Robot Structural Analysis (RSA) Template Reuse SOP

Robot Structural Analysis (RSA) Template Reuse SOP

Use an old reference file as a reusable platform, safely clean it, remodel a new building, and avoid hidden-load/design mistakes.

Use case: RC / Steel buildings Goal: Reuse settings Output: Clean model + correct design

Checklist SOP (Template → New Project)

Tip: Save the file as a TEMPLATE first. Then follow steps in order. Check items as you complete them (saved in your browser).

Phase 0 — Create Template Safely Start here

Save As → TEMPLATE file

Example: Template_Robot_RC_ACI.rtd or Template_Robot_Steel_EC3.rtd

Write “Template Rules” in a note (inside file or your office SOP)

What is allowed to reuse (codes/loads/materials) and what must be verified per project (wind, seismic, live loads, combinations).

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• Keep: load cases, combinations, design codes, materials, section library, mesh settings.
• Remove: old model objects + any leftover loads attached to deleted objects.

Phase 1 — Delete Old Modeling Cleanly Model cleanup

Delete Bars / Panels / Nodes / Supports (old structure)

Remove all structural objects you do not want in the new project.

Remove old Rigid Links / Offsets / Releases

These can silently create strange behavior in analysis if they remain.

Purge / clean leftover objects (if available)

Aim for “no orphan objects.” If Robot shows warnings, address them now.

Expected result: The file still contains the “system” (loads, combos, codes), but no old building geometry.

Phase 2 — Load Table & Orphan Load Cleanup Critical

Open Load Tables and check for “loads on nonexistent objects”

If any load references deleted bars/panels, delete those load records.

Check wind/seismic generators (if used)

Old generator settings (directions, zones, stories) can remain. Verify or reset.

Confirm load directions follow your new building axis (X/Y)

Old project axis may not match new project orientation.

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Rule: If the model is empty, your load tables should not contain applied loads. Only load cases and combinations remain.

Phase 3 — Verify Codes, Materials, and Design Parameters Quality control

Confirm Design Code (ACI/EC2/EC3/etc.)

Make sure it matches your new project contract/specifications.

Verify materials (concrete grade, steel grade, rebar grade)

Do not assume old grades are correct (common template mistake).

Verify cover, crack/service settings, design assumptions

Cover and serviceability settings often differ between building types.

If you have multiple template versions, keep them clearly separated: RC_ACI, RC_EC2, Steel_EC3, etc.

Phase 4 — Verify Load Combinations High risk

Open combinations and confirm factors

ULS/SLS factors must match the new code + project requirement.

Confirm load case names/categories are correct

Example: Roof live load vs floor live load. Wind X vs Wind Y. Seismic X vs Seismic Y.

Delete old “project-specific” combos you don’t want

If they were created only for a special building, remove them to avoid confusion.

Phase 5 — Remodel New Building (Geometry First) Modeling

Set grids/levels (stories) for the new building

Update elevations and story heights before adding loads.

Model structural system: columns → beams → slabs/walls

Keep a clear structure order to reduce errors and rebuild time.

Assign sections using your template library (change only if needed)

If you change member sizes, re-check design assumptions and detailing impacts.

Create panels and mesh settings for slabs/walls

Use template mesh settings, but verify they suit the new geometry spans/openings.

Best practice: Only after geometry is stable, start applying loads.

Phase 6 — Apply Loads (Use Existing Load Cases) Loads

Apply dead loads (self-weight + finishes + walls)

Confirm self-weight option is correct for your model type.

Apply live loads by area/usage

Floor usage changes = live load changes (office, residential, roof, stairs).

Wind/seismic: verify directions + story data again

Generator loads must match the new building axis, heights, and zones.

Run a quick “load review” (tables + display)

Make sure loads exist only where intended (no missing floors, no duplicated areas).

Phase 7 — Analysis & Sanity Checks Verify results

Run analysis (first run = find errors)

Fix instabilities, missing supports, disconnected nodes, mesh problems.

Sanity check: reactions ≈ total loads

If reactions are far off, your loads or supports are wrong.

Check deflection shape and drift direction

Confirm that wind/seismic direction matches building axis (X/Y).

Then run design (RC/Steel) and review warnings

Warnings often reveal template carryover issues (cover, combos, min rebar, etc.).

Phase 8 — Deliverables & Reuse Improvement Closeout

Export design report + key screenshots

Reactions summary, drift, critical member design, slab/panel maps.

Update template if you improved settings

If you fixed combos, materials, or default parameters—push that back into the template file.

Template rule: Template must be stable, clean, and reviewed—otherwise you reuse mistakes forever.

Progress: 0% • Completed: 0/0 (saved in this browser)

Common Template Mistakes (Avoid These)

• Orphan loads: old loads still exist after you delete members → causes warnings or wrong totals.
• Wrong axis: wind/seismic X/Y still follows old building orientation.
• Old combinations: factors or load categories don’t match the new project.
• Old cover/service settings: makes RC design report misleading.
• Old story heights: generator loads and drift checks become wrong.

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Quick “Green Rules” (Fast QC)

• If the model is empty → load tables should show no applied loads.
• Reactions under DL should be close to total DL (sanity check).
• Deflection/drift direction must match the load direction you applied.
• Before design report: confirm combos + materials + cover.

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Template Naming Standard

• Template_Robot_RC_ACI.rtd
• Template_Robot_RC_EC2.rtd
• Template_Robot_Steel_EC3.rtd
• Template_Robot_Concept_QuickCheck.rtd

If you want, tell me your usual code (ACI 318-14M/19, EC2, etc.) and I’ll customize the default load cases + combination list for your template.

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