ATADS Manual

Bonneville Power A*ninisffiion
Advanced
Tower
Analysisand
Design
#
System
Supporting
Documentation
Version4 August23,1999
t
Tableof Contents
i+: .
-fr :
lntroduction 1-1
ATADSFeatures .............1-2
Disclaimer 14
Installation
ATADSPrcgrams 1-9
TheATADSToolbar........ ................
1-10
Conductor
Clearance
Design .........1-28
WarningsandErrors
FileCheckerWamings
andEnors ......................1-32
%,
,....2-1
VSTRINGS
MEMBERS
Section........ .................2-10
MEMBER
GROU
PSSection........
SPRINGS
SPECIFIED
DEFLECTIONS
Section.. ................2-14
- ATADS
WND AREAS Section ..................... ....2-15
WND ARFjS- TOWER

Section......... ...............2-10
WND PRESSURES
Section..... .....2-17
APPLIED
LOADS
Section ..............2-18
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Section -.--.-.............2-1g
Commentary
AnalysisProgram.......
%,
FileCheckerProgram..
FileChecker
FileCheckerWamings
and.Error...........:.......... ............3-7
Modeling
Information
WamingsandEnors ..........3_g
JointWamings
andEnors.......... ....3_11
MemberWarningsandEnors
MemberGroupWamings
andEnors... ...............3_13
Specified
Deflection
WamingsandEnors ..........3_15
Spring
Wamings
andEnors ...........3_16
\MndAreasWamings
andEnors........... .............3_17
Applied
LoadsWamings
andEnors.......... .........
3_1g
\MndPressureWamings
andEnors... ................3-20
\MndPanelWamings
andEnors... .....................3_21
Database
EnorsandWamings.... .......................3-22
Conversion
Wamings..... .................3-24
GenerateProgram..... 3-2s
Comments
Section
Editor...........
Modeling
Information
Editor........... ......................
3-29
Confguration
'q*
MemberGeneration. 3{2
3$2
D-i6
35
f.lfharc
36
PlotPrcgnm..... 347
iii*i''.i,*Lirlrii *i****r+-fit i'iffi'#i-i'-

'f.ii*q{;,;iliiihii*iirii,jliliriiui;*11;
ii
Load Calculations ............343
:L
YL'
VString
Calculations .....1..,............
Wind Loads ..36
Dead Loads 3-96

...................
DeadLoadDistribution.. ..................3-96
MemberCapacityGalculations 3-104
Braced
BPAI 3-114
BPA2 ..3-115
ASCE10
ASCE10Capacities................... ...3-116
ASCE't0Tension
Capacity......
.,";'1i
.>
ASCE10Compression
Capacity
ASCE'IO
Bending
Capacity.,.... ....3-118 ,*
iii.i!,i:rriffiil*itl'**
': i'
:ii
: l: .rli
.,;; l'.irl
i .', i:..
'ii*1'tii*'i!.i1,rin1i;|1.,*1tt*ffi**i**"ff
l
ASCE10|nteraction
Equations. ...3-119
ASCE10ShearCapacity........
. . .. ... ........3-120
:i
ASCE10Bending -
CapacitySingtetfr!tes................ ..............:...... .........g-122
Recafculating
Unequal
LegProperties................... ................3-126
ASCE10Bending - DouUte-nngbs
Capacity (Section
5.14.7)......... .........3-127
ASCE10Bending - Wde Ftanges

Capacity (Section
S.'t4.4)......... ..........3-128
AscE10BendingCapacity-Channe|s(Section5.14'4)
ASCE10 Bending
Capacity-Tees
(Section
5.14.6)......... ...3-130
ASCE10Bending - pipes(Section
Capacity 5.14.5)......... ..3-131
ASCE10Bending - squareandRectangularTubes
capacity (section
s.14.5)......... ..3-132
ASCE10Bending - Square
Capacity andRound8ars............. ................3-i33
calculating
allowable
bending
stressbasedon anequivalent
widefrange
.......... .........3-'134
Calculating
ASCE10bending
capacities
forunsymmetrical
shapes ........3-135
Calculating
Equivalent
Radiusof Gyration
for Bending
of Unsymmebical
Shapes .......3-137
ASD and TlA, EIA -222FCapacities
ASDandTfA/EIA-222FCompression
Capacity................. ...................3-140
ASDandTfA/ EIA- 222FTension

Capacity... .....................3-142
ASDandTIA/ EIA- 222F Bending

Capacity .3-143
ASDandTfA/ EIA- 222FlntendonEquations ..................3.145
ASDandTIA/ EIA- 222FShear

Capacity...... .....................3-146
Compact
Section
Requirements ..................... .,3-147
ProcedureOutlines..... +1
: ,.1
!,/'
%,
UsinS
g e c o n d aM
r ye m b e r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-....-.:............ ................4_16
calculating
theEquivalentNumber of BoltHolesto Account
forstiagger .......................4-17
,"" .
ModelingGuyson LatticeStrucfures:...
Symbols 5-t
Refercnces ........................
5-3
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Introduction
The Advanced Tower Analysis and Design System (ATADS) is a system of programs developed
by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for its own use.
ATADS is a system of programs designed to provide the structural engineer with a set of tools for
analysis, design, and optimization of lattice transmission structures.
ATADS also includes programs for the design and analysis of poles and analysis of transmission and
telecommunication structures using advanced techniques.
ATADS Features
Truss and Frame Analysis

ATADS is capable of analyzing three-dimensional structures using both Truss and Frame Analysis
techniques. The Truss and Frame Analysis options include the following features:
Up to 12 configurations can be modeled in one file

Automatic generation of dead loads
Tension only and guy wire modeling
Up to 999 joints, 3000 members, and 50 load cases can be modeled
Automatic model stabilization using artificial restraints
5 different stress checks including ASCE 10, ASD, and TIA/EIA-222F
Automatic calculation of wind areas and loads using ASCE 74, TIA/EIA-222F and other methods
Model conversions to other software such as PLS-CADD and SAP90
Poles
The ATADS Pole program provides design and analysis of single shaft tubular poles with circular,
four, six, eight, twelve, and sixteen sided cross sections, as well as circular solid wood poles.
Design and Optimization

The Tower Design and Tower Optimization programs provide the capability for design and
geometrical optimization of self-supporting lattice transmission towers.
Advanced Analysis Techniques

ATADS includes two programs that provide advanced analysis techniques. LIMIT is a
three-dimensional Truss Analysis program capable of modeling nonlinear member performance.
The CVA/PBA program provides the nonlinear member performance modeling of LIMIT with member
capacity variation and probabilistic member capacity variation.
Tools
ATADS provides several stand alone programs.
VString
Calculates equivalent loads at connected joints given VString loads.
Capacity
Calculates tension and compression capacities for single and double angles.
Properties
Calculates section properties for single and double angles, wide flanges, tubes, channels,
and other shapes.
Conductor Clearance Design

Calculates a clearance envelope that can be used to determine in what regions it is safe to
put members in a tower.
Clean Up
Disclaimer
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) developed ATADS for its own use. No warranty as to
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness is expressed or implied. BPA, members of BPA's staff, and
persons or organizations acting on BPA's behalf do not:
1) Make any warranty or representation, expressed or implied, with respect to the

merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose of the software and associated
documentation.
2) Assume any liability with respect to any use of the software and associated documentation
with respect to any damages that may result from such use.
It is entirely the responsibility of the user to verify the accuracy of any results obtain from
ATADS. ATADS should only be used by experience engineers who are responsible for the modeling
assumptions and results of the program.
Finds and deletes intermediate and output files used by the ATADS system.
Conductor Clearance Analysis

Calculates acceptable ranges for maximum uphill and downhill conductor slopes.
Pole
Performs nonlinear analysis and design of steel pole structures.
Leg Extension
Designs bracing members for leg extensions.
Snow Leg
Designs leg and bracing members in legs with applied snow loads.
Soils
Performs shaft analysis for a maximum of 5 soil layers.
File Finder
Searches for ATADS model files and displays comments.
Cable
Performs cable analysis.
Installation Requirements
Software Requirements
Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 Operating System
Minimum Hardware Requirements

486 33 MHz PC
16 Color Monitor at 640 x 480 resolution
16 MB RAM
Hard Drive with 12 MB Free Space
Recommended Configuration
Windows NT 4.0
Pentium III 450MHz PC
256 Color Monitor at 600 x 800 resolution
128 MB RAM
Hard Drive with at least 100 MB Free Space
Installation Instructions
Installing ATADS
Uninstall any previous version of ATADS. See Uninstalling ATADS below.
Close all running applications.
Insert the disk labeled ATADS Disk 1.
From the Windows Start Bar, click Run.
Type a:\Setup or b:\Setup.
The setup program will guide you through the installation process. Follow the instructions on the
screen.
Uninstalling ATADS
From the Windows Start Bar, select Programs, ATADS 32, Uninstall ATADS 32.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Installation Troubleshooting
ATADS installs without incident on most systems, but the following may help if you have problems.
Verify that the software and hardware requirements are met. See Installation Requirements for
more information.
Verify that the installation disks do not have defects by running Scandisk or a similar program.
Close all programs before installing ATADS.
Uninstall any previous versions of ATADS before reinstalling.
If the Uninstall fails, delete all files in the ATADS32 directory and all subdirectories. Be sure to
backup all ATADS input data files before deleting the directories.
Registration
ATADS must be registered before it will run. The first time ATADS is run, a registration dialog box
will be displayed that offers the following options:
User Name
Enter the User Name provided by BPA. This name will appear in the About box of each program, as
well as on the title page in reports.
Code
Enter the registration code provided by BPA. The code is in the form AAAA-AAAA-AAAA, where A
represents a character or a number.
Accessing Help
Online help may be accessed in the ATADS system by several methods:
1) Each program has a help menu that contains two choices:

Contents displays the contents of all ATADS help. By selecting this option, index and find
features are available.
Specific help for the current program such as Analysis help.
2) In most cases, message windows will have a help button. Click the button to display help with
additional information on the message displayed in the window.
3) Some special windows have a help button that gives additional information about that window.
4) By clicking in the ATADS Toolbar, the following window is displayed:
This window gives access to the help topics associated with each item shown.
The ATADS Toolbar
The ATADS Toolbar provides access to all of the programs in the ATADS system. The Toolbar is
activated by selecting the Windows Start menu, then selecting: Programs, ATADS 32, Run ATADS
32.
Displays the Release Notes associated with the current ATADS version.
Displays online help.
Activates the Setup program.
Activates the Generate/Plot program.
Activates the File Checker program.
Activates the Analysis program.
Activates the Data Viewer program.
Activates the Reports program.
Activates the Stress Check program.
Activates the LIMIT Analysis program.
Activates the File Finder program.
Displays or hides the bottom toolbar.
Activates the Clean Up program.
Activates the VString program.
Activates the Capacity program.
Activates the Properties program.
Activates the Conductor Clearance Design program.

Activates the Conductor Clearance Analysis program.
Activates the Pole program.
Activates the Soils program.
Activates the Leg Extension program.
Activates the Snow Leg program.
Activates the Cable program.
Keeps the toolbar on top of all other windows.

Setup
The ATADS Setup program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar. It
can also be activated from the Plot program menu by selecting Run and Setup.
The ATADS system of programs uses a Windows registry to store information about colors, window
positions, and paths. The Setup program takes care of this information and allows it to be edited.
When the Setup program is started, it reads the registry and displays a window that represents how
the colors will be displayed. It also checks the system palette capabilities to determine if 256 colors
are available. If 256 colors can be displayed, Setup creates a palette of 117 colors. The remaining
139 colors are not used. If 256 colors can not be displayed, a standard 16-color display is created.
The path ATADS uses to store data in the system registry is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \
SOFTWARE \ ATADS32. It is highly recommended that this information not be modified in any way
except by the ATADS Setup program.
Menu Commands
Paths
The Paths menu allows the path to three files to be set. The files may be moved from their
original location if the paths are set properly here. The Default Data Directory menu sets the
directory where most data files are stored. ATADS looks in this directory first to find input
files.
Color Schemes
The Color Scheme menu allows one of three standard color schemes to be selected.
Custom color schemes can also be created, removed, or edited from this menu.
Font
The Font menu allows you to set the font used by the Plot program when drawing labels.
The selected font must be a True Type font to be displayed properly.
User Level
The User Level can be set to either Standard or Advanced. The Advanced option prevents
many of the default warning messages from being displayed. This option is recommended
only for users with advanced knowledge of the ATADS system.
Help
Contents
Contents displays the contents of this help file.
Setup Help
Setup Help displays this help topic.
About ATADS Setup...

Displays the About ATADS Setup window with version information.
Color Selection Tree

The Color Selection Tree allows you to set colors displayed in the Plot program.
Generate/Plot
The ATADS Generate/Plot programs can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS
Toolbar.
Generate
The ATADS Generate program is used to create and edit ATADS input files. The Generate program
works entirely from within the Plot program which allows an input file to be graphically displayed as it
is being edited. After running an analysis, the Generate program can be used to view the input file
while the Plot program displays analysis output. The Generate program does not have a standard
menu associated with it. Instead, most options are available in the Generate Toolbar.
For more information on Generate, see Generate Toolbar in the Commentary section.
Plot
Plot displays the modeling information stored in the ATADS input file such as geometry, joint
numbers, member labels, and loads. In addition, Plot can display the results of the analysis such as
deflected shapes and member forces. Within the ATADS system, Plot is used as both a stand-alone
program and as a container for the Generate program. For more information on Plot, see Plot
Toolbar in the Commentary section.
The Plot menu consists of the following items:
File Menu
Open
Open allows selection of an ATADS input file.
New
New opens the Generate program with a new file.
Print Plot
Print Plot sends the plot to the printer.
Create
BMP File
Create BMP File creates a bitmap file with a *.bmp file extension.
IGS File
Create IGS File creates an IGES file with a *.igs file extension for importing
to CAD.
WMF File
Create WMF File creates a windows metafile with a *.wmf file extension.
Exit
Exit ends the program.
Last Files
The last three files opened are displayed. Selecting one of these files is equivalent
to selecting it with the Open command.
Configuration Menu
The Configuration Menu allows plotting a specific configuration. The current configuration is
displayed in the Status Bar. Using the Prev Conf or Next Conf buttons on the toolbar can
also be used to set the current configuration.
Load Case Menu

The Load Case Menu allows selection of the desired load case. If there are more than 25
load cases, the last menu choice will be "More Load Cases..." which will open a window with
all load cases listed. The current load case is displayed in the Status Bar. Using the Prev LC
or Next LC buttons on the toolbar can also be used to set the current load case.
Run Menu
The Run Menu allows access to several commonly used programs.
Window Menu
Geometry
Displays or hides the Geometry window.
Loads
Displays or hides the Loads window.
Wind Panels
Displays or hides the ATADS Wind window.
Deflections
Displays or hides the Deflections window.
Stress
Displays or hides the Stress window.
Substructure
Displays or hides the Substructure window.
Reset Plot
Reset Plot resets the zoom and orientation of the Plot Window.
Reset All
Reset All resets the zoom, orientation, joint labels, deflected shape, etc. of the Plot
window.
Conductor Clearance Plot

Displays or hides the Conductor Clearance window.
Details
Displays or hides the Details window.
Help Menu
Contents
Displays the Contents topic of this help file.
Generate/Plot Help
Generate/Plot Help displays this help topic.
About ATADS Plot...

Displays the About ATADS Plot window with version information.
File Checker
The ATADS File Checker program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
The ATADS File Checker is used to verify that the input file contains correct and complete
information. It checks the file by running hundreds of tests that verify the general file format, the
format of each field on each line, and by checking to see that all required information is available.
File Checker presents a detailed report describing the errors and warnings it found. Each error and
warning has additional information available in the online help system. The file checker is also used
to convert files in the VAX format to the ATADS file format. The File Checker menu consists of the
following items:
File Menu
Open
Select the Open command to select a file for the File Checker to use. The file can be an
ATADS input file with the *.in extension or a VAX input file with a *.vax or *.dat extension.
Print Input File

This choice sends the entire input file to the printer.
Print Error File

This choice sends the error file to the printer.
Exit
Select the Exit command to end the File Checker program.
Last Files
The last three files opened are displayed. Selecting one of these files is equivalent to
selecting it with the Open command.
Options Menu
File Checker Options

Selecting this command allows you to control how the File Checker runs.
Update Input File

Update Input File combines the information in an ATADS input file and output from the
Optimization program to create an ATADS input file with the optimized tower results.
Help
Contents
File Checker Help

File Checker Help displays this help topic.
About File Checker...

Displays the About ATADS File Checker window with version information.
Analysis
The ATADS Analysis program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
ATADS Analysis is used to run the Truss Analysis, Frame Analysis, Tower Design, and Tower
Optimization programs. In order to run these programs, ATADS Analysis uses the data stored in the
ATADS input file to create an input file for the selected program. It then runs the specified program
and instructs it to load and run the created file.
ATADS Analysis can also create a LIMIT, SAP90, PLS-CADD, and VAX input file based on the
ATADS input file. These files can then be run using the appropriate program with the created file.
The Analysis menu consists of the following items:
File Menu
Open
Select the Open command to select a file for ATADS Analysis to use. The file name must
have a *.in extension.
Exit
Select the Exit command to end the program.
Last Files
selecting it with the Open command.
Analysis Menu
Truss Analysis
Use this option to select Truss Analysis of general structures as well as transmission towers.
Frame Analysis
Use this option to select Frame Analysis of general structures as well as transmission towers.
Create LIMIT File

Use this option to create an input file for LIMIT and CVA/PBA.
Create Tower Analysis File

Use this option to create an input file for the CDC/PC version of Tower Analysis.
Tower Design
Member design of self-supporting and guyed transmission towers.
Tower Optimization
Optimization of lattice self-supporting transmission towers based on weight or cost.
Create VAX File
Use this option to create an input file for the VAX version of Tower Analysis.
Create PLS-CADD Tower File

Use this option to create a set of input files for PLS-CADD. The names of the files created
are based on the ATADS input file name and have the following extensions:
*.mat - Material properties

*.ang - Angle properties
*.blt - Bolt properties
*.tow - Coordinates, connectivity, etc.
Create SAP90 File

Use this option to create an input file for SAP90.
Create Risa 3D File

Use this option to create an input file for Risa 3D.
Run Menu
Select this option to run the program chosen in the Analysis Menu with the file chosen with the File
Menu. The File Checker may also be run from this menu.
Help Menu
Contents
Analysis Help
Displays the Analysis help topic.
About ATADS Analysis...

Displays the About ATADS Analysis window with version information.
Data Viewer
The ATADS Data Viewer program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
ATADS creates several database files that contain information based on geometry, loads, member
forces, etc. This data can not be viewed in a text file editor because it is saved in binary format. The
ATADS Data Viewer displays information contained in these databases.
The information contained in the databases includes all information contained in the input file in an
expanded form such as joint coordinates, member connectivity, and specified deflections. The
databases also contain information from the property.dat and material.dat files. The Data Viewer can
display all this information as well as calculated data such as wind loads, member capacities, and
member forces.
The Data Viewer menu consists of the following items:
File
Open
Select the Open command to select a file for ATADS Data Viewer to use. The file name
must have a *.in extension. The Open command is not available if data is currently being
displayed. Select Close All to close all windows if data from a different file is desired.
New
The New command is used to select the data to view.
Close
The Close command closes the currently selected window.
Close All
The Close All command closes all open windows. When all windows are closed, the Open
command is available.
Copy
The Copy command copies the data contained in the currently selected window to the
clipboard. The clipboard data can then be pasted into other applications.
Print
The Print command prints the data contained in the currently selected window. The currently
selected printer is automatically used.
Exit
Exit closes all windows and ends the program.
Last Files
selecting it with the Open command. The Last Files are not available if data is currently
being displayed. Select Close All to close all windows if data from a different file is desired.
Sort
Unsorted
The Unsorted command is used to reorder the displayed data based on the order it was
stored in the database.
Others
Most windows allow the displayed data to be sorted based on the column headings. The
sort is done based on the type of data in the field (alphanumeric or numeric). Select the
column heading to sort on that field.
Window
Cascade
The Cascade command arranges all non-minimized windows.
Tile Vertical
The Tile Vertical command arranges all non-minimized windows vertically.
Tile Horizontal
The Tile Horizontal command arranges all non-minimized windows horizontally.
Arrange Icons
The Arrange Icons command arranges the icons representing each minimized window.
Lock Left Field

The Lock Left Field command stops the far left field from scrolling horizontally.
Help
Contents
Data Viewer Help

Displays the Data Viewer help topic.
About ATADS Data Viewer...

Displays the About ATADS Data Viewer window with version information.
Reports
The ATADS Reports program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
ATADS Reports is used to create a variety of reports that can be viewed and printed on any printer
connected to the system or network. To create a report, set the check boxes next to the desired
reports and then click the Generate button. The report is then created and displayed in a viewer that
can be used to print the report.
File
Open
Select the Open command to select an ATADS input file to base the report on.
Last Files
Exit
Help
Contents
Reports Help
Displays the Reports help topic.
About ATADS Reports...

Displays the About ATADS Reports window with version information.
Clean Up
The ATADS Clean Up program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
The ATADS system stores calculated data in a variety of files. These files contain data such as joint
coordinates, dead loads, member forces, etc. The Clean Up program is used to find and delete
these files when they are no longer needed. It is not necessary to delete the files except to recover
hard drive space.
The Clean Up program will not delete input files. All deleted files can be regenerated using the
appropriate input file. The Clean Up program will only delete files the user selects.
VString
The ATADS VString program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
The ATADS VString program calculates equivalent loads at connected joints given VString properties
and loads. The solution method used in the VString program is based on the technique in Chapter 6
of Design Manual for Transmission Line, Tower and Foundation by R.A. Kravitz.
The VString menu consists of the following items:
Input
h (feet)
The dimension measured between Jnt2 and the VString joint in the Z direction. This value
must be greater than zero.
Alpha (degrees)
The positive angle between a vertical line passing through the VString joint and the string
connected to Jnt2. This angle must be between 0 and 90 degrees.
Jnt1 X, Y, Z (feet)
The coordinates of connecting joint 1. There are no restrictions on these values. They may
be positive, negative, or zero.
Jnt2 X, Y, Z (feet)
The coordinates of connecting joint 2. There are no restrictions on these values. They may
be positive, negative, or zero.
Load X, Y, Z (kips)
The load applied to the VString joint. Loads in the X & Y directions have no restrictions. Z
must be negative (down).
Notes:
h, Alpha, and the coordinates for Jnt1 & Jnt2 must be selected so that the VString joint is
below and between Jnt1 & Jnt2.
The X value for Jnt1 & Jnt2 must match. (The VString must be in the YZ plane.)
Output
Jnt1 Px, y, z
The equivalent joint load at Jnt1 in the X, Y, and Z direction.
Jnt2 Px, y, z
The equivalent joint load at Jnt2 in the X, Y, and Z direction.
For more information, see VString Calculations in the Commentary section.

Capacity
The ATADS Capacity program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
The ATADS Capacity program was originally written to test the procedures used to calculate tension
and compression capacities using the BPA1 technique. The program is now included in the ATADS
system as a stand-alone program that can be used to provide BPA1 capacity calculations for any
member shape included in the property.dat file.
Properties
The ATADS Properties program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
The ATADS Property program calculates member properties such as area, ice area, and moments of
inertia of single angles, double angles, wide flanges, tees, tubing, pipes, and channels.
Conductor Clearance Design
The ATADS Conductor Clearance Design (CCD) program can be activated by clicking the button
in the ATADS Toolbar.
The CCD program calculates a clearance envelope that is used to determine in what regions it is
safe to put members in a tower. Once a clearance envelope is created, the Plot program can be
used to display it on a tower model. Refer to BPA Tower Design Manual.
The CCD menu consists of the following items:
File
Open
Select the Open command to select a file for ATADS Conductor Clearance Design to use.
The file name must have a *.icd extension.
Save As
Select the Save As command to save the current data. The file name and directory may be
changed as desired.
Exit
Input
Configuration Identification
Select this option to enter identifying information for up to five configurations.
Tower Dimensions
Select this option to enter tower heights and widths.
Conductor Slope/Sag
Select this option to enter downhill and uphill slopes and sag angles.
Insulator/Conductor Swing
Select this option to enter insulator and conductor swing angles.
Insulator String Length

Select this option to enter insulator string lengths.
Grading Ring Definition

Select this option to enter grading ring information.
Design
Run
Select this option to run an analysis on the given information.
Disclosure
Select this option to display the Disclosure Statement.
Help
Contents
Conductor Clearance Design Help

Displays the Conductor Clearance Design Topic of this Help file.
About
Displays the About ATADS CCD window with version information.
Stress
The ATADS Stress program can be activated by clicking the button in the ATADS Toolbar.
The ATADS Stress program is used to evaluate special case stresses based on ASCE 10 and ASD
stress check techniques.
The Stress menu consists of the following items:
File
Open
Select the Open command to select an input file to use.
Print
Select Print to send the data from the currently selected window to the printer.
Print Setup
Select Print Setup to set the current printer and the its properties.
Exit
Exit closes all windows and ends the program.
Last Files
Edit
Configuration / Load Case

Select this option to set the current configuration and load case.
Member
Select this option to set the current member.
Member Loads
Select this option to add point loads and uniform loads to the current member.
Bending Properties
Select this option to set bending properties for the current member. Default values will be
used if properties are not set.
Window
Cascade
The Cascade command arranges all non-minimized windows.
Tile Vertical
The Tile Vertical command arranges all non-minimized windows vertically.
Tile Horizontal
The Tile Horizontal command arranges all non-minimized windows horizontally.
Arrange Icons
The Arrange Icons command arranges the icons representing each minimized window.
Help
Contents
Stress Checker Help

Displays the Stress Checker help topic.
About ATADS Stress Check...

Displays the About ATADS Stress Check window with version information.
File Checker Warnings and Errors
A file has not been opened yet.

