When Skip Loading is selected, the program automatically generates different loading scenarios (as shown in the Help menu). However the program lumps all skip loading scenarios into one load combination (Num 5 in the attached picture). Is this correct? Does the program choose the worst loading case or do I have to manually break the load combos down to: 1.2DL +1.6SK1, 1.2DL +1.6SK2, 1.2DL +1.6SK3, etc... and compare?
Also Percentage just means that how much of the LL is used correct? For example: if my LL is 50 PLF. If 50% is selected, for skip loading, the beam will see 25 PLF loaded in all respective scenarios.Is there away to apply load in the direction of the weak axis of the beam? Or is that a task to be done in Ram Element?Very much appreciated for your help.
Karl,
Thank you.
For load combination 5, all skip loading cases would be combined and added to the factored dead load and live load. It looks like the combinations were generated incorrectly. Did you select "Continuous Beam Combo Generators" as marked below before generating the combinations? This should create individual combinations for each skip loading.
Yes, your understanding of the skip loading percentage is correct.
There is not a way to model weak axis loads in the continuous beam module. You will need to use the main RAM Elements program to analyze and design for that type of load.