ATADS 9.

1 User's Guide

Advanced Tower Analysis and Design System

Bonneville Power Administration
March 2021
Contents
Getting Started 5
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 5
Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................. 5
Installation ................................................................................................................................. 5
Basics ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Creating a Model 8
Overview ................................................................................................................................... 8
Model Orientation ...................................................................................................................... 8
Editing a Model ......................................................................................................................... 8
Model Options ............................................................................................................. 8
Comments .................................................................................................................. 11
Load Cases ................................................................................................................ 11
Materials .................................................................................................................... 12
Sections ..................................................................................................................... 12
Insulators ................................................................................................................... 13
Body .......................................................................................................................... 15
Joints.......................................................................................................................... 16
Wire Attachments ...................................................................................................... 18
Plates ......................................................................................................................... 19
Members .................................................................................................................... 19
Member Groups ......................................................................................................... 22
Wind Panels ............................................................................................................... 25
Ladders ...................................................................................................................... 25
Platforms ................................................................................................................... 26
Supports ..................................................................................................................... 26
Joint Loads ................................................................................................................ 26
VString Loads............................................................................................................ 26
Wire Loads ................................................................................................................ 27
Legs ........................................................................................................................... 27
Configurations ........................................................................................................... 28
Primary and Secondary Joints .................................................................................................. 29
Primary and Secondary Members ............................................................................................ 29
Artificial Restraints .................................................................................................................. 30

Plotting a Model 32
Overview ................................................................................................................................. 32
Viewing a model ...................................................................................................................... 32
Rotating ................................................................................................................................... 32
Zooming................................................................................................................................... 32
Plotting Bodies and Configurations ......................................................................................... 32
Changing Load Cases .............................................................................................................. 33
Plot Options ............................................................................................................................. 33

Checking a Model 35
Overview ................................................................................................................................. 35
Running the Model Checker .................................................................................................... 35
Warnings and Errors ................................................................................................................ 35
Model Options Warnings and Errors ......................................................................... 35
Sections Warnings and Errors ................................................................................... 36

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Getting Started  2

 Insulators Warnings and Errors ................................................................................. 36
Load Cases Warnings and Errors .............................................................................. 36
Body Warnings and Errors ........................................................................................ 37
Legs Warnings and Errors ......................................................................................... 37
Joint Warnings and Errors ......................................................................................... 38
Wire Attachments Warnings and Errors .................................................................... 39
Plate Warnings and Errors ......................................................................................... 39
Member Warnings and Errors ................................................................................... 39
Member Group Warnings and Errors ........................................................................ 40
Wind Panels Warnings and Errors............................................................................. 42
Supports Warnings and Errors ................................................................................... 43
Ladders Warnings and Errors .................................................................................... 43
Platforms Warnings and Errors ................................................................................. 43
Joint Loads Warnings and Errors .............................................................................. 44
VString Loads Warnings and Errors.......................................................................... 44
Wire Loads Warnings and Errors .............................................................................. 45
Configuration Warnings and Errors........................................................................... 45

Load Calculations 46
Dead Loads .............................................................................................................................. 46
Wind Loads.............................................................................................................................. 48
VString Loads .......................................................................................................................... 48

Stress Checks 51
Braced Lengths ........................................................................................................................ 51
Kl/r Equations .......................................................................................................................... 53
Net Area ................................................................................................................................... 54
Tension Capacity ..................................................................................................................... 57
Compression Capacity ............................................................................................................. 57
Connection Capacity ................................................................................................................ 59
Rupture Capacity ..................................................................................................................... 62
Combined Stresses ................................................................................................................... 62
Worker Loads .......................................................................................................................... 63

Tools 64
Analysis Report ....................................................................................................................... 64
Member Capacity..................................................................................................................... 64
Section Property Calculator ..................................................................................................... 65
VString Load Calculator .......................................................................................................... 66
Connection Rupture ................................................................................................................. 67
Select Output ........................................................................................................................... 68
Design Report .......................................................................................................................... 69
Member Optimization .............................................................................................................. 69
Full Tower Optimization ......................................................................................................... 70
Leg Extension .......................................................................................................................... 71
Grillage Footing Design........................................................................................................... 72
Plate Footing Design................................................................................................................ 73
Pad & Pier Footing Design ...................................................................................................... 73
Conductor Clearance ............................................................................................................... 73

Advanced Features 77
Edit and Wait ........................................................................................................................... 77
Exporting ................................................................................................................................. 77

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Getting Started  3

 Modeling Guy Wires ............................................................................................................... 77
Limit ........................................................................................................................................ 79
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 79
Theory ....................................................................................................................... 80
Collapse Load Factor ................................................................................................. 80
Incremented and Constant Loads .............................................................................. 81
Member Performance Curves .................................................................................... 82
Running a Limit Analysis .......................................................................................... 86
Load History Tool ..................................................................................................... 87
CVA ......................................................................................................................................... 88

Frequently Asked Questions 89

I was editing a model and it seemed to explode. What happened? ............................ 89
The wind load is higher than it should be. What’s wrong? ....................................... 89
The analysis shows an equilibrium error. What is an equilibrium error? .................. 89
What causes an equilibrium error? ............................................................................ 90
How do I eliminate artificial restraint forces? ........................................................... 90
How do I display more information during an analysis? ........................................... 90

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Getting Started  4

Getting Started
Introduction
The Advanced Tower Analysis and Design System (ATADS) is a program developed by the Bonneville Power
Administration (BPA) for its own use. ATADS is designed to provide the structural engineer with a set of tools
for analysis and design of lattice transmission structures.
ATADS is capable of analysis and design of three-dimensional structures using both Truss and Frame Analysis
techniques.
 The number of configurations is limited by available memory (65000).
 The number of joints, members, and load cases is each limited to 65000.
 Dead loads can be automatically generated or not included.
 Tension only members and guy wires can be modeled.
 Models can be automatically stabilized using translational and rotational restraints.
 Wind loads can be automatically calculated.
 Nonlinear member performance and Capacity Variation Analysis can be included.
 Plotting options allow visualization of many plot parameters.
 The Model Checker assists in verifying model accuracy.
 The member design tool can be used to assist in optimizing a tower based on weight or cost.
 Plate and grillage footings can be checked or designed.
 Models can be exported to several formats including bitmap, enhanced metafile, and both 2D and 3D
CAD formats.

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 obtained from ATADS.
ATADS should only be used by experience engineers who are responsible for the modeling assumptions
and results of the program.

Installation
Software Requirements
 ATADS has been tested on Windows 7 and Windows 10. A 64 bit Windows based operating system is
required.
Installing ATADS
 Create a directory to contain ATADS files such as “C:\Program Files\ATADS9”
 Copy all files to the created directory.
 Create a link to “ATADS9.exe”.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Getting Started  5

 Uninstalling ATADS
 Delete all files in the ATADS9 directory.
 Delete any desktop links.

Basics

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Getting Started  6

 Plot Window
The Plot Window displays a plot of the current configuration and load case. Double left click the plot window
to display plot options. The plot toolbar is used to enable special plotting features such as displaying an x-y-z
axis.
Edit Window
The Edit Window allows editing of the model.
Analysis / Model Checker Window
The Analysis / Model Checker window activates and displays the results of the analysis and the model checker
results.
Details Window
The Details Window provides additional information as the mouse is moved over the plot window.
Debug Messages (not shown)
The Debug Messages window is used as a programming aid. Special messages defined in the code are sent to
this window as the code is executed. This window is not typically used by most users.
Data Viewer
The Data Viewer displays information in a tabular format. Additional options are available by right clicking in
the window. Column sorting is available by left clicking in the column header.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Getting Started  7

Creating a Model
Overview
The process of creating a model in ATADS originated with structural analysis programs developed by BPA
(Tower Analysis and Tower Design) in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Models for these programs were created using
punch cards that defined joints, members, loads, etc. The basic ATADS model has been updated to use more
advanced techniques, but the basic information is still stored on individual lines of text that describe joints,
members, etc. The following is an overview of how a model is created in ATADS.

Model Orientation
Orientation of the ATADS model is very important to establish the correct direction for wind loads and dead
loads. The Z axis is up and the X and Y axes are oriented as shown below. The Axis may be displayed by
selecting Axis on the Plot toolbar.

Editing a Model
In ATADS, a model is described by specifying individual lines of text that define all aspects of the tower. These
lines are displayed in grid format in the Edit Window. New lines can be added. Existing lines can be edited,
deleted, or modified. The Plot Window, Model Checker, and Report Viewer are updated automatically as the
model is changed.
The following topics describe the information required to edit a model.

Model Options
Model Options is used to provide details that apply to the entire model.
General
Tower ID – enter a maximum of 30 characters identifying the structure.
Type – Select the type of tower. The Type field effects the way dead loads are calculated.
Stress Check – Select BPA 1 or ASCE 10 to specify the type of stress check to be performed.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  8

 Translational Restraints – Select to include translational restraints in the analysis (see Artificial
Restraints).
Rotational Restraints – Select to include rotational restraints in the analysis (see Artificial Restraints
for more information).
Auto Restraints – Select to automatically include translational restraints for truss analyses and both
translational and rotational restraints for frame analysis.
Analysis
Truss / Frame Analysis – Select Truss to specify an analysis with three degrees of freedom per joint
(axial forces only). Select Frame to specify an analysis with six degrees of freedom per joint (axial,
shear, torsion, and bending forces).
Run Limit Analysis – Select this option to perform a Limit analysis. If this option is not selected, an
elastic analysis will be performed.
Configuration – Enter the configuration to perform a Limit analysis on.
Load Case – Enter the load case label to perform a Limit analysis on.
Limit Options
Starting Load Multiplier – The load multiplier to use when Limit begins the analysis.
Typical values range from 0 to 1.0. When this field is left blank, a default value of 0.10 will
be used.
Load Multiplier Increment – The load multiplier increment to use when Limit begins the
analysis. Typical values range from 0.1 to 0.5. When this field is left blank, a default value of
0.10 will be used.
Increment Size at Stop – Limit will stop incrementing loads and end the analysis when the
increment size reaches this value. Typical values range from 0.005 to 0.010. When this field is
left blank, a default value of 0.010 will be used.
Maximum Number of Trial Stiffnesses – The maximum number of bad runs at a specific
load factor before the load factor is reduced. Typical values range from 5 to 25. When this
field is left blank, a default value of 10 will be used.
Maximum Number of Trial Solutions – The maximum number of analyses including good
and bad ones that Limit is allowed in a single run. The purpose is to avoid a run away
analysis. Typical values range from 100 to 1000. When this field is left blank, a default value
of 500 will be used.
Member Convergence – The percent in decimal defining agreement between assumed and
calculated values of member load / displacement. Typical values range from 0.005 to 0.050.
When this field is left blank, a default value of 0.010 will be used.
Stop at Load Multiplier – Causes the analysis to stop at the specified Load Multiplier. When
this field is left blank, the analysis will not stop until the collapse load is detected.
Run Capacity Variation Analysis – Select this option to perform a CVA analysis. Note that the Run
Limit Analysis option must also be set.
Runs – Enter the total number of Limit analyses to complete.
CVA Seed – Enter the seed to use to base the CVA analysis on. This option is normally left blank and
used only when it is desired to repeat a previous run exactly.
Limit Seed – Enter the seed to use to base the Limit analysis on. This option is normally left blank and
used only when it is desired to repeat a previous run exactly.
Bolts
A single bolt is typically defined although multiple bolts can be defined if needed..

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  9

 Label – enter a maximum of 12 characters identifying the bolt
Diameter – enter the bolt shank diameter in inches.
Fu – enter the tensile strength of bolt in ksi. ATADS uses this value to calculate bolt shear strength.
This value can be overridden in Member Groups
Threads – select included to include threads in the shear plane for bolt shear strength calculations.
Select excluded to exclude threads from the shear plane.
Spacing – enter the default bolt spacing in inches for rupture calculations.
Edge Distance - enter the default bolt edge distance in inches for rupture calculations.
End Distance – enter the default end distance in inches for rupture calculations.
Holes – select Punched to have the hole size enlarged due to damage. Select Drilled to assume no
damage. Select Auto to use Punched for materials thinner than ¾” thick and Drilled for holes in
material ¾” and thicker.
Dead Load Factors
These fields are normally left blank but can be used to modify how dead loads and worker loads are
calculated.
Primary Members – Enter the factor to use when calculating the weight of primary members (except
leg members). A blank value will result in the default weight factor being used (see Dead Loads for
more information)
Secondary Members – Enter the factor to use when calculating the weight of secondary members. A
blank value will result in the default weight factor being used (see Dead Loads for more information)
Leg Members – Enter the factor to use when calculating the weight of leg members. A blank value
will result in the default weight factor being used (see Dead Loads for more information)
Worker Load – Enter the weight to use when calculating worker load stress ratios in pounds. This
value defaults to 250 pounds when not specified (see Worker Loads for more information).
Worker Load Safety Factor – Enter the safety factor to use when calculating worker loads. This
value defaults to 1.5 when not specified.
Redundants
Redundents are bracing members and must be ordered from lowest to highest weight. Redundants must
be defined when defining legs separate from the bodies.
Label –Redundant labels always begin with “Def” (default) and then are automatically set to A, B, C,
etc.
Material – Select the appropriate material.
Code - Select the code that defines the type of section. Selecting the appropriate type of section
changes the Section list.
Section – Select the appropriate section.
Wind
Wind information is not typically used but may be required when more control over the wind load
calculations is desired.
Air density factor – Enter the factor to use when calculating wind load. This value defaults to 0.00256
if not specified.
Shape factor – Enter the factor to use when calculating wind load. This value defaults to 1.6 if not
specified.
Wind Profiles

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  10

 Label – enter a maximum of 12 characters identifying the Wind Profile.
C1, Zg, C2, Alpha, Zmin -
Base Elevation – Enter the elevation at the base of the tower in feet. This value is typically
zero and is used only when wind is specified to vary with height for one or more load cases.
Design Profiles
Design Profiles are used with Member Groups to help control how the Member Optimization and Full
Tower Optimization tools select the best section. Design Profiles are used only when designing a new
tower.
Label – enter a maximum of 12 characters identifying the Profile.
Section – select from the list
Stress – Enter the maximum stress ratio to use when selecting the most efficient section. Leave this
field blank to use a default value of 1.00.
kl/r – Enter a maximum slenderness ratio. This value will exclude all combinations of sections and
that exceed this value. When Auto is selected, the following values are used:
Tension Only 500 (ASCE10) or 450 (BPA)
Secondary 250
Leg 150
Other 200
Availability – Select 0, 1, or 2 to exclude sections that are not as available. 0 is the least restrictive and
2 is the most restrictive. Generally, selecting 2 results in sections that are produced at more than one
steel mill.
Leg – Enter the minimum leg size to include. All sections with leg lengths shorter than this value will
be excluded.
Th – Enter the minimum leg thickness to include. All sections with leg thicknesses shorter than this
value will be excluded.

