how does one create a new load case template?

1) The template is a text file that is basically set up with IF-THEN-ELSE logic (i.e., "IF Load Component T3 Exists" or "If there are Hangers" THEN do such-and-such) to define specified load cases, made up of specified load components, with specified user name, with specified load case options, etc. CAESAR II then uses a compiler-style processor/expression evaluator to turn it into recommended load cases.

2) Unfortunately, to date we haven't documented the file structure for public consumption, since so far we have used the template only for internal purposes -- it allows us to quickly adapt to various changes to the recommended load case set. We can probably put some cursory documentation together and send it to you.

3) Our plan is to develop a "Load Case Template Wizard" that will allow users to modify and create the templates in a "fool-proof" manner. This is currently under construction with no easily determined release date.

4) Generally, our recommendation would be to make a copy of LOAD.TPL and then change the parts that you want to change, checking often that there aren't syntax errors, since at the moment CAESAR II assumes that all load case templates are error-free (having been provided by us) and therefore has minimal error checking. The software is setup to handle multiple .TPL files, you simply point to the one you want in the "configuration".

5) What are you specifically trying to do? We can give better help if we know specifically what modifications you are trying to make.

It would be nice if there were a Wind case flag that could turn on wind load cases that are typically the same from project to project. Ditto for seismic if uniform loads are used. And if a temperature is below the reference temperature, would be nice to have a file set for the displacement stress range. Not sure if this is the intended usage for the Load Case Template.

Yes this is exactly where we are going with this. However, before we start "recomending" occasional load cases, we need to have the Template Editor operational, because as soon as we make these recomendations, there will be users who disagree and want to change them.

I realize you are loking for some automation in the load cases, but until this is ready just simply copy your special "._j" file(s) to "name1"._j, ... etc and copy/overwrite to your "new calc"._j as required.

Interesting idea, Bob. That must be what Arya was trying to tell me yesterday. Now I understand.

"With the blast shield down, I can't see anything"