A Seamless Workflow for Podium and Foundation Design
In structural design, seamless coordination between analysis tools is crucial—especially when it comes to transferring loads between superstructure and foundation systems. For engineers working with LAVA and ADAPT Builder, exporting reaction forces from wood framing to a concrete podium or foundation system can be done in just a few clicks.
Why Export Reactions from LAVA?
LAVA automatically computes reaction forces from Beams, Bearing Walls, and Shear Walls as part of its full-building analysis. These reactions are typically required by structural engineers for:
- Designing podium slabs and mat foundations
- Delivering reactions to collaborating concrete or podium designers
- Sizing individual footings in slab-on-grade systems
LAVA simplifies this process by producing a structured TXT file that’s directly compatible with Microsoft Excel, which can be easily re-formatted to meet the import requirements of ADAPT Builder.
Key Benefits
- ✅ Saves Time: Skip manual entry and copy-paste errors
- ✅ Improves Accuracy: Direct data transfer preserves numeric precision
- ✅ Flexible: Use for both slab-on-grade and post-tension podium systems
- ✅ Collaboration-Ready: Clean format makes sharing with consultants easy
Step-by-Step Guide: Exporting Loads from LAVA
1. Model Setup
Ensure that all plates (diaphragms) are supported by bearing walls and beams. Plates without defined load paths will not produce exportable reactions. Similarly, verify that shear walls are correctly placed to support diaphragm edges.
2. Run Analysis
Click the ‘Analyze’ button on the toolbar to compute all reactions.
3. Export Reactions
- Navigate to File > Export Reactions
- In the dialog box, select the elements to export:
- Beams
- Bearing Walls
- Shear Walls
- Unlinked Point/Line Loads (optional)
- Click Export
- When prompted, open the folder to locate your
*_Reactions.TXTfile
TXT File Format Overview
Each row in the TXT file includes the following fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Element | BM (Beam), BW (Bearing Wall), SW (Shear Wall) |
| End | Z0 (left/top), Z1 (right/bottom), blank for line loads |
| Load Type | D (Dead), L (Live), etc. |
| Direction | Z+, Z-, etc. |
| Reaction Name | Unique identifier |
| Reaction Value | Unfactored force |
| Factor | 1 by default |
| X, Y, Z Coordinates | Location of the load |
| Length | For line loads only |
Reformatting in Excel for ADAPT Builder
ADAPT Builder accepts two import formats: Point Loads and Line Loads, each with specific column arrangements.
📌 Point Load Format (Typical for Beam and Wall Reactions)
| Column | ADAPT Field |
|---|---|
| A | Load Case |
| B | X |
| C | Y |
| D | Fx |
| E | Fy |
| F | Fz |
| G | Mxx |
| H | Myy |
| I | Mzz |
Tip: In most cases, LAVA reaction forces act vertically (Fz), so Fx, Fy, and moments may remain zero unless lateral loads are included.
📌 Line Load Format (Optional, for distributed wall loads)
If exporting line loads, map LAVA data into the full 17-column ADAPT line load format, including both start and end coordinates, forces, and moments.
When Line Load format is selected, the program reads columns A through K and maps the data as follows:
| XLS Spreadsheet | Mapped Data | Units (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Column A | Load case name | no units |
| Column B | X1 coordinate | m, ft or cm |
| Column C | Y1 coordinate | m, ft or cm |
| Column D | X2 coordinate | m, ft or cm |
| Column E | Y2 coordinate | m, ft or cm |
| Column F | Fx1 | kN, k, T |
| Column G | Fx2 | kN, k, T |
| Column H | Fy1 | kN, k, T |
| Column I | Fy2 | kN, k, T |
| Column J | Fz1 | kN, k, T |
| Column K | Fz2 | kN, k, T |
Example Workflow
- Open the TXT file in Excel and parse data into columns.
- Filter and sort by load type (e.g., Dead Load, Live Load).
- Map coordinates and forces into the required columns per ADAPT’s documentation.
- Save as XLS format.
- Import into ADAPT Builder using File > Import > Loads (XLS).
Full format specifications are available in the ADAPT Builder Documentation.
Final Thoughts
Exporting loads from LAVA to ADAPT Builder bridges the gap between wood and concrete systems. Whether you’re the engineer of record or coordinating across disciplines, this workflow empowers engineers to move faster and with greater confidence.
Ready to streamline your workflow? Open your model in LAVA, click Export Reactions, and let your analysis flow directly into your next concrete design.