Information can not be checked if a file has not yet been selected.
Too many errors encountered. Make changes before rerunning File Checker.
The total number of errors that the format check will allow at one time is 100. Use a text file editor to
correct all 100 errors and then rerun to check for any additional errors.
Unable to load file.

The error file does not exist. Run the File Checker to generate the error file.
Format Check already completed.

No need to rerun the format check once it is already completed. If the file is changed in any way, the
format check will then be run again.
The *.ita for this file does not exist.

The Tower Design or Tower Optimization must be run on a file to create the *.ita file. No *.ita file has
been found for this file. It should be in the same directory as the original input file. Run Tower
Design or Tower Optimization before trying to update the file.
Filename must have a *.in extension.

The updated file must have a filename with the *.in file extension for an input file. Rename the file
before trying to continue.
File has not been selected yet!

No further updating can be done until a file has been selected.
The *.in and *.ita files must have the same name.
When updating a *.in file with a *.ita file they must have the same name. The new updated file may
have a different name.
Write over original *.in file?

When updating a *.in file with a *.ita file it will change member braced lengths and MID's. If you wish
to overwrite the original file and lose the original file, then overwrite. Otherwise, rename file as
another *.in file.
Bad file name

An invalid ATADS or VAX input file name has been selected. Try renaming the file before
continuing.
Note: ATADS input files must have a *.in extension.
VAX file can not have a *.in extension.

ATADS input files must have the *.in extension. Therefore, VAX files are not allowed to have a .in
extension and must be renamed before continuing.
Invalid VAX file name.

An invalid VAX File name has been detected. Try renaming the file before continuing.
Invalid ATADS file name.

An invalid ATADS Input file name has been detected. Try renaming the file with the *.in extension
before continuing.
Overwrite File?
If the file is overwritten, it will be replaced with the converted VAX file. If the old file is wanted,
rename before converting.
Invalid VAX file.

An invalid VAX file name has been detected. Try renaming the file before continuing.
Tabs found. Correct before continuing.

There can be no tabs in the input file. Use a text file editor to remove all tabs and replace with
spaces before continuing.
Invalid VAX file: First line must start with MA.

The very first line of the VAX file must be an MA line. Make sure that the file has all proper line
headings such as MA, RE, OU, JT, ME, WA, and WP.
Invalid beginning characters

An invalid heading on the line has been found. Make sure that the file has all proper line headings
such as MA, RE, OU, JT, ME, WA, and WP.
Invalid wind pressure: No negative numbers

There are no negative values allowed as wind pressures. Verify that the wind pressures are correct.
Unexpected error
An unexpected error has occurred. Check the file for errors using a text file editor.
Analysis Warnings and Errors
Existing ATADS output files will be deleted. Continue?

Previously created output files must be deleted before the analysis can continue. These files contain
information on joint displacements, member forces, reactions, etc. The input file will not be deleted
or overwritten. Select Yes to delete the output files and continue with the analysis. Select No to not
delete the output files and to stop the analysis.
The file checker has not been run on this file. Continue?
The ATADS database keeps track of whether or not the File Checker has been run on the file. If it
has not, errors in the input file may exist which could cause the analysis to crash or to give incorrect
results. Select Yes to continue with the analysis without checking the file. Select No to stop the
analysis so a file check can be done.
Analysis will run in debug mode. Continue?

ATADS has a special mode that is normally used only during debugging. This mode changes the
output of the analysis from binary to text and prevents the analysis input file (filename.an) from being
deleted after the analysis is complete. To activate the debug mode, the first line in the COMMENTS
section of the input file must read debug. This line must have a space in front of it and must not
have a / or any other text on the line. When an analysis is run in debug mode, the analysis output
is not available in other ATADS programs. Select Yes to continue with the analysis in debug mode.
Select No to stop the analysis.
The file checker found an error in this file. Continue with analysis?
The ATADS database keeps track of whether or not the File Checker has found an error in the file. If
it has, errors in the input file exist which could cause the analysis to crash or to give incorrect
results. Select Yes to continue with the analysis without correcting the errors. Select No to stop the
analysis so the errors can be corrected.
Note: The option of continuing with errors is included only as an aid in solving some types of errors.
The results of an analysis with errors should not be considered as accurate or correct.
Unexpected error calculating loads. [Error message]

An error has occurred which prevented the loads from being calculated. Run the File Checker
before continuing.
The file checker has not been run on this file. Continue?
This message is a reminder that the File Checker should be run on all files before an analysis is run.
Select Yes to continue with the analysis without checking the file. Select No to stop the analysis.
The file checker found an error in this file. Continue with analysis?
An error has been detected in this file by the File Checker. All errors should be fixed before an
analysis is run. Select Yes to continue with the analysis without correcting the error. Select No to
stop the analysis.
Invalid file
The input file name did not have a valid path, name, or extension. Select a proper file before
continuing.
ATADS analysis requires a *.in file extension.

The analysis program requires a file name with a *.in extension.
Error creating database. Run the file checker before continuing.
An error has occurred which prevented the database from being completed. Run the File Checker
before continuing.
The Limit input file filename.w01 has been created.

The conversion to the Limit file was successful and the input file required by the Limit program has
been created.
Illegal wind exposure - Exposure C will be used.

While writing the Tower Analysis input file, a valid wind exposure could not be determined from the
Power Law Coefficient defined in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of the ATADS *.in file.
Exposure C will be used.
Illegal stress check type - Default will be used (BPA1).

While writing the Tower Analysis input file, a valid stress check type could not be determined. The
default will be used (0).
Error creating *.ita file [Error message]

An unexpected error has occurred while creating the Tower Analysis input file (filename.ita). Run the
File Checker before continuing.
Error creating database - [Error message]

An error has occurred which prevented the database from being completed. Run the File Checker
before continuing.
Error creating database - [Error message] Continue?

An error was detected while creating the database. It is suggested that the File Checker be run and
errors corrected before continuing. Select Yes to ignore the error and continue. Select No to stop
the analysis.
MID #### not found.

The MID indicated was not found in the property.dat file.
atadsfta.exe program not found.

The specified program could not be run because it could not be found. Reinstall ATADS to correct
this problem.
Input file error - Run the File Checker before continuing.

An error occurred while creating the database. Run the File Checker for more information.
Error - Waist joint not specified.

The waist joint must be specified in order to redistribute dead loads. Specify the waist joint in the OU
line of the ATADS input file.
Error - Wind type 1 is not available for Truss or Frame Analysis.

Wind type 1 is available only for Tower Analysis, Tower Design, and Tower Optimization. The wind
type is set in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of the ATADS input file.
Warning: Wind Pressure Joint JEL1 could not be found.

While converting the file to the VAX format, the wind pressure joint JEL1 could not be found. JEL1
will be written as a zero. This may cause problems with the VAX analysis.
Warning: Wind Pressure Joint JEL2 could not be found.

While converting the file to the VAX format, the wind pressure joint JEL2 could not be found. JEL2
will be written as a zero. This may cause problems with the VAX analysis.
Plot Warnings and Errors
Error creating database.

An error was detected while creating the database. Run the File Checker before continuing.
Unexpected error calculating loads. [Error message]

An error has occurred while calculating the loads. [Error message] gives more information. Run the
File Checker before continuing.
An analysis must be run before plotting deflected shape.

If an analysis has not been run, the joint deflections are not available to create the deflected shape.
Run the ATADS Analysis program before plotting deflected shape.
Deflections are available for Truss and Frame only.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not output joint deflections in a form ATADS Plot can use
for deflections.
An analysis must be run before plotting stresses.

If an analysis has not been run, the member forces are not available for the stress plot. Run the
ATADS Analysis program before plotting stresses.
Stress plots are available for Truss and Frame Analysis only.
Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not output member forces in a form ATADS Plot can use
for stresses.
The Y-coordinate has an incorrect entry.

The Y-coordinate in the Conductor Clearance window is incorrect.
The Z-coordinate has an incorrect entry.

The Z-coordinate in the Conductor Clearance window is incorrect.
A maximum of six conductor clearance envelopes is allowed.

ATADS Plot can plot up to six conductor clearance envelopes. Delete one or more from the list box.
A Conductor Clearance file must be specified.

A Conductor Clearance file must be specified.
The file filename.igs has been created.

An IGES file with the given name has been created.
Print Plot canceled.

The cancel button was pressed while the plot was being printed.
Unexpected print error: [Error message]

An unexpected error has occurred while printing. [Error message] gives more information.
There is not enough information available to plot a plane.

Check the joint selections to ensure three adequate points have been selected which define a plane.
A joint has been repeated.

Check the joint selections to ensure three adequate points have been selected to define a plane.
There are no members located within the substructure chosen.

Click on the RESET button in the Substructure window and choose new boundary conditions.
The selected joint does not exist.

Select another joint for the Plane section.
There are no load cases.

At least one load case must be specified.
The joint selected exists, but is not part of the substructure selected.
Select a joint that is part of the substructure.
The selected joint is not valid.

Select a different joint.
The selected member is not valid.

Select a different member.
You must specify either one joint or Y- and Z-coordinates.

The conductor clearance needs either one Joint or Y- and Z-coordinates to plot the conductor
clearance properly.
The joint entered is invalid. Select another joint.

An invalid joint has been specified.
If the Y-coordinate is given, then the Z-coordinate must also be given.

Both the Y-coordinate and Z-coordinate must be given as a pair.
If the Z-coordinate is given, then the Y-coordinate must also be given.

Both the Y-coordinate and Z-coordinate must be given as a pair.
Data Viewer Warnings and Errors
Error copying to clipboard - [Error message]

An error has occurred while copying data to the clipboard. [Error message] gives more information.
Error printing - [Error message]

An error has occurred while printing data. [Error message] gives more information.
Error reading database. Recreate?

An unexpected error has occurred while reading the database. Select Yes to delete the old
database and recreate it. If the error occurs again, run the File Checker for more information.
The input file has been changed. All windows must be closed.
This message occurs if the input file has been changed after data has been displayed. The Data
Viewer closes all windows and regenerates the database.
Error creating database.

An unexpected error has occurred while reading the database. Run the File Checker for more
information.
The data viewer can be run on Truss and Frame Analysis files only.
Data is not available to be viewed for Tower Analysis, Tower Design, or Tower Optimization. Each of
these programs has their own output.
Error reading equilibrium data.

There was an error while reading the filename.eq file. This error would occur if the file was missing
or corrupt.
Error reading log file.

There was an error while reading the filename.lg file. This error would occur if the file was missing or
corrupt.
Error reading reactions data.

There was an error while reading the filename.re file. This error would occur if the file was missing
or corrupt.
Report Warnings and Errors
Summary Error. [Error message]

An error was encountered while creating the summary report. The [Error message] gives more
information.
Error. Could not find loads for member label Jta Jtb
An error was detected while searching for loads for the given member. This could be caused by a
corrupt *.db or *.ld file. Run the File Checker on the file and correct all errors.
Error reading member force data

An error was detected while searching for member forces associated with the given member. This
could be caused by an error occurring during the analysis or by a corrupt *.mf file. Run the File
Checker on the file and correct all errors. Rerun the analysis.
Select a report to generate

The Report program could not find a report selected to generate. Make sure that at least one report
is checked before clicking the Generate button.
A report can not be generated for design or optimization files

The report generator has determined that the current file has been run through Tower Design or
Tower Optimization. These programs offer their own reports.
Unexpected Error. [Error message]

An unexpected error was encountered. The [Error message] gives more information.
VString Warnings and Errors
Alpha must be greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees.

The positive angle between a vertical line passing through the VString joint and the string connected
to Jnt2 must be between 0 and 90 degrees not inclusive.
h must be greater than 0.

The dimension measured between Jnt2 and the VString joint in the Z direction must be greater than
zero.
The VString must be in YZ plane.

The Jnt1 X and Jnt2 X must have the same value.
VString joint must be between Jnt1 and Jnt2.

The coordinates of Jnt1 and Jnt2 are used in combination with h and Alpha to calculate the position
of the VString joint. This position was found to not be between Jnt1 and Jnt2.
VString load in Z direction must be less than zero.

The solution can not be found unless there is a load in the negative Z direction.
Input File Format
The input file for ATADS is highly structured. Sixteen section headings must be included in every
input file. These headings define the beginning and end to data stored in fixed format. The required
section headings in the required order are as follows:
COMMENTS MEMBER GROUPS

CONFIGURATION SPRINGS
MA SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS
RE WIND AREAS - ATADS
OU WIND AREAS - TOWER
JOINTS WIND PRESSURES
VSTRINGS APPLIED LOADS
MEMBERS GENERAL INFORMATION
For files with multiple configurations, the section headings CONFIGURATION through APPLIED
LOADS are repeated. The GENERAL INFORMATION section is always the last section heading.
Each line in each section file has a specific format that must be followed precisely. Eight field types
are allowed in the input file. These types include A, I, N, F, P, X, Z, and Space.
A - Alpha-numeric character field: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, -

I - Integer character field: 0-9
N - Negative Integer character field: 0-9, -
F - Floating point character field: 0-9, . ,+, -
P - Positive floating point character field: 0-9, .
X - Generic character field: no limitations
Z - Flag field: 0,1
Space field: spaces only
Examples:
FFFFFF indicates a six-digit floating-point field. Values such as 1.23 and -4.567 are allowed.
III indicates a three-digit integer field. Values such as 12 and 345 are allowed.
The line formats are defined below.

Configurations
All configurations must have the following headings in the order shown below. There must be a
heading even if the section is empty. All sections are defined by their heading and are ended by the
heading of the next section. No more than 12 configurations per file are allowed and there must be
at least one configuration. All succeeding configurations must be in consecutive order. The last
configuration is ended by the GENERAL INFORMATION section.
MA SPRINGS
RE SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS
OU WIND AREAS - ATADS
JOINTS WIND AREAS - TOWER
VSTRINGS WIND PRESSURES
MEMBERS APPLIED LOADS
MEMBER GROUPS GENERAL INFORMATION
MA Line
Each configuration must contain a single MA line. It is immediately under the CONFIGURATION
section title. The first MA line has the main identifying information. All flags and file information
should be given in the first configuration. The other configurations only contain descriptive
information about that specific configuration.
MANAGEMENT DATA LINE FORMAT
1. MA (columns 2-3) Line Identification

2. ARFLAG (column 6) Artificial Restraint Flag
0 - Apply Translational Restraints only
1 - No Artificial Restraints
2 - Apply both Translational and Rotational Restraints
3 - Apply Rotational Restraints only
3. ITWRTP (columns 9-14) Tower Description
4. ITWRHT (columns 16-20) Tower Body Height
5. ILEGHT (columns 22-25) Tower Leg Height
6. ITYPE (column 27) Tower Specifications Based on Tower Type
1 - Light Suspension Tower
2 - Standard Suspension Tower
3 - Dead End or Heavy Suspension Tower
4 - River Crossing Tower
5 Generic Tower
7. IBOLT (column 29) Tower Bolt Size
US Units
1 - 1/2"
2 - 5/8"
3 - 3/4"
4 - 7/8"
5 - 1"
6 - 1-1/8"
SI Units
A - M12 x 1.75
B - M16 x 2
C - M20 x 2.5
D - M24 x 3
E - M30 x 3.5
F - M36 x 4
8. IUNITS (column 31) Configuration Units.
M - SI Units
E - US Units
9. ACOMT (columns 33-52) User Specified Identifying Information (
i.e., Users Name, A20).
10. KDL (column 56) Dead Load Flag
0 - Dead Load Generated By Program
2 - No Dead Load Generated
11. STRSS (column 58) Stress Check Flag
1 - BPA1 Method
2 - BPA2 Method
3 - ASCE10 Method
4 - ASD Method
5 TIA/EIA-222F Method
RE Line
Each configuration must contain one RE line. It must follow the MA line in all configurations. ATADS
does not use this line.
REPORTS LINE FORMAT
1. RE (columns 2-3) Line Identification

2. PARAMETERS (columns 6-7) ZZ. All Reports Printed
OU Line
Each configuration must contain one OU line. It must follow the RE line in all configurations. The
OU line contains the joint numbers that define the OU line of the tower. Those fields that do not
apply should be left blank. A joint to define the waist must always be specified.
OUTLINE LINE FORMAT
1. OU (columns 2-3) Line Identification

2. GWBT (column 6-8) Joint at Top of Ground Wire Bracket
3. GWBB (column 10-12) Joint at Bottom of Ground Wire bracket
4. XRM1T (column 14-16) Joint at Top of Upper Cross Arm
5. XRM1B (column 18-20) Joint at Bottom of Upper Cross Arm
6. XRM2T (column 22-24) Joint at Top of Middle Cross Arm
7. XRM2B (column 26-28) Joint at Bottom of Middle Cross arm
8. XRM3T (column 30-32) Joint at Top of Lower Cross Arm
9. XRM3B (column 34-36) Joint at Bottom of Lower Cross Arm
10. WAIST (column 38-40) Joint at Waist
11. GBT1PR (column 42-44) Joint at Right Tip of Ground wire
bracket
12. GBT1PL (column 46-48) Joint at Left Tip of Ground Wire Bracket
13. TPXM1R (column 50-52) Joint at Right Tip of Upper Cross Arm
14. TPXM1L (column 54-56) Joint at Left Tip of Upper Cross Arm
15. TPXM2R (column 58-60) Joint at Right Tip of Middle Cross Arm
16. TPXM2L (column 62-64) Joint at Left Tip of Middle Cross Arm
17. TPXM3R (column 66-68) Joint at Right Tip of Lower Cross Arm
18. TPXM3L (column 70-72) Joint at Left Tip of Lower Cross Arm
JOINTS Section
Each configuration must contain one JOINTS section. It begins with the title line JOINTS and must
follow the OU line in all configurations. Joint lines describe the type and location of the tower joints.
The maximum number of joints allowed in any single configuration is 999. For Tower Design or
Tower Optimization, there can be a maximum of 600 primary joints and a maximum of 399
secondary joints. For Tower or Frame Analysis, the 999 joints can be made up of any combination of
primary and secondary joints.
JOINTS SECTION FORMAT
1. JJT (columns 3-5) Joint Label Specified by a Number Between 1

and 999
2. ID (column 7) Primary/ Secondary Joint
1 - Primary (or blank)
2 - Secondary
3. ICD (column 9) Symmetry Indicator
1 - Generate Four
2 - Generate Two Across the y-axis
3 - Generate Two Across the x-axis
4 - Single joint
4. X1 (columns 11-22) X-coordinate
5. Y1 (columns 24-35) Y-coordinate
6. Z1 (columns 37-48) Z-coordinate
7. JC1 (columns 50-52) Slope Joint 1
8. JC2 (columns 54-56) Slope Joint 2
VSTRINGS Section
Each configuration must contain one VSTRINGS section. It begins with the title line VSTRINGS and
must follow the JOINTS section in all configurations. VStrings are used to define conductor loads on
a tower. Up to 100 VStrings are allowed in a Truss or Frame Analysis. Tower Design and
Optimization does not utilize the VStrings feature.
VSTRINGS SECTION FORMAT
1. LCL (columns 3-6) Load Case Label

2. VSJT (columns 8-10) VString Joint Label Which Can Not be a
Joint from JOINTS Section
3. JTA (columns 12-14) Connecting Joint 1 Must be a Specified
Joint
4. JTB (columns 16-18) Connecting Joint 2 Must be a Specified
Joint
5. H (columns 20-24) Height
6. ALPHA (columns 26-30) Offset Angle
7. TX (columns 32-39) Load X
8. TY (columns 41-48) Load Y
9. TZ (columns 50-57) Load Z
MEMBERS Section
Each configuration must contain one MEMBERS section. It begins with the title line MEMBERS and
must follow the VSTRINGS section in all configurations. Member lines locate and describe each
member in the tower. For Tower Design and Tower Optimization, there can be a maximum of 1200
members. For Tower and Frame Analysis, there can be a maximum of 3000 members.
MEMBERS SECTION FORMAT
1. MLAB (columns 3-6) Member Label

2. IQ (columns 8-10) Generation Code Specified by Values 116,
-5, -9, -12
3. JTA (columns 12-14) Starting Joint
4. RELA (columns 16-18) Moment Releases for JTA
5. JTB (columns 20-22) Ending Joint
6. RELB (columns 24-26) Moment Releases for JTB
7. ALPHA (columns 28-32) Axis Orientation
8. TEMP (columns 34-38) Temperature Change
9. IT (columns 40-44) Initial Tension
MEMBER GROUPS Section
Each configuration must contain one MEMBER GROUPS section. It begins with the title line
MEMBER GROUPS and must follow the MEMBERS section in all configurations. Member groups
combine members into similar types, lengths, and materials. The materials and properties specified
in the MEMBER GROUPS section are referenced to the material.dat and property.dat files.
MEMBER GROUP SECTION FORMAT
1. LABEL (columns 3-6) Member Label

2. ID (column 8) Primary/Secondary Flag
3. MTYPE (columns 10-11) Member Type 1 through 8, -3, -4, -5
4. MID (columns 13-16) Member Identification Number
5. MRN (columns 18-20) Material Reference Number
6. JT1Z (columns 22-24) Z1 Braced Length Joint
7. JT2Z (columns 26-28) Z2 Braced Length Joint
8. JT1X (columns 30-32) X1 Braced Length Joint
9. JT2X (columns 34-36) X2 Braced Length Joint
ZZ (columns 38-44) Z Braced Length
XX (columns 46-52) X Braced Length
10. NZFMLA (column 54) Z Braced Length Equation
0 - Unspecified
5 - User Specified
6 - 30 + 0.75 L/r
7 - 60 + 0.50 L/r
8 - 28.6 + 0.76 L/r
9 - 46.2 + 0.615 L/r
11. NXFMLA (column 56) X Braced Length Equation
0 - Unspecified
5 - User Specified
6 - 30 + 0.75 L/r
7 - 60 + 0.50 L/r
8 - 28.6 + 0.76 L/r
9 - 46.2 + 0.615 L/r
12. IPRTEN (column 58) Primary Tension Flag
0 - No effect
1 - Primary tension member
13. IOUTLG (column 60) Outstanding leg flag
Blank - Double angles and for single angles bolted on both legs
1 - Single angles short leg outstanding
2 - Single angles long leg outstanding
14. HOLES (columns 62-64) Number of bolt holes
15. ITEN (column 66) Tension only flag
0 - Standard tension/compression members
1 - Tension only members or guy wires
16. ISTRSS (column 68) Print stress flag
0 - Stresses are not printed
1 - Stresses of Members are Printed for each Loading Condition
17. IMBRC (column 70) Continuous Member Flag
0 - No Continuation of the Preceding Member
1 - A Continuation of the Preceding Member
SPRINGS Section
Each configuration must contain one SPRINGS section. It begins with the title line SPRINGS and
must follow the MEMBER GROUPS section in all configurations. Springs are used to increase the
stiffness at certain joints. There is a maximum of 999 Springs allowed in a Truss or Frame Analysis.
Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not utilize the Spring feature.
SPRINGS SECTION FORMAT
1. SPJT (columns 3-5) Joint Label

2. TX (columns 7-13) Spring Stiffness in X Direction
3. TY (columns 15-21) Spring Stiffness in Y Direction
4. TZ (columns 23-29) Spring Stiffness in Z Direction
5. RX (columns 31-37) Spring Stiffness about X-axis
6. RY (columns 39-45) Spring Stiffness about Y-axis
7. RZ (columns 47-53) Spring Stiffness about Z-axis
SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS Section
Each configuration must contain one SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS section. It begins with the title line
SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS and must follow the SPRINGS section in all configurations.
SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS SECTION FORMAT
1. SDJT (columns 3-5) Joint Label

2. TX (columns 7-13) Deflection in X Direction
3. TY (columns 15-21) Deflection in Y Direction
4. TZ (columns 23-29) Deflection in Z Direction
5. RX (columns 31-37) Rotation about X-axis
6. RY (columns 39-45) Rotation about Y-axis
7. RZ (columns 47-53) Rotation about Z-axis
8. SDMASK (columns 55-60) Specified Deflection Mask. These
Values correspond to the TX through RZ fields.
0 Indicates Deflection is not Specified
1 Indicates Deflection is Specified
WIND AREAS - ATADS Section
Each configuration must contain one WIND AREA - ATADS section. It begins with the title line
WIND AREA - ATADS and must follow the SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS section in all configurations.
This section defines wind panels for use in wind load calculations.
WIND AREAS - ATADS SECTION FORMAT
1. JNT1 (columns 3-5) First joint defining Wind Panel

2. JNT2 (columns 7-9) Second joint defining Wind Panel
3. JNT3 (columns 11-13) Third joint defining Wind Panel
4. JNT4 (columns 15-17) Fourth joint defining Wind Panel
5. WLJNT1 (columns 19-21) First load joint
6. WLJNT2 (columns 23-25) Second load joint
7. WLJNT3 (columns 27-29) Third load joint
8. WLJNT4 (columns 31-33) Fourth load joint
9. WLJNT5 (columns 35-37) Fifth load joint
10. WLJNT6 (columns 39-41) Sixth load joint
11. WLJNT7 (columns 43-45) Seventh load joint
12. WLJNT8 (columns 47-49) Eighth load joint
13. TLDIR (column 51) Directional Flag
T Transverse
L - Longitudinal
14. WAF (columns 53-56) Wind Area Factor
15. SRF (columns 58-61) Solidity Ratio Factor
16. INC_MEM (column63) Member Inclusions
0 Include All Members
1 - Include All Members Except Those With Starting And
Ending Joints At Top Z-Coordinate
Ending Joints At Bottom Coordinate
Ending Joints At Top or Bottom Z-coordinate
4 Use Solid Area
WIND AREAS - TOWER Section
Each configuration must contain one WIND AREA - TOWER section. It begins with the title line
WIND AREA - TOWER and must follow the WIND AREA - ATADS section in all configurations. This
section defines wind areas by joint for use in wind load calculations.
WIND AREAS - TOWER SECTION FORMAT
1. WAJNT (columns 3-5) Wind Area Joint

