AUTODESK ROBOT SEISMIC PARAMETERS 

Problem:  

For structures with basement levels that are not included in the conversion of the loads in mass 
participation. 

Answer: 

Create a load case called "self weight_seismic" and one other called "self weight_non seismic". In the first 
one assign self weight load type selecting, from load table, part of the structure and assigning the list of 
the bars, panels etc that compose the seismic mass. Otherwise select all the non seismic element and 
assign it to self weight_non seismic load condition. 

When you run the modal analysis you have to ignore density and, in the load to mass conversion table, 
select the self weight_seismic and add to conversion. 

This procedure can be used also for dead loads and variable loads. 

Load case (self weight 
superstructure) to be added in 
load to mass conversion. 

Load case (self weight 
substructure) NOT to be added in 
load to mass conversion. 

 
If the structure under consideration is purely above ground. Then there is no need to introduce two self‐
weight load cases. DO NOT CHECK the “Disregard Density” so that Robot will automatically convert self 
weight to mass. 

However, you may also have the option of ignoring the self‐weight of substructure elements in modal 
analysis that do not have dynamic behavior during earthquake (no contribution in modal masses). 

 
 
Most accurate is consistent I believe. But we normally use lumped with rotations.

If you disregard density there will be no mass participating in the modal analysis. Unless you add it back in via
load to mass conversion.

I would NOT disregard density, and also add 30% live load (or whatever percentage) to the load to mass
conversion. Normally can ignore Z direction. If you add mass to global or dynamic the mass will be added to
all dynamic cases. If you specify the modal case only, it will only be added to that case.
One more remark: do not use "Use normalized values" checkbox.

 
Note: Apply load to mass conversion to modal only and thus dynamics will be included. 
You can convert loads to masses in 3 ways.
1 Selecting Modal case

2 Selecting Dynamic mass - mass will be added to all dynamic cases

3 Selecting Global mass - converted masses will be applied to all dynamic cases and also can be used in inertia
forces (of course if such forces are applied on model)

Global means that converted masses will be considered in ALL dynamic cases in model (modal and footfall
ones; other dynamic cases need to be run after modal case so they consider masses from precedent modal).

My advise: use dynamic.

First of all I sugest to use only one self weight as a mass. There are two such masses in your model: one
coming from Modal case definition ("Disregard Density" checkbox), another from Loads to Mass Conversion.

Converted masses are not used for base shear scaling unless you convert them using Global Mass or Dynamic
Mass.

 
The conversion of loads in seismic masses is handled manually, then it will be you that assigns the
coefficient. Robot automatically converts only its own weight, which of course should not be included among
the conditions to convert.
In your case, the load condition number 3, variable loads in category E, you will need to manually assign the
coefficient 0.8 and not 1 as you did . Happy Easter, Greetings

I forgot, the loads are not to be converted to mass global but in mass dynamic ... selector at the top right of the
screen to convert the masses. Again
 
  
Changing value in direction may give you the same effect but in fact it rescales whole spectrum so you may
get different base shear depending on code requirements (min base shear etc) and then such base shear is
multiplied by this factor. So it is recomended to use direction =1 then set factor.

The masses from these loads will not be included for directions X and Y so you need to replace them with (FE)
uniform not projected ones.

DO NOT USE PROJECTED LOADS! UNLESS YOU NEED TO IGNORE THE LOAD IN THE LOAD
TO MASS CONVERSION.
Example: Sand Load which is included in DL – Superimposed Dead Load (i.e. Finishes etc).

Sand Load is not required in the load-to-mass conversion. Thus, indicate the load as “Projected Load”
only to disregard the sand load in the load-to-mass conversion.