PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Chapter 3

3.3.3 Skipping of Loads (Pattern Loading)

Skipping of loading, or pattern loading, is limited to live loads, except for

the British version of ADAPT-RC in which a proportion of dead loading is
also skipped.

If load skipping is selected by the user, the program applies the load
selectively on various spans in order to obtain the maximum and minimum
moments and shears at each 20th point along each span.

In the general case, six patterns of loading, as illustrated in Fig. 3.3-5 are
necessary to consider, in order to obtain critical values.

PATTERN LOADING ARRANGEMENT

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PATTERNS OF LIVE LOADING

FIGURE 3.3-5

Note that in skipped loading, for each loaded span, the entire live loading
specified for that span is considered active simultaneously. In other words,
if a given span has 10 live loads, in the loaded condition of that span all
the 10 loads are assumed present.

A SKIP FACTOR can be selected by the user if so desired. The skip factor
is the factor by which the patterned loading is multiplied. Commonly, a

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Chapter 3_ PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

skip factor of 1 or less is assumed. Note that the skip factor is applied only
to load patterns 2 through 6 of Fig. 3.3-5. The condition of load on all
spans is implemented without a factor. That is to say, the load factor for
pattern 1 is considered as 1, regardless of the user's entry.

3.3.4 Load Combinations

For the combinations of load cases, the critical values of moments and
shears at each 20th point and the reactions are each multiplied by a load
factor and combined to obtain the respective maximum and minimum
values. Each version of ADAPT-RC has, as a default, the related, code-
specified factors. However, the user has the option to override the code
factors by entering a different load combination.

3.4 DESIGN CAPABILITIES

3.4.1 Definition of Terms

In the context of the present work the following words are used with the
emphasis described herein:

Analysis is defined as the algorithm and sequence of steps leading to the

determination of sectional actions (moments, shears), stresses and
deflections, due to each and all of the loads on the structure. The analysis
is based strictly on applying the known laws of statics and theorems of
solid body mechanics to the structural model selected. Any deviations
from the commonly used laws and theorems, such as code simplifications
(if employed by ADAPT-RC), are clearly defined in this manual.

Design consists of:

Adjustments and Redistribution of moments due to finite

dimensions of the structure and post-elastic reserve in Strength;
Load Factors and the Combination of Actions (moments,
shears) to obtain the Design Moments, Design Shears,
(collectively referred to as design actions, or Factored actions);
Evaluation of the Ultimate Strength of the sections and
determination of the required Mild Reinforcing; and
Estimate of deflections beyond the elastic limit.

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