Errors

While there are many advantages to using external template files for creating load combinations, it does open up the possibility for errors to occur. Here are some common problems to watch out for.

Syntax error in the template.

These can occur in the dialog Control section of the template or the Combinations section of the template. There is a fairly exhaustive syntax checker in the generator. If it encounters a line it cannot read, an error message is given that shows the errant line. This template will not be available until the syntax error is corrected.

Changing the name of a template that is being used by a model.

In this situation, when the model loads, the template name that is saved with the model will not match what is now in the template file. An error message will be given stating that the existing load combinations will be deleted.

Solution: return to the Load Combination generator, select a new template and regenerate the combinations.

Incorrect data entered.

Otherwise known as typos. If the user creating the template types in 100 as a dead load factor rather than 1.0, there is no way for the generator to know that this is incorrect. Custom templates should be tested and verified very carefully before they are used.