2. TLDIR (column 7) Directional flag
T - Transverse
L - Longitudinal
3. SYM (column 9) Joint Symmetry
S - Symmetric
Blank - Non-Symmetric
4. WAREA (columns 11-17) Wind Area
WIND PRESSURES Section
Each configuration must contain one WIND PRESSURES section. It begins with the title line WIND
PRESSURES and must follow the WIND AREA - TOWER section in all configurations. Wind
Pressures are used to define the wind speed and angle to use in wind load calculations. There
should be no more than one Wind Pressure for every load case.
WIND PRESSURES SECTION FORMAT

2. ANG (columns 8-14) Wind Angle
3. VEL (columns 16-20) Wind Velocity
4. ICETYPE (column 22) Type of ice to use
APPLIED LOADS Section
Each configuration must contain one APPLIED LOADS section. It begins with the title line APPLIED
LOADS and must follow the WIND PRESSURES section in all configurations. Applied load lines
supply design loads acting on the structure at specified primary joints. Negative signs must be used
for loads in the negative direction according to the global coordinate system.
APPLIED LOADS SECTION FORMAT

2. JNT (columns 8-10) Joint Label
3. TX (columns 12-19) Load in X Direction
4. TY (columns 21-28) Load in Y Direction
5. TZ (columns 30-37) Load in Z Direction
6. RX (columns 39-46) Moment about X-axis
7. RY (columns 48-55) Moment about Y-axis
8. RZ (columns 57-64) Moment about Z-axis
GENERAL INFORMATION Section
One GENERAL INFORMATION Section is required in the input file. It begins with the title line
GENERAL INFORMATION and must follow the APPLIED LOADS section of the last configuration.
Input for the GENERAL INFORMATION is provided in the Modeling Information Editor of the ATADS
Editor. See Help in the Modeling Information Editor. There are eight subsections in this section.
Each subsection is defined by the beginning two letters of each line. The subsections are:
1. AW ATADS Wind
2. CC Compression Capacity
3. IC Ice
4. DL Dead Load Factors
5. LR kl/r Factors
6. OP Optimization
7. TC Tension Capacity
AW Subsection
The AW (ATADS Wind) section is a subsection of the GENERAL INFORMATION section. One AW
line is required in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.
AW SECTION FORMAT
1. AW (columns 3-4) ATADS Wind

2. TWR_X_SCTN (column 6) Tower Cross Section
3. STR_TYPE (column 8) Structure Type
4. OPTION (columns 10) Calculation Option Flag
1 - No Input / Optimizer
2 - Area Input / BPA
3 - Panel Input / ASCE-74
4 - Load Input
5 - Panel Input / BPA
6 Not Used
7 - Panel Input / TIA/EIA-222F
5. PLCOEF (columns 12-21) Power Law Coefficient
6. ADR (columns 23-32) Air Density Factor
7. BASE_EL (columns 34-43) Base Elevation
8. GF (columns 45-54) Global Factor
CC Subsection
The CC (Compression Capacity) section is a subsection of the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

One CC line is required in the GENERAL INFORMATION section if the stress check type is set to
BPA2. This line is not needed for any other stress check types.
CC SECTION FORMAT
1. CC (columns 3-4) Compression Capacity

2. bt_ratio (column 6) bt ratio
3. bt_limit1 (columns 8-14) bt limit 1
4. bt_limit2 (columns 16-22) bt limit 2
5. FCR1 (columns 24-30) F Critical 1
8. FA1 (columns 51-57) F Allowable 1
DL Subsection
The DL (Dead Load Factors) section is a subsection of the GENERAL INFORMATION section. One
DL line is required in the GENERAL INFORMATION section if the dead load factors require
modification. This line is not needed if the default dead load factors are adequate.
DEAD LOAD FACTORS FORMAT
1. DL (columns 3-4) Load Factor

2. P Factor (columns 6-14) Load Factor for Primary Members
3. S Factor (columns 16-24) Load Factor for Secondary Members
4. L Factor (columns 26-34) Load Factor for Legs
IC Subsection
The IC (ICE) section is a subsection of the GENERAL INFORMATION section. One IC line is
required in the GENERAL INFORMATION section if ice loads are to be used. This line is not needed
if ice loads are not required.
IC SECTION FORMAT
1. IC (columns 3-4) ICE

2. RIT1 (columns 12-19) Radial Ice Thickness for type 1 ice
3. ICE_D1 (columns 21-28) Ice Density for type 1 ice
LF Subsection
The LF (Load Factor) section is a subsection of the GENERAL INFORMATION section. One LF line
is required in the GENERAL INFORMATION section if load factors are to be used with Tower Design
or Tower Optimization. This line is not needed if load factors are not required or for Truss or Frame
Analysis.
LOAD FACTORS SECTION FORMAT
1. LF (columns 3-4) Load Factor

2. LF1 (columns 6-9) LF for MTYPE = 1
4. LF3 (columns 16-19) LF for MTYPE = 3, -3, 5, and -5
Note: Load factors are set to 1.0 by the program when left blank.
LR Subsection
The LR (KL/R Factor) section is a subsection of the GENERAL INFORMATION section. One LR line
is required in the GENERAL INFORMATION section if user defined kl/r equations are to be used.
This line is not needed if user defined kl/r equations are not required.
LOAD FACTORS SECTION FORMAT
1. LR (columns 3-4) KL/R Factor

2. KLR5A (columns 6-11) KL/R for 5A
3. KLR5B (columns 11-18) KL/R for 5B
OP Subsection
The OP (Optimization) section is a subsection of the GENERAL INFORMATION section. Two OP

lines are required in the GENERAL INFORMATION section if the Tower Optimization section is to be
run. These lines are not needed for Truss or Frame Analysis, or Tower Design.
OP SECTION FORMAT
Line 1:
1. OP (columns 3-4) Optimizer 1
2. OPT_TYP (column 6) Optimize Type
1 - Weight
2 - Cost
3. TOW_TYP (column 8) Tower Type
0 - x-only (square)
1 - slope only (square)
2 - slope, x (square)
3 - s, y, slope (rectangle)
4 - x-only (rectangle)
5 - slope only (rectangle)
6 - y-only (rectangle)
7 - x, y (rectangle)
8 - x, slope (rectangle)
9 - y, slope (rectangle)
4. MAX_ITER (columns 10-12) Maximum Iterations
5. REL_GRAD (column 14-20) Relative Gradients
6. REL_CONV (column 22-28) Relative Convergence
7. ABS_CONV (column 30-36) Absolute Convergence
Line 2:
1. OP (columns 3-4) Optimizer 2
2. X_MIN (columns 6-12) X Minimum Dimension
3. X_MAX (columns 14-20) X Maximum Dimension
4. X_START (columns 22-28) X starting point
5. Y_MIN (columns 30-36) Y Minimum Dimension
6. Y_MAX (columns 38-44) Y Maximum Dimension
7. Y_START (columns 46-52) Y Starting Point
8. SLOPE_MIN (columns 54-60) Slope Minimum Dimension
9. SLOPE_MAX (columns 62-68) Slope Maximum Dimension
10. SLOPE_START (columns 70-76) Slope Starting Point
TC Subsection
The TC (Tension Capacity) section is a subsection of the GENERAL INFORMATION section. One
TC line is required in the GENERAL INFORMATION section if the stress check type is set to BPA2.
This line is not needed for any other stress check types.
TC SECTION FORMAT
1. TC (columns 3-4) Tension Capacity

2. PRTEN_FLAG (columns 6) Pretension Flag
3. HOLE_SIZE (columns 8-14) Hole Size
4. MAX_AREA (columns 16-22) Maximum Area
5. MAX_FT (columns 24-30) Maximum F Tension
Truss/Frame Analysis
The ATADS Truss and Frame options in the Analysis menu allow an analysis to be performed on the
given file. When Run is selected, the Analysis program creates a filename.an file and then runs the
ATADSFTA program. An overview of the ATADSFTA program, the solution techniques, and main
features are discussed below.
Overview
The ATADSFTA program performs a three dimensional elastic analysis for up to twelve
configurations using a direct matrix solution to solve for joint displacements and reactions. Using
these displacements and member properties, the member forces are calculated. Using loads and
reactions, equilibrium is calculated. After each configuration is analyzed, the results are output and
the next configuration is read and analyzed.
ATADSFTA performs a nonlinear tension only analysis for member groups with the TENSION ONLY
flag set or the MTYPE set to Type 8 (Guy).
Solution Technique
ATADSFTA uses a direct matrix solution to solve a set of P = K X linear equations where P is a joint
load, K is the joint stiffness, and X is the joint displacement.
An equation is developed for each degree of freedom and stored in banded matrix form. A
simultaneous solution is then performed which results in displacements (X) and reactions (P) for
degrees of freedom with specified displacements.
With the displacements and reactions known, member forces and equilibrium are calculated and
output.
Main Features
True 32 bit Windows Application
Multiple Configurations
Multiple Load Cases
Elastic and Nonlinear Truss Analysis
Elastic and Nonlinear Frame Analysis
Support Settlement
Springs
Initial Tension
Temperature Changes
Tension Only Members
Uses Consistent Units
Limitations
12 Configurations
50 Load Cases per Configuration
999 Joints per Configuration
3000 Members per Configuration
999 Springs per Configuration
999 Specified Deflections per Configuration
Running ATADSFTA
Normally, the Truss/Frame Analysis is run from the ATADS Analysis program and the operations are
completely transparent to the user. It may also be run from a command line in Windows. The
ATADSFTA program reads a file that describes the geometry, properties, and loads of the structure.
The file name must have a *.an extension, which is passed to the program as a command line
parameter. To run an analysis on a file named myfile.an stored in the c:\atads\ directory, type:
atadsfta.exe c:\atads\myfile
from the Run menu.
Note: The .an extension is not included on the command line.
Input File
The input file must have a *.an extension and contains all information required to run an analysis
including joint coordinates, loads, specified deflections, etc.
Output Files
Files output by ATADSFTA are stored in the same directory as the input file with the same root name
and a different extension. It is not normally necessary to directly view the information stored in these
files, as the information is available in other ATADS programs such as Plot and Data Viewer.
Log File (filename.lg)

While ATADSFTA is running, matching information is displayed on the screen and in the *.lg
file. If warnings or errors occur, they will be printed to both the screen and to the *.lg file.
Joint Displacements (filename.jd)

The joint displacements are output in binary form, which can not be read by a text editor. Joint
displacements are output for every joint in every configuration and every load case.
Member Forces (filename.mf)

The member forces are output in binary form which can not be read by a text editor. Member
forces are output for every member in every configuration and every load case. For Truss
Analysis, only axial forces are output. For Frame Analysis, axial, end moments, and torsion are
output.
Reactions (filename.re)
The reactions file contains reactions for each joint with a specified deflection or spring. Output is
by configuration and load case.
Equilibrium (filename.eq)
The equilibrium file contains a sum of loads, a sum of reactions for each joint with a specified
deflection or spring, and a difference calculation. Output is by configuration and load case.
Conductor Clearance Design Program
This program generates conductor clearance tables and envelopes to assist in the design of lattice
transmission towers. Examination of these envelopes will help the tower designer to determine in
what regions it is safe to put structural members. Output from the Conductor Clearance Design
program can be displayed in the Plot program. See Conductor Clearance Window for more
information.
Configuration Identification
A conductor configuration is defined by the specified input of this program. The program can
evaluate multiple conductor configurations. Grading information is optional.
Cage Widths and Heights
H1, H2, and H3 are vertical distances taken with respect to the transverse swing point of the
insulator string. They are positive if they lie above the swing point and negative if below.
H1 might be equal to zero if the width of the cage at the insulator swing point is readily determined.
Or, H1 might be given as the distance from the swing point of the insulator string to the bottom of the
bridge, if this distance is known and if the width of the cage at the bottom of the bridge is readily
determined.
H2 must be algebraically less than H1 and should be chosen in such a manner that the slope of the
cage in the longitudinal direction between H1 and H2 is constant. H2 might be the distance from the
swing point of the insulator string to the tower waist.
If the slope of the cage in the longitudinal direction does not change in the region of interest, such as
in the case of the center conductor of a delta or conventional single circuit tower, H3 and W3 may be
left blank.
However, if the slope of the cage does change in the region of interest, such as in the case of the
lower conductor on a double circuit tower, H3 must be algebraically less than H2, and H2 must be
the height at which the slope of the cage changes.
W1, W2, and W3 are the total widths of the cage in the longitudinal direction at H1, H2, and H3,
respectively.
Conductor Slope/Sag
Conductor Slope is the angle between a tangent drawn to the catenary formed by the conductor at
the bottom of the insulator and the horizontal.
Sag angle is the angle between a tangent drawn to the catenary formed by the conductor at the
bottom of the insulator string and the imaginary line connecting the bottom of the insulator strings of
adjacent Towers.
Insulator/Conductor Swing
No Help information is available for this topic.

Insulator String Length
No Help information is available for this topic.

Grading Ring Definition
This information is optional.

File Checker Type
The ATADS File Checker performs model tests that are specific to the type of analysis or design
specified. Following topics detail the warning and error messages displayed when a problem or
possible problem is found. Warnings generally indicate unusual model parameters that should be
examined. Errors generally indicate that a correction to the model must be made before reasonable
results can be obtained. It is, as always, the responsibility of the user to verify all results.
Tower Design and Tower Optimization have a special set of Input data checks. The special tests are
listed below.
1 configuration maximum.
30 load cases maximum.
1200 members maximum.
600 primary joints maximum.
399 secondary joints maximum.
100 artificial restraints maximum.
Primary joints must be numbered less than secondary joints.
Loads can not be applied to Specified Deflection joints.
Load case labels can be only three characters long. Therefore, the traditional four character
long ATADS label must begin with a space.
MRN must agree with td_spec.dat file.
No rotation or moments can be specified.
Specified Deflection joints should have the lowest Z-coordinates on the tower.
All Specified Deflections must have 0.0 for deflections.
Springs are not allowed.
Each load case must have a wind pressure specified. A zero velocity is acceptable.
Tower Optimization requires that Optimization information be included.
Tower Type 5 (Generic) is not allowed.
Heading Errors
Heading errors indicate that the strict input file format has been violated. When the file is edited from
within the ATADS system, it should not be possible to create these errors, but a file that was edited
with a text file editor may cause heading errors. All heading errors must be corrected before
continuing in the ATADS system. Use a text file editor and refer to the topic Input File Format to
correct these errors before continuing to work with the file.
Error H1 The first line of the file must be COMMENTS.

The first line of the input file must be the section title COMMENTS in upper case with no other
characters on the line.
Error H2 The first two characters in the COMMENTS section must be spaces.
Two spaces must begin each comment line.
Error H3 Excess characters beyond section title.

Each section title may not have any characters on the line except for the section title.
Error H4 Unexpected section title.

A section title was found that was spelled incorrectly or out of place.
Error H5 - Blank lines are not allowed.

Blank lines are not allowed in the input file.
Format Errors
Error F1 - Invalid character in flag field column

An improper character was found in a flag field. Valid characters are 0 and 1. No other characters
are allowed. Refer to the Input File Format for more information.
Error F2 - Too many decimals in floating point field column

One decimal is allowed in floating point fields. See Input File Format for floating point field
information.
Error F3 - Signs are only at beginning of floating point field column

A sign is allowed as the first character in floating point fields. See Input File Format for floating point
field information.
Error F4 - Invalid character in negative integer field column

An improper character was found in a negative integer field. Valid characters are 0-9, space, and the
negative (-) sign. No other characters are allowed. Refer to the Input File Format for more
information.
Error F5 - Maximum characters per line

There is a limited number of characters per specific line depending on the section. These limitations
are based on line formats (see Input File Format). The following is the maximum number of
characters per line based on each section.
Error F6 - Invalid character in empty field

An improper character was found in an empty field. Valid characters for empty fields are spaces. No
other characters are allowed. Refer to the Input File Format for more integer field information.
Error F7 - Invalid character in integer field

An improper character was found in an integer field. Valid characters for integer fields are 0-9 and
space. No other characters are allowed. Refer to the Input File Format for more integer field
information.
Error F8 - Invalid character in floating point field

An improper character was found in a floating-point field. Valid characters are 0-9, space, . (period),
and the negative (-) sign. No other characters are allowed. Refer to the Input File Format for more
information.
Error F9 - Invalid character in alpha field

An improper character was found in an alpha field. Valid characters are A-Z, a-z, 0-9, space, . (
period), and the negative (-) sign. No other characters are allowed. Refer to the Input File Format for
more information.
Error F10 - Invalid character

There are no tabs allowed in the input file. Spaces are allowed to align columns. Tabs cause an
error in generating file information. Delete all tabs and replace with spaces before continuing.
Error F11 - Invalid character in positive floating point field

An improper character was found in a positive floating point field. Valid characters for positive floating
point fields are 0-9, -, . (period), and space. No other characters are allowed. Refer to the Input File
Format for more integer field information.
Modeling Information Warnings and Errors
Warning MI1 - The SI units option is not fully supported.

Although metric options are available, this option has not been completed or tested.
Warning MI2 - Dead loads will not be included.

Dead loads will not be included in the analysis.
Warning MI3 - Translational Restraints will not be applied.

Translational restraints will not be applied to the model. Truss models usually use artificial
restraints.
Warning MI4 - Rotational Restraints will be ignored.

Rotational restraints can be used in a frame analysis only.
Warning MI5 - Outline joint is unable to support dead load.

The outline joint is unable to support loading due to a local instability.
Error MI1 - Specified Tower Type is invalid.

Valid tower types range from 1 to 5. The Tower Type is stored in the ITYPE field on the MA line.
Note: Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not allow type 5.
Error MI2 - Specified Stress Check is invalid.

The stress check field is defined on the MA line. Valid values are from 0 to 4.
Error MI3 - Specified Bolt Size is invalid.

The bolt size field is defined on the MA line. Valid values are from 1 to 6 and from A to F.
Error MI4 - Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not support SI units.
Tower Design and Tower Optimization allow English units only.
Error MI5 - Specified Units option is invalid.

The system units must be specified as E for US units or S for SI units. The units option is stored in
the IUNITS field on the MA line.
Error MI6 - Specified Dead Load option is invalid.

Allowed values are 0 and 2.
Error MI7 - Restraint option is invalid.

Allowed values are 0 to 3.
Error MI8 - Excess report parameters were found.

When ZZ is specified as the report parameter, it includes all reports. No other report parameters
should be specified in the RE section. Note: Report generation is used with Tower Design and
Tower Optimization only.
Error MI9 - Duplicate report parameter found.

No report parameters should be duplicated in the RE section. No parameter should appear more
than once in a given configuration. Note: Report generation is used with Tower Design and Tower
Optimization only.
Error MI10 - Specified report parameter is invalid.

A report parameter was specified that was not allowed. Note: Report generation is used with Tower
Design and Tower Optimization only.
Error MI11 - Outline joint is invalid.

The specified outline joint has not been defined.
Error MI12 - Outline waist joint must be specified

The outline waist joint must be included when dead loads are included.
Joint Warnings and Errors
Warning JT1 Joint # must be listed before secondary joints.

Primary joints must be listed before secondary joints. Tower Design and Tower Optimization only.
Warning JT2 Joint # must be listed after primary joints.

Primary joints must be listed before secondary joints. Tower Design and Tower Optimization only.
Warning JT3 Joint # is connected to more than 13 (or 12) members.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization allow a maximum of 13 members to be connected to any
primary joint and a maximum of 12 members to be connected to any secondary joint.
Warning JT4 Joint # is connected to less than 2 members.

There is a potential stability problem for joints connected to less than two primary members.
Warning JT5 - More than 100 artificial restraints were encountered.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization allow a maximum of 100 artificial restraints.
Error JT1 - Invalid joint label

The specified joint is not valid. Valid joints range from 1 to 999.
Error JT2 - Joint # must have slope joint JC1 specified.

The slope joint JC2 was specified without specifying JC1.
Error JT3 Slope joints JC1 and JC2 must be different.

Joints JC1 and JC2 must not be the same joint.
Error JT4 Joint # must have slope joint JC2 specified.

The slope joint JC1 was specified without specifying JC2.
Error JT5 Joint # invalid slope joint JC1 (or JC2).

The slope joint JC1 (or JC2) was not specified.
Error JT6 Joint # has an invalid ID.

The specified joint ID is not valid. Allowed values are 0,1, and 2.
Error JT8 Joint # has been repeated.

The joint has been defined more than once.
Error JT9 Joints # and # have the same coordinates.

The two joints have the same coordinates.
Error JT10 - A maximum of 600 primary joints are allowed.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization allow a maximum of 600 primary joints.
Error JT11 - A maximum of 399 secondary joints are allowed.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization allow a maximum of 399 secondary joints.
Member Warnings and Errors
Warning ME1 - Primary member must be listed before all secondary members.
Primary members must be listed before secondary members. Tower Design and Tower Optimization
only.
Warning ME2 - Member overlaps joint.

The specified joint lies along the member.
Warning ME3 - Member has inconsistent lengths.

Member capacity is calculated based on member length. Therefore, all members in the same
member group should have the same length.
Error ME1 - Member was not defined in Member Groups.

Every member must have a member group defining it.
Error ME2 - Joint JTA for member has not been defined.
The starting joint JTA has not been defined in the joints section.
Error ME3 - Joint JTB for member has not been defined.
The ending joint JTB has not been defined in the joints section.
Error ME4 - Member has the same starting and ending joints.
JTA and JTB must be different joints.
Error ME5 - Primary member is not connected to a primary joint.

All primary members must be connected to primary joints.
Error ME6 - Member has an invalid rotation angle.

Valid values are from 360 degrees to +360 degrees.
Error ME7 - Member has the same connecting joints as member.

Two members can not have the same connecting joints.
Member Group Warnings and Errors
Warning MG1 - Member group has an MType of -4 which is not recommended for frame
analysis.
An MType of 4 is not recommended for frame analysis due to special handling of this MType.
Warning MG2 - Dummy member group has an unexpected member type.

Members with an MID of 1 to 5 or 5001 to 5005 usually are dummy members. These member
groups should have an MType of 7 specified.
Warning MG3 - Calculated braced lengths might not be conservative for member group.
The calculated braced lengths for double angles with long legs back to back may not be
conservative. Specify the braced lengths to eliminate this warning.
Warning MG4 - Members were not defined for member group.

The member group was defined but was not needed because no members were defined with the
same label.
Error MG1 - Member group has been repeated.

Each member group must be defined once.
Error MG2 - Primary member group has an invalid member type.

Valid MTypes for primary members are 0, 1, 2, 3, -3, 4, -4, 6, 7, and 8.
Error MG3 - Secondary member group has an invalid member type.

Valid MTypes for secondary members are 5, and -5.
Error MG4 - Member group has an invalid member ID.

Valid IDs are 0, 1, and 2.
Error MG5 - Member group has an MID that has not been included in the section property file.
For Truss and Frame analysis only, every MID must be found in the section property file (usually
Property.dat).
Error MG6 - Member group has an MRN that has not been included in the material file.
For Truss and Frame analysis only, every MRN must be found in the material file (Material.dat).
Error MG7 - Member group has an invalid Z braced length equation.

Valid Z braced length equations are 0, and 6 to 9. In addition, a 5 is valid when BPA2 stress checks
are specified.
Error MG8 - Member group has an invalid X braced length equation.

Valid X braced length equations are 0, and 6 to 9. In addition, a 5 is valid when BPA2 stress checks
are specified.
Error MG9 - Member group has an invalid outstanding leg.

Valid outstanding legs depend on the section shape:
0 - Double angles and single angles bolted on both legs
1 Unequal leg single angles with short leg outstanding
2 - Unequal leg single angles with long leg outstanding
Error MG10 - Member group has an X-axis braced length joint that has not been defined.
All braced length joints must be defined in the joints section.
Error MG11 - Member group has a Z-axis braced length joint that has not been defined.
All braced length joints must be defined in the joints section.
Error MG12 - At least 1 member group must have a blank MID or MRN.
The Tower Design and Tower Optimization programs determine MID and MRN values for members
that do not have MIDs or MRNs. At least one MID or MRN must be left blank to run these programs (
Tower Design and Tower Optimization only).
Error MG13 - Member group has an MRN that does not agree with the TD_Spec.dat file.
The MRN number that has been specified in the Member Groups section of the ATADS file must
agree with the property values specified in the td_spec.dat file for all Tower Design or Tower
Optimization programs. Refer to Tower Design or Tower Optimization documentation for more
information (Tower Design and Tower Optimization only).
Specified Deflection Warnings and Errors
Warning SD1 Joint has rotational supports that will be ignored.

Rotational specified deflections can be used only with a frame analysis.
Warning SD2 - Less than 4 springs or specified deflections found.

It is typical to have at least four supports. If adequate supports are not defined, an instability problem
could exist. Check the Specified Deflections and Springs to verify that adequate supports exist.
Warning SD3 - Joint repeated in springs and specified deflections.

A Spring and Specified Deflection on the same joint and in the same direction has been found.
Error SD1 - Joint has been repeated.

The Specified Deflection for the joint has been specified more than once.
Error SD2 - Joint has not been defined.

The joint has not been defined or was defined as a secondary joint.
Error SD3 - Joint must be lowest elevation.

Specified Deflection joints for Tower Design and Tower Optimization must be the primary joints with
the lowest Z coordinates.
Error SD4 Joint must have zero specified deflection.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization require pin supports when run through the ATADS system.
Refer to Tower Design or Tower Optimization documentation for more information.
Spring Warnings and Errors
Warning SP1 - Springs will be ignored.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not allow springs to be used.
Warning SP2 - Joint has rotational springs that will be ignored.

Rotational springs can be used only with a frame analysis.
Error SP1 - Joint has been repeated.

The Spring for the joint has been specified more than once.
Error SP2 - Joint has not been defined.

Wind Areas Warnings and Errors
Warning WA1 - Wind areas are ignored for wind type.

Wind areas were defined but will not be used with the current wind calculation option.
Warning WA2 - Wind areas have not been defined. Wind loads will not be calculated.
Wind areas must be defined in order to use the current wind calculation option.
Error WA1 - Joint direction is not valid.

Valid directions for wind areas are T for transverse area and L for longitudinal wind direction.
Error WA2 Joint symmetry is not valid.