Comments
Enter any comments desired to describe the tower, loading, etc.

Load Cases
Load Cases are used to define the wind speed and angle to use in wind load calculations. There must be one and
only one Load Case specified for every load case.
Load Case – Enter up to 15 characters to specify the load case label.
Angle – Enter the wind angle in degrees to blow wind on the tower as shown.
Z

Angle
X Wind

Velocity – Enter the wind speed in mph.

Type – Select the appropriate wind type.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  11

 Profile – For BPA type wind, a Wind Profile may be selected. The Wind Profiles are defined under Model
Options.
DL Factor – Enter a dead load factor to use for this load case. A dead load factor of 0.90 will reduce the dead
load by 10%. A dead load factor of 0.0 will eliminate dead load for this load case. This field is typically left
blank.
DLX, Y, Z – These fields are typically left blank. Enter a factor to use when calculating dead loads to apply in
the corresponding direction. Note that if a value is used for DLX, DLY, or DLZ, then a vertical dead load will
not be applied. To include a vertical dead load, include a DLZ value of -1.0.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

Materials
ATADS includes a database of standard materials. Additional materials are not usually needed, but may be
specified for special cases.
Material – Enter the number that represents this material (200 to 65000)
Description – Enter a description of this material.
Code – Select the code that best describes the material. Note – stress checks will be provided for steel material
only.
E – Enter the modulus of elasticity in ksi
G – Enter the shear modulus of elasticity in ksi
Density – Enter the density of the material in pcf
Fy – Enter the yield stress in ksi
Fu – Enter the ultimate stress in ksi
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

Sections
ATADS includes a database of standard section properties. Additional section properties are not usually needed,
but may be specified if needed.
Section - Enter the number that represents this section (20000 to 65000)
Description - Enter a description of this material.
Code – Select the type of section being defined. Note: This Code determines how stress checks are performed.
The following properties are used to define the section. All properties are not available with each type of
section.
Area – gross cross-sectional area in inch2
X – distance to Y axis in inches
Y – distance to X axis in inches
Ix – moment of inertia about X-X axis in inch4
Iy – moment of inertia about Y-Y axis in inch4
J – torsional constant in inch4
Rx – radius of gyration for X-X axis in inch
Ry – radius of gyration for Y-Y axis in inch
Sx – elastic section modulus about X-X axis in inch3

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  12

 Sy – elastic section modulus about Y-Y axis in inch3
Wind Width – width used to calculate wind load in inches
Leg1 – width of element in inches
Leg2 – width of element in inches
Th – thickness of element in inches
Rz – radius of gyration for Z-Z axis in inch
b/t – slenderness ratio
Depth – as shown in AISC in inches
bf – as shown in AISC in inches
tf – as shown in AISC in inches
tw – as shown in AISC in inches
Height – as shown in AISC in inches
Width – as shown in AISC in inches
RBS – rated breaking strength of guy wire in kips
Note: the calculate button can be used to access the Section Property Calculator tool.

Insulators
Insulators are used for conductor clearance calculations only.

Label – Enter up to 40 characters to specify the insulator case label.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  13

 IString, VString, VString Angle – Defines the type of insulator.

Height – Enter the height in feet. Notice that the height of the VString is to the intersection of the insulators and
the height of the IString is to the bottom conductor.

Conductors – Enter the diameter, dy, and dz (inches) values to locate each conductor.
Yoke / Grading Ring – Enter the from and to dx, dy, dz (inches) for each line segment.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  14

Body
Label – Enter a description of the configuration up to 40 characters long. This title will be displayed in the
status bar to identify this configuration.
Recover from body – Select the body to recover from. Note that the selected body must be defined previously
to this one. See Body Recovery for details.
Recovery Jnt 1, Jnt 2 – Specify Recovery Jnt 1 or Recovery Jnt 2, not both. Specify Jnt 1 to use the old
method of recovery. Specify Jnt 2 to use the new method. See Body Recovery for details.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

Body Recovery

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  15

 Bodies may be recovered from any previously defined body when creating a new body. This feature allows a
portion of the tower to be defined once and reused, or “recovered”, for use in the current body. This feature
reduces the need to redefine joints, members, loads, etc.
To recover a portion of any previously defined body, ATADS needs to know the label of the body to recover
from along with a joint number (Recovery Jnt 1 or Recovery Jnt 2) defining the portion of the body to recover.
For both methods, the z elevation of the specified joint defines the recovery elevation. The difference between
the two methods is related to what is recovered.
Body Recovery using Recovery Jnt 1
When Recovery Jnt 1 is specified, the method used for recovery matches that used in previous ATADS versions
and is included to improve compatibility with older models. The recovery joint is used in two ways. First,
information from the preceding body above the recovery elevation is recovered in these sections:
Joints
Supports
Wind Panels
Joint Loads
VString Loads
Second, information from the preceding body at and above the recovery elevation is recovered in these
sections:
Members
Member Groups
Body Recovery using Recovery Jnt 2
When Recovery Jnt 2 is specified, ATADS recovers all information defined in the specified body at and above
the recovery elevation.

Joints
Joint lines describe the type and location of the tower joints. The maximum number of joints allowed in any
single configuration is 65000.
Icd – Select the tab to define the type of generation to use.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  16

 2 Axis Symmetry Y Axis Symmetry X Axis Symmetry
or
Jnt + 2 Jnt + 3 Jnt Jnt + 1

Jnt Jnt + 1
+Y +Y or or
Jnt + 1 Jnt

Jnt + 1 Jnt Jnt + 1 Jnt

or
ICD = 1 +X ICD = 2 ICD = 3 +X
No Symmetry 2 Axis Symmetry 2 Axis Symmetry
Jnt + 3
Jnt''' Jnt + 2 Jnt + 3
Jnt'' Jnt + 7
Jnt + 1 Y Jnt + 5 Jnt + 4
+Y +Y +Y
Jnt
X Jnt + 6
Jnt'
Jnt Jnt + 2 Jnt + 1 Jnt

ICD = 4 +X ICD = 5 +X ICD = 6 +X

2 Axis Symmetry
Jnt + 3
Jnt + 5 Jnt + 7
Jnt + 1 Y +Y
Jnt
X
Jnt + 6 Jnt + 4
Jnt + 2
ICD = 7 +X

Joint – Enter the number representing this joint (1 to 65000).

X, Y, Z – Enter the joint coordinate in feet. When X, Y, and Z is specified for a joint, it is called a key joint. It
is preferred to use a minimum number of key joints in the model. Some key joints must be used, but most joints
should be specified by combining one X, Y, or Z coordinate (or R or D) with Jnt1 and Jnt2.
R – Enter the ratio of the distance from Jnt1 to Jnt2. Example: A value of R = 0.75 combined with Jnt1 and
Jnt2 will result in a joint ¾ of the distance from Jnt1 toward Jnt2. A negative value may also be used.
D – Enter the distance in feet from Jnt1 to Jnt2. Example: A value of D = 3.5 combined with Jnt1 and Jnt2 will
result in a joint 3.5 feet from Jnt1 in the direction of Jnt2. A negative value may also be used.
Jnt1, 2 – Jnt1 and Jnt2 are used to define the slope of a line that the joint lies upon. When Jnt1 and Jnt2 are
used, one and only one value of X, Y, Z, R, or D is specified to locate the joint.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.
More information
There are several methods that can be employed to define joints.
1. Define X, Y, and Z. Leave R, D, Jnt1, and Jnt2 blank. This is how a key joint is defined. The
coordinates will be at X, Y, Z.
2. Specify Jnt1 and Jnt2 along with one of X, Y, Z, R, or D. The coordinates will be calculated to be
on a line between Jnt1 and Jnt2 using the additional parameter.
3. Specify Jnt1 along with one or two values of X, Y, Z. Leave one or two X, Y, Z values blank as
well as blank R and D fields. The missing coordinate(s) will be filled in to match Jnt1.
When this dialog is displayed, the closest joint to the mouse is highlighted in the plot window. Left
clicking the plot window will automatically fill in the Jnt1 and Jnt2 fields.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  17

Wire Attachments
Wire Attachments define where and how wires are attached to the tower and include a label to define the
attachment. The wire attachment is used by specifying one or more Wire Loads with the same label. Note that
loads associated with wire attachments can also be specified by using Joint Loads and / or VString Loads.
Wire Attachment – Enter up to 15 characters to provide a label for this attachment. Any label may be used,
but common labels are C1, C2, C3, G1, G2, etc. Use the same label in Wire Loads to specify the load on this
attachment.
Type – Select the appropriate type of attachment. The following types are available:

Suspension – Single Joint

Jnt1 - Enter the number of the primary joint where the load is to be applied.

Note – do not include values for Jnt2, Angle, or H when using this attachment type.
Suspension – Double Joint
Jnt1 and Jnt2 - Enter the number of the primary joints where the load is to be applied.

Note – do not include values for Angle or H when using this attachment type.
Suspension – VString
Jnt2
Jnt1 Angle

Py
Px
-Pz

Jnt1, 2 - Enter the number of the primary joints where the calculated load is to be applied.
Follow the diagram to orient the vstring correctly. Note that Jnt1 and Jnt2 must have the same
X coordinate and the Y coordinate of Jnt1 must be smaller than Jnt2.
Angle – Enter the angle in degrees.
H – Enter the positive distance in feet.
Deadend – Single Joint

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  18

 Jnt1 - Enter the primary joint where the load is to be applied.

Note – do not include values for Jnt2, Angle, or H when using this attachment type.
Deadend – Double Joint
Jnt1 and Jnt2 - Enter the primary joints where the load is to be applied.

Note – do not include values for Angle or H when using this attachment type.
Deadend – Four Joint
Jnt1, Jnt2, Jnt3, Jnt4 - Enter the primary joints where the load is to be applied.
Note – do not include values for Angle or H when using this attachment type.

Plates
Plates connect joints so that they tend to move together. Plates are used in the analysis only and do not have any
weight or wind area associated with them.
When this dialog is displayed, the closest joint to the mouse is highlighted in the plot window. Left clicking the
plot window will automatically fill joint fields.
ATADS uses a very simple technique to include a plate in the analysis. Stiffness is added between each pair of
joints in the plate in a manner similar to adding a very stiff member between each pair of joints. The stiffness
used is 1,000,000 kips / inch.
Plates are plotted using dashed lines drawn between each pair of joints within the plate.

