Combination cases

It is often useful to combine results from more than one analysis case. This is achieved by defining combination cases, which combine a number of factored analysis cases (e.g. 1.4A1 + 0.8A3).

Note combinations are only valid for linear solutions and should not be used to combine results from non-linear analyses. A mode details description is given in Working with the program: Combination cases and Working with the program: Enveloping in GSA

Definition

Name

The name is only used as a convenient way of identifying a combination case.

Description

Defines the analysis cases and factors that constitute the combination case (e.g. 1.4A1 + 0.8A3). An envelope of any number of cases can be specified as part of the combination, for example to view the worst case results for a number of cases. See Cases in Working with the program for details of the syntax for combination cases.

User note

The note is not used by the combination case but allows a note to be stored against the combination case.

Factors tab

In the case of a simple combination (e.g. 1.4A1 + 0.8A3) these are the factors that apply to the particular analysis cases.

Notes

Append to description

To assist in creating the case description the append options allow the user to select analysis cases, other combinations cases or lists (of cases) or a list of cases to envelope and add to the description. The cases selected are then appended to the description.

Expand

A combination case may refer to another combination case that is defined as a simple combination. If this is the case the expand to analysis cases will convert the description to one in terms of analysis cases only.