Spreadsheets for Structural Engineers

SmartComb — Load Combinations and Force Envelopes

• Max/Min Envelopes
• Associated Forces
• Dual Load Factors

SmartComb identifies critical load combinations and calculates maximum and minimum force envelopes for structural members. Using an intelligent algorithm, it eliminates unnecessary combinations and significantly reduces post-processing time. Most design codes require two load factors — one magnifying, one reducing — per combination. With four load cases this yields 2⁴ = 16 sub-combinations; with eight, 2⁸ = 256. SmartComb resolves this efficiently: it determines maximum and minimum forces while tracking associated forces (such as axial force corresponding to maximum bending moment), without generating the large datasets required by conventional methods. The only inputs required are member forces from individual load cases and a description of load combinations with dual factors.