Members
Member lines locate and describe each member in the tower. There can be a maximum of 65000 members. Each
unique member label must have a matching Member Group defined.
IQ – Select the tab and option to define the type of generation to use.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  19

 V Brace Z Z Z

JtB+3 JtA+1 JtA

JtB+1
JtB+2 JtB+3
Y Y Y
JtA JtB JtA
JtB JtB+1 JtB

X X X
IQ = 5 IQ = -5 IQ = 6
Z
JtB+2 JtB+3

JtA+1
JtB+1 Y
JtB
JtA
X
IQ = 2

Pairs Z Z Z
JtA+3
JtA+2 JtA+3 JtA+1 JtB+1 JtB+1
JtA
JtA+1 JtA JtA JtB JtB
Y Y Y

X X X
IQ = 8 IQ = 12 IQ = -12
Z Z

JtA+2 JtA+3
JtA+1 JtA
JtA+1 JtA
Y Y
JtB+1 JtB

X X
IQ = 13 IQ = 3

Vert X Z Z Z
JtB+2 JtB+3 JtB+2 JtB+3 JtB+2 JtB+3

JtA+2 JtA+3 JtA+2 JtA+3 JtA+2 JtA+3

Y Y Y
JtB+1 JtB JtB+1 JtB JtB+1 JtB

JtA+1 JtA JtA+1 JtA JtA+1 JtA

X X X
IQ = 4 IQ = 17 IQ = 1

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  20

 Horz X Z Z Z

JtB+3 JtA+1 JtA+2 JtB+2 JtB+3 JtA+3 JtA+2 JtB+1 JtA+3

Y Y Y

JtB JtA JtA+1 JtB+1 JtB JtA JtA+1 JtB JtA

X X X
IQ = -9 IQ = 10 IQ = 11
Z Z

JtA+2 JtA+3 JtA+1

JtB+1

Y JtB Y
JtA+1 JtA
JtA

X X
IQ = 16 IQ = 9

Others Z Z Z
JtA+2 JtA+3
JtA+2 JtB+3 JtA+3
JtB+2 JtA JtB+3 JtB JtB+1 JtB
JtA+1
Y Y JtA+1 Y
JtB+2 JtA

JtB+1 JtB JtA

X X X
IQ = 14 IQ = 15 IQ = 18
Z

JtA
JtB+2 JtB+3

JtB+1 JtB

X
IQ = 7

Label – Enter up to 12 characters to identify this member. Note that a matching member group must be defined for every
unique member label.
Jta – Enter the starting joint based on the selected generation.
Releases – Select the boxes to release the stiffness at this end of the member (frame analysis only).
Jtb - Enter the ending joint based on the selected generation. Note this field can be blank when some generation codes
are used.
Releases - Select the boxes to release the stiffness at this end of the member (frame analysis only).
Rotation – Enter the rotation angle in degrees to orient the member (frame analysis only).
Initial Ten – Enter the initial tension to use for this member in kips. This option is used primarily to pretension guy
wires.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  21

Member Groups
Member Groups combine members into similar types, lengths, and materials that all have the same capacity. Primary
member groups are included in the analysis and secondary are not. Secondary member groups are included to increase
accuracy of dead and wind loads as well as to automate braced length calculations of primary member groups.
Label - Enter up to 12 characters to identify this member group. Note that a matching member group must be defined for
every unique member label.
Defined Here – indicates that the properties of this member group is defined here. This option is the most commonly
used.
Defined in other configuration – indicates that the properties for this member group are defined in another
configuration. When this option is selected, all other options are eliminated and a new option is displayed that allows the
configuration to be specified. This option is usually used for legs that have been defined in a previous configuration and
is included only for compatibility of previous ATADS versions.
Continuous with other group – indicates that section and material properties are defined in another member group.
When this option is selected, the Code, SEC, and MAT fields are hidden and a new option is displayed that allows the
other member group to be specified. This option is typically used with members that are the same section and material
but have different capacities.
Type – Select the type of member group that best describes this group.
Primary - Any T / C member not described below – applies to members that don’t fit into one of the categories defined
below. Assumed max kl/r = 200.
Primary - T / C X Bracing – Indicates that the braced length calculation should assume two members cross and that these
members brace one another at the intersection. Assumed max kl/r = 200.
Primary - Main Leg above Leg Extension - Assumed max kl/r = 150.
Primary - Main Leg in Leg Extension - Use of this type is required to calculate footing loads correctly. Assumed max
kl/r = 150.
Primary - Main Comp Cross Arm & Ground Wire Peaks - Assumed max kl/r = 200.
Primary - Hanger in Cross Arm – This is a special member type that instructs ATADS to modify the stiffness of this
member to have a cross sectional area of 0.01 sq inches. This tends to force longitudinal loads into the lower chord of the
arm. Assumed max kl/r = 200. Note that this option is rarely used and is included only to allow analysis using methods that
are no longer used.
Primary - Leg Diagonal – Use of this type is required to calculate footing loads correctly. Assumed max kl/r = 200.
Primary - Dummy Member – Use this type for members that are not in the structure but were added to stabilize the
model. Caution – using dummy members can cause load to flow in a manner that does not represent the structural
system. Extreme caution must be exercised when using dummy members.
Primary - Guy Wire – Indicates that this member group is to be treated as a tension only but still requires the tension only
checkbox to be set to be analyzed as tension only.
Secondary - Above Leg Extension - Assumed max kl/r = 250.
Secondary - In Leg Extension - Assumed max kl/r = 250.
Secondary - Xbrace - Indicates that the braced length calculation should assume two members cross and that these
members brace one another at the intersection. Assumed max kl/r = 250.
Secondary - Redundant - Indicates that the section is defined under Model Options – Redundants. Assumed max kl/r =
250.
Secondary - Redundant X-Brace - Indicates that the section is defined under Model Options – Redundants and that the
braced length calculation should assume two members cross and that these members brace one another at the intersection.
Assumed max kl/r = 250.
Primary - Redundant - Indicates that the section is defined under Model Options – Redundants. Assumed max kl/r = 250.

Note: All members defined to be Tension Only will have an assumed max kl/r of 450 (BPA) or 500 (ASCE 10). The
assumed max kl/r values listed above can be overridden by supplying a value in the Max Kl/r field under the Axial button.

Code – Select the code that defines the type of section. Selecting the appropriate type of section changes the SEC list.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  22

SEC – Select the section to use for this member group. If a desired section is not available in the list, it can be added by
defining a section. See Sections for more information.
MAT – Select the material to use for this member group. If a desired material is not available in the list, it can be added
by defining a material. See Materials for more information.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.
Compression
Braced Length X
Joints, Length, Eff Length (k) – If a braced length is not specified, ATADS will calculate it
automatically. The user may over ride the calculated value by specifying it here. The braced length
may be specified in one of three ways:
Joints - specify two joints separated by a comma. ATADS will calculate the distance between
these joints and use it for the braced length.
Length – specify the braced length directly in feet. ATADS will use this value for the braced
length.
Eff. Length (k) – specify the ratio of the member length to the braced length. ATADS will
calculate the length of this member (from JtA to JtB) and multiply it by this value.
Braced Length Z (or Y)
Joints, Length, Eff Length (k) – If a braced length is not specified, ATADS will calculate it
automatically. The user may over ride the calculated value by specifying it here. The braced length
may be specified in one of three ways:
Joints - specify two joints separated by a comma. ATADS will calculate the distance between
these joints and use it for the braced length.
Length – specify the braced length directly in feet. ATADS will use this value for the braced
length.
Eff. Length (k) – specify the ratio of the member length to the braced length. ATADS will
calculate the length of this member (from JtA to JtB) and multiply it by this value.
Assume X axis is braced for double angles – If this box is checked then ATADS will assume the double angle
is first braced about the local X axis.
Equation
Auto – Select Auto to have ATADS automatically select an equation based on Type.
Direct – Select Direct to specify the X and Z (or Y) equations directly.
Connections – Select Connections to have ATADS determine which equations to apply based on
eccentricity and end restraint.
Prevent Increase in Capacity – Check to prevent the equations from reducing slenderness ratios and
therefore increasing capacity.
Tension
Primary Tension – Indicates that tension capacity should be calculated using special rules (applies to BPA 1
stress checks only).
Tension Only – Indicates that this member should be treated as tension only during the analysis.
Outstanding Leg – Indicates connection information to be used when calculating tension capacity. Refer to Net
Area and Tension Capacity for more information.
Default = 2 for single angles when ASCE 10 stress checks are specified.
Default = 0 for all other cases.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  23

 0 - Double angles and for single angles bolted on both legs.
1 - Single angles short leg outstanding.
2 - Single angles long leg outstanding.
Total Number of Holes – Specify the number of holes to use when calculating net area for tension capacity.
This value may be specified as a decimal to account for staggered holes.
The following are the default values that ATADS uses when this field is blank:

For single angles with a leg length greater than 6”, the number of holes = 3.0.
For single angles with a leg length less than or equal to 3”, the number of holes = 1.0.
For all other single angles, the number of holes = 2.0.

For double angles with a leg length greater than 6”, the number of holes = 6.0.
For double angles with a leg length less than or equal to 3”, the number of holes = 2.0.
For all other double angles, the number of holes = 4.0.

For two angle cruciforms, the number of holes = 4.0.

For four angle cruciforms, the number of holes = 8.0.

For all other sections, the number of holes = 3.0.

Connections
Bolt Type – Select the bolt type to use. The list contains bolts defined under Model Options. Select Default to
use the default bolt defined in Model Options.
Bolts - Number of Bolts – Specify the number of bolts to use when calculating connection capacity. The
number of bolts must be specified for each member group that connections are to be calculated for.
Bolts - Shear Planes per Bolt – Enter 1 for single shear (default), 2 for double shear.
Bolts - Bearing Surfaces per Bolt – Enter 1 for single bearing (default), 2 for double bearing.
Rupture - Number of Shear Holes – Specify the number of holes to use when calculating the shear area for
block shear (rupture) capacity. This value may be specified as a decimal to account for staggered holes.
Rupture - Number of Tension Holes – Specify the number of holes to use when calculating the tension area
for block shear (rupture) capacity. This value may be specified as a decimal to account for staggered holes.
Rupture - End Distance – Specify the end distance in inches to use when calculating the tension area for block
shear (rupture) capacity. Leave this field blank to use the default value defined in Model Options.
Rupture - Edge Distance – Specify the edge distance in inches to use when calculating the tension area for
block shear (rupture) capacity. Leave this field blank to use the default value defined in Model Options.
Rupture - Bolt Spacing – Specify the bolt spacing in inches to use when calculating the tension area for block
shear (rupture) capacity. Leave this field blank to use the default value defined in Model Options.
Limit
Limit Comp Capacity - Specify the compression capacity in kips for this member group to use during a Limit
analysis. Leave this field blank to use the calculated member compression capacity. Note: this field was
included as a testing mechanism and is rarely used.
Limit Ten Capacity - Specify the tension capacity in kips for this member group to use during a Limit analysis.
Leave this field blank to use the calculated member tension capacity. Note: this field was included as a testing
mechanism and is rarely used.
Limit Curve - Specify the number of the Member Performance Curve to use during a Limit analysis. Leave this
field blank to assume elastic member performance. This field can also be set using the Set Limit Curve Tool.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  24

 CVA Comp Curve - Specify the curve to use during a CVA analysis to vary the compression capacity. Leave
this field blank to not vary the capacity. This field can also be set using the Set CVA Curve Tool.
CVA Ten Curve - Specify the curve to use during a CVA analysis to vary the tension capacity. Leave this field
blank to not vary the capacity. This field can also be set using the Set CVA Curve Tool.
CVA Fy Curve - Specify the curve to use during a CVA analysis to vary yield stress. Leave this field blank to
not vary the yield stress. This field can also be set using the Set CVA Curve Tool.
Other Options
Wind Width - Enter the width of this member to use when calculating wind area. Leave this field blank to use
the calculated value based on the maximum width defined by the section properties. Enter -1 to use the
calculated value based on the minimum width defined by the section properties (typically used with double
angles).
No sum.report – Indicates that this member group should not be included in the summary report.
Design Profile – Select the appropriate profile to use with this Member Group. Design profiles are defined in
Model Options. The profiles help to control how the Member Optimization tool selects the best section. If this
field is blank, then a default profile will be used.

Wind Panels
This section defines wind panels for use in wind load calculations.
Panel Joints - Jnt1, 2, 3, 4 – Specify three or four joints that define the outline of the wind panel. Jnt4 must be blank if
three joints are used. Joints must be specified in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. If Load Joints are not
specified, wind load will be distributed between these joints (Jnt1, 2, 3, 4) and symmetrical joints.
Load Joints – When any of these joints are specified, wind load will be equally distributed between the specified joints
and no load will be applied to Jnt1, 2, 3, 4.
Inclusions – Select the appropriate option to include the desired members.
BPA Wind Area Factor – Specify a factor to use that will be multiplied by the calculated wind area for BPA type wind
loads. This value is used to account for multiple faces and shielding effects. If this value is blank, a factor of 1.0 will be
used.
Additional Wind Area – Include a value for additional wind area that is not accounted for automatically (sq ft).
Area Factor - Include a value for the factor to use to account for additional wind area. This factor will be multiplied by
the calculated area.
Transverse / Longitudinal – Select Transverse or Longitudinal to specify the wind panel direction.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

Ladders
This section defines ladders used in the analysis. The dead load of each defined ladder is included in the analysis. No
wind load or stresses are included.
Jnt1 - Enter the number of the joint that defines one end of the ladder.
Jnt2 - Enter the number of the joint that defines the other end of the ladder. Note that ladders cannot be horizontal i.e.
the slope between joint 1 and 2 must be greater than 45 degrees.
Unit Weight – Enter the unit weight to use for the ladder in plf. Leave the field blank to use the default value of 25 plf.
Orientation – Enter an angle in degrees to rotate the ladder. Leave the field blank to use a default angle of 0 degrees.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  25

Platforms
This section defines platforms used in the analysis. The dead load of each defined platform is included in the analysis.
No wind load or stresses are included.
Jnt1 - Enter the number of the joint that defines one corner of the platform.
Jnt2 - Enter the number of the joint that defines the other corner of the platform. Note that platforms must be horizontal
i.e. joint 1 and 2 must have the same Z coordinate.
Unit Weight – Enter the unit weight to use for the platform in psf. Leave the field blank to use the default value of 125
psf.
Include railing – Check this box to have ATADS include a railing around the platform.