Valid symmetry indicators are S to apply symmetry or blank to not supply symmetry.
Error WA3 - Joint has not been defined.

Error WA4 - Joint has been repeated.

The Wind Area for the joint has been specified more than once.
Error WA5 Joint can not be support joint.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not allow loads or wind areas to be applied to support
joints.
VString Errors
Error VS1 - Load case # JtA and JtB must be different joints.
JtA can not be the same as JtB.
Error VS2 - Load case # joint # has not been defined.

The specified joint has not been defined or has been defined as a secondary joint.
Error VS3 - Load case # joint # is not able to support load.

The specified joint is not able to support load.
Error VS4 - Load case # joint # must not be defined.

The specified VString joint can not be a joint defined in the Joints section.
Error VS5 - Load case # has an invalid height specified.

The height must be greater than zero.
Error VS6 - Load case # has an invalid alpha specified.

The angle must be greater than zero and less than 90 degrees.
Error VS7 - Load case # must be in the Y-Z plane.

The VString must be in the YZ plane (the X coordinate values for JtA and JtB joints must be equal.)
Error VS8 - Load case # VString joint must be between JtA and JtB.
The angle, height, and coordinates of JtA and JtB are used to calculate the position of VsJt. The
calculation indicated that VsJt would not be between JtA and JtB.
Error VS9 - Load case # must have a space as the first character.
For Tower Design and Tower Optimization, the load case label can not be longer than three
characters. The first character in the load case label must be a space to accommodate this limitation.
Error VS10 - Load case # joint # can not be support joint.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not allow loads to be applied to support joints.
Applied Loads Warnings and Errors
Warning AP1 - Load case # joint # is not able to support load.

Warning AP2 - Load case # has load in the positive Z direction.

Loads are not normally oriented in the positive Z direction.
Error AP1 - At least one load case must be specified.

At least one load case must be specified before an analysis can be run.
Error AP2 - Load case # joint # has been duplicated.

The Applied Load for the joint has been specified more than once for the specified load case.
Error AP3 - Load case # joint # has not been defined.

The specified joint has not been defined or has been defined as a secondary joint.
Error AP4 - Load case # joint # can not have moment applied.
Rotational loads can be applied only with a frame analysis.
Error AP5 - Load case # must have a space as the first character.
Error AP6 - Load case # joint # can not be support joint.

Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not allow loads to be applied to support joints.
Error AP7 - Load case # must be specified.

For Tower Design and Tower Optimization, at least one load must be specified. A load of zero is
allowed.
Wind Pressure Warnings and Errors
Warning PR1 - Load case should use angles as multiples of 30.

For BPA wind (Area Input / BPA or Panel Input / BPA), the angles should be a multiple of 30
degrees (30, 60, 90, etc.).
Error PR1 - Load case has been duplicated.

The Wind Pressure for the load case has been specified more than once.
Error PR2 - Load case has an invalid wind angle.

The valid range for the wind pressure angle is 360 to +360.
Error PR3 - Load case must have a space as the first character.
Error PR4 - Load case must be specified.

For Tower Design and Tower Optimization, the wind pressure must be specified. A velocity of zero
mph is allowed.
Wind Panel Warnings and Errors
Warning WP1 - Wind panels will be ignored when using # wind type.
Wind panels were defined but will not be used with the current wind calculation option.
Warning WP2 - Wind panels have not been defined. Wind loads will not be calculated.
Wind panels must be defined in order to use the current wind calculation option.
Warning WP3 - Panel number # joint # can not be loaded.

Warning WP4 - Panel number # Transverse wind panels will be ignored when using Panel
Input/TIA/EIA-222F wind type.
When using the TIA /EIA-222-F wind option, transverse wind panels are not used to calculate the
wind load. Specify longitudinal wind panels.
Warning WP5 - Panel number # Unexpected wind area factor.

When the wind area factor is specified, it usually is in the range of 1.00 to 3.00.
Warning WP9 - Panel number # Unexpected solidity factor.

When the solidity factor is specified, it usually is in the range of 1.00 to 1.50.
Error WP1 - Panel Number # contains repeated joint numbers.

All joints identified in the panel must be unique.
Error WP2 - Panel number # joint # has not been defined.

The specified joint has not been defined or has been defined.
Error WP3 - Panel number # has an invalid Member Inclusion.

Valid values are 0 to 5.
Error WP4 - Panel number # joints must be specified in clockwise or counterclockwise order.
Joints for the Wind Panel must be assigned in a clockwise or counterclockwise order in order to
calculate panel properties correctly.
Error WP5 - Panel number # Wind panel must have guy wire specified.
The member defined in a guy wind panel must be specified as a GUY in the section property file.
Error WP6 - Panel number # Guy wire wind panel can be used with TIA/EIA 222F wind only.
Guy panels can be used only with the TIA/EIA 222F wind option.
Error WP7 - Panel number # Wind panel has wrong direction specified.
Transverse wind panels should never face in the x direction. Longitudinal panels should never face
in the y direction.
Error WP8 - Panel number # Wind panel direction is not valid.

Valid directions for wind panels are T for transverse area and L for longitudinal.
Database Errors and Warnings
Error DB1 - Unexpected Error

An unexpected error occurred while trying to generate the database. Review the input file for errors.
Error DB2 - ICD # Invalid

An invalid ICD (joint generation indicator) was found. Valid ICD values range from 1 to 4.
Error DB3 - IQ # Invalid

An invalid IQ (member generation indicator) was found. Valid IQ values are from 1 through 16, -5, -9,
and -12.
Error DB4, DB5, DB6 X, Y, or Z coordinate not found

The indicated coordinate could not be calculated.
Warning DB7, DB8, DB9 - Redundant X-coordinate given

The indicated coordinate was ignored because its was calculated using the slope joints and one of
the other specified coordinates. When using slope joints, a single coordinate should be specified
and the others should be blank.
Error DB10 - Coordinates could not be found

The coordinates of the specified joint could not be found. This is usually caused by specifying slope
joints and a coordinate that does not intersect the line between the slope joints.
Error DB11 - Wind Pressure respecified

The wind pressure load case label has been specified more than once.
Error DB12 - Recovery joint not found

A recovery joint was not found. Specify a joint to recover that has been defined in the previous
configuration.
Error DB13 - Too many joints

There are too many joints specified. There can be a maximum of 999.
Error DB14 - Too many Members

There are too many members specified. There can be a maximum of 3000 members for Truss and
Frame analysis. A maximum of 1200 members can be specified for Tower Design or Tower
Optimization.
Error DB15 - Too many Member Groups

There are too many member groups specified. There can be a maximum of 3000 member groups
for Truss or Frame analysis and a maximum of 1200 for Tower Design, or Tower Optimization.
Error DB16 - Too many VStrings

There are too many vstrings specified. There can be a maximum of 100 vstrings.
Error DB17 - Too many Specified Deflections

There are too many specified deflections. There can be a maximum of 999 specified deflections.
Error DB18 - Too many Springs
There are too many springs. There can be a maximum of 999 springs. Springs are not allowed for
Tower Design or Tower Optimization.
Error DB19 - Too many Wind Areas - ATADS

There are too many wind panels. A maximum of 999 wind panels can be specified.
Error DB20 - Too many Wind Areas - TOWER

There are too many wind areas. A maximum of 999 wind areas can be specified.
Error DB21 - Too many Wind Pressures

There are too many wind pressures specified. A maximum of 50 wind pressures is allowed for Truss
or Frame analysis and a maximum of 30 wind pressures is allowed for Tower Design and Tower
Optimization.
Conversion Warnings
Warning WC1 - An MA line has been added

Every configuration must have an MA line. One was not found for this configuration so one was
added.
Warning WC2 - A RE line has been added

Every configuration must have a RE line. One was not found for this configuration so one was
added.
Warning WC3 - The RE Card has been changed to all reports

The reports specified in the VAX file have been replaced by ZZ for all reports. If only specific reports
are wanted for Tower Design or Tower Optimization, the RE line must be changed in the ATADS
input file.
Warning WC4 - An OU line has been added

Every configuration must have an OU line. One was not found for this configuration so one was
added.
Warning WC5 - An OU line has been deleted

Only one OU line is used in the ATADS system. More than one OU line was specified for this
configuration and was therefore deleted.
Warning WC6 - Member has been changed to a Dummy Member

If a member has been specified as an MTYPE of 7 and is a secondary member then the member has
been changed to a Dummy Member.
Warning WC7 - Tab found

There are no tabs allowed in the input file. Delete all tabs and replace with spaces before rerunning
File Checker.
Generate Toolbar
The Generate Toolbar gives access to the commonly used features in the editor. Additional features
are available using the right mouse click. The following buttons are available on the Generate
Toolbar.
When an analysis has been run on a file, the lock will be the only toolbar button displayed.
When the lock is displayed, the Generate editor will act as a file viewer. Click the button to change to
edit mode.
The Add, Edit, and Delete buttons allow editing of the file. If the selected
section of the file can not be edited, the appropriate buttons will be disabled.
The Save button will save the file with the current name.
The Save As button will save the file with a new path and file name.
The Convert Units button will convert the units from US to SI units or from SI to US units. A
new file name must be specified.
The Copy Property.dat File button creates a copy of the property file so that a custom
property file can be utilized.
The Cut button deletes the current selection and places it on the clipboard.
The Copy button places the current selection on the clipboard.
The Paste button pastes the information from the clipboard to a position below the currently
selected line.
The Update Plot button updates the plot to match the editor.
The Update Plot Partial button updates the plot to match the editor without resetting the
plot options.
The Run File Checker button activates the File Checker program.
The Comment button adds a comment below the currently selected line.
The Undo button undoes the previous action.

The Show/Hide Details Window button shows or hides the details window in the lower right
corner of the editor.
Edit Field Description
Each editor in the Generate program has a Field Description window in the lower left corner. This
window contains text information associated with the field being edited.
The text can be modified by:
1) Verify that the window is displaying the text to be modified by setting the focus to the proper field.
2) Double click the Field Description window. The Edit Field Description window will be displayed
containing the text from the Field Description window.
3) The text can be edited to display any desired information. A special text string can be included
that will result in one of two items displayed depending on the Units specified in the file. See
below for more information.
4) Select OK or Cancel to close the Edit Field Description window.
The text displayed in the Field Description window can display one of two possible character strings
depending on the Units specified. The format of the string is:
< US Units Text | SI Units Text >
Where:
US Units Text will be displayed if US units are specified under Modeling Information.
SI Units Text will be displayed if SI units are specified under Modeling Information.
Example:
Enter the X-axis coordinate in <feet|mm>.
Enter the X-axis coordinate in feet. will be displayed if US units are specified or Enter the X-axis
coordinate in mm. if SI units are specified.
Comment Line Editor
Individual comment lines can be inserted almost anywhere within the ATADS input file. The
Generate program determines where comments can be placed and prevents insertion where they
are not allowed.
To insert a comment, select the line to insert the comment after and click the button.
To edit an existing comment, either double click the comment or select the comment and click the
Edit button.
To delete a comment, select the comment and click the Delete button.
Comments Section Editor
The Comments section editor allows editing of the COMMENTS section of the ATADS input file.
Comments can be included to describe the tower, conductors, load case, author, or any other
information desired.
Modeling Information Editor
The Modeling Information Editor allows editing of the GENERAL INFORMATION and MA sections of
the ATADS input file. One MA title must be included in each configuration. One GENERAL
INFORMATION section must be included after all configuration information is included. The editor
automates the process of storing this information in the file.
General
Tower Identification
The Tower Identification is used in reports only. Six characters maximum.
Identification Information
The Identification Information is used in reports only. Twenty characters maximum.
Tower Type
Tower Type is used to determine weight factors when calculating dead load. The
types available are:
1 - Light Suspension Tower

2 - Standard Suspension Tower
3 - Dead end or Heavy Suspension Tower
4 - River Crossing Tower
5 Generic Tower
Units
The Units option can be set to either US (kips, inches, etc.) or SI (kN, mm, etc.)
units. If SI is selected, ATADS internally converts all numbers to US before
processing and then back to SI for output.
Warning: The SI units option has not been completed within the ATADS system.
Bolt Size
Use the Bolt Size option to specify the bolts that will be used in this tower. ATADS
assumes all bolts are the same size. Bolt size is used to calculate member tension
capacities. The options available are:
1 - 1/2 inch A M12 x 1.75

2 - 5/8 inch B M16 x 2.00
3 - 3/4 inch C M20 x 2.50
4 - 7/8 inch D M24 x 3.00
5 - 1 inch E M30 x 3.50
6 - 1 1/8 inch F M36 x 4.00
Stress Check
This option indicates how ATADS is to calculate member capacities and stresses.
The available options are:
1 - BPA1
2 - BPA2 (User Defined)
3 - ASCE 10
4 - ASD
5 - TIA/EIA-222-F
Dead Load
A check indicates that ATADS should calculate and include dead loads in the
analysis. If the box is not checked, no dead loads will be calculated.
Artificial Restraints
A check indicates that ATADS should look for unstable joints and apply artificial
restraints where required. See Artificial Restraints for more information.
Rotational Restraints
A check indicates that ATADS should look for rotationally unstable joints and apply
rotational restraints where required. See Artificial Restraints for more information. (
Frame Analysis only)
Wind
Cross Section
The Cross Section is used to describe the shape of the tower for TIA/EIA-222-F wind
calculations.
Calculation Option
The Calculation Option specifies the type of method to use when calculating wind
loads. For more information on the available options, consult the Wind Loads
documentation. The available options are as follows:
No Input / Optimizer
Area Input / BPA
Panel Input / ASCE-74
Load Input
Panel Input / BPA
Panel Input / TIA/EIA-222-F
Note: Tower Design and Tower Optimization require the No Input / Optimizer option.
Truss / Frame use all options except No Input / Optimizer.
Power Law Coefficient

The Power Law Coefficient is used to calculate ASCE-74 wind loads. In ASCE-74,
there are three exposure categories and each has an associated Power Law
Coefficient. The categories and the corresponding Power Law Coefficients are as
follows:
Category B - 4.5
Category C - 7.0
Category D - 10.0
Air Density Fact x Drag Coefficient

This factor is used to convert the velocity given in the WIND PRESSURES section to
a pressure. The usual values are shown below:
Air Density
Calculation Option Air Den. Fact. Drag Coef Fact x Drag
Coef
No Input / Optimizer N/A N/A N/A
Area Input / BPA 0.0025 1.6 0.0040
Panel Input / ASCE-74 0.00256 1.0 0.00256
Load Input N/A N/A N/A
Panel Input / BPA 0.0025 1.6 0.0040
Panel Input / TIA/EIA-222-F 0.00256 1.0 0.00256
Base Elevation
The Base Elevation is the elevation at the base of the tower compared to the
surrounding ground level. The Base Elevation is used only when calculating
ASCE-74 and TIA/EIA-222-F wind loads.
Global Factor
The Global Factor is used to multiply all wind loads on the tower to reduce or
increase all of the wind loads applied. For example, a value of 1.1 would increase
the wind load applied to the tower by 10 percent. All wind types use this factor
except No Input / Optimizer. The default value is 1.0.
Ice
The Ice option uses the TIA/EIA-222-F method to calculate ice areas. These areas are then used to
calculate additional dead load. Wind areas are also increased for wind panel calculations.
Type 1, 2, 3
The Ice Type corresponds to the Include Ice field in the Wind Pressures section.
Radial Ice Thickness

Radial Ice Thickness is the thickness of the ice measured perpendicular to the
member axis.
Ice Density
The Ice Density is the density that will be used in the dead load calculations in
pounds / cubic feet or grams per cubic mm. BPA typically uses 15 pcf for rime ice
and 57 pcf for glaze ice.
Capacities
The Compression and Tension Capacities allow modification of the equations used to calculate
allowable capacities when BPA2 stress checks is specified in the Modeling Information.
Compression and Tension Capacities are not used with any stress check type other than BPA2, but
equivalent values are included as typical examples.
b/t ratio
Leaving the box unchecked will cause ATADS to use the b/t ratio from the property.
dat file. Checking the box will cause ATADS to calculate the b/t ratio with the long
leg of the member divided by the thickness of the angle. BPA1 stress checks use
the b/t ratio from the property.dat file. ASCE-10 and ASD calculate the b/t ratio.
b/t limit1
b/t limit1 is specified to set the lower limit on the b/t ratio. The value for b/t limit1 is
2500 for BPA1 and is 2530 for ASCE10.
For b/t < (b/t limit1 / sqrt (Fy)): Fc = Fy
b/t limit2
b/t limit2 is specified to set the upper limit on the b/t ratio. The value for b/t limit2 is
3750 for BPA1 and is 4554 for ASCE10.
For b/t > (b/t limit2 / sqrt (Fy)): Fc = Fc3 / (b/t) ^ 2
Fc1
Fc1 is used in the calculation of Fc when b/t is in the middle range. The value for
Fc1 is 1.80 for BPA1 and is 1.677 for ASCE10.
For (b/t limit1 / sqrt (Fy)) < b/t < (b/t limit2 / sqrt (Fy)): Fc = Fy * [Fc1 - ( sqrt (
Fy) * (b/t) ) / Fc2 )]
Fc2
Fc2 is used in the calculation of Fc when b/t is in the middle range. The value for
Fc2 is 3110 for BPA1 and is 6727for ASCE 10.
For (b/t limit1 / sqrt (Fy)) < b/t < (b/t limit2 / sqrt (Fy)): Fc = Fy * [Fc1 - (sqrt (
Fy) * (b/t)) / Fc2)]
Fc3
Fc3 is used in the calculation of Fc when b/t is in the upper range. The value for Fc2
is 8400000 for BPA1 and is 9502455 for ASCE10.
For b/t > (b/t limit2 / sqrt (Fy)): Fc = Fc3 / (b/t) ^ 2
Fa1
Fa1 is used in the calculation of Fa when kl/r is less than or equal to Cc. Kl/r is
calculated from the equation used in the MEMBER GROUPS section. The value for
Fa1 is 1.0 for both BPA1 and ASCE10.
For kl/r <= Cc: Fa = Fc * [Fa1 - Fa2 * ((kl/r / Cc) ^ 2)]
Fa2
Fa2 is used in the calculation of Fa when kl/r is less than or equal to Cc. Kl/r is
calculated from the equation used in the MEMBER GROUPS section. The value for
Fa2 is 0.5 for both BPA1 and ASCE10.
For kl/r <= Cc: Fa = Fc * [Fa1 - Fa2 * ((kl/r / Cc) ^ 2)]
Fa3
Fa3 is used in the calculation of Fa when kl/r is greater than Cc. Kl/r is calculated
from the equation used in the MEMBER GROUPS section. The usual value for Fa3
is 286000000 for BPA1 and is 286218528 for ASCE10.
For kl/r > Cc: Fa = Fa3 / ((kl/r / Cc) ^ 2)
Primary Tension
The Primary Tension option determines if the primary tension technique is used to
modify the tension area calculation. A check in the box will instruct ATADS to use
the technique. The BPA1 stress check method uses the primary tension technique
and ASCE10 does not.
Hole Size
The Hole Size specifies the amount to add to the bolt size to calculate hole
diameter. BPA1 uses 1/8 inch and ASCE 10 uses 1/16 inch.
Max Area
The Max Area specifies the percent of gross area that will be used if the net area is
larger. BPA1 uses 0.85 and ASCE 10 uses 1.0.
Max Ft
Max Ft is used in the calculation of Ft. For single angles with one bolt, the allowable
tension stress is Max Ft * Fy. All other members have an allowable tension stress of
Fy. The usual value of Max Ft is 1.0 for BPA1 and is 0.90 for ASCE10.
kl/r
The kl/r values allow modification of the equations used to calculate kl/r when BPA2 stress
checks is specified in the Modeling Information.
kl/r 5A and kl/r 5B

These values are used to specify two variables in the kl/r user specified equation
shown below.
kl/r = 5A + 5B * (l/r)
kl/r 6A and kl/r 6B

These values are used to specify two variables in kl/r Equation 6 shown below. The
usual value is 30 for 6A and .75 for 6B.
kl/r = 6A + 6B * (l/r)
kl/r 7A and kl/r 7B

These values are used to specify two variables in the kl/r Equation 7 shown below.
The usual value is 60 for 7A and .5 for 7B.
kl/r = 7A + 7B * (l/r)
kl/r 8A and kl/r 8B

The usual value is 28.6 for 8A and .76 for 8B.
kl/r = 8A + 8B * (l/r)
kl/r 9A and kl/r 9B

The usual value is 46.2 for 9A and .615 for 9B.
kl/r = 9A + 9B * (l/r)
Dead Load Factors

Dead load factors are used to modify the way ATADS calculates dead load. When Dead Load
Factors are not specified, ATADS calculates the weight of each member and then multiplies it by a
factor to account for galvanizing, bolts, connection hardware, and secondary members not included
in the model.
Primary Members
If this value is specified, the factor used to calculate the dead load of primary members is set
to this value. ATADS uses the following factors depending on Tower Type and the presence
of secondary members:
Tower Type Sec. Members Inc. No Sec. Members

Light 1.12 1.12
Standard 1.15 1.20
Dead End 1.15 1.20
River Crossing 1.15 1.20
Generic 1.10 1.10
Secondary Members
If this value is specified, the factor used to calculate the dead load of secondary members is
set to this value. ATADS uses the following factors depending on Tower Type:

Light 1.12 N/A
Standard 1.15 N/A
Dead End 1.15 N/A
River Crossing 1.15 N/A
Generic 1.10 N/A
Leg Members
If this value is specified, the factor used to calculate the dead load of leg members is set to
this value. ATADS uses the following factors depending on Tower Type and the presence of
secondary members:

Light 1.12 3.00
Standard 1.15 3.00
Dead End 1.15 3.00
River Crossing 1.15 3.00
Generic 1.10 1.10
Optimizer
This data is used only for the Tower Optimization program. Refer to Tower Optimization
documentation for more information.
Optimize On
Specifies whether the tower will be optimized based on least weight or based on
cost.
Tower Configuration
The tower configuration can be square or rectangular. Only certain information can
be entered for each type. The fields will automatically be disabled for any
information that cannot be entered.
The following information can be entered when square is selected:
0 = x-only
1 = slope only
2 = x, slope
The following information can be entered when rectangular is selected:
3 = x, y, slope
4 = x-only
5 = slope only
6 = y-only
7 = x, y
8 = x, slope
9 = y, slope
Maximum Iterations Allowed

Specifies the maximum number of iterations that will be used to converge on a
solution.
Relative Change to Calculate Gradients

Specifies the differences that will be used to change from one gradient to the next.
Relative Change in Objective Function For Convergence

Specifies the smallest value of relative change in the objective function that will
occur before convergence is accepted.
Absolute Change in Objective Function For Convergence

Specifies the smallest value of absolute change in the objective function that will
occur before convergence is accepted.
X,Y Dimension Min and Max

Specifies the minimum and maximum values of X and Y that will be used.
X,Y Dimension Start

Specifies the value of X and Y that will be used to start the iterations.
Slope Min and Max

Specifies the minimum and maximum values of slope that will be used.
Slope Start
Specifies the value of slope that will be used to start the iterations.
Load Factors
This data is used only for Tower Design and Tower Optimization. Refer to the Tower Design and
Tower Optimization documentation for more information.
LF for MTYPE=1
Used to apply a Load Factor to members that are specified in the MEMBER
GROUPS section with a Member Type of 1.
LF for MTYPE=2
LF for MTYPE=3,-3,6, and -6

GROUPS section with Member Type set to 3, -3, 6, or 6.
LF for MTYPE=4
Configuration Title Editor
The Configuration Title Editor allows editing of two fields stored on the MA line of the ATADS input
file. These two fields are combined to become the configuration title used in the Plot and Reports
programs.
Tower Body Height

This field is used only to describe the configuration for use in other ATADS programs. The field
allows a maximum of five characters.
Tower Leg Height

This field is used only to describe the configuration for use in other ATADS programs. The field
allows a maximum of four characters.
Outline Editor
The Outline Editor allows editing of the OU line of the ATADS input file. One OU line must be
included in each configuration.
The joints specified on the OU line serve two purposes. First, the joints are used to relocate dead
load from unstable joints. Second, the joints are used in Tower Design and Tower Optimization to
modify the configuration. Refer to the Tower Design and Tower Optimization documentation for
more information when using these programs.
At least one joint, the waist joint, must be specified for each configuration. The remainder of the
fields are not required to be entered. All Outline joints must be primary joints and must be able to
support load.
The pictures below show the positions of the joints for three tower types.
GWTB
Joint at the top of the ground wire bracket.
GWBB
Joint at the bottom of ground wire bracket.
XRM1T
Joint at the top of the upper cross arm.
XRM1B
Joint at the bottom of the upper cross arm.
XRM2T
Joint at the top of the middle cross arm.
XRM2B
Joint at the bottom of the middle cross arm.
XRM3T
Joint at the top of the lower cross arm.
XRM3B
Joint at the bottom of the lower cross arm.
WAIST
Joint at the waist. Three other joints are generated in sequential order.
GBT1BR
Joint at the right tip of the ground wire bracket.
GBT1PL
Joint at the left tip of the ground wire bracket.
TPXM1R
Joint at the right tip of the upper cross arm.
TPXM1L
Joint at the left tip of the upper cross arm.
TPXM2R
Joint at the right tip of the middle cross arm.
TPXM2L
Joint at the left tip of the middle cross arm.
TPXM3R
Joint at the right tip of the lower cross arm.
TPXM3L
Joint at the left tip of the lower cross arm.
Joints Editor
The Joints Editor allows editing of the JOINTS section of the ATADS input file. One JOINTS section
must be included in each configuration. A maximum of 999 joints can be specified in each
configuration.
To recover joints from a previous configuration, the first joint specified in the new configuration is
used for recovery. The z-coordinate for this joint is called the recovery elevation. See Recovery
Elevation for more information.
The following information is used to specify a joint line:
Jnt Label
The joint label is an integer number 1 through 999 that is the smallest number of the group of joints
implied by the ICD (Joint Symmetry Indicators 1 through 4).
Note: For Tower Design and Tower Optimization, the joint labels must be in top down order i.e. the
lowest joint numbers must have the highest Z-coordinate.
ID
The ID specifies that this joint and the joints generated with this joint (based on ICD) are either
primary or secondary joints.
Primary joints represent the points of displacement in the stiffness matrix equation. For a Truss
Analysis, each primary joint has three translational degrees of freedom. For a Frame Analysis, each
primary joint has three translational degrees of freedom and three rotational degrees of freedom. All
loads must be applied at primary joints. Primary joints also define ends of primary members and
may define one or both ends of secondary members (bracing members). Each primary joint must
have at least three primary members connecting to it to be stable in a Truss Analysis.
Secondary joints represent intermediate bracing points on primary members and must lie on those
members. Secondary joints define the ends of secondary members only. The advantage of
including secondary joints and members is to enhance the accuracy of the dead load calculations
and to define member braced length.
ICD
The ICD field indicates how to generate additional joints.
Generate one joint at the specified X, Y, Z plus three additional joints with Jnt Labels of Jnt Label
+ 1 at X, -Y, Z, Jnt Label + 2 at -X, -Y, Z, Jnt Label + 3 at -X, Y, Z.
Generate one joint at the specified X, Y, Z and an additional joint with a Jnt Label of Jnt Label +
1 at X, -Y, Z (or x, -y, z, and x, y, and z).
Generate one joint at the specified X, Y, Z and an additional joint with a Jnt Label of Jnt Label +
1 at -X, Y, Z (or x, -y, z, and x, y, and z).
Generate one joint at the specified X, Y, Z.
X, Y, and Z-coordinates
This field specifies the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the joint in feet or mm. Normally, the joint
coordinates are defined to coincide with the centroid of the members connecting at the specified joint.
Slope joints JC1 and JC2

The slope joints are used to specify the joints that define the slope of a line that the joint lies on. To
specify a joint using JC1 and JC2, a single coordinate (X, Y, or Z) is specified as an intercept to the
line generated by the slope joints.
VString Editor
The VString Editor allows editing of the VSTRINGS section of the ATADS input file. One VSTRINGS
title must be included in each configuration. Note: ATADS includes a VString program that calculates
equivalent loads at connecting joints. For more information, refer to the VString topic.
VStrings are used to define conductor loads. The conductor load specified is used to calculate the
resultant loads that are applied to two joints. The picture below shows the information that is used to
define a VString.
The information on a VString line consists of the following:
Load Case
The Load Case specifies the load case that the VString load will be applied to. Each label for a
group must match exactly, including upper or lower case, or not all of the intended loads will be
grouped together. (4 alphanumeric characters maximum)
Joint
Defines the joint defining where the load is attached to the VString. Joint must be an integer
between 1 and 999 and must not be defined in the JOINTS section.
Jnt 1 and Jnt 2

Defines the joints on the tower that the VString is attached. The calculated loads will be applied to
these joints during the analysis. Note: these joints must be in the Y Z plane i.e. they must have the
same X coordinate.
h
The h field specifies the height of the VString from the VString Joint to Jnt 2 in feet or mm.
Angle
The angle is measured from vertical to the member that connects the VString Joint to Jnt 2 in radians.
PX, PY, and PZ

Loads that are applied at the VString joint in the X, Y, and Z global directions.
Member Editor
The Member Editor allows editing of the MEMBER section of the ATADS input file. One MEMBER
title must be included in each configuration.
The MEMBER section locates and describes each member in the tower. Members can be inputted
individually or generated by the program using symmetry.
There are sixteen ways of generating members. The generation types are separated into five
general categories as follows:
V Brace - used to Generate members that resemble V Bracing .

