RCDC CONTINOUS BEAM DESIGN

Question

Arrangement of loads to give maximum moments. 
 To achieve this the loadings are arranged in a way as recommended in BS 8110 part 1 clause 3.2.1 
 1. All spans are loaded with the maximum design ultimate load 1.4Gk + 1.6 Qk 
 2. Alternate Spans are loaded with the maximum design ultimate load 1.4Gk + 1.6Qk while other spans are loaded with the minimum design load 1.0Gk 
 
 Does RCDC consider this in design?

Nidhi Valia · Answer

Hi, 
 The analysis type mentioned above is called Pattern Loading or Skip Loading. This type of analysis is available in RAM SS RAM will perform the Pattern Loading / Skip Loading for the Live Load applied and create Positive as well as Negative envelope of Live Load each, for all beams. 
 This needs to be handled in the analysis file itself and RCDC will read the final forces from the analysis file and perform design based on the critical load combination identified. 
 For more information on Skip Loading or Pattern Loading ---- refer to this link ----- 
 https://communities.bentley.com/products/ram-staad/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/16742/ram-steel-beam-pattern-loading 
 https://docs.bentley.com/LiveContent/web/RAM%20Structural%20System%20Help-v2/en/GUID-820BF5D2-6170-4DDE-8CAD-A508257CB420.html

Sye · Answer

Pattern loading is not handled automatically by STAAD.Pro. You would have to create separate load cases for each loading scenario.