Supports
This section defines supports used in the analysis.
Joint - Enter the number of the primary joint that the support is applied to.
Type – Select the type of support to apply. When Pin or Fixed is selected, Tx, y, z and Rx, y, z are ignored. Fixed
supports are used in frame analysis only.
Tx, y, z – For spring support, enter the translational stiffness in the X, Y, or Z direction in kips / in. Positive values only
are allowed. For a specified deflection support, enter the deflection in the X, Y, or Z direction in inches. These fields are
rarely used.
Rx, y, z - For spring support, enter the rotational stiffness about the X, Y, or Z axis in kip inch / radian. Positive values
only are allowed. Rotational springs are ignored for truss analysis. For a specified deflection support, enter the rotational
deflection about the X, Y, or Z axis in radians. Rotational deflections are ignored for truss analysis. These fields are
rarely used.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

Joint Loads
Joint Loads 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.
Load Case - Enter up to 15 characters to specify the load case label. A special option is available for this field – if the
load case label is specified as ALL, the load will be included for all load cases. This is useful for adding weights such as
platforms to all load cases.
Joint - Enter the number of the primary joint that the load is applied to.
X, Y, Z Force – Enter the force in the X, Y, or Z direction in kips.
X, Y, Z Inc – Used for Limit only. Refer to the Limit documentation for more information.
X, Y, Z Moment - Enter the moment about the X, Y, or Z axis in kip in. Moments are used in frame analysis only.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

VString Loads
VStrings are used to define conductor loads on a tower. Vstrings are considered to be tension only elements and may
swing due to a longitudinal load. Refer to VString Load Calculations for more information.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  26

 Jnt2
Jnt1 Angle

Py
Px
-Pz

Load Case - Enter up to 15 characters to specify the load case label.

Jnt1, 2 - Enter the number of the primary joints where the calculated load is to be applied. Follow the diagram to orient
the vstring correctly. Note that Jnt1 and Jnt2 must have the same X coordinate and the Y coordinate of Jnt1 must be
smaller than Jnt2.
Angle – Enter the angle in degrees.
h – Enter the positive distance in feet.
Px, y, z - Enter the X, Y, or Z direction load applied to the vstring in kips.
Inc - Used for Limit only. Refer to the Limit documentation for more information.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

Wire Loads
Wire Loads work in combination with Wire Attachments to define how loads are applied. Loads may also be applied
directly using Joint Loads and / or VString Loads.
The advantage to using Wire Loads and Wire Attachments is that ATADS will calculate and apply the loads
automatically. ATADS looks at the loads defined in Wire Loads and combines it with the attachment information to
decide how to split the loads between the joints. An additional advantage to using Wire Loads and Wire Attachments is
that the loads do not need to be combined i.e. AOL load can be calculated and applied to an attachment separately from
the BOL load.
Load Case - Enter up to 15 characters to specify the load case label.
Attachment - Enter up to 12 characters to specify the attachment label. This label must match an attachment label
defined in Wire Attachments.
Force X, Y, Z – Enter the force in the X, Y, or Z direction in kips.

Legs
General
Label – Enter a description of the leg up to 12 characters long.
Top height – Enter the dimension in feet.
Leg height – Enter the dimension in feet.
Bottom height – Enter the dimension in feet.
Stub height – Enter the dimension in feet.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.
Main Leg
Code – Select the code that defines the type of section. Selecting the appropriate type of section changes the
Section list.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  27

 Section – Select the section to use for the main leg. If a desired section is not available in the list, it can be
added by defining a section. See Sections for more information.
Material – Select the material to use for the main leg. If a desired material is not available in the list, it can be
added by defining a material. See Materials for more information.
Pattern – Select the bracing pattern to use.
Brace Points – Enter the number of brace points for the main leg. Each redundant can be set by using the list
combined with the arrow buttons.
Number of bolts – Specify the number of bolts to use when calculating connection capacity
Bolt Type – Select the bolt type to use. The list contains bolts defined under Model Options. Select Default to
use the default bolt defined in Model Options.
Shear Planes per Bolt – Enter 1 for single shear (default), 2 for double shear.
Bearing Surfaces per Bolt – Enter 1 for single bearing (default), 2 for double bearing.
Tension Holes -– Specify the number of holes to use when calculating net area for tension capacity. This value
may be specified as a decimal to account for staggered holes.
Diagonals
Code – Select the code that defines the type of section. Selecting the appropriate type of section changes the
Section list.
Section – Select the section to use for the diagonals. If a desired section is not available in the list, it can be
added by defining a section. See Sections for more information.
Material – Select the material to use for the diagonals. If a desired material is not available in the list, it can be
added by defining a material. See Materials for more information.
Pattern – Select the bracing pattern to use.
Brace Points – Enter the number of brace points for the diagonals. Each redundant can be set by using the list
combined with the arrow buttons.
Number of bolts – Specify the number of bolts to use when calculating connection capacity
Bolt Type – Select the bolt type to use. The list contains bolts defined under Model Options. Select Default to
use the default bolt defined in Model Options.
Shear Planes per Bolt – Enter 1 for single shear (default), 2 for double shear.
Bearing Surfaces per Bolt – Enter 1 for single bearing (default), 2 for double bearing.
Tension Holes -– Specify the number of holes to use when calculating net area for tension capacity. This value
may be specified as a decimal to account for staggered holes.

Configurations
Label – Enter a description of the configuration up to 40 characters long. This title will be displayed in the status bar to
identify this configuration.
Body – Select the body to use in this configuration.
Leg1, 2, 3, 4 – Specify the legs to use. These fields may be left blank to indicate that the legs were defined as part of the
body.
Jnt 1,2,3,4 – Specify the joints to use when connecting the legs to the body. ATADS will attempt to automatically find
the correct joints to use if these values are blank.
Comment – Enter a comment up to 40 characters long.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  28

Primary and 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, to define member braced lengths, and to increase wind load
accuracy.
Rarely, a secondary joint will be defined that does not connect to any members. This might be done so it can be used for
a slope joint or to define a precise location where an insulator is attached for clearance checks.
ATADS automatically determines if a joint is primary or secondary by looking at all members connected to it. If any
member connected to the joint are defined as primary, then the joint will be defined as primary and will be included in
the analysis. If no primary members are connected then the joint will automatically be defined as secondary.

Primary and 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 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, especially dead loads, wind loads, and braced lengths.
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. ATADS calculates dead loads
differently if secondary members are included. 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 are some recommendations to consider when working with secondary members.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  29

To define a group of members as secondary, set Type in the Member Groups section of the model file. Secondary
members must have the Type set to one of the following values:
Secondary - Above Leg Extension
Secondary - In Leg Extension
Secondary - Xbrace
Secondary - Redundant
Secondary - Redundant X-Brace
If one secondary member is included, include all. That is, if even one Member Group is defined as secondary, the
factors used to calculate dead loads will be selected assuming that all secondary members have been defined in the
model.
Dead Load Factors can be used to improve the accuracy of the dead load calculations. These factors are defined in Model
Options.

Artificial Restraints
Artificial restraints may be included in the analysis by setting the Translational Restraint or Rotational Restraint flags in
Model Options. Artificial restraints are used to prevent local instabilities caused by inadequate joint stiffness. Typically,
translation restraints are included for truss analysis and both, translational and rotational, are used for frame analysis.
Information on restraints is available in several places:
Restraints can be displayed in the plot window by selecting Translational Restraints or Rotational Restraints under the
Joints tab in Plot Options. Translational Restraints are displayed as a red circle. Rotational Restraints are displayed as a
yellow square.
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:
First, if there is a specified deflection or spring at the joint, a translational restraint will not be applied.
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 cannot be found, a translational restraint is added in each of
the global X, Y, and Z directions. This situation is rare and typically occurs when there is an error in the model.
Assuming a plane is found, 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 cannot be found, a translational restraint is added normal to the plane.
Rotational Restraints
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:
First, if there is a specified deflection or spring at the joint, a rotational restraint will not be applied.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  30

 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.
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 cannot be moved). If moving loads
does not solve the problem, a dummy member or spring may be inserted. Note that this situation is very rare.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Creating a Model  31

Plotting a Model
Overview
ATADS includes options to plot a three-dimensional representation of the tower. Many plot options are also available.
The following topics introduce some of these features.

Viewing a model
When a model is opened, the plot window will automatically display the tower. The first configuration will initially be
displayed.

Rotating
The tower plot can be rotated by using the mouse. To rotate the model, position the mouse over the plot window, press
and hold the left mouse button and move the mouse. Release the mouse button to stop rotating. The tower will rotate
around the joint closest to the mouse pointer.
The plot can also be rotated to align with the X-Y, Y-Z, or X-Z planes by selecting the appropriate toolbar buttons.
The Axis can be displayed by selecting the Axis on the toolbar. Selecting again turns off the axis display.
Reset Plot and Reset All buttons reset the rotation to the default angle.
If the Fit on Redraw button is selected, the tower will be rescaled as it is rotated to fill the plot window.

Zooming
Any portion of the tower can be zoomed in on at any time by using the mouse. To zoom, move the mouse to one corner
of the section of the tower to be zoomed. Press and hold the right mouse button while moving the mouse to the opposite
corner. Release the mouse button to zoom in. Zooming in and out can also be accomplished by positioning the mouse
pointer over the nearest joint and rotating the mouse wheel.
Pressing and holding the mouse wheel while moving the mouse allows shifting (panning) of the plot window.
Use the Fit, Fit on Redraw, or Reset Plot buttons to restore the window to the default position.

Plotting Bodies and Configurations

The plotted body / configuration can be changed in several ways. The title of the currently displayed configuration is
displayed in the status bar.
The plotted body/configuration can be changed by selecting Next Conf or Prev Conf buttons on the toolbar.
The plotted body/configuration can be automatically changed to match the currently selected body/configuration in the
Edit window by selecting the Track Config button on the toolbar.
The plotted configuration can be changed by selecting the Sel Conf button on the toolbar.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Plotting a Model  32

Changing Load Cases
The plotted load case can be changed in several ways. The title of the currently displayed load case is displayed in the
status bar.
The plotted load case can be changed by selecting Next LC or Prev LC buttons on the toolbar.
The plotted load case can be automatically changed to match the currently selected load case in the Edit window by
selecting Track LC button on the toolbar.
The plotted load case can be changed by selecting the Sel LC button on the toolbar.

Plot Options
Additional plot options are accessed through the Plot Options dialog. This dialog is displayed when double clicking on
the plot window or by clicking the Plot Options button on the plot window toolbar. Some of the plot options available
are described below.
Joints
Joint Labels – select one or more of the options to display joint labels. Selecting Match to Edit will display the
joint label associated with the line or lines selected in the Edit Window. When Mask is selected, ATADS will
not plot labels that would overwrite other labels.
Joint Highlights – select one or more of the options to display a filled circle around the joints. Selecting Match
to Edit works in a manner similar to Joint Labels.
Joint Supports – select one or more of the options to display a symbol at each joint with a support.

Fixed Pin

Spring Specified Deflection

Members
Member Labels – select one or more of the options to display member labels. Selecting Match to Edit will
display the member label associated with the line or lines selected in the Edit Window. When Mask is selected,
ATADS will not plot labels that would overwrite other labels.
Draw All Sections, Draw Frame Sections – Select to draw members as sections. Using these options allows
member orientation to be verified. When Draw Frame Sections is selected, only those members that are being
analyzed as a frame member are drawn.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Plotting a Model  33

 Shrink Section to 75% - This option reduces the member length to 75% and works only when Draw All
Sections or Draw Frame Sections is selected.
Exaggerate Unequal Angles and Tubes - This option increases the plotted size of long legs for unequal leg
angles and the long dimension for rectangular tubes to aid in visualizing orientation. This option works only
when Draw All Sections or Draw Frame Sections is selected.
Loads
Select the desired loads to plot. Selecting Constant will draw all load arrows the same length. Selecting Relative
will draw the arrows relative to the load value. Only those loads defined for the current load case are displayed.
Wind Panels
Select the desired wind panel information to plot. Select Show Repeated Members Only to display only those
members that are repeated in more than one wind panel.
Reactions
Select the desired reactions to plot. Selecting Constant will draw all reaction arrows the same length. Selecting
Relative will draw the arrows relative to the reaction value. Only those reactions associated with the current
load case are displayed. Reactions are only available after an analysis has been run.
Deflections
Use the options defined here to plot the deflected shape for the current load case. Deflections are only available
after an analysis has been run.
Force & Stress
Use the options defined here to plot member stresses or forces. Member stress and force are only available after
an analysis has been run.
Text
Text can be added to the bottom of the plot window here by typing the desired text in the window. The
configuration title and/or load case label can also automatically be inserted by selecting the appropriate button.
Colors / Font
Plot colors and fonts can be set in this window.
Preset Options
A specific combination of plotting options can be defined here for later use. To use this feature, begin by
selecting the combination of plotting features you want to have displayed. Next, use this window to add a title
for the selected plot options (type a title and click Add new). After a Preset Plot Option is created, it can be
easily set by double right clicking on the plot window and selecting the title from the menu.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Plotting a Model  34

Checking a Model
Overview
ATADS has the ability to run tests and report specific errors and warnings associated with a model. This is done through
the Model Checker.
An error indicates that a serious problem was detected in the model. All errors must be corrected before an analysis is
run. A warning indicates that a potential problem was detected in the model. Warnings will generally not prevent an
analysis from running, but may result in erroneous results.
Note that the Model Checker is to be used as an assistant only and that the absence of errors and warnings does not in
any way indicate that the results are correct or appropriate to the given problem. It is entirely the responsibility of the
user to verify the accuracy of any results obtained from ATADS.

