SUPER-LC is an add-on module of RSTAB which supports the work of the structural engineer in situations of a changeable system and load conditions. This analysis becomes relevant in bridge design and various other domains of structural engineering.

An initial structural system will be modified step by step according to the progress in the construction work, and stored under various file names in the same project. The definition of the Super Combination then uses the results of the individual structures and combines them like a normal RSTAB load combination. Frequently, different geometrical conditions are given in the various construction or operating levels. The structural systems can be supported differently, or members and hinges may be added or removed.

SUPER-LC compares the results of the RSTAB analysis using the member and node numbers in the changing structures. If different member lengths occur, the internal forces will be scaled to a uniform length and then combined. The graphic illustration of the results is always made in the position, where the supercombination has been defined.

Which load cases, load groups or load combinations of a particular structure are considered for the entire examination can be set under combination criteria. These initial load cases can be scaled with factors according to the combination rules of any standard. If all relevant load cases of an RSTAB structure have been put in the Super Combination, additional load cases from the next structure (the following construction phase) can be transferred in the same way.

For an alternative consideration of the various construction phases, the envelopes of all decisive load combinations can be superposed with 'either/or' criteria.

Comparable to RSTAB load combinations, various standards may be used to create factored Super Combinations. Choose, for example, DIN 18800, Eurocode 2 or 3, DIN 1045, ÖNORM, DIN 1052 or another user-defined standard. It is possible to edit the factors used for permanent, variable, exceptional or relieving loads in case that other load types or combination rules are needed.

The results of SUPER-LC can be assembled graphically and numerically in the same way as for RSTAB load combinations within the global printout report. As the add-on design modules also handle SUPER-LC results, the evaluation of construction phases will reliably be considered.