STAAD Pro v8i - how to use moving load generator in load combinations?

[HorseBridge]

Neigh,

I'm running basically a line girder problem in 2D. I've used MOVING LOAD GENERATOR to create 1000+ load combinations - 1 ft increments across my 1000ft bridge. I can't figure out how to use envelope values in any meaningful way, including in user-defined load combinations. Is this possible? If not, I don't see how STAAD can be of any use for bridge analysis/design.

Thank you,
Horsebridge

 

[GalileoG]

I had this problem a while ago.

I think what I did was create load combinations manually on the edit list. The load combinations will then include your moving load cases. But for 1ft increments of a 1000ft bridge, this workaround would take quite a bit of time.

Contact STAAD tech support. I've found them to be very helpful and are usually quick to respond.

 

[RWW0002]

I should preface this with the fact that I have only used the moving laod generator sucessful a couple of times, and it was with fairly simple loading (i.e. static dead load and a single moving tandem). My approach was to define a load types for each moving load including all load factors. I then defined static loads including load factors. Load combinations can then be generated using the previously defined moving load types and adding in the static load with the "Add Load" command. Attached is the staad file for a preliminary run on a pile-supported crane-rail grade beam. It only includes self weight and a moving live load, but I think the same approach can be used for more complicated scenarios.

Maybe this will help. Good luck.

 

[Sye123]

Both GalileoG and RWW0002 are correct. STAAD does allow combining existing loads with moving load generations in two ways. First method is by using the ADD LOAD parameter which allows for any predefined load to be added to each generation. Second method is by generating the combinations manually using the normal procedure to generate load combinations. Each generation of the moving load has a unique load case number that can be used in combining these cases with other pre-existing cases through load combinations.