Input of seismic mass for RSA

[humanengr]

Entering seismic mass requires inputting all masses in X, Y, and Z directions.
This is tedious and time consuming. What,s worse every time you add or revise a load/mass you have to trace it in your RSA load case and change the mass, again in all three directions. A royal pain in the antebellum. Is there a faster way?

RIsa for example, lets you just designate your seismic mass load cases, and uses those directly.

 

[SethGuthrie]

Is this in regard to Ram Elements? You do enter the seismic mass values for X Y and Z (and the mass moments as well) for the desired node points in that program. There is a tool for generating lumped masses for rigid diaphragm stories in Ram Elements in order to help with the application of the mass values, but for other structures with scattered masses you will have to enter them all. I like to run the gravity analysis and then report the column axial forces to help.

 

[dozer]

Sounds like he is talking about STAAD to me. And I agree, there has to be a better way. I can give you a trick I use that will help a little but changig is still a pain. Let's say I've added the weight of equipment in my structure in a particular load case. I then copy these loads into the RSA load case. Let's say they all act in the Y direction. I then copy them again into the same RSA load case and change the direction to X. I then copy them again and change the direction Z. You would think Bentley would come up with some easier way like you mentioned RISA does.

 

[humanengr]

Yes it is STAAD. sorry, I thought I was in Staad forum, so didnt mention it. I'm doing what dozer suggested. I was just hoping there is a better way. Very time consuming. Thanks to you all for the responses.