Pairs - used to Generate members that resemble Pairs of members.
Vert X - used to Generate members that resemble Vertical Cross Bracings.
Horz X - used to Generate members that resemble Horizontal Cross Bracing.
Others - used to Generate members that are Other Types of members that have not been
covered.
The information specified on a Members line consists of the following:
Label
The Label defines the member name. Each label must have a match in the Member Groups section (
4 alphanumeric characters maximum).
JTA and JTB

The joints JTA and JTB are used define the ends of the members. If additional members are
generated based on this member, JTA and JTB are modified for each generated member.
Note: Some generation codes require only JTA while others require both JTA and JTB.
Releases
Member end releases are used in a frame analysis only. In a truss analysis, the releases are
ignored.
Member end releases instruct the analysis to not include bending stiffness in the local (member)
stiffness matrix. This results in a member being analyzed as if it has pin connections. Three
member end releases are available for each end of the member. These releases correspond to the
local x, y, and z-axes at JTA and JTB as shown below.
When all releases are released (i.e.: no bending stiffness at either end) the member will act as a
truss member in a frame analysis.
Rotation Angle
The rotation angle is used in a frame analysis only. In a truss analysis, the rotation angle is ignored.
A frame analysis requires three pieces of information to orient each member. The coordinates of the
starting and ending joints (JTA and JTB) supply the first two pieces of information. The third piece is
supplied by the rotation angle Beta that defines the orientation of the local member axes x and y.
The following describes a process to determine the rotation angle Beta. The global axes are
displayed as upper case X, Y, and Z. The local (member) axes are displayed as lower case x, y, and
z.
The coordinates of JTA and JTB define the ends of the member within the global coordinate system.
JTA defines the location of the origin of the local (member) axis. The local z-axis always runs from
JTA toward JTB.
The local z-axis and a line parallel to the global Y-axis define a plane.
Note: The global axis has been moved to JTA to make the plane easier to visualize.
When the global Y-axis is parallel to the local z-axis, a plane can not be defined. In this case, the
local z-axis and a line parallel to the global X-axis define the plane.
The y-axis is perpendicular to the local z-axis and lies along the plane. The beta angle is the angle
from the global Y-axis to the local y-axis.
Local Coordinate System

Temperature Change
Specifies a change in temperature that will induce either tension or compression in the member (
Truss or Frame only).
Initial Tension
Tension that exists in a member before any loads have been applied. This is primarily used for guy
wires (Truss or Frame only). See also Use of Guys on Lattice Structures.
Member Groups Editor
The Member Groups Editor allows editing of the MEMBER GROUPS section of the ATADS input
file. One MEMBER GROUPS title must be included in each configuration.
The MEMBER GROUPS section describes the properties of each member in the tower.
The following information is used to specify a MEMBER GROUPS line:
Member Label
The Member Label defines the name of the member (4 alphanumeric characters maximum).
Primary/Secondary
Select Primary to specify a Member Group to be included in the analysis. Select Secondary to
specify a Member Group that will be used only to brace primary members, to be used in wind panels,
and for dead load calculations. Refer to Using Secondary Members for more information.
Member Type
Member Type is used to describe how this Member Group is used. The types are as follows:
1 Any tension-compression member not described below

2 Tension-compression cross-bracing
3 Main tower legs above leg extension
-3 Main tower legs in the leg extension
4 Main compression members in cross arm and ground wire bracket or tension only
members
-4 Hangers in cross arm designed for tension only
5 Secondary members above leg extension
-5 Secondary members in leg extension
6 Leg diagonals
7 Dummy members
8 Guy Wires
A Member Type of -4 is replaced in the analysis with a member with an area of .01 square inches. A
Member Type of 8 can be used in Truss and Frame Analysis only and will cause a tension only
analysis to be performed.
Code
The Code is used to narrow the choices provided in the MID field.
MID
This MID (Member Identification Number) is a reference to the properties in the property.dat file. The
property.dat file describes the type of section that will be used and the properties associated with it
such as area, b/t, etc.
MRN
The MRN (Material Reference Number) is a reference to the material.dat file. The material.dat file
contains information that describes what type of material will be used for this Member Group such as
Fy, Fu, etc. If this is left blank, then a default value will be used corresponding to 36 ksi steel.
Z1 and Z2 Unbraced Length Joints

The distances between the joints are used to calculate braced lengths. The braced lengths are used
for the member z-axis for single angles or the member y-axis for all other shapes.
X1 and X2 Unbraced Length Joints

The distances between the joints are used to calculate x-axis braced lengths of all shapes.
Z and X Unbraced Lengths

The Z Unbraced Length specifies the braced length of the member z-axis (single angles) or the
member y-axis (all other shapes). The X Unbraced Length specifies the braced length of the
member x-axis of all shapes.
Z and X Unbraced Length Equations

The Z and X Unbraced Length Equations specify the formula to use in calculating kl/r.
Primary Tension Flag

Specifies members that support long term tensile loading. This lowers the tension capacity for BPA1
stress checks.
Outstanding Leg Flag

Describes how the member is bolted. This option is only used in tension capacity calculations. The
types are as follows:
0 - Double angles and for single angles bolted on both legs

1 - Single angles short leg outstanding
2 - Single angles long leg outstanding
Number of Bolt Holes

Number of bolt holes to deduct when computing allowable tension. The default values are as follows:
1.0 - Single angle bolted on one leg

2.0 - Single angle bolted on two legs
3.0 - Double angles
Tension Only Flag

Used to indicate members that are tension only members. Setting this flag for any Member Group
will cause a tension only analysis to be performed.
Print Stress Flag

Stresses of members are printed for each loading condition (Tower Design and Tower Optimization
only).
Continuous Member Flag

Used to indicate a continuation of the preceding member to be designed using the largest angle
size. (Tower Design and Tower Optimization only)
Spring Editor
The Spring Editor allows editing of the SPRINGS section of the ATADS input file. One SPRINGS
title must be included in each configuration.
Springs are used to add stiffness to a joint in the tower. The picture below shows the orientation of
the translational and rotational directions.
The following information is included on the Springs line:
Jnt Label
Defines the joint where the spring stiffness is to be included. Jnt Label must be an integer number 1
through 999 and must be defined in the JOINTS section as a primary joint.
X Trans, Y Trans, and Z Trans

Defines the spring stiffness in the X, Y, and Z translational directions in kips/in or kN/mm. Fields may
be left blank if a spring is desired in one or two directions only (Truss and Frame only).
X Rot, Y Rot, and Z Rot

These fields specify the rotational spring stiffness about the X, Y, and Z-axis in kip inch / radian or kN
mm / radian. Fields may be left blank if a spring is desired in one or two directions only (Frame only).
Specified Deflection Editor
The Specified Deflection Editor allows editing of the SPECIFIED DEFLECTION section of the
ATADS input file. One SPECIFIED DEFLECTION title must be included in each configuration.
This section is used to specify a joint's translation or rotation. The picture below shows the
orientation of the translational and rotational directions.
The following information is included on the Specified Deflections line:
Jnt Label
Defines the joint where the specified deflection is to be included. Jnt Label must be an integer
number 1 through 999 and must be defined in the JOINTS section as a primary joint.
X Trans, Y Trans, and Z Trans

These fields specify the deflection in the X, Y, and Z translational directions in inches or mm. Fields
may be left blank if a deflection is desired in one or two directions only. A pin support is modeled by
setting the value of X Trans, Y Trans, and Z Trans to 0.0.
Note: Tower Design and Tower Optimization do not allow values other than zero in these fields.
Refer to the documentation for these programs for more information.
X Rot, Y Rot, and Z Rot

These fields specify the rotation about the X, Y, and Z-axis in radians. Fields may be left blank if a
specified rotation is desired about one or two directions only. A fixed support can be modeled by
setting X, Y, and Z Trans to 0.0 and setting X, Y, and Z Rot to 0.0 (Frame only).
Wind Panel Editor
The Wind Panel Editor allows editing of the WIND AREAS ATADS section of the ATADS input file.
One WIND AREAS ATADS title must be included in each configuration.
Wind panels are used for Panel Input/ASCE-74, Panel Input/BPA, and Panel Input/TIA/EIA-222F
wind load types.
The information included in the WIND AREAS - ATADS section is as follows:
Jnt1, Jnt2, Jnt3, Jnt4

These joints specify the limits and outline of the panel. They are used to determine the members
contained in the panel, the height of the panel, and the gross area of the panel. For triangular
panels, JT4 must be left blank. When Jnt 1 and Jnt 4 are the only joints specified, the panel is
considered a guy. The joints must always be listed either clockwise or counterclockwise around the
panel. Examples of using three and four joints to define a wind panel are shown below.
Load Joints
If 1 to 8 joints are specified in this section, the wind loads will be distributed to the specified joints. If
no joints are specified, the wind load will be distributed to JT1, JT2, JT3, JT4, and any joints
symmetrical to them. A symmetrical joint is one in which the Z-coordinate is the same and the
absolute value of both the X and Y coordinates are the same.
Member Inclusions
The Member Inclusions option is used to specify the members that will be included in the panel and
prevents members from being counted twice in adjacent wind panels. In addition, a solid area can
be selected which is usually used on the transverse panel of the bridge. The options to choose from
are as follows:
0 - Both top and bottom members are included in the wind panel.
1 - Only the bottom member is included in the wind panel.
2 - Only the top member is included in the wind panel.
3 - Neither the top nor the bottom members are included in the wind panel.
4 - Specifies that a solid area is to be used.
5 - Specifies that this is a guy member.
The picture below shows how to specify a wind panel with four joints. The wind panel has the
outlining joints 97, 98 at the top and 113, 114 at the bottom. In this case, the transverse direction is
specified because the panel is perpendicular to the x-axis.
Wind Area Factor
The wind area factor is multiplied by the projected member area to account for missing bracing
members and shielding effects. A default value of 1.0 is assumed if a value is not specified.
Solidity Factor
The solidity factor is multiplied by the calculated solidity area to account for missing bracing
members. A default value of 1.0 is assumed if a value is not specified. The Solidity Factor is used
with TIA/EIA-222-F wind loads only.
Transverse and Longitudinal

The transverse and longitudinal options specify the direction of the wind panel. The transverse
direction is located perpendicular to the Y-axis, and the longitudinal direction is located perpendicular
to the X-axis.
Wind Area Editor
The Wind Areas Editor allows editing of the WIND AREAS TOWER section of the ATADS input
file. One WIND AREAS TOWER title must be included in each configuration.
Wind areas are used by ATADS when calculating wind loads when Area Input/BPA or Loads Input
are specified in the Wind section of Modeling Information.
The information included in the WIND AREAS - TOWER section is as follows:
Jnt Label
The Jnt Label is an integer number 1 through 999 that the wind load will be applied to. The Joint
Label must be defined in the JOINTS section as a primary joint.
Transverse and Longitudinal

The transverse and longitudinal options specify the direction of the wind area. The transverse
direction is located perpendicular to the Y-axis, and the longitudinal direction is located perpendicular
to the X-axis.
Use Joint Symmetry

The Use Joint Symmetry option indicates that the same wind area is to be applied to all joints that
are generated from this one joint. If the Use Joint Symmetry option is not checked, the wind area will
be applied to Jnt Label only.
Wind Area
The wind area specifies the transverse or longitudinal area to use in calculating wind load. The wind
area should include a shielding factor in some cases to account for the member area in the opposite
face. When wind can act with equal velocity on opposite faces, the wind area and shielding factors
should be included for both faces. Suggested shielding factors and areas are shown below for two
tower types.
Note: The wind area is used differently when the Loads Input wind option is used. See the
commentary under Wind Loads for more information.
Wind Pressure Editor
The Wind Pressure Editor allows editing of the WIND PRESSURES section of the ATADS input file.
One WIND PRESSURES title must be included in each configuration.
Wind velocities, directions, and ice can be specified for each load case in the WIND PRESSURES
section of the ATADS input file.
The information included in the WIND PRESSURES section is as follows:
Load Case
The Load Case specifies the label of the load case that the wind load will be applied to. Each label
for a group must match exactly, including upper or lower case or not all of the intended loads will be
grouped together (four alphanumeric characters maximum).
Angle
Angle specifies the orientation of the wind in the X-Y plane in degrees measured counter-clockwise
from X-axis.
Velocity
Wind Velocity specifies the speed of the wind in miles/hour or meters/second.
Include Ice
Select None to not include ice in this load case. Select Type 1, 2, or 3 to include the ice
corresponding to the ice information.
Applied Loads Editor
The Applied Loads Editor allows editing of the APPLIED LOADS section of the ATADS input file.
One APPLIED LOADS title must be included in each configuration.
This section is used to apply loads to joints. Applied Loads can only be applied to primary joints.
The following information is on each APPLIED LOADS line:
Load Case
The Load Case specifies the label of the load case that the wind load will be applied to. Each label
for a group must match exactly, including upper or lower case, or not all of the intended loads will be
grouped together (4 alphanumeric characters maximum).
Jnt Label
The Jnt Label is an integer number 1 through 999 that the wind load will be applied to. The Joint
Label must be defined in the JOINTS section as a primary joint.
X Force, Y Force, and Z Force

These values specify the load in the X, Y, and Z directions in kips or kN.
X Moment, Y Moment, and Z Moment

These values specify the moment about the X, Y, and Z-axis in kip-in or kN-mm (Frame only).
V Bracing
When using the Member Editor, select the V Bracing tab to display member generation choices
similar to V bracing.
All generation types in this window require both JTA and JTB to be specified.
The picture that represents the type of generation selected is designed as a guide only. A variety of
generations can be made for each IQ (Member Symmetry Indicators) depending on the orientation of
the joints.
There are four member IQs available in this window and they are as follows:
Pairs
When using the Member Editor, select the Pairs tab to display member generation choices similar to
member pairs.
Some generation types require only JTA to be specified while other generation types require both
JTA and JTB. The picture indicates which joints are required.
generations can be made for each IQ depending on the orientation of the joints.
There are five member IQs available in this window and they are as follows:
Vert X
When using the Member Editor, select the Vert X tab to display member generation choices similar
to vertical cross braces.
All generation types in this window require both JTA and JTB to be specified.
There are two member IQs available in this window and they are as follows:
Horz X
When using the Member Editor, select the Horz X tab to display member generation choices similar
to horizontal cross braces.
Some generation types require only JTA to be specified while other generation types require both
JTA and JTB. The picture indicates which joints are required.
There are five member IQs available in this window and they are as follows:
Others
When using the Member Editor, select the Others tab to display member generation choices not
available under the V Bracing, Pairs, Vert X, and Horz X tabs.
All generation types require both JTA and JTB to be specified. The picture indicates which joints are
required.
There are three member IQs available in this window and they are as follows:
Plot Toolbar
The Plot Toolbar allows rotation and shifting of the plot. In addition, the toolbar gives access to some
commonly used windows. The toolbar can be turned off from the Window Menu. The following
buttons are available on the toolbar.
Opens the Geometry Window
Opens the Loads Window
Opens the ATADS Wind Window
Opens the Deflections Window if an analysis has been run
Opens the Stress Window if an analysis has been run
Opens the
Details Window
Opens the Substructure Window
Displays a global XYZ-axis
Rotates the plot in the direction shown. The right mouse button rotates
the plot slower than the left.
Rotates the plot to show the X-Y, Y-Z, or X-Z plane
Centers the plot within the plot window
Resets the zoom and axis orientation
Changes the current load case
Changes the current configuration

Plot Status Bar
The status bar displays some useful information at the bottom of the main window. On the left side,
the configuration and load case is displayed. On the right side, messages are displayed as ATADS
runs.
Plot Window
The plot window displays the structure with options as selected in the Geometry Window, Loads
Window, etc. Colors can be set by using the ATADS Setup program. The window can be moved or
sized and will retain the last position used when the program is restarted. The plot within the window
can be zoomed and shifted.
To use the zoom feature:

1) Place the mouse at the center of the area to be zoomed.
2) Hold down the right mouse button.
3) Drag the mouse to a corner of the zoom area. The mouse must be moved approximately 10
percent across the window before an outline box will appear.
4) Adjust the box to surround the desired zoom area.
5) Release the right mouse button. The plot will redraw the zoomed plot automatically.
To use the shift feature: Note: The plot can also be shifted from the Toolbar.
1) Place the mouse over the plot window.
2) Hold down the left mouse button.
3) Drag the mouse. The outline of the window will appear as a box.
4) Adjust the box to the shifted position.
5) Release the left mouse button. The plot will redraw the shifted plot automatically.
Geometry Window
The Geometry Window displays information related to joints, members, orientation and releases,
specified deflections and springs. The available options are as follows:
Joints
Joint numbers are displayed directly over the joint. Only those joints that do not overlap other joint
labels are displayed. Use the zoom feature to display more joint labels or turn off the Mask (see
below). All highlighted joints are displayed. The joint label color and font can be selected using the
ATADS Setup program.
Note: The Mask check box prevents overlapping labels from being displayed. If the Mask check box
is not checked, all joint labels will be displayed.
The following options can be selected from the drop down list box:
Label All Joints

Displays both primary and secondary joint labels.
Label Primary Joints

Displays the label of joints defined as being primary.
Label Secondary Joints

Displays the label of joints defined as being secondary.
Label Outline Joints

Displays outline joint labels.
Label One Joint

Displays the joint label for a single joint.
Label Match to Edit

Displays joint labels that are selected in the Joints section of the editor.
Label Key Joints
Displays joint labels of joints that are defined by setting the X, Y, and Z coordinates. Joints
that are generated based on the coordinates of other joints are not displayed.
Highlight All Joints

Highlights both primary and secondary joints.
Highlight Primary Joints

Highlights only primary joints.
Highlight Secondary Joints

Highlights only secondary joints.
Highlight Outline Joints

Highlights only outline joints.
Highlight Key Joints

Highlights joints that are defined by setting the X, Y, and Z coordinates. Joints that are
generated based on the coordinates of other joints are not highlighted.
Members
Member Labels are displayed near the center and along the member. Only those member labels
that do not overlap joint labels or other member labels are displayed. Use the zoom feature to
display more member labels or turn off the Mask. The member label color and font can be selected
using the ATADS Setup program.
Note: The Mask check box prevents overlapping labels from being displayed. If the Mask check box
is not checked, all member labels will be displayed.
Label All Members

Labels both primary and secondary members.
Label Primary Members

Labels only primary members.
Label Secondary Members

Labels only secondary members.
Label One Member Group

Labels all members in one member group.
Label Match to Edit

Displays member labels that are selected in the Members or Member Group sections of the
editor.
Label Frame Members

Displays labels of all members that have at least one release not released.
Label Tension Only Members
Displays member labels of all members that have the tension only flag set.
Show Primary Members Only

Plots primary members only. Secondary members will not be plotted.
1 T/C Members Not Desc. Below - labels all members with Member Type = 1
2 T/C Cross-bracing - labels all members with Member Type = 2
3 Main Tower Legs Above Leg Ext. - labels all members with Member Type = 3
-3 Main Tower Legs In Leg Ext. - labels all members with Member Type = -3
4 Main Comp X-Arm & GW Bkt. - labels all members with Member Type = 4
-4 Hangers in X-arm - labels all members with Member Type = -4
5 Secondary above Leg Ext. - labels all members with Member Type = 5
-5 Secondary in Leg Ext. - labels all members with Member Type = -5
6 Leg Diagonals - labels all members with Member Type = 6
7 Dummy Members - labels all members with Member Type = 7
8 Guy Wires labels all members with Member Type = 8
Orientation and Releases

The Orientation and Releases box lists all primary members with at least one end release that has
not been released. The members are listed in the LLLL JTA JTB format where LLLL is the member
label, JTA is the starting joint, and JTB is the ending joint. When a member is selected, ATADS Plot
looks up the member MID and CODE stored in the property.dat file and displays a representation of
the member shape in the proper orientation. In addition, the window expands to show the end
releases for the member specified. When the Next button is pressed, the selection moves to the
next member in the list and is replotted. This option is useful only for Frame Analysis.
Specified Deflections
The Specified Deflections option shows which joints have deflections specified. An empty square
indicates a joint with one to five deflections specified. A filled square indicates a joint with all six
deflections specified. The specified deflections color can be selected using the ATADS Setup
program.
Springs
The Springs option shows which joints have springs applied. An empty square indicates a joint with
one to five springs. A filled square indicates a joint with all springs. The springs color can be
selected using the ATADS Setup program.
Plot
Select the Plot button to redraw the plot after selections have been made.
Reset
Select the Reset button to set all options in this window to the default settings.
Help
Select the Help button to display this help topic.
Loads Window
The Loads Window plots the dead, wind, applied, and VString loads. The color of the loads can be
selected using the ATADS Setup program. The available options in the loads window are as follows:
Dead
Plots the calculated dead loads for the specified load case (dead loads vary by load case only when
ice loads are included).
Wind
Plots the calculated wind loads for the specified load case.
Applied
Plots the applied loads for the specified load case.
VString
Plots the VString loads for the specified load case.
Constant
The constant option displays the dead, wind, applied, and VString loads as if all loads have the same
magnitude (all arrows are the same length).
Relative
The relative option displays the dead, wind, applied, and VString loads as if the loads have varying
magnitude where the length of the arrow indicates the relative magnitude of the load.
Label
When the label option is checked, the load labels are plotted on and in line with the loads.
Mask
The Mask check box prevents overlapping labels from being displayed. If the Mask check box is not
checked, all load labels will be displayed.
Plot
Reset
Help
Substructure Window
The Substructure Window allows a portion of the structure to be plotted. Two methods are available
which can be combined. The Joint Boundary Substructure defines plot limits based on joint
coordinates. The Plane Section Substructure defines plot limits based on three joints that define a
plane. The available options in the Substructure Window are as follows:
X1, Y1, Z1
X1, Y1, and Z1 are joint labels that define the limits of the Substructure plot in the global coordinate
system.
X2, Y2, Z2
X2, Y2, and Z2 are joint labels that define the limits of the Substructure plot in the global coordinate
system.
Jnt1, Jnt2, Jnt3

Jnt1, Jnt2, and Jnt3 are used to define a plane. The three joints can be primary or secondary and
can exist anywhere on the tower.
In Plane
Selecting the In Plane option plots members in the plane defined by Jnt1, Jnt2, and Jnt3.
Forward
Selecting the Forward option plots members in the plane and in front of the plane defined by Jnt1,
Jnt2, and Jnt3.
Behind
Selecting the Behind option plots members in the plane and behind the plane defined by Jnt1, Jnt2,
and Jnt3.
Both
Selecting the Both option plots all members in the structure.
Plot
Reset
Help
Deflections Window
The Deflections Window plots the deflected shape of primary joints and members for the given load
case. The Deflections Window can not be activated unless an analysis has been run. The color of
the deflected shape can be selected using the ATADS Setup program. The available options in the
Deflections Window are as follows:
Undeflected
Plots the structure as it is specified in the ATADS input file. All joints and members are included in
the plot.
Deflected
Plots the deflected shape of the structure for the specified load case. The deflections used to
calculate the deflected shape are multiplied by the Displacement Amplitude. Secondary joints and
members are not included in the plot.
Both
Plots both the undeflected and deflected shapes. Secondary joints and members are not included in
the plot.
Displacement Amplitude
The Displacement Amplitude is a factor used to exaggerate the deflected shape.
The Artificial Restraints options allow joints to be marked which have artificial restraints applied.
The Rotational Restraints options allow joints to be marked which have rotational restraints applied.
Reactions
The Reactions option displays the transverse reactions at springs and specified deflections for the
current load case and configuration. Note: Moment reactions are not displayed.
Label
When the label option is checked, the reaction labels are plotted on and in line with the reactions.
Mask
The Mask check box prevents overlapping labels from being displayed. If the Mask check box is not
checked, all reaction labels will be displayed.
More Info
The More Info button expands the Deflections Window and displays the maximum displacements
based on global X, Y, and Z translations and rotations. If Truss Analysis is used, the X, Y, and Z
rotations will always be zero.
Plot
Reset
Help
Stress Window
The Stress Window plots the calculated stress of primary members for the given load case or the
maximum stress for all load cases in the current configuration. The Stress Window can not be
activated unless an analysis has been run. The color of the member stresses can be selected using
the ATADS Setup program. The available options in the Stress Window are as follows:
BPA1 Stresses
Neither Information will not be displayed
Force Displays tension and or compression forces.
Percent Stress Displays tension and or compression force / tension and or compression
allowable load.
Tension, Compression, Tension & Compression Works in combination with the Force and
Percent Stress options.
ASCE 10, ASD, and TIA/EIA-222F

None Information will not be displayed
Tension Displays the tension stress ratio
Compression Displays the compression stress ratio
Shear X, Shear Y - Displays the shear stress ratio
Bending X, Bending Y - Displays the bending stress ratio
Combined - Displays the combined stress ratio
Show Values
Select this check box to plot the force or stress values on the members. If the Mask check box is
turned off, all force or stress values will be plotted.
Maximum for all Load Cases

When this check box is selected, the maximum forces or stresses for all load cases within the current
configuration will be plotted.
Plot
Reset
Help
Details Window
The Details Window serves two purposes. First, it displays selected modeling information. Second, it
can be used as an editing aid. The Details Window is activated by clicking the Details button on the
toolbar. To use the Details Window to display modeling information:
1) Select the information option: Joint, Member, Wind Areas, Applied Loads, Wind Loads, Dead
Loads, or Member Force.
2) Use the zoom and shift features to adjust the plot.
3) Move the mouse over the Plot Window. ATADS searches the database for available information
and displays it in the Details Window.
4) The Ctrl key can be held down to lock the information at the current mouse position.
To use the Details Window as an editing aid:
1) Select Insert Jnt.

