LC Generator

Beginning in ADAPT-Builder v21, a new LC Generator (Load Combination Generator) provides an additional option to assist in the generation of code compliant load combinations for use in the analysis and design of an ADAPT-Builder model. The LC Generator is implemented for all design codes available within ADAPT-Builder and can reverse earthquake and wind loads at your discretion. It also includes options to add ASCE compliant combinations for the ACI code (this feature not available in ACI 1999). For step by step instructions on adding load combinations using the LC Generator please refer to the Work with Load Combinations topic.

The LC Generator can be accessed from the Combinations window, as shown in the following image.

Accessing the LC Generator window

LC Generator

LC Generator window

The LC Generator provides several options for the inclusion of load combinations for analysis and design, though some are only available in ACI code, under the conditions described in the following table.

LC Generator Options

Option

Description

Code

This section displays the building codes used for load combination generation. The code displayed is based on the Design Code selected in 'Criteria', 'Design Code'.

Design

This section allows you to choose which load state the combinations will be generated for. Options are SLS and ULS.

SLS	Check this option to include service limit state combinations for the design code chosen. Service level combinations are typically used to calculate deflections, stresses, and minimum reinforcement for the members.
ULS	Check this option to include ultimate limit state combinations for the design code chosen. These are strength load combinations used to evaluate the slab for strength provisions of the selected code and design strength level reinforcement for the members.

Wind Load Options

This section provides options for reversing wind loads in the provided combinations, and for providing ASCE compliant combinations for the ACI code.

Reversible

Check this option, to have the program create two combinations for each load combination that includes a wind load case. The first combination includes the positive sign, while the second combination includes the negative sign for the wind load case factor.

ASCE Cases

Includes additional ASCE compliant wind combinations options that are only available when using the wind load wizard with wind loads in two transverse directions. If there is any wind case without a transverse direction equivalent these options are not available. See ASCE Wind Load Options section for a detailed description on how to activate these options.

1: X, Y	Includes combinations for wind as per Section 27.4.6 Fig. 27.4-8 of the applicable ASCE code.
2: X, Y w/Ecc	Includes combinations for wind as per Section 27.4.6 Fig. 27.4-8 of the applicable ASCE code. Includes effects of eccentricity.
3: X+Y	Includes combinations for wind as per Section 27.4.6 Fig. 27.4-8 of the applicable ASCE code.
4:X+Y w/Ecc	Includes combinations for wind as per Section 27.4.6 Fig. 27.4-8 of the applicable ASCE code. Includes effects of eccentricity.

Seismic Load Options

This section provides options for reversing earthquake loads in the provided combinations, and for providing ASCE compliant combinations for the ACI code.

Reversible	Check this option, to have the program create two combinations for each load combination that includes the seismic load case. The first combination includes the positive sign, while the second combination includes the negative sign for the seismic load case factor.
E=f(Eh, Ev) (ACI Only)	Includes seismic combos from section 12.4.2.3 of the ASCE code that are only available if an ACI design code is selected in the 'Criteria', 'Design Code' window.

When finished checking the options you want, you can click on the Add button (in the LC Generator window) to populate the different load combinations. The load combinations are populated with the correct code-based load factors for each load case, as well as the correct Analysis/Design option for proper inclusion in the analysis of the model and design of reinforcement. You have the ability to modify or delete these combinations once they are entered.

ASCE Wind Load Options

The LC Generator includes options to add ASCE complaint wind combinations for ACI codes. These options include load combinations for wind as per Section 27.4.6, Fig. 27.4-8 of the ASCE code, and only become available when using ACI-2005 through ACI-2019 codes and when the condition outlined below is met. The ASCE Code used, depends on the ACI code selected.

To unlock the ASCE Wind Load options, you must define two transverse load cases. This can be done either through the Wind Load Wizard or from the Load Case Library. In either case the program looks for a combination suffixed with _Pxx, where xx is the direction the load is applied in. When loads are applied through the Wind Load Wizard, a 0 value for xx denotes loads in the positive global X-direction; a 90 value for xx denotes loads in the positive global Y-direction. The following image shows an example of such load cases as defined in the Load Case Library.

When the xx value has an angle of 90° between them for the same load case, the program unlocks the ASCE options within the LC Generator window as shown below. Load cases defined manually in the Load Case Library window, using the same format also unlock the ASCE Wind Load options of the LC Generator window.