Exploding the load case combination

Combinations exploded automatically on background

On background, so-called background combinations are automatically created if a code-related combination or an envelope is input.

If a code-related combination is input, the background combinations are of user-combination type. If an envelope is input, the background combinations are of linear-combination type.

The background combinations are used for all the calculations, and the user can concentrate on the "principle" or "mother" combination only. Thus, s/he is saved from the need to deal manually and personally with all the possible load case combinations.

What’s more, when an output document is being printed (previewed) and a table of e.g. extremes is included in it, the program "knows" for which background combination the extreme value has been achieved and informs about it. The composition of the "extreme" linear combination is attached to the result table.

If required, the background combinations can be reviewed in the Load case combination manager.

The name of background combinations is derived from the name of the "principle" or "mother" combination. If e.g. the "mother" combination is named "UEC" then the background combinations are named "UEC.1", "UEC.2", "UEC.3", etc. (see the dot in the name and compare with the name of exploded combination below)

Combinations exploded manually by the user

Despite the fact that an input combination is automatically "exploded" on background, the user may explode any code-related or envelope manually.

If a code-related combination is exploded, a set of envelopes is generated. If a code-related combination is exploded into all possible combinations, a set of linear combinations is generated. If an envelope is exploded to all possible, a set of linear combinations is generated.

The user thus gets a full control over the load case combinations.

The exploded combinations are listed in the Load case combination manager.

In order to explode a combination, one of two control buttons must be used:

[Explode to envelope]	This button is available if a code-related combination is selected in the list of defined combinations. As a result, a set of envelopes is generated and added to the Load case combinations manager.
[Explode to linear]	This button is available if either a code-related or envelope is selected in the list of defined combinations. In any case, a set of linear combinations is generated and added to the Load case combinations manager.

The name of exploded combinations is derived from the name of the "principle" or "mother" combination. If e.g. the "mother" combination is named "UEC" then the background combinations are named "UEC1", "UEC2", "UEC3", etc. (notice that the number immediately follows the "mother" combination name and compare with the name of background combination above)

Note 1: Any envelope can be exploded to all possible combinations. This means that even a user-combination that was created from a code-related combination as a result of Explode operation can be further exploded.

Note 2: If a code-related combination is exploded to all possible combinations, the number of created linear combinations may be very large. Consequently, it may be rather difficult to evaluate all the combinations properly. Therefore, this action is recommended for experienced user only.