This load wizard helps you apply free straight line loads proportionally to members in structures such as beam grids.
Basis
The Basis tab manages the load parameters.
Generate in Load Case
Select the load case in the list to which the loads are to be assigned. Use the
button to create a new load case.
Categories
Load Distribution
The list offers various options for how the line load acts:
- Uniform: A load with constant magnitude is applied.
- Linear: The load is distributed with a linear variation. In the 'Line Load Parameters' section, you can specify two reference nodes with the respective load magnitudes.
Coordinate System
The line load can act perpendicular to the load plane ('local z') or be related to the global XYZ coordinate system. Alternatively, you can select or create a custom coordinate system.
Load Direction
If the line load does not act perpendicular to the load plane, but in the direction of a global axis, the list offers various selection options.
The line load can be related to the true length (like a gravity load) or the projected length (like a snow load). The load direction is illustrated in the dialog sketch.
Line Load Parameters
Enter the magnitude of the uniform line load. If a linearly varying load is present, you can define the numbers of two nodes with the assigned loads here. With the
button, you can also select the nodes graphically in the workspace. If no suitable node exists yet to assign the load, you can create one with the
button.
Options
If you check the 'Ignore New Members' box, the line load acts only on the members currently present in the area of the line defined in the 'Line Load Parameters' section by the two nodes. Members that you add later in this area will not receive portions of the line load.
The 'Consider Member Eccentricity' option controls whether the line load acts on the members in the plane without considering eccentricities (default). If you activate the box, the line load is not applied to members with an offset out of the plane.
With the 'Consider Cross-Section Distribution' box, you can control whether the line load also acts on the inclined members resulting from a haunch definition (default). If you activate the box, the line load is not applied to members in the load plane that have an uneven cross-section variation (see Chapter Querschnitt ).
Excluded Members
In the Excluded Members tab, you can specify that members such as braces do not receive proportional loads.
Use the
button to select the members graphically, either individually or via a pattern member 'parallel' to all load-free members.
Tolerances
In the Tolerances tab, you can influence the criteria according to which members and nodes are evaluated as belonging to a plane or line. The parameters are described in chapter Member Loads from Surface Load .