Running the Model Checker

To run the Model Checker, open the Analysis / Model Checker window and select a toolbar button to Run once or Run
on update. The model checker will run and display the results. If Run on update was selected, the model checker will
automatically run every time a change is made to the model.
All error tests are completed before warning tests. If any errors are found, they are displayed and the warnings are not
checked or displayed. Once all errors are corrected, the warnings will be checked and displayed if any are found.

Warnings and Errors

Model Options Warnings and Errors

Warning MO1 - Redundant # weight is out of order.

Redundants should be specified in order from the lightest to the heaviest and should not be repeated. Refer to
Model Options – Redundants for more information.

Warning MO3 - Translational Restraints will not be applied.

Translational restraints will not be applied to the model. Although not strictly required, models usually use
artificial restraints. Refer to Model Options – Restraints for more information.

Warning MO4 - Rotational Restraints will be ignored.

Rotational restraints can be used in a frame analysis only. Refer to Model Options – Restraints for more
information.

Warning MO5 - BPA1 Bending stress checks has not been completed. Stress information is limited to
M/S and has not been verified.
Stress check information is available but the information provided is based on a very simplified and sometimes
unconservative technique. Refer to Combined Stresses for more information. This warning is always displayed
for a frame analysis as a reminder.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  35

 Error MO9 – Limit curve error - message.
An invalid Limit curve was found. The message gives more information.

Error MO10 – Invalid Limit configuration.

The configuration defined to run a Limit analysis on was not found. Specify the configuration by editing Model
Options and entering the number of the configuration to run Limit on. Refer to Model Options – Analysis for
more information.

Error MO11 - Invalid Limit load case.

The load case defined to run Limit on was not found. Specify the load case by editing Model Options and
entering the label of the load case to run Limit on. Refer to Model Options – Analysis for more information.

Error MO12 – Run Limit must be specified for CVA analysis.

Running a CVA analysis requires that the Run Limit option also be set. Set the Run Limit option by editing
Model Options and selecting the Analysis tab.

Error MO13 – A CVA analysis requires the number of runs to be set.

The number of Limit runs is required to complete a CVA analysis. Set the number of runs by editing Model
Options and selecting the Analysis tab.

Warning MO15 - default bolt size not specified.

Specify the default bolt size under Model Options – Bolts.

Sections Warnings and Errors

Error SE1 - Section ### has been repeated.

The specified section has been repeated.

Insulators Warnings and Errors

Warning IN1 - Insulator # has been repeated.

The specified insulator was defined more than one time.

Load Cases Warnings and Errors

Warning LC1 - 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.). Refer to Load Calculations – Wind Loads for more information.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  36

 Error LC2 - Load case has been duplicated.
The load case has been specified more than once. Delete the duplicate load case.

Error LC3 – At least 1 load case must be specified.

A load case must be defined in order to run an analysis.

Error LC4 - Load case # has been used in Joint Loads but has not been defined.
Joint Loads contains a reference to a load case that has not been defined in Load Cases.

Error LC5 - Load case # has been used in VString Loads but has not been defined.
VString Loads contains a reference to a load case that has not been defined in Load Cases.

Error LC9 - Load case # is an invalid load case label.

The load case was used but not defined in Load Cases.

Warning LC9 - Wind loads will not be included.

Wind loads will not be included in the analysis. This will occur if all load cases specify a wind type of None or
have 0 mph wind speed.

Body Warnings and Errors

Error BD1 – Body ## has been repeated.

More than one body was found with the same label. Each body label must be unique.

Error BD2 - Body ## Wire Load Case ## has not been defined.
The load case was not found.

Legs Warnings and Errors

Error LG1 - Leg # has been repeated.

More than one leg was found with the same label. Each leg label must be unique.

Error LG2 - Leg # redundant # has not been defined.

The definition for the redundant was not found. Change the redundant or define it under Model Options –
Redundants.

Warning LG3 - Leg # has not been used in any configurations.

The leg was defined but not used in any configuration.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  37

Joint Warnings and Errors

Warning JT1 - Joint # is connected to less than 2 primary members.

Primary joints are typically connected to at least two other joints through primary members.

Error JT2 - Invalid joint label #.

The specified joint is not valid. Valid joints range from 1 to 65000.

Error JT4 – Joint # slope joints JC1 and JC2 must be different.
Joints JC1 and JC2 must not be the same joint.

Error JT6 – Joint # invalid slope joint JC1 (or JC2).

The slope joint JC1 (or JC2) was not specified.

Error JT7 – Joint # has been repeated.

The joint has been defined more than once.

Error JT8 – Joints # and # have the same coordinates.

The two joints have the same coordinates within 0.001 feet for all three coordinates.

Error JT10 – X, Y, or Z coordinate not found for joint #.

The X, Y, or Z coordinate for the joint could not be calculated. This most often occurs when a joint is defined
using the slope intercept method and it is not possible to calculate the coordinate because the intercept does not
define a single point along the line.

Error JT11 - Joint # was not defined.

A joint was specified in the model but was not defined in the Joints section. The joint may have been specified
by using it as a member starting or ending joint, as a support joint, as a wind panel joint, etc.

Error JT12 - Joint # can have only one coordinate specified.

When a joint is specified with slope joints, a single coordinate (X, Y, or Z) must also be specified.

Error JT13 - Unexpected error for joint #.

An unexpected error was encountered when generating the specified joint. No additional information is
available.

Warning JT14 - Joint # will have a 3 axis artificial restraint applied.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  38

 A primary joint was defined that was found to be unstable in more than one direction. This is typically caused
by a joint being placed along a truss member without having any primary members framing into it other than
the member it is on.

Wire Attachments Warnings and Errors

Error AT1 – Label has been defined more than once. Each label must be unique.
A wire attachment label was found that had already been defined. Define each attachment with a unique label.
Error AT2 – Invalid type for attachment.
A wire attachment was found that did not have a valid Type specified.
Error AT3 – Joint for attachment has not been defined.
A joint was defined for a wire attachment that has not been defined in Joints.

Plate Warnings and Errors

Error PL1 - Joint has not been defined.

The specified joint has not been defined in the Joints section.
Error PL3 - Plates require at least 3 joints
A minimum of three joints are required to define a plate.
Error PL4 - Joint ### has been repeated.
Eliminate the repeated joint to correct.

Member Warnings and Errors

Warning ME1 - Member overlaps joint.

The specified joint lies along the member.

Error ME3 - Member was not defined in Member Groups.

Every member must have a member group defining it.

Error ME4 - Joint JTA for member has not been defined.
The starting joint JTA has not been defined in the joints section.

Error ME5 - Joint JTB for member has not been defined.
The ending joint JTB has not been defined in the joints section.

Error ME6 - Member has the same starting and ending joints.
JTA and JTB must be different joints.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  39

 Error ME8 - Member has an invalid rotation angle.
Valid values are from –360 degrees to +360 degrees.

Error ME9 - Member has the same connecting joints as member.

Two members cannot have the same connecting joints.

Member Group Warnings and Errors

Warning MG1 - Member group has a Member Type of -4, which is not recommended for frame analysis.
A Member Type of –4 (Hanger in crossarm) is not recommended for frame analysis due to special handling of
this Member Type.

Warning MG2 - Member group # has an unexpected Member Type.

Members with an SEC of 1 to 5 are usually dummy members. These member groups should have a Member
Type of 7 (Dummy Member) 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 used because no members were defined with the same label.

Warning MG5 – Could not calculate braced length

Several conditions can cause this warning to occur. All are associated with member types defined as cross
braces.
 no members connected
 not enough members connected
 invalid connected joint
 invalid member detected
At least two members must be defined to form a cross brace and the beginning and ending joints must be
defined.

 cross brace member not found

Two valid members were found but it was determined that they do not form a cross brace. This could occur
if the two members do not lie in the same plane or do not intersect.

Error MG6 - Member group has been repeated.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  40

 Each member group must be defined only one time. This error can also occur if a member group was recovered
from a previous configuration.

Error MG7 - Member group has a Section that has not been defined.
Every SEC (Section) must be found in the section database or defined in the Sections data.

Error MG8 - Member group has a MAT that has not been defined.
Every MAT (Material) must be found in the material database or defined in the Materials data.

Warning MG9 - Member group # was specified as a Guy Wire but was not specified as tension only.
To act as a nonlinear tension only member, a guy wire must be also be defined as a tension only member group.

Warning MG11 - Member group # uses an Eq# with an out of range l/r#. (# to #)
All equations have a valid range. This warning will be displayed if an equation is found that violates the valid
range.

Error MG12 - Member group # has an invalid Limit curve #.

The Limit curve specified for this member group could not be found. Valid member curves are 1 to 60 and
those defined in the ATADS9LimitData.txt file.

Error MG13 - Member group # is defined as tension only. This option is not allowed for a Limit analysis.
Member Groups can not be defined as tension only in a Limit analysis. Remove the tension only option and
define a Limit curve to correct this problem.

Error MG14 - Member group # is defined as hanger in cross arm. This option is not allowed for a Limit
analysis.
Member Groups can not be defined as hanger in cross arm in a Limit analysis. Set the member type to another
option and define a Limit curve to correct this problem.

Error MG15 - Member group # is defined as a guy wire. This option is not allowed for a Limit analysis.
Member Groups can not be defined as guy wire in a Limit analysis. Set the member type to another option and
define a Limit curve to correct this problem.

Error MG16 – At least one member group must have a Limit curve specified.
When a Limit analysis is selected, at least on member group must have a curve specified.

Warning MG17 – Member Group has inconsistent lengths.

Member Group capacity is calculated based on member length. Therefore, all members in the same member
group should have the same length. Note: The lengths of all members must be within +- 1% to be considered
the same length. Note: this warning will not be displayed if braced lengths for this member group have been
specified.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  41

 Warning MG18 – Member group has an l/r equation specified. l/r equations are valid only for angles.
Specifying an equation to use to adjust the l/r is not valid for any sections other than angles. Change the
equation to Not Specified to eliminate this warning.

Warning MG19 – Member group has rupture data specified. Rupture calculations are for single and
double angles only.
Specifying the Number of Shear Holes or Number of Tension Holes implies that rupture calculations should be
done. Rupture calculations are available for single and double angles only – not for other sections such as pipes
and tubes.

Warning MG20 – Member group has partial rupture data specified. Number of Shear Holes and Number
of Tension Holes must both be specified.
Both Number of Shear Holes and Number of Tension Holes are required to complete the rupture calculations.

Warning MG21 – Member group has rupture data specified. Rupture calculations are not available for
members connected on both legs.
Rupture calculations are available for double angles and single angles connected on one leg only. The definition
of this Member Group says that it is is single angle connected on both legs.

Warning MG22 - Member group # design profile # was not found.

The design profile was specified but the definition for it wasn’t found.

Wind Panels Warnings and Errors

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.

Error WP3 - 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.

Warning WP5 - 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 WP6 - Panel number # joint # can not be loaded.

The specified joint is not able to support load.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  42

 Warning WP8 - 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 WP10 - no transverse wind panels have been defined.

Transverse wind panels must be defined in order for wind loads on the tower to be calculated properly. This is
true for all wind angles with a component of wind in the transverse direction. That is, angles other than 0 or 180
degrees.

Warning WP11 - no longitudinal wind panels have been defined.

Longitudinal wind panels must be defined in order for wind loads on the tower to be calculated properly. This is
true for all wind angles with a component of wind in the longitudinal direction. That is, angles other than 90 or
– 90 degrees.

Error WP12 - Panel number ### secondary joint ### cannot be loaded.
The specified joint does not have adequate stiffness to support the wind load.

Supports Warnings and Errors

Warning SU1 – Joint has rotational supports that will be ignored.

Rotational specified deflections can be used only with a frame analysis.

Error SU3 - Joint has been repeated.

The support joint has been specified more than once.

Error SU5 - Joint must be primary.

All joints with supports must be defined as primary.

Ladders Warnings and Errors

Error LD1 - Ladder joint # was not defined.
The specified joint was not found.

Error LD2 - Ladder (#, #) slope must be greater than 45 degrees.

The ladder must be vertical.

Platforms Warnings and Errors

Error PF1 - Platform joint # was not defined.
The specified joint was not found.
Error PF2 - Platform (#, #) Z coordinates must be equal.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  43

 The platform must be horizontal.

Joint Loads Warnings and Errors

Warning JL1 - Load case # joint # is not able to support load in X, Y, Z direction.
The specified joint is not able to support load in the indicated direction.

Warning JL2 - Load case # has load in the positive Z direction.

Loads are not normally oriented in the positive Z direction.

Error JL3 - Load case # joint # has been duplicated.

The Joint Load has been specified more than once for the specified load case.

Error JL5 - Load case # joint # can not have moment applied.
Rotational loads can be applied only with a frame analysis.

Error JL6 - Load case # joint # must be primary.

All joint loads must be applied to primary joints.

VString Loads Warnings and Errors

Error VS1 - Load case # Jt1 and Jt2 must be different joints.
Jt1 cannot be the same as Jt2.

Error VS2 - Load case # joint # has not been defined.

The specified joint definition could not be found.

Error VS4 - Load case # joint # must be primary.

All loaded joints must be defined as primary.

