Several options are available for generating Notional story forces. These are:

1. User-defined
2. AISC 360
3. BS 5950
4. CAN/CSA S16-01
5. BS8110
6. EN 1993-1-1:2005

The gravity loads that have been applied on each diaphragm are reported in the Loads > Gravity for Notional command. Based on these values, notional loads can be generated. The fraction, or percent, of the gravity loads to be applied as notional loads is specified by the code selected. In the case of AISC 360 the user has an option of what fraction to use, depending on the type of design that is to be subsequently performed.

Notional Loads can be specified in both the X- and Y-directions. For models with tension-only members, there is also an option to generate the notional loads in the negative directions as well.

Notional Loads can be generated for Dead, Live and Roof or Snow loads, except for BS 8110 which only generates the Dead Load notional load. The generated notional load cases are unfactored, but they are factored in the load combinations as necessary.