2) Open the editor. Add or edit the lines in the file as usual.
3) If the currently selected field in the editor is a joint field, the Insert Jnt option can be used. Move
the mouse over the Plot Window until the desired joint is selected. Left click the Plot Window
and ATADS will insert the number of the selected joint in the joint field.
ATADS Wind Window
The ATADS Wind Window plots the wind panels defined in the Wind Areas - ATADS section of the
ATADS input file. The color of the wind panels can be selected using the ATADS Setup program.
The available options in the ATADS Wind Window are as follows:
List of Wind Panels

This list box contains all wind panels defined for the displayed configuration. A single or combination
of wind panels can be selected (use the Shift and Ctrl keys for multiple selections).
Plot
Reset
Help
Conductor Clearance Window
The Conductor Clearance Window allows conductor clearance envelopes to be plotted in the
structure.
To display an envelope:
1) Run the Conductor Clearance program to develop an envelope.
2) Select Conductor Clearance Plot from the Window menu.
3) A window will be displayed which allows a conductor clearance output file to be chosen. Select
the file to be displayed.
4) The Conductor Clearance window will be displayed. Enter the Y and Z-coordinates of the swing
point where the VString connects to the tower (hanger bracket swing point). Select the Add
button. Repeat for up to six envelopes.
5) Press the plot button to replot the tower with the envelopes.
To remove the envelopes:

1) Select a line and use the Delete button or close the window.
VString Calculations
The solution method used in the VString program is based on the technique in Chapter 6 of Design
Manual for Transmission Line, Tower, and Foundation by R.A. Kravitz. The steps involved are
outlined below.
1) Calculate dimensions h2 and h3:
h2 = Z2 - Z1
h3 = h - h2
2) Calculate angles a1 to a5:
a2 = given
a1 = Atan((Y2 - Y1 - h Tan(a2)) / h3)
a3 = Atan(h2/(Y2 - Y1))
a4 = a1 - a3
a5 = a2 + a3
3) Calculate forces parallel and perpendicular to axis of rotation and resultant force:
V' = -Pz Cos (a3) + Py Sin (a3)

H' = Py Cos (a3) + Pz Sin (a3)
R' = (Px^2 + V'^2)^.5
4) Calculate reactions parallel and perpendicular to axis of rotation:
Tan4 = Tan (a4)

Tan5 = Tan (a5)
V1' = V' / R' [R - (R' Tan4) / (Tan4 + Tan5) + H' / Tan4 - H' / (Tan4 (Tan4 / Tan5 + 1))]
H1' = R' Tan4 - R' Tan4^2 / (Tan4 + Tan5) + H' - H' / (Tan4 / Tan5 +1)
V2' = V' / R' [R' Tan4 / (Tan4 + Tan5) - H' / (Tan5 (Tan4 / Tan5 + 1))]
H2' = R' Tan4 Tan5 / (Tan4 + Tan5) - H' / (Tan4 / Tan5 +1)
5) Check for VString in compression:
If V1' or H1' is negative, the VString connected to Jnt1 is in compression and all loads (Px, Py,
Pz) goes into Jnt2.
If V2' or H2' is negative, the VString connected to Jnt2 is in compression and all loads (Px, Py,
Pz) goes into Jnt1.
Note: Steps 6 and 7 apply only if V1', H1', V2', and H2' are all positive.
6) Transform reactions to global coordinate system:
V1 = V1' Cos (a3) - H1' Sin (a3)

H1 = H1' Cos (a3) + V1' Sin (a3)
V2 = V2' Cos (a3) + H2' Sin (a3)
H2 = H2' Cos (a3) - V2' Sin (a3)
L1 = -Px (V1' / V')
L2 = -Px (V2' / V')
7) Convert reactions to equivalent loads:
Jnt1 Px = L1
Jnt1 Py = -H1
Jnt1 Pz = -V1
Jnt2 Px = L2
Jnt2 Py = H2
Jnt2 Pz = -V2
No Input/Optimizer
The No Input/Optimizer wind load option is used by the Tower Design and Tower Optimization
programs. See documentation for these programs for more information.
Area Input / BPA
When this wind option is specified, transverse and longitudinal wind areas associated with each joint
are calculated by hand and included in the Wind Areas section of the model file. The wind areas
usually include a shielding factor of 1.5 and the transverse wind area at the bridge is usually
considered solid. This shielding factor is included in the calculated wind areas.
The calculation used to find the load applied in the analysis is as follows:
Transverse Load = Velocity ^ 2 x AirDen x Factor x TArea x Sin (Angle) x GWF
Longitudinal Load = Velocity ^ 2 x AirDen x Factor x LArea x Cos (Angle) x GWF
Where:
Velocity is the velocity as specified in the WIND PRESSURES section.
AirDen is the Air Den. Fac x Drag Coef. as specified on the AW line of the GENERAL
INFORMATION (Modeling Information) section.
Factor is 1.125 for angles of +- 30,60,120,150,etc. For other angles, Factor is 1.0.
TArea is the transverse wind area as specified in the WIND AREAS - TOWER section.
LArea is the longitudinal wind area as specified in the WIND AREAS - TOWER section.
Angle is the wind angle as specified in the WIND PRESSURES section.
GWF is the global wind factor as specified on the AW line of the GENERAL INFORMATION
section.
Load Input
The Load Input wind option allows loads to be entered in the Wind Areas-Tower section of the
ATADS input file. These loads are modified by the information contained in the Wind Pressures
section. The calculation used to find the load applied on the joint is as follows:
Transverse Load = TArea x Sin (Angle) x Velocity x GWF
Longitudinal Load = LArea x Cos (Angle) x Velocity x GWF
Where:
section.
Panel Input / BPA
When this wind option is specified, transverse and longitudinal wind panels are included in the Wind
Panels section of the model file. The wind panels usually include a shielding factor of 1.5 and the
transverse wind area at the bridge is usually considered solid. This shielding factor is included in the
panel information as the Wind Area Factor.
The calculation used to find the load applied in the analysis is as follows:
Transverse Load = Velocity ^ 2 x AirDen x Factor x TArea x Sin (Angle) x GWF
Longitudinal Load = Velocity ^ 2 x AirDen x Factor x LArea x Cos (Angle) x GWF
Where:
AirDen is the Air Den. Fac x Drag Coef. as specified on the AW line of the GENERAL
INFORMATION (Modeling Information) section.
Factor is 1.125 for angles of +- 30,60,120,150,etc. For other angles, Factor is 1.0.
section.
The Panel Input / ASCE-74 Wind Loads option calculates wind loads based on the concepts found in
Chapter 2 of the ASCE Manual 74 - Guidelines for Electrical Transmission Line Structural Loading.
ATADS calculates ASCE-74 wind loads for each panel specified in Wind Panels. The calculated
panel load is then distributed to the load joints associated with the panel.
The process ATADS uses to find and distribute the panel load is as follows:
Get the following wind pressure information (from Wind Pressures)
Wind Angle
Wind Velocity
Get the following wind panel information (from Wind Panels)
Panel Direction (T or L)
Area Factor
Solidity Ratio
Load Joints
Mid Panel Height (calculated)
Gross Area (calculated)
Total Member Area (Ice is not included see ASCE-74 2.8.5.2) (calculated)
Get the following wind information (from Modeling Information)
Air Density Factor

Power Law Coefficient
Global Factor
Calculate Constants from Power Law Coefficient

ATADS calculates the constants in ASCE 74 table G.3 - 1 using the Power Law Coefficient and the
following equations. These equations were developed to match the data in the table corresponding
to the exposure categories B, C, and D. When the Power Law Coefficient corresponds to exposure
category B (Power Law Coef. = 4.5) through D (Power Law Coef. = 10.0), ATADS calculates the
constant values using the equations shown below. When the Power Law Coefficient is not in the
range of category B through D, ATADS uses a constant value as shown below.
Calculate the Tower Height
Tower Height = Highest Joint Z-coordinate - Lowest Joint Z-coordinate of all JT1, JT2, JT3, and JT4
joints for all wind panels listed in the Wind Panels section.
Calculate the Terrain Factor

Zv = 1.61 x (Mid Panel Height / Gradient Height) ^ (1 / Power Law)
Note: Mid Panel Height must be at least 33 feet.
Calculate the Gust Response Factor

Gt = .7 + 1.9 x E x Bt ^ .5
Where:
E = 4.9 x (Surface Drag) ^ .5 x (33 / Mid Panel Height) ^ (1 / Power Law)

Bt = 1 / (1 + .375 x Tower Height / Turbulence)
Find the Force Coefficient
Solidity Ratio Cf
< .025 4.0
.025 - .440 4.1 - 5.2 x Solidity Ratio
.440 - .690 1.8
.690 - 1.000 1.3 + 0.7 x Solidity Ratio
> 1.000 2.0
Calculate forces applied to the panel
The ASCE-74 force equations use the angle measured from the Y-axis. ATADS uses the angle
measured from the X-axis:
Angle90 = Angle + 90
SinAngle90 = Sin (Angle90)
Sin2Angle90 = Sin (2 x Angle90)
CosAngle90 = Cos (Angle90)
If Panel Direction is Longitudinal:

Force = (Q * (Z * Velocity) ^ 2 * Gt * (1.0 + .2 * Sin2Angle90 ^ 2) * AmL* AreaFactor * Cf *
SinAngle90 ^ 2) * Global Factor
If Panel Direction is Transverse:

Force = (Q * (Z * Velocity) ^ 2 * Gt * (1.0 + .2 * Sin2Angle90 ^ 2) * AmT * AreaFactor * Cf *
CosAngle90 ^ 2) * Global Factor
Where:
AmL is the longitudinal member area.

AmT is the transverse member area.
Note: The area factor is a user-specified factor to allow for varying the magnitude of total member
area. Default is 1.0 for this factor.
Distribute Force to Load Joints

The force applied to each Load Joint = Force / Total Number of Load Joints.
Panel Input / TIA/EIA-222F
The Panel Input / TIA/EIA-222F Wind Loads option calculates wind loads based on chapter 2 of the
TIA/EIA - 222 - F - 1996 standard.
ATADS calculates TIA/EIA-222F wind loads for each longitudinal panel specified in Wind Panels.
The calculated panel load is then distributed to the load joints associated with the panel. The process
used to find the panel load is as follows:
Get the following Wind Pressure Information (from Wind Pressures)
Wind Angle
Wind Velocity
Get the following wind panel information (from Wind Panels)
Panel Direction (T or L)
Solidity Factor
Area Factor
Load Joints
Mid Panel Height (calculated)
Gross Area (calculated)
Total Member Area with Ice (calculated)
Total Member Area without Ice (calculated)
Solidity Ratio (calculated)
Get the following wind information (from Modeling Information)
Ice Load information

Cross Section (Triangular or Rectangular)
Air Density Factor
Global Factor
Calculate the Tower Height

Tower Height = Highest Joint Z-coordinate - Lowest Joint Z-coordinate of all JT1, JT2, JT3, and JT4
joints for all wind panels listed in Wind Panels.
Calculate Solidity Ratio

e = Total Member Area / Gross Area x Solidity Factor
Note: Total Member Area is Total Member Area with Ice if ice is included in this load case.
Note: The Solidity Factor is a user-specified factor to allow for varying the magnitude of the Solidity
Ratio. Default is 1.0 for this factor.
Calculate the Structure Force Coefficient

Cf = 4.0 x e x e - 5.9 x e + 4.0 (Rectangular Cross Sections)
Cf = 3.4 x e x e 4.7 x e + 3.4 (Triangular Cross Sections)
Calculate the Direction Factor

ATADS uses different equations to calculate the direction factors for triangular and rectangular
towers. The following equations were designed to match the values specified in TIA/EIA-222F table
2 for the wind directions indicated in the table and to approximate reasonable values for angles not
specified in the table.
Note: ATADS uses the square table values for rectangular towers. The maximum direction factor
allowed for rectangular towers is 1.2.
Calculate the Projected Flat Area of Members in the Panel

Af = Total Member Area without Ice * Area Factor
Note: The Area Factor is a user-specified factor to allow for varying the magnitude of the total
Member Area. Default is 1.0 for this factor.
If Ice is included, Calculate the Projected Round Area of Members in the Panel
Ar = (Total Member Area with Ice - Total Member Area without Ice) * Area Factor
Calculate Round Reduction Factor
Rr = .51 * e * e + .57
Note: Maximum Rr is 1.0
Calculate Effective Projected Area of Members in the Panel
If Panel Direction is Longitudinal:

Ae = Abs (Cos (Angle)) * (Df * (Af + Ar * Rr))
If Panel Direction is Transverse:

Ae = Abs (Sin (Angle)) * (Df * (Af + Ar * Rr))
Calculate Gust Response Factor

Gh = .65 + .6 / (Tower Height / 33) ^ (1 / 7)
Note: Gh must be between 1.0 and 1.25
Calculate the Exposure Coefficient

Kz = (Mid Panel Height / 33) ^ (2 / 7)
Note: Kz must be between 1.0 and 2.58
Calculate the Velocity Pressure

Qz = Air Density Factor * Kz * Velocity * Velocity
Calculate Force to be applied to Panel

Force = Qz * Gh * Cf * Ae * Global Factor
Note: Maximum Force is 2 * Qz * Gh * Ag * Global Factor
Distribute Force to Load Joints

The force applied to each Load Joint = Force / Total Number of Load Joints
Dead Load Distribution
The dead load used in ATADS includes both Member Weight and Ice Weight. Dead loads are
distributed throughout the tower to stable joints.
A stable joint is a primary joint in which all connecting primary members form restraint in two
orthogonal planes (see Artificial Restraints). Stable joints are determined for dead load distribution
whether artificial restraints are included in the analysis or not.
The algorithm used to determine which joints will receive the dead load for a given member is based
on the stability of the connecting joints JTA and JTB:
If JTA is stable and JTB is stable, one-half the weight of the member is applied to JTA and one
half is applied to JTB.
If JTA is stable and JTB is not stable, the full weight of the member is applied to JTA.
If JTA is not stable and JTB is stable, the full weight of the member is applied to JTB.
If JTA is not stable and JTB is not stable, the full weight of the member is applied to the nearest
set of Outline joints as defined in the OU line of the current configuration. For this reason, a
waist joint must always be specified if dead load is included in the analysis.
Member Weight
ATADS can compute the weight of each member in the structure and automatically distribute the
load to primary joints. To use this feature, set the Dead Load flag in Modeling Information.
To calculate member weight, ATADS uses the formula:
Member Weight = Area x Length x Density x Factor
Where:
Area is from the property.dat file.
Length is calculated based on the coordinates of JTA and JTB.
Density is from the material.dat file.
Factor is included to compensate for galvanizing, connection hardware, and bracing

members not modeled.
Each member will have one of three factors applied. The three factors are set using the Dead Load
Factors in Modeling Information. The factors are:
Secondary Factor
If the Member ID is 2 (in Member Groups Secondary), the Secondary Factor is used.
Leg Factor
If the Secondary Factor does not apply and the Member Type is -3 or 6, the Leg Factor is used.
Primary Factor
If Secondary and Leg Factors do not apply, the Primary Factor is used.
If the Dead Load Factors in Modeling Information do not exist, the three factors are determined
based on tower type and existence of secondary members. The tower type is determined by the
Tower Type specified in the configuration 1 MA line. The existence of secondary members is
determined by checking the ID of each member. If a single member has an ID of 2, it is assumed
that all secondary members have been specified.
The default values are:
For Tower Type = 1 = Light

1.12 for primary members when secondary members exist.
1.12 for secondary members.
1.12 for leg members when secondary members exist.
1.20 for primary members when secondary members do not exist.
3.00 for leg members when secondary members do not exist.
For Tower Type = 2 = Standard

For Tower Type = 3 = Dead End

For Tower Type = 4 = River Crossing

For Tower Type = 5 = Generic

Ice Weight
ATADS can include the weight of ice automatically for all members in one or all load cases. The ice
weight is calculated to approximate the TIA/EIA-222F specification and may be used with other
specifications such as ASCE 74 if desired.
To have ATADS calculate the weight of ice and include it with the dead loads, several pieces of
information are required. First, specify one to three ice densities and thicknesses in Modeling
Information:
Type 1, 2, 3
Up to three thicknesses and densities can be specified.
Radial Ice Thickness

Enter the thickness of the ice in inches.
Ice Density
Enter the weight of the ice by volume in pounds per cubic foot.
Next, set the ice type to include in each load case using Wind Pressures. Then, be sure the Dead
Load is set in the Modeling Information.
The ice weight is calculated for each member and combined with the member weight. It is then
distributed to joints throughout the structure (see Dead Load Distribution).
The technique used to calculate ice weight for single and double angles is as follows:
Note: Ice Weight = Ice Area * Member Length * Ice density
Single Angles - Equal and Unequal Legs
a1 = PI (R ^ 2) / 4 a2 = Th R
a3 = (Leg2 - Th - R) R a4 = (Leg1 - Th) R
a5 = Leg1 R a6 = Leg2 R
Ice Area = 5 a1 + 2 a2 + a3 + a4 + a5 + a6
Double Angles - Equal Legs and Unequal Legs with short legs back to back
S = 7 / 16 (assumed)
a1 = PI (R ^ 2) / 4 a2 = (2 Th + S) R
a3 = (Leg1 - Th) R a4 = (Leg2 - Th - R) R
a5 = Th R a6 = (2 Leg2 + S) R
IceArea = 6 a1 + a2 + 2 a3 + 2 a4 + 2 a5 + a6
Double Angles - Unequal Legs with long legs back to back
S = 7 / 16 (assumed)
a1 = PI (R ^ 2) / 4 a2 = (2 Th + S) R
a3 = (Leg1 - Th) R a4 = (Leg2 - Th - R) R
a5 = Th R a6 = (2 Leg2 + S) R
IceArea = 6 a1 + a2 + 2 a3 + 2 a4 + 2 a5 + a6
Wide Flanges
a1 = PI (R ^ 2) / 4 a2 = bf R
a3 = ((bf tw) / 2) R a4 = (d 2 tf 2 R) R
a5 = tf R
Ice Area = 8 a1 + 2 a2 + 4 a3 + 2 a4 + 4 a5
Tees
a1 = PI (R ^ 2) / 4 a2 = tf R
a3 = bf R a4 = ((bf - tw) / 2) R
a5 = (d - tf R) R a6 = tw R
Ice Area = 6 a1 + 2 a2 + a3 + 2 a4 + 2 a5 + a6
Solid Bars
a1 = PI (R ^ 2) / 4 a2 = A R
a3 = B R
Ice Area = 4 a1 + 2 a2 + 2 a3
Structural Tubes
a1 = PI ((R + 2 th) ^ 2) / 4 - PI ((2 th) ^ 2) / 4 a2 = (A 4 th) R

a3 = (B 4 th) R
Ice Area = 4 a1 + 2 a2 + 2 a3
Pipes and Round Bars

Ice Area = Pi * ((d / 2 + R) ^2 - (d / 2) ^2)
Channels
a1 = bf R a2 = tf R
a3 = d R a4 = PI (R ^ 2) / 4
a5 = (bf - tw R) R a6 = (d 2 tf) R
Ice Area = 2 a1 + 2 a2 + a3 + 6 a4 + 2 a5 + a6
Braced Lengths
ATADS allows braced lengths to be specified by Joint numbers or by specifying the braced lengths
directly. If the braced lengths are not specified, ATADS will calculate the braced lengths. The
following methods are used for BPA1, BPA2, ASCE10, ASD, and TIA / EIA 222F stress checks.
Note: The braced lengths should always be checked. Inaccurate braced lengths will result in
incorrect member capacities.
Specifying by Joint Numbers

Braced lengths may be specified with joint numbers by using the JT1Z, JT2Z, JT1X, and JT2X fields
in Member Groups. If the lengths are specified by joint numbers, the ZZ and XX fields can not be
used.
Single Angles
The distance between JT1X and JT2X defines the braced length used to compute l/rx.
The distance between JT1Z and JT2Z defines the braced length used to compute l/rz.
Double Angles
The distance between JT1X and JT2X defines the braced length used to compute l/rx.
The distance between JT1Z and JT2Z defines the braced length used to compute l/ry.
Specifying Directly
Braced lengths may be specified directly by using the ZZ and XX fields Member Groups. If the
lengths are specified directly, the JT1Z, JT2Z, JT1X, and JT2X fields can not be used.
Single Angles
The distance given by XX defines the braced length used to compute l/rx.
The distance given by ZZ defines the braced length used to compute l/rz.
Double Angles
The distance given by XX defines the braced length used to compute l/rx.
The distance given by ZZ defines the braced length used to compute l/ry.
Not Specified
The method ATADS uses to calculate the braced length of a Member Group when it is not specified
by joints or directly is as follows. The first technique that works will always be used.
1) If the Member Group is a cross brace (MType = 2), ATADS searches for the first two
members with a Member Label that matches the Member Group Label. The intersection of
the two members is found and the length used will be the longest dimension as shown in the
figure below.
2) ATADS searches for the first member with a Member Label that matches the Member Group
Label. If JTA and JTB are braced in two directions, the secondary joints along the member
are found and each joint is examined to determine the number of members connected to the
brace length member.
In order to brace the weak axis (Z for single angles and Y for double angles) at a given joint,
the joint must have one or more members framing into it which do not lie in line with the
braced member. The longest distance between two adjacent joints meeting these
requirements define the weak axis braced length.
In order to brace the strong axis (X for both single and double angles) at a given joint, the
joint must have two members framing into it which do not lie in line with the braced member.
The two members must also form a plane on which the braced member does not lie. The
longest distance between two adjacent joints meeting these requirements define the strong
axis braced length.
The following figures give some examples:

3) If JTA or JTB found in method 2 are not braced in two directions, the secondary joints along
the member are found and each joint is examined to determine the number of members
connected to the brace member. In addition, members are found which lie in line with the
braced member and joints are found and examined along those members.
The same criterion for strong and weak axis bracing is applied to the new joints and the
search is continued until the braced lengths are found.
The following figures give some examples:

4) If a braced length can not be found using the above methods, the member length is used.
kl/r Equations
ATADS uses equation numbers specified with the Z Unbraced Length and X Unbraced Length
variables to convert slenderness ratios (l/r) to effective slenderness ratios (kl/r) for single angles (x &
z-axis) and double angles (x & y-axis). The calculated kl/r values are used to compute compression
capacities.
Default Equations
The following equations are used for BPA1, ASCE10, ASD, and TIA / EIA 222F stress checks. In
these equations, l is the braced length and r is the radius of gyration (rx, ry, or rz).
Equation 0 (not specified) is used for leg members bolted in both faces at connections (0 <= l/r <=
150), for members with a concentric load at both ends of the unsupported panel (0 <= l/r <= 120),
and for members unrestrained against rotation at both ends of the unsupported panel (120 <= l/r <=
200):
kl/r = l/r
Equation 6 is used for members with a concentric load at one end and normal framing eccentricity at
the other end of the unsupported panel (0 <= l/r <= 120):
kl/r = 30 + 0.75 x l/r
Equation 7 is used for members with normal framing eccentricity at both ends of the unsupported
panel (0 <= l/r <= 120):
kl/r = 60 + 0.5 x l/r
Equation 8 is used for members with partial restraint against rotation at one end of the unsupported
panel (120 <= l/r <= 225):
kl/r = 28.6 + 0.76 x l/r
Equation 9 is used for members with partial restraint against rotation at both ends of the unsupported
panel (120 <= l/r <= 250):
kl/r = 46.2 + 0.615 x l/r
User Specified kl/r Equations

Under a special case, ATADS allows the constants in the equations to be specified. When BPA2
stress checks are specified, the constants used in equations 6, 7, 8, & 9 can be specified by
including a kl/r constants in Modeling Information. Equation 0 is available to use but can not be
specified. An additional equation (5) can also be specified. The general form of the equations is:
kl/r = a + b x l/r
Where:
a and b are the constants specified for each equation.