Error VS5 - Load case # has an invalid height specified.

The height must be greater than zero.

Error VS6 - Load case # has an invalid angle specified.

The angle must be greater than zero and less than 90 degrees.

Error VS7 - Load case # must be in the Y-Z plane.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  44

 The VString must be in the YZ plane (the X coordinate values for Jt1 and Jt2 joints must be equal.)

Error VS8 - Load case # VString joint must be between Jt1 and Jt2.
The angle, height, and coordinates of Jt1 and Jt2 are used to calculate the position of VsJt. The calculation
indicated that VsJt would not be between Jt1 and Jt2.

Error VS10 - Load case # load must be in negative direction.

The load in the Z direction must be negative.

Error VS11 - Load case # Jnt2 (#) must have a greater Y coordinate than Jnt1 (#).
Jnt1 and Jnt2 must be oriented correctly. To correct this error, reverse Jnt1 and Jnt2. Note that the Angle and H
values may change when Jnt1 and Jnt2 are reversed.
Error VS12 - Load case =#, Jnt1=#, Jnt2=#, equilibrium error.
An unexpected error occurred that resulted in an equilibrium error when the VString load distribution was
performed.

Wire Loads Warnings and Errors

Error WL1 – Attachment has not been defined.

A Wire Attachment has not been defined with the specified label.

Configuration Warnings and Errors

Error CG1 – Configuration # has been repeated.

More than one configuration was found with the same label. All configuration labels must be unique.

Error CG2 - Configuration # body # has not been defined.

The body specified for the configuration was not found.

Error CG3 - Configuration # leg # has not been defined.

The leg specified for the configuration was not found.

Error CG4 - At least one configuration must be defined.

At least one configuration must be specified before an analysis can be completed.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Checking a Model  45

Load Calculations
Dead Loads
Member Weight
ATADS can compute the weight of each member in the structure and automatically distribute the load to primary joints.
To calculate member weight, ATADS uses the formula:
Member Weight = Area x Length x Unit Weight x Factor1 x Factor2
Where:
Area is from the section property table.
Length is calculated based on the coordinates of JtA and JtB.
Unit Weight is from the section database.
Factor 1 is the DL Factor defined for the specific load case.
Factor2 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 have default values based on the Tower Type set
in Model Options or can be overridden using the Dead Load Factors in Model Options. The factors are:
Secondary Factor
If the Member is secondary (as defined in Member Groups), the Secondary Factor is used.
Leg Factor
If the Secondary Factor does not apply and the Member Type is Main Leg in Leg Extension or Leg Diagonal,
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 Model Options do not exist, the three factors are determined based on tower type and
existence of secondary members. Tower Type specified in the Model Options determines the tower type. The existence
of secondary members is determined by checking each member group. If a single member group is defined as
secondary, it is assumed that all secondary members have been specified.
The default values are:
For Tower Type = Light Susp. Tower
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 = Standard Susp. Tower

1.15 for primary members when secondary members exist.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Load Calculations  46

 1.15 for secondary members.
1.15 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 = Dead End or Heavy Susp. Tower

1.15 for primary members when secondary members exist.
1.15 for secondary members.
1.15 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 = River Crossing Tower

1.15 for primary members when secondary members exist.
1.15 for secondary members.
1.15 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 = General Structure

1.10 for primary members when secondary members exist.
1.10 for secondary members.
1.10 for leg members when secondary members exist.
1.10 for primary members when secondary members do not exist.
1.10 for leg members when secondary members do not exist.

Dead Load Distribution

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 stable
joint.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Load Calculations  47

Wind Loads
Tower wind loads can be automatically calculated and applied to the model.
For all wind types, transverse and longitudinal wind panels are included in the Wind Panels section of the
model. The Additional Wind Area and Area Factor defined in Wind Panels can be used to adjust the wind area
to account for members not included in the model. Wind Profiles, defined in Model Options, can also be used to
increase wind with height by specifying a Profile to use in Load Cases.
The following Wind Types, specified in Load Cases, are available.
None
No wind loads will be calculated.
BPA
When this wind option is specified, transverse and longitudinal wind panels are included in the Wind Panels
section of the model. 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 BPA
Wind Area Factor. The Additional Wind Area and Area Factor defined in Wind Panels can be used to adjust the
wind area to account for members not included in the model.
The calculation used to find the load applied in the analysis is as follows:
Transverse Load = Velocity 2 x AirDen x Drag Coef. x Factor x TArea x Sin (Angle)
Longitudinal Load = Velocity 2 x AirDen x kz x Drag Coef. x Factor x LArea x Cos (Angle)
Where:
Velocity is the velocity as specified in the Load Cases
AirDen is the Air Density Factor as specified in Model Options – Wind and defaults to
0.00256.
Kz is calculated based on the wind profile specified for the specific load case and defined
under Model Options – Wind.
Drag Coef. is the shape factor as specified in Model Options – Wind and defaults to 1.6.
Factor (wind angle factor) is 1.125 for angles of +- 30,60,120,150,etc. For other angles,
Factor is 1.0.
TArea is the calculated transverse wind area
LArea is the calculated longitudinal wind area
Angle is the wind angle as specified in Load Cases
NESC 250B, 250C, 250D
Follows NESC 2012 section 250.B combined ice and wind loading, 250.C extreme wind loading, or 250.D
extreme ice with concurrent wind loading
ASCE 74 Exp B, Exp C, Exp D
Follows ASCE 74 Third Edition Exposure Category B, C, or D.

VString Loads
VStrings are not included in the analysis. Instead, the loads to be applied through the vstring are calculated and
applied directly to the attaching joints. 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.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Load Calculations  48

 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:

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Load Calculations  49

 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

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Load Calculations  50

Stress Checks
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 automatically.
Note: The braced lengths should always be checked. Inaccurate braced lengths will result in incorrect
member capacities.
Braced lengths may be specified using joint numbers, specifying the braced lengths directly, or by specifying
the effective length factor. All methods are available through the Axial Options button in the Member Group
editor.
If not specified using one of the methods described above, ATADS will calculate the braced lengths for you.
The method ATADS uses to calculate the braced length of a Member Group is as follows. Note that the first
technique that applies will always be used.

1) If the Member Group is defined as a cross brace, 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.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  51

 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:

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  52

 4) If a braced length cannot 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.
The following equations are used for BPA1 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) kl/r = l/r Manual 52 Curves 1 and 4

Used for:
Leg members bolted in both faces at connections (0 <= l/r <= 150)
Primary members with a concentric load at both ends of the unsupported panel (0 <= l/r <=
120)
Primary members unrestrained against rotation at both ends of the unsupported panel (120 <=
l/r <= 200)
Secondary members unrestrained against rotation at both ends of the unsupported panel (120
<= l/r <= 250)

Equation 6 kl/r = 30 + 0.75 x l/r Manual 52 Curve 2

Used for:
Primary members with a concentric load at one end and normal framing eccentricity at the
other end of the unsupported panel (0 <= l/r <= 120)

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  53

 Equation 7 kl/r = 60 + 0.5 x l/r Manual 52 Curve 3
Used for:
Primary members with normal framing eccentricity at both ends of the unsupported panel (0
<= l/r <= 120)

Equation 8 kl/r = 28.6 + 0.762 x l/r Manual 52 Curve 5

Used for:
Primary members with partial restraint against rotation at one end of the unsupported panel
(120 <= l/r <= 225)
Secondary members with partial restraint against rotation at one end of the unsupported panel
(120 <= l/r <= 290)

Equation 9 kl/r = 46.2 + 0.615 x l/r Manual 52 Curve 6

Used for:
Primary members with partial restraint against rotation at both ends of the unsupported panel
(120 <= l/r <= 250)
Secondary members with partial restraint against rotation at both ends of the unsupported
panel (120 <= l/r <= 330)

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:

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  54

 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
Net Area = Lessor of .85 Ag and Ae as shown on the following drawings.
Hole Diameter = Bolt Diameter + 1/8 inch for sections with thickness less than ¾”
Hole Diameter = Bolt Diameter + 1/16 inch for sections with thickness over ¾”

BPA1

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  55

ASCE 10
Effective Net Area is as shown on the following drawings.
Hole Diameter = Bolt Diameter + 1/16 inch

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  56

Tension Capacity
BPA
The BPA capacity calculations were designed to match the capacities as calculated in the VAX Tower Analysis
program. The following describes how tension capacities are calculated.

Tension Capacity = Fy x An
Where:
Fy is the yield stress based on the material
An is the Net Area
ASCE 10
Tension Capacity = Ft x An
Where:
Ft is Fy for members connected on two legs (Outstanding Leg = 0) or 0.9 x Fy for members
connected on one leg (Outstanding Leg = 1 or 2).
An is the Net Area

Compression Capacity
BPA
The BPA capacity calculations were designed to match the capacities as calculated in the VAX Tower Analysis
program. The following describes how compression capacities are calculated.

For steel members

Compression Capacity = Fa x Ag
Where:
Fa is the allowable stress:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fa = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/r / Cc)2]
For kl/r > Cc, Fa = 2.86E+08 / kl/r2
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]

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  57

 For b/t > 3750 / Sqrt (Fy), Fcr = 8400000 / b/t2
Ag is the gross area based on the section property
For aluminum members
Compression Capacity = Fa x Ag
Where:
Fa is the allowable stress = lowest of Fa1 and Fa2:
For kl/r <= 9.5, Fa1 = Fy / 1.12
For 9.5 < kl/r <= 66,
Bc = Fy x (1 + Sqrt (Fy / 2250))
Dc = (Bc / 10.0) x Sqrt (Bc / E)
Fa1 = Bc - Dc x kl/r
For kl/r > 66
Fa1 = Pi2 x E / kl/r2

For b/t <= 5.2, Fa2 = Fy / 1.12;

For 5.2 < b/t <= 12

Bp = Fy x (1 + Fy1/3 / 11.4);
Dp = (Bp / 10.0) x Sqrt (Bp / E);
Fa2 = Bp - 5.1 x Dp x b/t

For b/t > 12

Fa2 = Pi2 x E / (5.1 x b/t) 2;

Ag is the gross area based on the section property

ASCE 10
Compression Capacity = Fa x Ag
Where:
Fa is the allowable stress:
For kl/r <= Cc, Fa = Fy [1 - 0.5 (kl/r / Cc) 2]
For kl/r > Cc, Fa = Pi2 x E / (kl/r) 2
Cc = Pi x Sqrt (2 x E / Fcr)
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 Pi2 x E / (b/t) 2
Ag is the gross area
Note: ASCE 10 Compression Capacity calculations are available for steel members only.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  58

Connection Capacity
ATADS has the ability to perform some basic connection capacity calculations.
ATADS includes two basic connection capacity calculations for each Member Group – shear capacity and
bearing capacity. Connection capacity calculations are identical for both BPA and ASCE 10 stress checks.
ATADS does not include connection capacity calculations for secondary members, dummy members, guy
members, or members with a section other than single and double angles.
Shear Capacity = Number of Bolts x Shear Planes per Bolt x Bolt Shear Capacity
Number of Bolts is defined in Member Groups
Shear Planes per Bolt is defined in Member Groups
Bolt Shear Capacity = 0.62 x BoltFu x A
BoltFu is defined in Member Groups
A = Ag when threads are excluded from the shear plane
Ag = bolt cross sectional area
A = Ak when threads are included in the shear plane
Ak = minimum root area
ATADS uses the following values for Ag and Ak.

Bolt Size Ag Ak
1/2" 0.1964 in2 0.1257 in2
5/8” 0.3068 in2 0.2017 in2
3/4" 0.4418 in2 0.3019 in2
7/8” 0.6013 in2 0.4192 in2
1” 0.7854 in2 0.5509 in2
1 1/8” 0.9940 in2 0.6929 in2
16 mm 201 mm2 157 mm2
20 mm 314 mm2 245 mm2
22 mm 380 mm2 303 mm2
24 mm 452 mm2 353 mm2
27 mm 572 mm2 459 mm2
30 mm 707 mm2 561 mm2
36 mm 1018 mm2 817 mm2
Others πD2/4 Ag x 0.70

Warning: for values of Ak not included in this table, ATADS estimates the value
using the equation shown above. This estimate may or may not be conservative.
Bearing Capacity = Number of Bolts x Bearing Surfaces per Bolt x Bolt Bearing Capacity
Number of Bolts is defined in Member Groups
Bearing Surfaces per Bolt is defined in Member Groups
Bolt Bearing Capacity = 1.5 x Fu x D x Th
Fu is the minimum of BoltFu and the Fu of the Member Group (note – although rare, it is
possible for BoltFu to control when high strength members are used with very low strength
bolts).

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  59

 D is the nominal diameter of the bolt
Th is the thickness of the angle

Some examples of determining Shear Planes per Bolt and Bearing Surfaces per Bolt are shown below.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  60

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  61
 Results from connection capacity calculations are available in the Data Viewer and the Design Report.
Connection capacity stress ratios can also be plotted by selecting Plot Options, Force & Stress tab, and then
checking the Include Connection Capacities option.

