When using ELF analysis, for applying user defined seismic load do I have to input the seismic factor as the Ultimate or the reduced (ASD) factor? As I saw the combinations didn't divide it by 1.4.
Greetings Mibrahim,
To remove any misunderstanding, it is always helpful to everyone if acronyms are clearly defined, example: Equivalent Lateral Forces (ELF).
With that said, this question is very similar to the discussion on Wind load here. Like the wind load discussion, users are urged to look into AutoPIPE help to understand a given command and any limitations.
In your case, there are only 2 methods with which to enter static seismic accelerations:
1. The accelerations are calculate as defined by the selected code with their given settings
or
2. Acceleration values are calculated and factored as necessary outside of AutoPIPE, these values are then entered as user defined values in the Static seismic dialog.
AutoPIPE provides the user the ability to factor load cases when generating user defined combinations.
To answer your question - "do I have to...", due to liability and lawsuit issues, Bentley TSG, cannot assist you in design decisions (ex. what seismic values should be used, how to fix over stress, what piping code should be used, etc..) or construction details established by individual clients, engineering firms, project documentation, and/or code specific documentation. Suggest that you review your project specifications for answers to seismic loading requirements and apply them to your AutoPIPE model as needed.
Regards, Mike Dattilio Design Analysis Engineering Group Senior Analyst Bentley Systems Inc=============================================================================