Net Area
The Net Area used in tension capacity calculations varies with stress check type, angle type &
dimensions, primary tension flag, and outstanding leg. The following sections show the different
techniques by stress check type.
Notes:
Ae is effective area
Ag is gross area
LLeg is long leg
SLeg is short leg
Th is thickness
PrTen is primary tension
OutLg is outstanding leg
NHole is number of holes
Hole Diameter varies with stress check type
BPA1
Net Area = Lessor of .85 Ag and Ae as shown on the following drawings.
Hole Diameter = Bolt Diameter + 1/8 inch

BPA2
The BPA2 net area calculations must be modified with the Capacities in the Modeling Information.
Three fields on this line influence how the net area is calculated:
Primary Tension
If this flag is set, net areas for members with the PrTen flag set will have areas reduced like
the BPA1 method described above.
Hole Over Size

The Hole Diameter will be calculated as Bolt Diameter + Hole Over Size.
Maximum Area
The net area will be calculated and then compared to Maximum Area x Ag. The lessor of the
two values will be used.
ASCE10
Effective Net Area is as shown on the following drawings.

ASD and TIA / EIA 222F
Net Area = Ag - Hole Diameter x NHole x Th

Shear Areas
The following shear areas apply to ASCE 10, ASD, and TIA / EIA 222F stress checks.
BPA1 Capacities
The BPA1 capacity calculations were designed to match the capacities as calculated in the VAX
Tower Analysis program. The following describes how tension and compression capacities are
calculated.
Tension Capacity = Fy x An
Where:
Fy is the yield stress based on the MRN (in Member Groups)
An is the Net Area
Compression Capacity = Fa x Ag
Where:
Fa is the allowable stress:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fa = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/r / Cc)]
For kl/r > Cc, Fa = 2.86E+08 / kl/r ^ 2
Where:
Cc = Pi x Sqrt (2 x E / Fcr)
For b/t <= 2500 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = Fy
For 2500 / Sqrt (Fy) < b/t <= 3750 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = Fy [1.8 - (Sqrt (Fy) x b/t) / 3110]
For b/t > 3750 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = 8400000 / b/t ^ 2
Ag is the gross area based on the MID

BPA2 Capacities
The BPA2 capacity calculations were designed to give some flexibility in the equations used to
calculate tension and compression capacities. It does this by allowing the constants in the equations
to be specified.
Tension Capacity = Ft x An
Where:
Ft = Fy for angles connected on two legs (OutLg = 0) or
Ft = (Maximum Ft) x Fy for angles connected on two legs (OutLg = 1 or 2).
An is the Net Area
Where:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fa = Fy [Fa1 - Fa2 (kl/r / Cc)]
For kl/r > Cc, Fa = Fa3 / kl/r ^ 2
Where:
For b/t <= btLimit1 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = Fy
For btLimit1 / Sqrt (Fy) < b/t <= btLimit2 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = Fy [Fc1 - (Sqrt (Fy) x b/t) /
Fc2]
For b/t > btLimit2 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = Fc3 / b/t ^ 2
Note: b/t (from property.dat file) can be changed to w/t (long leg / thickness) by
setting the bt ratio flag to 1.
Ag is the gross area based on the MID

ASCE 10 Capacities
The ASCE10 capacity calculations are based on the techniques in chapter 5 of ANSI/ASCE 10-90
Design of Latticed Steel Transmission Structures, 1991 by the American Society of Civil
Engineers.
Note: ATADS does not consider stress due to torsion.

ASCE 10 Tension Capacity
Tension Capacity = Ft x An
Where:
Ft is Fy for members connected on two legs (OutLg = 0) or 0.9 x Fy for members connected
on one leg (OutLg = 1 or 2).
An is the Net Area
Note: ATADS does not consider rupture (also called block shear) when calculating tension
capacity.
ASCE 10 Compression Capacity
Where:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fa = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/r / Cc)]
For kl/r > Cc, Fa = Pi^2 x E / (kl/r) ^ 2
For b/t <= 80 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = Fy
Note: Fcr always equals Fy for members other than angles.
For 80 / Sqrt (Fy) < b/t <= 144 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = [1.677 - 0.667 x (Sqrt (Fy) x b/t) / 80] Fy
For b/t > 144 / Sqrt (Fy),Fcr = 0.0332 x Pi^2 x E / (b/t) ^ 2
Ag is the gross area from property.dat
For more information, see SymbolsSymbols in the Commentary.

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity
The ASCE 10 bending capacities are covered under the following topics:
ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Single Angles

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Double Angles
ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Wide Flanges
ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Tees
ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Channels
ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Square and Rectangular Tubes
ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Pipes
ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Square and Round Bars
ASCE 10 Interaction Equations
Axial Tension and Bending - ASCE 10 Section 5.13

Combined Stress = P / Pa + Mx / Max + My / May
Axial Compression and Bending - ASCE 10 Section 5.12

Combined Stress = P / Pa + Cmx Mx / Max (1 / (1 - P / Pex)) + Cmy My / May (1 / (1 - P / Pey))
Where:
kx Lx = KLRX rx
ky Ly = KLRZ rz for single angles
ky Ly = KLRZ ry for shapes other than single angles
KLRX is the compression capacity slenderness ratio for x-axis
KLRZ is the compression capacity slenderness ratio for z-axis (single angles) or y-axis (
other than single angle)
Notes:
ATADS assumes there are no transverse loads between points of support. Equation 5.
12-2 is not used because equation 5.12-1 will always control.
If P / Pex > .99 and Mx > 0 then the term Cmx Mx / Max (1 / (1 - P / Pex)) is set to 999.
9999
If P / Pey > .99 and My > 0 then the term Cmy My / May (1 / (1 - P / Pey)) is set to 999.
9999
For more information, see Symbols in the Commentary.

ASCE 10 Shear Capacity
Single Angles
The method ATADS uses to calculate shear stresses for single angles is based on the ASCE 10
section 5.15.2 method, but the method has been modified to accommodate the shear forces from the
analysis. The x and y-axis shear forces are assumed to pass through the member centroid which
causes a torsional moment about the shear center. The method ATADS uses is as follows:
Fv = 0.58 Fy
fvx = 3 Vx / (2 b2 t) + Vx a1 t / J + Vy a2 t / J
fvy = 3 Vy / (2 b1 t) + Vx a1 t / J + Vy a2 t / J
Where:
fvx, fvy = x and y shear stresses
Vx, Vy = maximum x and y shear forces from analysis
b1 = Leg2 - angle thickness
b2 = Leg1 - angle thickness
t is angle thickness from property.dat
All shapes other than single angles:
X-axis shear capacity = Fvx Avx

Y-axis shear capacity = Fvy Avy
Where:
Fvx, Fvy is:
For h/t <= 440 / Sqrt(Fy), Fv = 0.58 Fy
For 440 / Sqrt(Fy) < h/t <= 557 / Sqrt(Fy) , Fv = 255 Sqrt(Fy) / (h/t)
For h/t > 557 / Sqrt(Fy) , Fv = 0.5 Pi^2 E / (h/t)^2
Avx, Avy is the shear areas for the x and y-axis.
Note: ATADS does not check to verify that h/t < 200.

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Single Angles
ASCE 10 does not provide provisions for unequal leg angles. ATADS calculates the allowable
bending capacity for unequal leg angles using the provisions for equal leg angles assuming the long
leg length is equal to the short leg length. The values Ix, Iy, X, and Y are recalculated and used in
the following equations as IxEQLeg, IyEQLeg, XEQLeg and YEQLeg. For equal leg angles,
IxEQLeg, IyEQLeg, XEQLeg and YEQLeg are read from the property.dat file.
Two allowable moments (positive and negative) are required for single angles due to the
unsymmetrical shape.
1. Positive Moment bending about X-axis:

Lbx = joint to joint length
For tensile yield at extreme fiber:

Myt = Fy * IxEQLeg / c1
Where:
c1 is YEQLeg defined above
For compressive yield at extreme fiber:

Myc = Fy * IxEQLeg / c2
Where:
c2 is Leg1 - YEQLeg from property.dat and as defined above
For elastic critical moment:

Me = 0.66 * E * b ^ 4 * th / kl ^ 2 * (Sqrt (1 + (0.81 * kl ^ 2 * th ^ 2) / b ^ 4) - 1)
Where:
b is Leg1 - th/2
Leg1 and th are from property.dat
kl is 1 * Lbx (assumed pinned)
For lateral buckling moment:

For Me < .5 * Myc, Mb = Me
For Me >= .5 * Myc, Mb = Myc * (1 - Myc / (4 * Me))
Maximum positive moment is the lessor of Mb and Myt.
2. Negative Moment bending about X-axis:

Lbx = joint to joint length

Myt = Fy * IxEQLeg / c1
Where:
c1 is Leg1 - YEQLeg from property.dat

Myc = Fy * IxEQLeg / c2
Where:
c2 is YEQLeg from property.dat

Where:
b is Leg2 - th/2
kl is 1 * Lbx (assumed pinned)

Maximum negative moment is the lessor of Mb and Myt.
3. Positive Moment bending about Y-axis:

Lby = joint to joint length

Myt = Fy * IyEQLeg / c1
Where:
c1 is Leg1 - XEQLeg from property.dat and as defined above

Myc = Fy * IyEQLeg / c2
Where:
c2 is XEQLeg defined above

Me = 0.66 * E * b ^ 4 * th / kl ^ 2 * (Sqrt(1 + (0.81 * kl ^ 2 * th ^ 2) / b ^ 4) - 1)
Where:
b is Leg1 - th/2
kl is 1 * Lby (assumed pinned)

Maximum positive moment is the lessor of Mb and Myt.
4. Negative Moment bending about Y-axis:

Lby = joint to joint length

Myt = Fy * IyEQLeg / c1
Where:
c1 is XEQLeg from property.dat

Myc = Fy * IyEQLeg / c2
Where:
c2 is Leg1 - XEQLeg from property.dat

Where:
b is Leg2 - th/2
kl is 1 * Lby (assumed pinned)

For Me >= .5 * Myc, Mb = Myc (1 - Myc / (4 * Me))
Maximum negative moment is the lessor of Mb and Myt.

Recalculating Unequal Leg Properties
ATADS calculates the ASCE 10 allowable bending capacity for unequal leg angles using the
provisions for equal leg angles assuming the long leg length is equal to the short leg length. The
values Ix, Iy, X, and Y are recalculated and used in the ASCE 10 bending equations as IxEQLeg,
IyEQLeg, XEQLeg and YEQLeg. The following describes the methods used to calculate these
properties.
Area1 = th x (short leg - th)

Area2 = th x short leg
Area = Area1 + Area2
D1 = (short leg - th) / 2 + th

D2 = th / 2
YEQLeg = (D1 x Area1 + D2 x Area2) / Area
Ix1 = th x (short leg - th) ^ 3 / 12 + Area1 * (D1 - YEQLeg)^2

Ix2 = short leg x th ^ 3 / 12 + Area2 x (D2 - YEQLeg) ^ 2
IxEQLeg = Ix1 + Ix2
XEQLeg = YEQLeg
IyEQLeg = IxEQLeg

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Double Angles (Section 5.14.7)
X-Axis
More information is provided under Calculating ASCE 10 bending capacities for unsymmetrical
shapes.
Y-Axis
May = Fby Sy
Where:
Fby = Allowable y-axis bending stress from ASCE 10 section 5.6
Where:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fby = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/r / Cc)]
For kl/r > Cc, Fby = Pi^2 x E / (kl/r) ^ 2
k = 1.0
Note: k = Sqrt ( kx * kt ) where kx and kt are assumed to be 1.0
r = Sqrt (Cb * Sqrt (Ix) / Sy * Sqrt (Cw + 0.04 * J * (Kt * l) ^ 2))

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Wide Flanges (Section 5.14.4)
X-Axis
Max = Fbx Sx
Where:
Fbx = Allowable x-axis bending stress from ASCE 10 section 5.6
Where:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fbx = Fy [ 1 - 0.5 ( kl/r / Cc ) ]
For kl/r > Cc, Fbx = Pi^2 x E / (kl/r) ^ 2
k = 1.0
Note: k = Sqrt ( ky * kt ) where ky and kt are assumed to be 1.0
r = Sqrt (Cb * Sqrt (Iy) / Sx * Sqrt (Cw + 0.04 * J * (Kt * l) ^ 2))
Y-Axis
May = Fby Sy
Where:
Fby = Fy

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity Channels (Section 5.14.4)
X-Axis
Max = Fbx Sx
Where:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fbx = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/r / Cc)]
k = 1.0
Y-Axis
More information is provided under Calculating ASCE 10 bending capacities for unsymmetrical
shapes.

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity Tees (Section 5.14.6)
X-Axis
For x-axis bending, ATADS calculates both positive and negative allowable moments. For positive
moments, the flange is in compression and the allowable bending capacity is:
Max = the lessor of Fbx * Sxc and Fy * Sxt
Where:
Fbx is the allowable x-axis bending stress based on an equivalent wide flange .
Sxc is the compression section modulus = Ix / Y
Sxt is the tension section modulus = Sx
For negative moments, the web is in compression, which is not covered by ASCE 10. ATADS
assumes a small allowable moment and leaves it up to the engineer to verify bending stresses if
negative moments exist.
Max = 0.1 kip - inch
Y-Axis
May = Fby Sy
Where:
Where:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fby = Fy [ 1 - 0.5 ( kl/r / Cc ) ]
k = 1.0

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity Pipes (Section 5.14.5)
X-Axis
Max = Fbx Sx
Where:
Where:
k = 1.0
Y-Axis
May = Fby Sy
Where:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fby = Fy [ 1 - 0.5 ( kl/r / Cc ) ]
k = 1.0

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Square and Rectangular Tubes (
Section 5.14.5)
X-Axis
Max = Fbx Sx
Where:
Where:
k = 1.0
Y-Axis
May = Fby Sy
Where:
Where:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fby = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/r / Cc)^2]
k = 1.0

ASCE 10 Bending Capacity - Square and Round Bars
X-Axis
Max = Fbx Sx
Where:
Fbx = Fy
Y-Axis
May = Fby Sy
Where:
Fby = Fy

Calculating allowable bending stress based on an equivalent wide
flange
ASCE 10 recommends calculating x-axis allowable bending stresses for Tees using a method which
assumes the tension flange is equivalent to the compression flange (ASCE 10 - 5.14.6). The
following details how ATADS calculates the allowable x-axis bending stress using this method.
Several properties of an equivalent wide flange are calculated:
Ixwf = bf x[( d^3 - ( d - 2 x tf )^3 ) / 12] + tw x ( d - 2 x tf )^3 / 12
Iywf = 2 x ( tf x bf^3 / 12 ) + ( d - 2 x tf ) x tw^3 / 12
Jwf = 2 ( bf x tf^3 / 3 ) + ( d - 2 x tf ) x tw^3 / 3
Cwwf = ( d - tf )^2 / 4 x Iywf
Sxwf = Ixwf / ( d / 2 )
For kl/r <= Cc, Fbx = Fy [ 1 - 0.5 ( kl/req / Cc ) ]
For kl/r > Cc, Fbx = Pi^2 x E / (kl/req) ^ 2
Fy is from material.dat
k = 1.0
req is the equivalent radius of gyration to prevent torsional-flexural buckling. See Calculating
Equivalent Radius of Gyration for Bending of Unsymmetrical Shapes for more information.

Calculating ASCE 10 bending capacities for unsymmetrical shapes
ATADS calculates Y-axis bending capacities for double angles and X-axis bending capacities for
channels using the method defined in ASCE 10 section 5.14.7.
The information in this topic discusses the method ATADS uses for X-axis bending of double angles.
The method used for channels is similar to double angles except the equations are modified for
Y-axis bending.
Two allowable moments (positive and negative) are required for X-axis bending of double angles due
to the unsymmetrical shape.
Positive Moment bending about X-axis (unsymmetric axis):

The maximum allowable positive bending moment is the smaller allowable moment for tension stress
and compression stress.
For tension stress:

Mmax (Tension) = Fy Ix / c
Where:
c is outstanding leg length Y
For compression stress:

Mmax (Compression) = Fb Ix / c
Where:
c is Y
Fb is calculated as:
For kl/req <= Cc, Fb = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/req / Cc)^2]
For kl/req > Cc, Fb = Pi^2 x E / (kl/req) ^ 2
k = 1.0
req is the equivalent radius of gyration to prevent torsional-flexural buckling. See

Calculating Equivalent Radius of Gyration for Bending of Unsymmetrical Shapes for
more information.
Negative Moment bending about X-axis:

The maximum allowable negative bending moment is the smaller allowable moment for tension
stress and compression stress.
For tension stress:

Mmax (Tension) = Fy Ix / c
Where:
c is Y
For compression stress:

Mmax (Compression) = Fb Ix / c
Where:
c is outstanding leg length Y
Fb is calculated as:
For kl/req <= Cc, Fb = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/req/ Cc)^2]
For kl/req > Cc, Fb = Pi^2 x E / (kl/req) ^ 2
k = 1.0
req is the equivalent radius of gyration to prevent torsional-flexural buckling. See

Calculating Equivalent Radius of Gyration for Bending of Unsymmetrical Shapes for
more information.

Calculating Equivalent Radius of Gyration for Bending of
Unsymmetrical Shapes
ATADS calculates an equivalent radius of gyration (req) for ASCE 10 bending capacities of double
angles and channels about the unsymmetrical axes. This topic defines the technique used for
double angles. Channels use a similar technique except the X-axis and Y-axis are reversed.
C b Iy
[ ]
2
ky
req = j Iy + j 2Iy + Cw + 0.04 J (ktl )
2
Sxc kt
(Eq. 5.14-3)
Where:
Sxc = I(Flange) / c
I(Flange) = bh 3 / 12 + bhy 2
b = 2 Leg2 from property.dat
h = Th
y = Y Th/2
c=Y
is + for positive moment, - for negative moment
1
j= (( ))
X 2 + Y 2 Y dA y 0
2 Ix A
Note: The equation for j as defined in ASCE 10 (5.14-4) is incorrect. ATADS uses the
corrected equation shown above.
ATADS calculates j using a numerical approximation technique:
1
j= ( X 2 + Y 2 )Y dX dY y 0
2 Ix A
ATADS divides the shape into elements as shown below. The values of X, Y, dX, and dY are
calculated for each element.
Note: The sign must be accounted for in the X and Y terms. ATADS then calculates the values of
(X 2
+ Y 2 )Y dX dY for each element and then sums the result.
Where:
X is the distance from the Y-axis to the center of the element (Right is positive).
Y is the distance from the X-axis to the center of the element (Up is positive).
dX is the element width.
dY is the element height.
y0 is the distance from the X-axis to the shear center.

ASD and TIA / EIA - 222F Capacities
The ASD capacity calculations are based on the techniques in AISC/ASD Manual of Steel
Construction, Ninth Edition. The TIA / EIA 222F capacities are based on the techniques in
chapter 3 of the TIA/EIA - 222 - F - 1996 standard. The AISC/ASD and TIA/EIA 222F methods are
very similar except that the TIA / EIA 222F stress checks do not include flexural-torsional buckling.
The following describes how tension, compression, shear, and bending capacities are calculated and
how the interaction equation is used.
Note: ATADS does not consider stress due to torsion.

ASD and TIA / EIA - 222F Compression Capacity
Where:
Ag is the gross area from the property.dat file.
Fa is the allowable axial compression stress
Single Angles, Double Angles, and Tees
Note: For TIA / EIA 222F stress checks, Fe is not used.
For unequal leg single angles, Fe is the lowest root of the cubic equation:
For equal leg single angles, double angles, and tees:
Wide Flanges, Channels, Pipes, Tubes, and Bars

ASD and TIA / EIA - 222F Tension Capacity
Tension Capacity = the lessor of .6 x Fy x Ag and .5 x Fu x Ae
Where:
Fy and Fu are from the material.dat file.
Ag is the gross area from the property.dat file.
Ae is the effective net area = .75 x An
An is the net area
Note: The reduction coefficient of .75 is used for bolted connections having two fasteners per line in
the direction of stress. This value is conservative for some connections. A larger value may be more
appropriate for connections with more bolts or with welds. See AISC part 5, chapter B, sections B2
and B3.
ASD and TIA / EIA - 222F Bending Capacity
Bending Capacity = Fb x S
Where:
Fb = maximum allowable bending stress
S = X, Y, or Z section modulus from property.dat file.
Single Angles, Double Angles, and Tees

To prevent local buckling of the compression flange, the maximum allowable bending stress is:
Note: See compression capacity calculations for values of Q.
To prevent lateral-torsional buckling, the maximum allowable bending stress is:
Wide Flanges and Channels - Strong Axis Bending
Equation F1-6
Equation F1-7
Equation F1-8
Note: ATADS assumes Cb=1.
If Lb > Lc and member is a wide flange and member is in compression, the allowable bending stress
is the larger of equations (F1-6 or F1-7) and F1-8.
If Lb > Lc and member is a channel and member is in compression, the allowable bending stress is
obtained from equation F1-8.
If Lb > Lc and member is a wide flange or channel and member is in tension, the allowable bending
stress is:
If Lb <= Lc and the section is compact, the allowable bending stress is:
If Lb <= Lc and member is a wide flange and the section is not compact, the allowable bending
stress is:
If Lb <= Lc and member is a channel and the section is not compact, the allowable bending stress is:
Wide Flanges, Square Bars, and Round Bars - Weak Axis Bending
If section is compact,
If section is not compact,
All Shapes Not Included Above - Strong and Weak Axis Bending
If section is compact,
If section is not compact,

ASD and TIA / EIA - 222F Interaction Equations
Axial Compression and Bending

The combined stress is the highest of:
Axial Tension and Bending

The combined stress is:
ASD and TIA / EIA - 222F Shear Capacity
Shear Capacity = Fv x As
Where:
Fv = .4 x Fy
As = Shear Area
Note: ATADS assumes:

CompactSectionRequirements
The followingcompactsectionlimitsare usedonlywithASD and TIA / EIA-222F stresschecks.
S l n g l eA n g l e
th
v +ll+
rTA th
+ll.-
'l.lJ-r-_
n TA
dl n
Lt4--
As = d xlh As=dxth
Double Angle
th rh
-)l l+ .'ll-
X r- aa rR
dl n
I ol
| | t1t1
lfJL nn
sL- kf--r
As=Zxrlxth As=2xdxth
Wide Flange
th
+{l+
V n--i,F th
t,l
ILJ
n IH
qF-
As=dxth As=2xdth
Channel
th
+l l+
V '-t= th
t ta +ll+
II oltnn FA
dLll---.---4
n
' L H---'
As=dxth As=Zxrlxth
SlructuralTee
th
-{ l+
rh
v r== nF-
ftn
lol
lLu
H .tF-
As=dxth As=dxth
!147
PiPe squareBar
T{G"[ruAs=2xdxth As=dxd
RoundBar SquareTube th
+lF-
r{@ [n
As=2xdxth As = 2 x d xth
${4a
Artificial restraints may be included in the analysis by setting the Translational Restraint or Rotational
Restraint flags in the MA line of the ATADS input file. Artificial restraints are used to prevent local
instabilities caused by inadequate joint stiffness.
Information on restraints is available in several places:
Restraints can be identified by selecting Translational Restraints or Rotational Restraints in the