Rupture Capacity
Rupture, also known as block shear, is calculated for both BPA and ASCE 10 stress check types. The rupture
capacity is calculated for each member group that has all of the following conditions met:
1. The number of Shear Holes has been specified in Member Groups.
2. The number of Tension Holes has been specified in Member Groups.
3. The section is a single angle connected on one leg or a double angle connected on two legs.
Rupture Capacity = 0.60 x Av x Fu + At x Fy
Where:
Av is the net area in shear parallel to a tension force
Fu is the ultimate stress based of the material
At is the net area in tension perpendicular to a tension force
Fy is the yield stress based of the material

The values for a, b, and c can be specified for each member group (End Distance, Bolt Spacing, and Edge
Distance) or will be set to default values if left blank. See Member Groups for more information.
A Rupture report including capacities and forces is available in the Data Viewer and in the Design Report.
Rupture stress ratios can be plotted by selecting Plot Options, Force & Stress tab, and then checking the Include
Rupture Capacities option.

Combined Stresses
Bending stresses in ATADS are accomplished by using simple M/S equations. Caution – the technique used
for calculating bending stresses for single and double angles may not be conservative. Be sure to verify all
bending stresses by hand when using frame analysis.
Combined stresses in ATADS use the following equation:
Combined Stress = P / Pa + (Mx / Sx) / Fy + (My / Sy) / Fy
Where:

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  62

 P = axial force
Pa = axial capacity
Mx , My = Moments about X and Y axes
Sx, Sy = Section modulus about X and Y axes

Worker Loads
ATADS calculates the bending stress ratio associated with a worker standing on the center of a member. The
resulting stress ratio is displayed in the Plot Details window when Member Info is selected on the Details
toolbar. The Member Design tool also calculates the worker load stress ratio. Worker Load stresses are
calculated using the following technique.
Ratio = fbw / (Fy / SFw)
Where:
fbw = M / S = bending stress due to a worker standing in the center of the member
Fy = yield stress
SFw = worker load safety factor. Default = 1.5
M = W L2 / 8 + PwL / 4
S = minimum of Sx and Sy
W = member weight / L
Pw = worker weight. Default = 250 pounds
L = projected member length
Note: The weight of the worker and the worker load safety factor can be overridden in Model Options.
A summary of worker load stress ratios is available by using the Data Viewer. The Data Viewer table includes
the maximum worker load stress ratio for each unique member label. The table includes both primary and
secondary members, but does not include dummy members or members inclined more than 45 degrees.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Stress Checks  63

Tools
Analysis Report

ATADS can create a variety of reports. These reports are written to a file in text format and can be viewed or
printed on any printer connected to the system or network. To create a report, select Analysis Report on the
Tools/Export ribbon tab. Select the desired reports to create and then click the Create button.
The report is automatically displayed using NotePad, but you can use a different file viewer if you wish. To
change the default viewer, associate the RPT file extension with the viewer of your choice.
Some reports are not available until an analysis has been run. If you need one of these reports, run the analysis
before generating the report.
Reports can be thousands of lines long for complex models, so use caution when generating reports. Limit the
selected reports to what you really need or use another method such as Plot Details or the Data Viewer to get
the information.

Member Capacity

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  64

 The Member Capacity tool (Tools tab) is used to calculate tension and compression capacities use BPA or
ASCE 10 – 97 techniques.
With this tool, BPA and ASCE 10 – 97 capacities can be compared, information about the details used to
calculate the capacities of a specific member can be obtained, and the algorithms ATADS uses to calculate
capacities can be verified.

Section Property Calculator

The Section Property Calculator tool calculates section properties of many standard and a few special sections.
This tool is also available in the Section editor.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  65

VString Load Calculator

The VString Load tool calculates insulator forces and equivalent connecting joint forces for Vstrings. Refer to
VString Loads for more information about how ATADS solves vstring forces.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  66

Connection Rupture

The Connection Rupture tool calculates tension capacity based on connection rupture.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  67

Select Output

The Select Output tool limits summary results to specific configurations and load cases.

Report Generator
Joint displacements
Member forces
Artificial restraint forces
Reactions
Footing loads
Equilibrium
Summary report
Data Viewer
Joint displacements
Member forces
Artificial restraint forces
Equilibrium
Summary – axial
Summary – combined
Connection summary
Rupture summary
Footing summary
Plot

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  68

 Member forces and stresses are limited to the selected load cases when “Max for all load cases” is
selected.

Design Report

Similar to the Analysis Report, the Design Report tool produces a text file that can be viewed or printed.

Member Optimization

The Member Design Tool assists the designer in selecting optimized members based on stress ratio, weight,
cost, and kl/r limits.
The Member Design tool works with the Edit Window. Selecting a single Member Group in the Edit Window
will display a list of suggested members based on the Options specified. The first line displayed is always a

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  69

 match of the selected Member Group. Run an analysis so that member forces are available before using this
tool.
Update & Run Click this button to change the selected Member Group to the highlighted suggested group and
run an analysis.
Update Only Click this button to change the selected Member Group to the highlighted suggested group
without running an analysis. This option is used primarily for secondary members that don’t change stress after
an analysis is run.
Options Click this button to display the Member Design Options window show below.

Use Cost Factors Check this box to sort the suggested members based on the relative cost rather than by
weight.
Size Factor 8” Enter a factor to use associated with members with leg lengths greater than 6”. Leave this field
empty to use a factor of 1.50.
Size Factor 6” Enter a factor to use associated with members with leg lengths greater than 5” and up to 6”.
Leave this field empty to use a factor of 1.35.
Size Factor 5” Enter a factor to use associated with members with leg lengths greater than 4” and up to 5”.
Leave this field empty to use a factor of 1.20.
Size Factor 4” Enter a factor to use associated with members with leg lengths 4” and smaller. Leave this field
empty to use a factor of 1.00.
Unequal Leg Factor Enter a factor to use associated with members with unequal leg angles. Leave this field
empty to use a factor of 1.125.
Stitch Factor Enter a factor to use associated with double angle and cruciform sections. Leave this field empty
to use a factor of 1.05.
Welded Angle Factor Enter a factor to use associated with welded plate angles. Leave this field empty to use a
factor of 3.00.

Full Tower Optimization

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  70

 The Full Tower Optimization Tool assists the designer in designing the member groups in the tower bodies by
selecting optimized members based on stress ratio, weight, cost, and kl/r limits.
Run Optimization Click this button to optimize all member groups in all bodies.
Options Click this button to display the Member Design Options window. These options are identical to those
described under Member Optimization.

Leg Extension

The Leg Extension Design tool assists the designer by automating the design of leg extensions. With this tool,
the lowest weights possible of main legs, diagonals, and redundants can be found easily.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  71

 Prior to using the tool, redundants and leg extensions must be defined in the model and an analysis must be run.
All legs defined in the model are displayed in the listbox.
Update Model Click this button after making changes to the leg extensions in order to update the model.
Run Analysis Click this button to run the analysis so that the tool can be updated with the matching forces.
Print Click this button to print a Leg Extension report.
Main Leg tab
Select a single leg and the Main Leg tab to display the plot and details related to the main leg and the main leg
bracing members. Selecting a specific brace will highlight the brace and display details. The controls can be
used to modify the main leg section, brace points, and bracing members.
When more than one leg is selected, it is not possible to display the details for all legs, but the controls can be
used to change the main leg section, pattern, etc. for all selected legs.
Diagonals tab
Select a single leg and the Diagonals tab to display the plot and details related to the diagonal and the diagonal
bracing members. Selecting a specific brace will highlight the brace and display details. The controls can be
used to modify the diagonal section, brace points, and bracing members.
When more than one leg is selected, it is not possible to display the details for all diagonals, but the controls can
be used to change the diagonal section, pattern, etc. for all selected legs.
Design tab
Set the design options and select the Optimize Selected Legs or Optimize All Legs button under the design tab
to automatically design the selected legs.
Plot tab
Select the Plot tab to display a graph of leg height vs. weight for all selected legs. This plot can be used to help
determine if the design of one or more legs can be improved.
Warnings tab
Select the Warnings tab to have the program check and display a list of warnings that might need attention.

Grillage Footing Design

The Grillage Footing Design tool assists with checking capacity of existing grillage footings as well as
providing an optimization algorithm to help find the lowest cost footing based on steel weight.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  72

Plate Footing Design

The Plate Footing Design tool assists with checking capacity of existing plate footings as well as providing an
optimization algorithm to help find the lowest cost footing based on steel weight.

Pad & Pier Footing Design

The Pad & Pier Footing Design tool assists with checking capacity of pad & pier footings.

Conductor Clearance

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  73

 Conductor clearances for suspension towers can be measured in ATADS. The process involves a few steps:
1. Open the desired model and define one or more insulators.
Insulators are defined by selecting Insulator in the Edit window.
2. Ensure that there is a joint defined at the exact insulator attachment point.
The insulator typically attaches below the end of the arm, sometimes several feet below if a drop
bracket is used. Define a joint at the center of the insulator attachment hole. Define two joints for
vstring insulators, one at each attachment location.
3. Open the Conductor Clearance tool. Click Add to specify the insulator and attachment joint.
Then define the swing angle, line angle, etc for the insulator.

Min Swing (degrees), Max Swing (degrees), Nstep

Min Swing and Max Swing are degrees from vertical. Clockwise is positive.
NStep controls the number of times the insulator will be plotted. Range is 1 to 40.

X < 0 Slope (degrees), X > 0 Slope (degrees)

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  74

 Line Angle (degrees), Min X Range (inches), Max X Range (inches), Step (inches)

Horizontal Departure Angle (degrees)

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  75

 The horizontal departure angle is similar to line angle in that it indicates the angle from the X
axis as the conductor moves away from the Y axis. When a line angle and a Horizontal
Departure Angle is specified, ATADS will combine the values.
Select Clearance 1 or Clearance 2 in the Details toolbar.
Method 1 finds the closest member to the mouse pointer and then calculates the closest distance from
that member to the closest energized point.
Method 2 works similarly to Method 1 except it measures from a point on the member near the mouse
pointer.
Measure the clearance by moving the mouse over the plot.
The clearance is displayed in the Details Window.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Tools  76

Advanced Features
Edit and Wait
When you use Edit and Wait (Home tab on ribbon), ATADS sends the model to a text editor and waits until you
complete editing and then close the file. It then displays a dialog box asking if you would like to reload the file.
Select Yes and ATADS will reload the edited file.
This feature allows editing of the model using features not available in ATADS such as search and replace.
Extreme caution must be used with Edit and Wait because it is very easy to damage the model to a point
where it cannot be reloaded. It is highly recommended that the model be backed up prior to using Edit
and Wait.
NotePad is the default editor, but you can use a different file editor if you wish. To change the default editor,
associate the ATE file extension with the editor of your choice.

Exporting
ATADS models can be exported to several file formats. To export a model, select the Tools/Export ribbon tab
and then select one of the following options:
 Export Image – BMP – exports the image of the plot in standard Windows bitmap format (bmp).
 Export Image - EMF – exports the vector based image of the plot in Enhanced Metafile format (emf).
This format often works well when including an image in Microsoft Word or Excel.
 Export CAD - IGS 2D – same as 3D except projects the model into 2D before exporting based on the
current view.
 Export CAD - IGS 3D – exports the 3D model using the IGS (International Graphic Standard) file
format that can be imported into many CAD programs. The exported data contains joint and
connectivity data but does not contain other information such as member sizes.
 Export CAD - DXF 2D – same as 3D except projects the model into 2D before exporting based on the
current view.
 Export CAD – DXF 3D – exports the 3D model using the DXF file format that can be imported into
many CAD programs. The exported data contains joint and connectivity data but does not contain
other information such as member sizes.
 Joint & Members for current view – this option was made available for a special in house BPA
program that requires this information.

Modeling Guy Wires

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.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Advanced Features  77

 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 several pieces of information. First, the Member Type for each
member must be set to Guy Wires in the Member Groups section. In addition, the Tension Only option must be
selected under Member Groups – Tension. 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 initially. They may create instabilities.
2. Set all Guy members to Guy Wires and the Tension only flag.
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.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Advanced Features  78

 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 multiple Guys are 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 “Primary – Any T / C member not described below” 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 ¼ single angles. Be sure to set
the Member Type to “Primary – Any T / C member not described below” 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.

Limit
The Limit Analysis techniques used in ATADS are based on processes developed by W. H. Mueller, PhD. For
more information, refer to “LIMIT: A Space Truss Analysis Program with Postbuckling Member Behavior”,
March 1988. The following documentation was adapted from the original documentation written by Dr.
Mueller.

Introduction
Limit is capable of modeling nonlinear member performance. The nonlinear member behavior is defined by the
user as a member load vs. member axial deflection curve or member performance curve. A typical member
performance curve is composed of three regions, elastic, inelastic, and post-buckling. A typical compression
member performance curve with these regions defined is shown below.

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Theory
In a nonlinear analysis, the joint displacements, member forces, etc, are calculated using an elastic member
response. Thus, the basic solution is identical to that used to account for the nonlinear member response. In this
procedure an elastic response for each nonlinear member is issued as shown as line 1 below.

