I need to magnify several load cases in RFEM by a constant factor (in my example, 1.4). In the load case settings, I can apply this factor through the Static Analysis Settings by selecting a separate setting that includes a multiplier of 1.4. I expected this multiplier to propagate everywhere, including into load combinations.
However, load combinations in RFEM also have their own Static Analysis Settings. Since load combinations are effectively new load cases formed as a superposition of other load cases, it is unclear which multiplier is actually applied:
• the multiplier from the original load cases,
• or the multiplier from the load combination’s own analysis settings.
From what I see, the multiplier from the original load cases is indeed used, but the behaviour is not obvious. Applying a multiplier to the load combination itself produces even more confusion, since it is not clear whether this stacks with the multipliers from the underlying load cases.
I would like clarification on the following:
What is the intended logic in RFEM regarding multiplier factors when load combinations reference multiple load cases?
Are there any tools or workflows that allow scaling all loads at once explicitly, meaning directly modifying the load values of all load objects (surface loads, free rectangular loads, etc.) without relying on multiplier factors in the analysis settings?
As you mentioned, the Static Analysis Settings are used for this purpose, and the behavior is, in my view, quite clear.
For example:
If you define a factor of 1.4 and apply this Static Analysis Settings to both the load caseand the load combination, the loads are increased twice by this factor. (This will not happen in a result combination as you superpose only load case results)
Therefore, if you want to increase only specific load cases, you need to work with at least two Static Analysis Settings.
Similarly, if you want to increase all loads of all load cases, you also need at least two settings — but in this case, you can simply increase all loads globally in the load combination. (keep the factor 1.0 for load cases)
Thanks, now this is very clear. Although I think a functionality to magnify entire load case by changing load values in each loading object would be still useful.
Thanks for the clarification. Here are typical cases where adjusting all load objects directly is needed:
1. Correction of initial load input
Sometimes the base wind pressure, terrain category, or another basic parameter was defined incorrectly. Then all wind loads must be increased consistently. If the loads were applied manually (different surfaces, canopies, open profiles, etc.), this means many separate load objects need to be updated.
2. Converting gravity loads into seismic inertia loads
For the Equivalent Lateral Force method, vertical imposed loads must be changed to horizontal direction and multiplied by the seismic coefficient. This requires modifying each load object.
3. Similar load cases created by copying
Two load cases may be identical except for magnitude. After copying, all load values in the new LC must be changed, which again means editing many load objects.
