Difference between zero tension and linear analysis type in RAM Concept

Hey I'm designing a mat foundation. I see two types of analyses zero-tension and linear. What is the basic difference between two? I read the manual but couldn't understand clearly. It would be great if anyone could explain it to me in layman language the basic difference ? And also which one to use?

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  • If you don't have any area springs, then there is no need to make the combinations zero-tension.

    If you are asking what's the difference between two single combinations and a lateral group combination, then the answer is in the amount of results available. With individual combinations you can look at the standard results, say bending moments for a specific combination. With a lateral group the program saves the envelope of results only. Check these sections of the manual for more: "11.6 About group load combinations", "11.8 Summary of load combination types", and also "33.2.2 Max and Min context slab plot limitations"