Load Combination Templates
The Load Combination Generator reads an external file to obtain a template and generate the combinations based on that template. Templates are provided with the program for generating the load combinations for each building code. The engineer can also create templates.
The use of the load combination templates can be as simple or as complex as the user chooses. Their purpose is to provide flexibility and, if used correctly, can be a very powerful tool. If used incorrectly or without careful thought and planning, they can cause more problems than they solve.
Different ways to use the template files
- The very simplest way to use the templates is to ignore them. The use of template files should be transparent to the user. This will be the case for most users.
- A slightly more advanced approach is to access the templates via the Custom Load Combinations command and modify any combinations that are generated. The Custom Load Combination command provides access to all templates (regardless of material) and generates combinations based on the template selected. These generated combinations can then be edited or deleted. By accessing the templates in this way, one can use their power without having to edit them directly.
- The most advanced option is to create and edit your own template files. These templates will then be listed in the Load Combination dialog, along with the templates provided with the program, the same as if they had come with the program. They will also be available in the Custom Load Combination dialog.