Dear Colleagues,
Say if I have to apply wind on all the four sides (+x / +z / -x / -z) of an irregular structure/geometry, is it okay to consider only 2 positive cases (+x / +z) as Basic Load Case and generate 4 load combinations with 2 positive and 2 negative values? why? (else) what is the better way?
(e.g.) if DL is 1, WL+X is 2 and WL+Z is 3 then
1.4 DL + 1.4 WL+X
1 1 .4 2 1.4
1.4 DL + 1.4 WL+Z
1 1 .4 3 1.4
1.4 DL + 1.4 WL-X
1 1 .4 2 -1.4
1.4 DL + 1.4 WL-Z
1 1 .4 3 -1.4
unable to find a thread which might have discussed the same topic.
Please advise.
Since the structure is irregular, it is better to apply the wind in the negative directions as separate load cases.
Answer Verified By: Dani Paul
Thanks Sye for your kind response; however my colleagues still insist that irrespective of the structural irregularity / geometry, if there isn't any change on the intensity of external forces acting on the structure, the forces remain same (except for the change in direction); say for instance the values for support reaction for +x & -x would be same - if so, why not just ignore the load case, and use negative sign in the load combination instead...
i'm puzzled, can you throw some light on this (if you don't mind) ?