The problem of the generated load combinations lies in the variety of mathematical possibilities. The most important mechanisms for effective reduction include:
- Reducing the number of load cases
- Restricting actions by alternative or grouped exclusion criteria (for example, wind in y does not act with wind in x or wind in +x does not act with wind in -x) (see Image 01)
- Assigning imperfections to load cases (for example, imperfection +x never with wind -x or imperfection +x never with wind +y)
This way, the generated load combinations can be significantly reduced in most cases.
Another important possibility is to use load or result combinations. In the case of a purely linear structure, it is possible to use result combinations. Thus, only the load cases included in the result combination are calculated. All combinations can then be carried out with the results of these load cases.
The last possibility is to use the integrated automated reduction of load cases (see Image 02). The relatively extensive features are described in the articles that you can access under Links below.