Deflections window in Plot.
The type of translational restraint applied to a joint can be identified in the Report Generator. In
Reports, select Dead Loads and then Generate. The translational restraints will be displayed as
AR1 and AR2 (identified below).
The loads in the restraints can be identified with the Data Viewer. For a listing of the forces in
the restraints, select Artificial Restraints after setting the configuration in the Data Viewer.
Warning: Translational and Rotational artificial restraints can remove load from an analysis. Always
check the analysis equilibrium to verify that the restraints do not remove excessive loads from the
structure.
Translational Restraints
Two types of local, translational instabilities are found by ATADS. Both types add a spring to the
stiffness matrix with the same stiffness as a 100-foot long member with an area of .01 inches
square. Note: this spring results in a stiffness of 242 pounds per inch.
To find the joints that require translational restraints, ATADS examines each primary joint in the
structure. The following procedure describes the process used to examine a single joint:
1) First, if there is a specified deflection or spring at the joint, a translational restraint will not be
applied.
2) Next, a list of all primary members connected to the joint is created. A plane is found by
searching the list for members that do not form a straight line. If a plane can not be found, a
translational restraint (AR1) is added in each of the global X, Y, and Z directions.
3) The member list is then searched for a member that is out of plane by at least one degree. If an
out of plane member can not be found, a translational restraint (AR2) is added normal to the
plane.
The Rotational Restraint flag should only be applied while performing a Frame Analysis. When
Rotational Restraints are required, they are added at a stiffness of 1 pound-inch per degree of
rotation.
To find the joints that require rotational restraints, ATADS examines each primary joint in the
structure. The following procedure describes the process used to examine a single joint:
1) First, if there is a specified deflection or spring at the joint, a rotational restraint will not be applied.
2) Next, a list of all primary members connected to the joint is created. The connectivities at the
end of all the members that enter the joint are inspected for end releases about any axis. If all
member ends are released for every member connected to the joint, a rotational restraint will be
applied.
3) Rotational restraints can be identified by selecting Rotational Restraints while plotting deflections.
Geometric Instabilities
Some geometric instabilities will not be found by ATADS. In this case, large deflections may occur.
To solve this problem, remove all loads from the joint and redistribute to other joints (dead loads can
not be moved). If moving the loads does not solve the problem, a dummy member (MID=1) or spring
may be inserted. Some examples of stability problems and possible solutions are:
Recovery Elevation
The recovery elevation is used when creating a new configuration. This feature allows a portion of
the previous model to be reused, or recovered, for use in the next configuration. The recovery
elevation defines the portion of the model that is reused.
To recover a portion of the model to be used in the next configuration, a JOINTS line from the
preceding configuration is duplicated in the new configuration. The z elevation of the duplicated joint
defines the recovery elevation. From the recovery elevation, information is recovered from the
previous configuration and used in the new configuration. This process is repeated as each new
configuration is defined. Information for configuration 2 is recovered from configuration 1;
information for configuration 3 is recovered from configuration 2, etc. It is not possible to recover
information from any configuration other than the previous.
When recovering model information, the recovery joint is used in two ways. First, information from
the preceding configuration above the recovery elevation is recovered in these sections:
JOINTS
VSTRINGS
SPRINGS
SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS
WIND PANELS
WIND AREA-ATADS
WIND AREAS-TOWER
WIND PRESSURE
APPLIED LOADS
Second, information from the preceding configuration at and above the recovery elevation is
recovered in these sections:
MEMBERS
MEMBER GROUPS
It is recommended that all joints at the recovery elevation be duplicated from one configuration to the
next. This will prevent discontinuity in the recovered members.
Example:
An example of using the recovery elevation in a new configuration is shown below. This example
employs the 19a_02.in example file with six configurations so you can follow along if you wish. This
example assumes you are using the Plot and Generate programs and are familiar with their use.
1) Create a complete model of the first configuration. Include all joints, members, member groups,
loads, etc. Run the File Checker and resolve all warnings and errors before continuing. Run an
analysis to verify the model equilibrium. If errors in the model exist, they will be duplicated in the
new configuration. Configuration 1 is shown below. In the next step, we will recover using joint
140.
2) Add a new configuration using the Generate program. Select the line Configuration 1 and click
the Add button. A new configuration will be added to the file.
3) Redefine the joints at the recovery elevation in the new configuration. Be sure to redefine all
joints defined in the previous configuration at the recovery elevation. In our example, three lines
were used to define eight joints numbered 140 through 147. Copy and paste can be used to
repeat the joints easily.
4) Click the Update Plot button and select Configuration 2 to verify that the tower was recovered as
expected. Our example is shown below:
5) Continue to develop the new configuration model based on the recovered model shown above.
Additional Joints, Members, Specified Deflections, and Wind Panels will usually need to be
defined. Applied Loads usually do not.
6) Repeat for each new configuration as required. The 6 configurations defined in the 19a_02.in
example are shown below.
Primary/Secondary Joints
Primary joints represent the points of displacement in the stiffness matrix equation. For Truss, each
primary joint has three translational degrees of freedom. For Frame, each primary joint has three
translational degrees of freedom and three rotational degrees of freedom. All loads must be applied
at primary joints. Primary joints also define ends of primary members and may define one or both
ends of secondary members (bracing members). Each primary joint must have at least three primary
members connecting to it to be stable in a Truss Analysis. This is not the case for a Frame Analysis.
Secondary joints represent intermediate bracing points on primary members and must lie on those
members. Secondary joints define the ends of secondary members only. The advantage of
including secondary joints and members is to enhance the accuracy of the dead load calculations
and to define member braced lengths.
Truss to Frame Conversion
In most cases, lattice structures are modeled as trusses. Under special conditions, a lattice structure
may need to be modeled either as a full frame or as a combined truss and frame. This topic uses an
example to describe a procedure to convert a pure truss model to a combination model that contains
both truss and frame elements.
A truss member as used here is a member that does not transfer moments through the connections.
A frame member does transfer moment through the end connections i.e. the member is continuous
through the connecting joints or the connections are adequate to transfer moment to other members.
ATADS allows members to be set as truss or frame through member end releases. Three end
releases are provided for each member connecting joint. These releases correspond to the local x, y,
and z-axes. Refer to Member Editor for more information. Although any releases can be set in any
combination, a frame member as used here is one where none of the releases are set. A truss
member is one in which all releases are set.
The model shown below would normally be analyzed as a truss. When fiber optic cable loads are
added, the truss model is not adequate due to the lack of transverse stiffness at the fiber
attachment.
This procedure requires several steps:

Find an adequate load path.
Add bracing members as required.
Set members to truss or frame.
Turn on the rotational restraint option.
Select an appropriate stress check option.
Run a frame analysis.
Verify equilibrium and restraint forces.
If analyzed as a truss, this model would show high displacements and large equilibrium errors due to
an inadequate load path. A step by step procedure used to convert a section of this model to a frame
with an adequate load path is outlined below.
1) Check to see if bracing members need to be included. If bracing members take load as they do
in this example, they need to be included in the model as primary members. If the bracing
members exist as secondary members in the original model, change them to primary. In either
case, the joints they connect to must be primary joints and connecting members will need to be
sectioned to provide correct connectivity.
2) Review the construction details to verify which members act as truss members and which act as
frame members in the section of tower influenced by the applied load. Leg members usually act
as frame members because they can transfer moments through their connections. Cross braces
and bracing members usually act as truss members because their connections often have one or
two bolts that will not transfer moments.
ATADS provides a method to set members to be either truss or frame. To use this feature,
select the members in the editor that need to be set. Then right click and select Modify Convert
Members to Truss or select Modify Convert Members to Frame. All member end releases of
the selected members will be set.
Set the proper orientation of each frame member by setting the rotation angle. The orientation of
each member can be viewed through the Geometry window in the Plot program.
3) Next, we need to instruct ATADS to include rotational restraints. Rotational restraints are
required because joints exist that have only truss members framing in to them. The degrees of
freedom associated with the rotation of these joints would have zero stiffness if they were not
restrained. ATADS determines which joints require rotational restraints automatically when the
Rotational Restraints flag is set in the Modeling Information.
ATADS determines which joints require rotational restraints by examining all members that
connect to the joint. If every member end release is released at the end of the member
connected to the examined joint, ATADS will include a rotational restraint at a stiffness of 1
pound-inch per degree of rotation about each of the global axes.
4) Select an appropriate stress check option in Modeling Information. ATADS includes bending
stress checks for ASCE 10, ASD, and TIA/EIA 222F stress check options only.
5) Run a frame analysis. ATADS will analyze the model using six degrees of freedom per joint.
The rotational degrees of freedom that do not have stiffness will be restrained by the Rotational
Restraints. The truss members will have axial forces only. The frame members will have axial,
shear, and bending forces.
Be sure to verify the model equilibrium. If significant errors are detected, refer to Artificial
Restraints for more information
Working with Tower Design and Tower Optimization
There are special requirements when working with the Tower Design (TD) and Tower Optimization (
TO) programs. This topic describes some special handling procedures to use when working with
these programs from within the ATADS system. Note: the ATADS system comes with an example
model file that can be used with TD and TO. The file name is 338_01.in and is installed in the
ATADS32/Examples directory.
Special considerations when working with a Tower Design model

There are some special considerations associated with a TD model that do not apply to other ATADS
models:
1) TD selects the member MID (section) and MRN (yield stress) of all Member Groups where
values are not specified. For this reason, it is necessary to not include these values for all
Member Groups to be designed.
2) A special flag, Continuous Member, is available when specifying Member Group information.
This flag indicates that the member is to be designed using the highest stresses of this
Member Group and the previous Member Group.
3) TD supports truss models only.
4) A maximum of one configuration is allowed. TD supports multiple configurations, but not
when used from within the ATADS system. See TD documentation for more information.
5) TD supports a maximum of thirty load cases.
6) TD does not support VString loads.
7) Load case labels can be a maximum of three characters long. Therefore, the traditional four
character long ATADS label must begin with a space.
8) The Wind Calculation Option in the Modeling Information must be set to No Input/Optimizer.
Each load case must have a wind pressure specified. A zero velocity is acceptable.
9) TD supports a maximum of 1200 members.
10) TD supports a maximum of 600 primary joints and 399 secondary joints. The secondary
joints must be numbered higher than the primary joints.
11) Loads can not be applied to joints that have Specified Deflections. Specified Deflection joints
must have the lowest Z-coordinates in the model and deflections must be zero. Springs are
not allowed.
12) All Member Group materials specified must agree with the td_spec.dat file. See TD
documentation for more information.
13) TD does not support cable elements.
14) TD will select single and double angles only. Other shapes such as tubes and wide flanges
are not supported.
15) TD and TO select member sizes based on 36 and 50 ksi steel only.
16) TD and TO use BPA1 and ASCE 10 stress checks only.
Special considerations when working with a Tower Optimization model

TO has the same considerations listed above for TD. In addition, Optimization information must be
included in the Modeling Information section of the ATADS input file.
Running Tower Design and Tower Optimization Models

The process of running a design or optimization model is similar to running a truss or frame analysis.
1) Run the File Checker to verify the model when preparing to run a TD or TO file. Correct all
warnings and errors.
2) Run the Analysis program and select TD or TO from the Analysis menu. To activate the
program, select the program from the Run menu. The Analysis program will create the
necessary files and execute the TD or TO program. The Analysis program will minimize until
the design or optimization is complete.
3) After the TD or TO run has completed, the Analysis will be restored and the design or
optimization will be complete. Both TD and TO have several output files that store
information while they run. Below is a summary of the files used by these programs:
filename.itd: input for both TD and TO. ATADS Analysis creates this file based on the
ATADS model file.
filename.td: output for both TD and TO. This file contains information produced during
the execution of TD and TO.
filename.ita: contains the designed or optimized modeling information.
Creating a designed or optimized ATADS input file

After running TD or TO, the output needs to be incorporated with the original ATADS model to create
a new designed or optimized model. The procedure to combine the files is as follows:
1) Run File Checker. Select the original ATADS model file.
2) Select Update Input File from the Options menu.
3) An Update Input File dialog box will be displayed. The file name to be updated is the original
ATADS model file. The Update File From is the designed or optimized file. Click Update.
4) A Save Updated File As dialog box will be displayed. Select the directory and enter the file
name to store the new model file. Click OK. The new model file will be created.
5) Close the File Checker and open the Plot program.
6) Open the file created in step 4.
7) The Wind Calculation Option in the Modeling Information will be set to No Input/Optimizer.
The wind option must be changed as this option is for TD and TO only.
Working with different wind options
ATADS supports a variety of options for calculation of wind loads. Each wind option requires specific
information and most options allow additional optional information. This topic describes the required
and optional information for each wind type.
No Input / Optimizer
This wind option is required when running Tower Design or Tower Optimization. The remainder of
the ATADS system does not use this wind option. The wind velocity and direction must be set for
each load case in the Wind Pressure section. No other information is required.
Required Information:
Wind Velocity (Wind Pressure)
Wind Direction (Wind Pressure)
Optional Information:
None
Area Input / BPA

When this wind option is specified, transverse and longitudinal wind areas associated with each joint
are calculated by hand and included in the Wind Areas section of the model file. The wind areas
considered solid. This shielding factor is included in the calculated wind areas. Refer to the topic
Area Input/BPA for more information.
Air Den. Factor x Drag Coef. (Modeling Information). Normal value = 0.004.
Transverse and/or Longitudinal Wind Areas (Wind Areas)
Global Factor (Modeling Information).

Panels section of the model file and wind loads are calculated based on ASCE-74. The wind panels
considered solid. This shielding factor is included in the panel information as the Wind Area Factor.
Refer to the Panel Input/ASCE-74 for more information.
Power Law Coefficient (Modeling Information). Normal values = Exposure Category B = 4.5,
C = 7.0, D = 10.0.
Transverse and/or Longitudinal Wind Panels (Wind Panels)
Base Elevation (Modeling Information)
Wind Area Factor (Wind Panels)
Load Input
When this wind option is specified, wind loads are included in the Wind Areas section of the model
file. Refer to the topic Load Input for more information.
Panel Input / BPA

Panels section of the model file. The wind panels usually include a shielding factor of 1.5 and the
transverse wind area at the bridge is usually considered solid. This shielding factor is included in the
panel information as the Wind Area Factor. Refer to the topic Panel Input / BPA for more information.
Transverse and/or Longitudinal Wind Panels (Wind Panels)
Panel Input / TIA/EIA-222F

When this wind option is specified, longitudinal wind panels are included in the Wind Panels section
of the model file and wind loads are calculated based on TIA/EIA-222F. The wind panels usually do
not include a shielding factor, but a Solidity Factor can be specified to include bracing members not
included in the model. Refer to the topic Panel Input/TIA/EIA-222F for more information. Note:
Transverse wind panels are not used with this wind type.
Cross Section (Modeling Information)
Longitudinal Wind Panels (Wind Panels)
Base Elevation (Modeling Information)
Solidity Factor (Wind Panels)
Using Secondary Members
Secondary members can improve the accuracy of dead load, wind load, and braced length
calculations. This topic discusses what secondary members are, how ATADS uses these secondary
members, and some general rules to follow when defining secondary members.
Secondary Members within ATADS

The basic definition of a secondary member is a member that does not carry load other than that
required to brace another member. It is not necessary to define any secondary members in your
model, as there are ways to include the effects of these members without actually defining them.
Including them will generally improve the accuracy of some aspects of the model.
How ATADS uses Secondary Members

ATADS uses secondary members in the calculations associated with dead loads, wind loads, and
braced lengths.
Dead Loads
ATADS includes the weight of secondary members in the dead load calculations. If ice is
included, the weight of the ice is also calculated. ATADS calculates dead loads differently if
secondary members are include. See Member Weight for more information.
Wind Loads
When ATADS calculates the wind areas for a wind panel, secondary members are included
in the calculation. If secondary members are not included, the Wind Area Factor may be
used to estimate the effects of the secondary members that are not included.
Braced Lengths
ATADS contains sophisticated methods for calculating braced lengths. Some of these
methods look at the secondary members and their orientations to determine the braced
lengths of members. If secondary members are not included, the braced lengths associated
with a particular member group can be set directly. See Braced Lengths for more
information.
Defining Secondary Members

The following is some recommendations to consider when working with secondary members.
To define a group of members as secondary, set the Primary/Secondary flag and MTYPE in the
Member Groups section of the model file. Secondary members must have the MTYPE set to
either
5 - Secondary members above leg extension or 5 - Secondary members in leg extension.
If one secondary member is included, include all. If even one Member Group is defined as
secondary, the factors used to calculate dead loads will be selected assuming that all secondary
members are included.
Modify the Dead Load Factors to improve the accuracy of the dead load calculations.
If using Wind Panels, the Wind Area Factor can be used to account for the presence or absence
of secondary members.
Secondary members can connect to either primary or secondary joints. Primary members must
connect only to primary joints. If a secondary member braces a primary member, a secondary
joint can be defined along the member and a secondary member can then be connected to it.
Calculating the Equivalent Number of Bolt Holes to Account for
Stagger
The effect of a staggered bolt hole pattern can be accounted for in ATADS by modifying the number
of bolt holes in a connection. The procedure to use to account for a staggered bolt hole pattern is as
follows:
Calculate Net Area

The equation for calculating the net area of a connection with staggered bolt holes is:
s2
An = AG (# bolts)(dia )(th) + ( th)
4g
Where:
An = Net area
AG = Gross area
#bolts = Number of lines of bolts in the connection
dia = Hole diameter where the hole diameter is the bolt diameter plus 1/8
th = Member thickness
s = Longitudinal bolt spacing
g = Transverse bolt spacing
Calculate Equivalent Number of Bolts

To calculate the equivalent number of bolts, from the net area, the equation is:
equivalent # bolts =
(Ag An )
(th)(dia )
A single angle should never have less than one bolt.
Double Angles
To account for the stagger in double angles, calculate the equivalent number of bolts for a single
angle and double the value.
Default Values
The default values for the number of bolts are:
1.0 - single angle bolted on one leg

2.0 - single angle bolted on two legs
3.0 - double angles
Adjusting Input Data

The number of bolts holes in a member can be adjusted in Member Groups by entering the
equivalent number of bolt holes in the Number of bolt holes box.
Verifying the Net Area

The net area of a member can be verified in using the ATADS Reports or Data Viewer by evaluating
the Member Capacities.
Example:
2L 3x2x1/4
Bolt diameter = 5/8
AG= 2.38 sq in (1.19 sq in for single angle)
Treat as single angle then double equivalent number of bolt holes
1 1 1 (15. in)
2
5
. in (2) in + in in + in
An = 119 2
= 0.956in 2
8 8 4 4 4(1in)
equivalent # of bolts =
(1.19in 0.956in 2
2
)
= 1.25 bolts > 1 bolt OK
1 5 1
in in + in
4 8 8
Total equivalent # bolts = 1.25 bolts 2 angles = 2.5 bolts
Modeling Guys on Lattice Structures
ATADS can be used to model Guy wires on lattice towers using special member types and member
initial tensions. An example lattice tower with Guy wires is shown below.
The modeling of Guy wires requires special care when determining the correct Guy member initial
tensions. The Guy pretension is set during construction after erection or stringing. The Guy
pretension is typically determined by setting the tension in the Guys to 10 to 15 percent of ultimate
breaking strength.
To model the Guys properly, ATADS requires two special pieces of information. First, the Member
Type for each member must be set to 8 Guy Wires in the Member Groups section. This tells the
analysis that each member in the group is a tension only member. Second, the initial tension for
each Guy must be set correctly in the Members section.
ATADS internally handles Guy elements by substituting the initial tension with a force vector. The
force vector is at both Guy end joints and is placed in line with the Guy. The analysis is performed
using the load-stiffness-matrix technique. After the solution is found, each Guy force is calculated
using end joint displacements and removing the force vector. If any of the computed Guy forces
indicates a Guy in compression, the Guy is removed and the analysis is repeated.
Recommended Procedure to Model Guy Wires

1) Create the model with a single pretension load case. Include any conductor loads present when
the construction pretension was set. Wind loads are not normally included. Do not include
additional load cases. They may create instabilities.
2) Set all Guy members to Type 8 Guy Wires.
3) Set the initial tension of each Guy member to a value 25 to 75 percent higher than the
construction pretension.
4) Run the analysis and view the resulting Guy forces. Verify that the model does not have any
stability problems. See below for more information.
5) Readjust member initial tensions and rerun the analysis until the member forces in the Guys
approximate the construction pretensions.
6) Add additional load cases. Continue with the analysis using the initial tensions that were found
in step 5.
Stability Problems
A model can become geometrically unstable if a Guy is removed due to compression during the
analysis. This condition is indicated by large displacements, equilibrium errors, or warnings such as
Warning Joint 111 has zero resistance to translation in the Y direction.
Possible solutions are:
1) Increase the member initial tension for all members removed from the analysis.
2) Substitute tension only members for Guy members in compression. To do this, set the Member
Type to 1 and set the Tension Only flag (both are in Member Groups). This will cause the
analysis to replace the member with a very small member (Area = .01 square inches) instead of
removing the member completely. The small member will provide the structure with the needed
stability in most cases.
3) If the above methods do not solve the stability problems, the stability problem might be found by
modeling the guys with tension/compression members such as 4 x 4 x single angles. Be sure
to set the Member Type to 1 and turn off the Tension Only flag for each guy. If the stability
problem remains, the guys are not causing the problem.
Note: Local instabilities must still be handled either by moving loads or by use of dummy members.
Symbols
The following symbols are used in this documentation.
Ag = Gross Area (sq inches)
b/t = Width to thickness ratio
Cb = Bending stress coefficient
Cc = Column slenderness ratio separating elastic and inelastic buckling.
Cm = Interaction formula coefficient. ATADS assumes Cmx = Cmy = 1.0
Cw = Warping constant of cross section (in^6)
E = Modulus of elasticity (ksi)
Fa = Allowable axial compressive stress (ksi)
Fcr = critical stress for local buckling (ksi)
Fv = Allowable shear stress (ksi)
Fy = minimum yield stress (ksi)
h/t = height to thickness ratio
Ix = Moment of initia about X-axis (inches^4)
IxEQLeg = Moment of initia about X-axis for an equivalent equal leg single angle (inches^4)
Iy = Moment of initia about Y-axis (inches^4)
IyEQLeg = Moment of initia about Y-axis for an equivalent equal leg single angle (inches^4)
J = Torsional constant of section
j = Special torsional-flexural buckling section property
k = Effective length factor
kt = Effective length factor for warping and rotation
kx = X-Axis effective length factor
l = member length
Lbx, Lby = Bending length for X and Y-axis
Max = bending capacity about local x-axis
May = bending capacity about local y-axis
Mx = bending moments about local x-axis (kip in)
My = bending moments about local y-axis (kip in)
P = Axial force (kips)
Pa = Axial tension or compression capacity (kips)

Pex = X-axis Euler buckling load (kips) = Pi^2 E Ix / (kx Lx)^2
Pey = Y-axis Euler buckling load (kips) = Pi^2 E Iy / (ky Ly)^2
Sx = X-axis section modulus (in^3)
Sy = Y-axis section modulus (in^3)
th = Angle thickness (inches)
X = Distance from Y-axis to centroid (inches)
XEQLeg = Distance from Y-axis to centroid for an equivalent equal leg single angle (inches)
Y = Distance from X-axis to centroid (inches)
YEQLeg = Distance from X-axis to centroid for an equivalent equal leg single angle (inches)
References
The following reports are available from Bonneville Power Administration.
Bathon, Mueller, and Kempner, Post-Buckling Behavior of Single Steel Angles, 1990.
Hendarsin, Mueller, and Kempner, Automated Wind Load Calculation Using EIA/TIA 222E and ASCE
No. 74, December 1993.
Hesse and Mueller, Reliability Calibration of BPA Lattice Steel Transmission Towers, 1991.
Hoffman, Mueller, and Kempner, Sensitivity/Performance Study of a Scale Model Transmission Line
System.
Huntley, Mueller, and Kempner, Post-Buckling Behavior of Double Angles, Lapp and Butt Joined
Angles, February 1992.
Miller and Mueller, Numerical Solution for 3-Dimensional Beam Columns with Springs in , June 1988.
Mueller and Erzumulu, Limit State Behavior of Steel Angle Columns.
Mueller and Kempner, Modeling Manual for a Limit Analysis, December 1991.
Mueller and Wagner, Plastic Behavior of Steel Angle Columns.
Mueller, Ostendorp, and Kempner, Limit: Nonlinear 3-Dimensional Truss Analysis Program, August
1991.
Mueller, Prickett and Kempner, Limit Analysis/Full Scale Test of a Transmission Tower, June 1986.
Mueller, Prickett, and Kempner, Limit Space Truss Analysis Program with Postbuckling Member
Behavior, March 1988.
Mueller, Prickett, and Kempner, Nonlinear Analysis and Full Scale Test of a Transmission Tower.
Ostendorp and Mueller, Case Study No. 1 Limit Analysis of the 52S Transmission Tower, 1991.
Prickett, Mueller, Limit Analysis of Lattice Structures, June 1983.
Robinson and Mueller, Analytical Model of Post-Buckling Performance of Single and Double Angles,
September 1991.
Schwarz and Mueller, Stiffness Approach Structural Optimization Using Linear Programming, 1987.
Serroels, Mueller, and Kempner, Case Study No. 2 Limit Analysis of the 338M Transmission Tower,
1991.
Serroels, Mueller, and Kempner, Reliability Calibration of BPA Lattice Steel Transmission Towers, 1991.
Sick and Mueller, Calibration/Assembly Data Analysis of a Full Scale Tower Test, 1986.
Sjurset, Mueller, and Do, Reliability Calibration Lattice Steel Transmission Towers Using Reliability,
1992.
Spengler and Mueller, ATADS QC/QA, March 1994.

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Bonneville Power A*ninisffiion

WND ARFjS- TOWER

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Wind Loads ..36

Dead Loads 3-96

ASCE10Bending - Wde Ftanges

ASD and TlA, EIA -222FCapacities

ASDandTfA/ EIA- 222FTension

ASDandTIA/ EIA- 222F Bending

ASDandTfA/ EIA- 222FlntendonEquations ..................3.145

ASDandTIA/ EIA- 222FShear

Truss and Frame Analysis

Up to 12 configurations can be modeled in one file

Design and Optimization

Advanced Analysis Techniques

Conductor Clearance Design

1) Make any warranty or representation, expressed or implied, with respect to the

Conductor Clearance Analysis

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Online help may be accessed in the ATADS system by several methods:

1) Each program has a help menu that contains two choices:

4) By clicking in the ATADS Toolbar, the following window is displayed:

Displays online help.

Activates the Setup program.

Activates the Generate/Plot program.

Activates the File Checker program.

Activates the Analysis program.

Activates the Data Viewer program.

Activates the Reports program.

Activates the Stress Check program.

Activates the LIMIT Analysis program.

Activates the File Finder program.

Displays or hides the bottom toolbar.

Activates the Clean Up program.

Activates the VString program.

Activates the Capacity program.

Activates the Properties program.

Activates the Conductor Clearance Design program.

Activates the Pole program.

Activates the Soils program.

Activates the Leg Extension program.

Activates the Snow Leg program.

Activates the Cable program.

Keeps the toolbar on top of all other windows.

About ATADS Setup...

Color Selection Tree

The Plot menu consists of the following items:

Load Case Menu

Conductor Clearance Plot

About ATADS Plot...

Print Input File

Print Error File

File Checker Options

Update Input File

File Checker Help

About File Checker...

The Analysis menu consists of the following items:

Create LIMIT File

Create Tower Analysis File

Create PLS-CADD Tower File

*.mat - Material properties

Create SAP90 File

Create Risa 3D File

About ATADS Analysis...

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