIL's primary load cases
Version
- v1.0.0 : Plugin release
Applicable Standards
- General Use
Benefits of this plugin
MIDAS CIVIL provides seven primary load cases: Static, Moving, Construction Stage, Thermal, Response Spectrum, Settlement, and Pushover. Based on these basic load combinations, the user expects what load combinations will be critical to the structure.
Depending on the design code load combinations need to create over a hundred combinations, especially the Euro code requires very complex and detailed load combinations and variable factors.
When considering load combinations, the user assumes and creates a “load combination roadmap.”
To arrive at the final destination, the user will conduct load combinations repeatedly using the primary load cases and created load combinations. The problem comes out of this repeated combination method.
Based on the analyzed results, the user wants to find specific load combinations to determine which load case has an unfavorable impact on the segment. Ultimately, the user wants to traceback each load combination.
How to use this plugin?
1. Perform analysis and create Load combinations
2. Select element in Civil and click on Import Load Combinations button.
3. Select target load combination for breakdown, element end, envelope type and respective force/moments and click on Breakdown data button. Prefix name can be entered if required.
4. New, broken-down load combinations will be created.
Note
There are a few guidelines for using this plugin.
1. Post-Analysis Usage: Ensure the plugin is used in ‘PostCS’ and ‘locked’ state.
2. Element Limit: Up to 5 elements can be selected for simultaneous breakdown.
3. Load Combination Prefix:
- If a LCB Prefix is provided, the plugin incorporates it in the generated load combination names. If no LCB Prefix is provided, the plugin creates names based on the selected load combinations.
- Limitation: Character limit for the breakdown LC is 20. Hence adjust the Load case name or the Prefix name accordingly.
4. Load Case criteria: Ensure ‘Strength/Stress’, ‘Serviceability’ or ‘Active’ criteria is selected under Active column.
5. Load Case Type: Ensure ‘Add’ or ‘Envelope’ type is selected under Type column.
6. Code Limitations: South Africa and France moving loads are not supported.
7. Load factors permission : Ensure only positive load factors are provided for asymmetrical loads such as moving loads and settlement loads. Negative load factor for these load cases is not permissible.
Conclusion
Through this guide, you effectively transforms complex load combinations into more manageable forms using MIDAS CIVIL's foundational load cases. This essential tool empowers engineers to conduct detailed and accurate impact analyses, enhancing structural assessment precision.