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Abstract

In an embodiment, a method of determining loads of columns in building structures based upon both horizontal load factors and vertical load factors in a three-dimensional (3D) model of the building structures on a computer display device comprises: using a computer, obtaining plane definition data that defines a plurality of planes of a building structure, and locations of a plurality of columns that are on, into or above the planes, without load path input data that specifies an explicit load path among the columns, and displaying a 3D geometric representation of the planes and the columns; using the computer and the plane definition data, creating and storing plane tributary region data defining a plurality of tributary regions across the plane that are associated with the columns; determining, using the computer and the plane tributary region data, tributary data defining a tributary for each of the columns based only upon a geometry of the slabs or floors and the locations of the plurality of columns; determining, using the computer and the tributary data, independent of the plane definition data, one or more load transfer elements that indicate structural elements of the building structure that transfer load from a first particular column of a first one of the planes to a second particular column of a second one of the planes; using the computer, determining and graphically displaying a plurality of proposed load paths in the building structure through the columns and the one or more load transfer elements; determining a plurality of load values associated with the columns of the building structure; creating and causing displaying a list of the sub-areas, tributaries, and load values.

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First Claim