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Answer: Pattern or skip loading is run in SAFE by defining an Auto Pattern Live load case (Figure 1), which applies area loading to each slab panel, then using the Range-add load combination to envelope response from all possible load combinations. When the Load Type is Auto Pattern Live, SAFE loads each slab panel defined by the intersection of Layer A column design strips with Layer B column design strip orthogonal grids with a separate automatically created pattern live load pattern. The magnitude of these load patterns is based on the sum of all defined live and reducible live load patterns. These load patterns are created when an analysis is performed. The live load in these patterns is not reduced.
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