The curve is the desired non-linear response of the member. Assume that a linear solution using the stiffness
defined by line 1 produces a load/deflection value equal to point A. This solution is not correct since point A
and the curve defining the desired member performance do not coincide. A new stiffness represented by line 2
is then assumed and another solution performed. Again our solution is not correct if point B represents the
load/deflection values calculated. However, the second solution is closer to the desired one since point B is
closer than point A to the member performance curve. The above trial and error procedure continues until the
calculated load/deflection point is within a user-defined distance from the desired member performance curve.
This agreement must exist for all nonlinear members for a solution to be valid.
In a nonlinear analysis, Limit is calculating the collapse load of the structure. Thus once a valid solution is
obtained all incremental loads are increased and the above-described nonlinear analysis performed. The process
of analyzing, increasing loads, analyzing, increasing loads and so on continues until a solution cannot be
obtained. The size of the load increment is reduced and the process of analyzing and increasing the loads is
repeated. When the size of the load increment is equal to or less that the limit defined by the user as input the
solution is halted. The loads of the last valid solution are defined as the collapse load.

Collapse Load Factor

In a Limit analysis, a collapse load factor is calculated. Collapse is defined as the point at which the structure
cannot withstand additional load.
In order to calculate the collapse load factor, Limit increments loads until a solution cannot be found. The
highest load factor where a solution was found is the Load Factor and is displayed at the end of an analysis as
shown below. The first load factor is that applied to constant loads and the second is applied to incremented
loads.

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Incremented and Constant Loads
A nonlinear analysis allows for two types of loads. Constant and those increased in increments. A constant load
is fixed at a single value throughout the analysis. Incremented loads are increased until collapse. The analysis
begins with these loads at their initial value and increments them until collapse. Any type of load can be
constant (dead loads, wind loads, etc.). Joint loads and VString loads can be constant or incremented.
To specify a constant load, specify it as you would for an elastic analysis.
To specify a load as incremented, define a Joint Load or VStrings Load and check the X,Y,Z Inc checkbox next
to the appropriate load. As many loads as necessary can be incremented. At least one load must be incremented
for a Limit analysis. Wind loads and dead loads cannot be incremented.
To specify the load factor to use at the beginning of a Limit analysis, edit the Model Options and select the
Limit tab. Select the Options button and enter the load factor in the Starting Load Multiplier field.
To specify the load factor increment, edit the Model Options and select the Limit tab. Select the Options button
and enter the load increment in the Load Multiplier Increment field.
In ATADS, two load factors are displayed during a Limit analysis as shown below.

The first load factor (1.00000 above) is the factor used with the constant loads. The second load factor (varies
from 0.100000 to 1.075000 above) is the factor used with the incremented loads.
The constant load factor is always 1.0 except for in a special case. When a solution can not be found at the
Starting Load Multiplier, ATADS will set both load factors to zero and then increment the constant load factor
by the Load Multiplier Increment until 1.0 is reached. It will then increase the incremented load factor.

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Member Performance Curves
Member performance curves define the relationship between axial force and axial displacement. Each member
group can have a curve specified. If a curve is not specified, the member will be assumed to be elastic. In a
Limit analysis, at least one member group must have a member performance curve specified.
Predefined Curves
ATADS contains 60 predefined member performance curves. These curves are defined in a normalized
format. The normalized data is transformed to actual data during the Limit analysis. Below is a plot of
the first 30 predefined normalized compression curves used in ATADS.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Advanced Features  82

 Each of the 60 predefined curves also contain normalized tension data. Below is a plot of the
predefined normalized tension curves used in ATADS. The same data points are used for all 60
normalized curves.

Converting curves from normalized to actual

The process ATADS uses to convert from a normalized member performance curve to an actual
member performance curve is as follows.

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 The member shown above has the following properties:
Section = L3x3x1/4, Area = 1.440 sq in., L = 5.118 feet = 61.416”
Material = 50 ksi, E = 29000 ksi
Compression Capacity = 38.156 kips
Curve 18
The actual load is factored based on the capacity of the member where 1.0 on the normalized
curve becomes the compression capacity (or tension capacity) of the actual curve.
The actual displacement is factored based on displacement at member capacity where 0.05 on
the normalized curve becomes P L / (A E) on the actual curve.
Axial Displacement at 38.156 kips = P L / (A E)
= 38.156 kips x 61.416” / ( 1.44 sq in. x 29000 ksi) = 0.0561”.

Normalized Load Normalized Disp Actual Load Actual Disp

0.400 1.040 15.2624 1.1669
0.424 0.755 16.1781 0.8471
0.620 0.425 23.6567 0.4769
1.000 0.090 38.1560 0.1010
1.000 0.050 38.1560 0.0561
0.000 0.000 0.0000 0.0000

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 Using the Set Limit Curve Tool
ATADS has a tool for assisting in curve selection. The Set Limit Curve tool automatically converts
the selected normalized member performance curve to an actual member performance curve. To use
the Set Limit Curve Tool, select Tools – Limit – Set Curve from the Home tab.

When a Member Group is selected in the Edit Window, the Set Limit Curve Tool displays a plot of
two lines. The first is the Limit curve that is currently defined for the selected Member Group. The
second line is a predicted curve based on research done at Portland State University.
Curve – enter the curve (1 to 30 or more if user defined curves have been specified). The arrows can
be used to help select the best curve.
Compression – select Compression or Tension to display the curve of interest.
Shift – used to shift the predicted curve left or right. This feature can be used to assist in selecting a
curve when only post buckling member performance is to be accounted for.
Auto Set – can be used to automatically set the curve based on kl/r of all selected Member Groups.
Kl/r Limit Curve

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 Less than 90 3
90 to 120 13
120 to 150 18
150 to 300 29
300 or greater 30
Set – select to set the curve of the selected Member Group(s) to that specified in the Curve field.

Running a Limit Analysis

Control Information
The following control parameters are set by editing the Model Options and selecting the Analysis tab.
Run Limit Analysis – check this box to run a Limit analysis. An elastic analysis will be run if this box
is unchecked.
Configuration – enter the number of the configuration to run a Limit analysis on.
Load Case – enter the label of the load case to use for the Limit analysis.
Options
Starting Load Multiplier – the first load factor to use when multiplying the incremented
loads (default = 0.10).
Load Multiplier Increment – the step to increment by when increasing the load factor. The
Load Multiplier Increment will be reduced when a solution is not found at a specific load
factor (default = 0.10).
Increment Size at Stop – the analysis will stop when the Load Multiplier Increment has been
reduced to this value (default = 0.01).
Maximum Number of Trial Stiffnesses – this value determines how many bad runs will be
attempted before the Load Multiplier Increment is reduced (default = 10).
Maximum Number of Trial Solutions – the maximum number of analyses (both good and
bad runs) that will be attempted. If a solution is not found after this many runs then the
analysis will stop to prevent a run away solution (default = 500).
Convergence Criteria – the percent in decimal defining agreement between assumed and
calculated values of member load/displacement (default = 0.01).

Specifying Member Performance Curves

At least one member must have a member performance curve specified. A curve can be specified by
editing the Member Group, selecting Limit/CVA, and entering the curve number in the Limit Curve
field. A curve can also be specified by using the Set Curve Limit Curve tool.
Specifying Constant and Incremented Loads
At least one load must be incremented in a Limit analysis. Incremented loads can be either Joint Loads
or VString Loads. Edit the appropriate load and check the Inc checkbox next to the desired load.
Limit Output
When a Limit analysis has been completed, output can be displayed in several ways.
Data Viewer – A special table is available in the data viewer titled Limit – Member Force, Deflection.
This table displays force and displacement for each member.

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 Load History – This tool is available by selecting Tools – Limit – Load History from the Home tab.
When a Member Group is selected in the Edit Window, this tool plots force vs. load factor for each
member. When a Joint is selected in the Edit Window, this tool displays joint displacement vs. load
factor for each joint.
Animate – The deflected shape can be animated. ATADS displays the deflected shape for each good
run completed during the analysis.
Plot Options – The Limit Deflection ratio can be selected under the Force & Stress tab.

Load History Tool

The Load History tool is available by selecting Tools – Limit – Load History from the Home tab.
When a Member Group is selected in the Edit Window, this tool plots force vs. load factor for each
member. An example is shown below with the Show Points option turned on. The Show Points option
draws a circle around each point found in the analysis and displays the values for the point as the
mouse is moved over the plot. The displayed point is drawn as a red point.

When a Joint is selected in the Edit Window, this tool displays joint displacement vs. load factor for
each joint. An example is shown below with the Show Points (Y) option turned on. The Show Points
option draws a circle around each point found in the analysis and displays the values for the point as
the mouse is moved over the plot. The displayed point is drawn as a red point.

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CVA
CVA (Capacity Variation Analysis) uses a Limit solution combined with varying member capacities to better
predict tower failure. CVA varies member capacities based on user defined random factors. The factors can be
applied to compression capacity, tension capacity, and Fy or any combination.

CVA documentation has not been completed.

ATADS 9.1 User’s Guide Advanced Features  88

Frequently Asked Questions
I was editing a model and it seemed to explode. What happened?

If the model appears similar to the one shown above, the problem is usually that ATADS could not find the
coordinates for a joint. When this occurs, ATADS sets the coordinate at 100 feet and records the error so it will
be displayed in the Model Checker.
If the joint is used as a slope joint, the joints generated based on this joint will be incorrect as well. Use the
model checker to assist in finding the problem. The error will usually be Error JT11 – Joint # was not defined or
Error JT10 – # coordinate not found for joint #.

The wind load is higher than it should be. What’s wrong?

Incorrect wind loads can have several causes. Check the following:
1. Verify that the wind velocity is correct Velocity is specified under Load cases.
2. Overlapping wind panels will cause loads to be higher than expected. Verify that wind panels do not
overlap. This can be done by plotting members appearing in more than one wind panel. Select the
Wind Panels tab in Plot Options, and select Show Repeated Members Only and Show All Transverse.
Members appearing in more than one wind panel will be highlighted.
3. Verify the wind area factor. Select the Wind Panels tab in Plot Options, select Show All Transverse
and Area Factor. The wind panels will be displayed along with the Area Factor used on each panel.
4. Verify the Air Density Fact x Drag Coef. This number is typically 0.004096 (0.00256 x 1.6) and
defaults to this value if not entered.
More information on wind panels and wind load is available by creating a Wind Panels and Wind Loads by
Joint report (Tools tab – Report Generator).

The analysis shows an equilibrium error. What is an equilibrium error?

As the analysis runs, it calculates the sum of all loads and all reactions for each configuration and each load
case. The difference between the two is the equilibrium error. The highest equilibrium error for all load cases
and all configurations is displayed at the end of the analysis.

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What causes an equilibrium error?
An equilibrium error occurs when the total loads do not match the total reactions. For more information on
which configuration and load case has an equilibrium error, you can generate an equilibrium report. An
equilibrium error most often occurs under the following conditions:
1. Adequate supports are not defined.
2. Artificial restraints are removing load. You can see what the artificial restraint forces are by generating
an Artificial Restraint Forces report. Joints with artificial restraints can also be highlighted in Plot
Options.
3. Load was applied to a joint that does not have a load path to distribute the load to other members. The
load can be a Joint Load, VString Load, or wind load. Note that wind loads are applied to the same
joints as wind areas and wind panels.
The Model Checker verifies that Wind Panel and Joint Loads have a load path and will usually report a
warning if a path is not found (warnings WP6, JL1). Note that the Model Checker will find most
problems but can be fooled in some cases.
4. A frame analysis may be required. A truss analysis works well for most transmission structures, but
some structures require some or all members to transfer bending, torsion, and axial forces to be stable.
ATADS can analyze towers as truss (3 degrees of freedom), frame (6 degrees of freedom), or a
combined truss and frame (6 degrees of freedom with end releases set for truss members).

How do I eliminate artificial restraint forces?

You can determine which artificial restraints have forces in them by creating an Artificial Restraint Forces
report. It may also be helpful to view which joints have artificial restraints by highlighting them. To highlight
the joints with artificial restraints, select the Joints tab in Plot Options and select Translational Restraints.
It may be possible to include bracing members to eliminate the restraint. If a bracing member is defined as
primary then it will be included in the analysis and may provide a load path eliminating the restraint.
Another option is to examine each restraint joint and verify that the joint location is as exact as possible. If a
joint is even a very small distance out of line with connecting joints then the restraint can take a significant
force out of the structure. Try defining the joint using the Slope method to ensure an exact joint position.

How do I display more information during an analysis?

The analysis output window displays information as the analysis runs. A drop down list box at the bottom
center of the window controls how much information is displayed. The options are
Minimum Output – use this option when you want the window to display just the bare essentials.
Normal Output – use this option most of the time.
Verbose Output – use this option to see all available information.
The output option can be changed while the analysis is running or after it completes. ATADS remembers the
previously used setting the next time the analysis is run.

How is wind speed adjusted to account for topographic effects?

ATADS uses a value of 1.00 for kzt when calculating wind load. If a value other than 1.0 is desired, the wind
speed can be adjusted to account for it.
Example: a value of 1.45 for kzt is desired for a load case with a wind speed of 100 mph.
Enter a wind speed of 100 mph x sqrt(1.45 / 1.00) = 120.4 mph.

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How is wind speed adjusted to account for the air density factor?
The default air density factor is 0.00256. To use a different air density factor for all load cases, enter the factor
under Model Options – Wind. To use a different air density factor for a specific load case, adjust the wind
speed to account for the difference.
Example: an air density factor of 0.00250 is desired for most load cases, but a factor of 0.00260 is desired for a
load case with a wind speed of 100 mph.
Enter an air density factor of 0.00250 under Model Options – Wind.
Enter a wind speed of 100 mph x sqrt(0.00260 / 0.00250) = 101.98 mph for the special load case.

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