Loads

As you input loads they are grouped into separate sets of Basic Load Cases. These are the basic building blocks of the loads applied to the structure, consisting of discrete loads and self-weight of the structure. The basic load cases can also be grouped into load categories such as dead load and live load. In the end, the model will be solved against load combinations that are built with the basic load cases and categories.

You can view the loads on your model. This is an excellent way to verify the loads that are on the model. You can plot them by load case, load category or load combination. See Model View Settings - Loads to learn to do this.

Each of the discrete load types is described in it’s own section:

• Area Loads
• Distributed Loads
• Joint Loads/Forced Displacements
• Moving Loads
• Point Loads
• Surface Loads
• Thermal Loads

Self Weight (Gravity Load)

The structure's self-weight can be automatically calculated and included in a solution. The inclusion of self-weight can be specified within a Basic Load Case or as part of a Load Combination.

The self-weight is calculated as a full-length uniform load across each member of the model and as a surface load on the plates. The magnitude of the load is the area times the material weight density.

Add Self Weight to a Basic Load Case

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• Select the Basic Load Case spreadsheet by clicking the Basic Load Cases icon in the Home ribbon. On the line of the load case you wish to contain self-weight, enter a load factor in the appropriate direction column.

  For example, if you wish to apply 90% of the self-weight in the negative Y direction (down), you would put -0.9 as the factor in the Y Gravity column.

Add Gravity Load to a Load Combination

• To include the self-weight in a Load Combination, put "X", "Y" or "Z" in the BLC field. The letter used indicates which global direction the self-weight is applied in. Also put a factor in the Factor field. For example, if you wish to apply 90% of the self-weight in the negative Y direction (down), you would put "Y" as the BLC and "-0.9" as the BLC factor.

Draw Loads

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You can graphically apply loads to the model. You can apply one load at a time by clicking the mouse, or apply loads to entire selections at once. All of the graphical loading tools can be found in the Draw Loads section of the Home ribbon.

Modify Loads

Modifying loads can be done in the spreadsheets. In the ‘Explorer’ panel, click on the spreadsheet that you wish to modify. You can also go to the ‘Spreadsheets’ ribbon, click the Data Entry icon and then choose the spreadsheet that you wish to modify. You can then move through different Basic Load Cases by using the drop-down list on the Window Toolbar.

See Spreadsheet Operations to learn how you can modify the loads. You can also copy or delete entire Basic Load Cases from the Basic Load Case spreadsheet. See Copying Basic Load Cases and Deleting Basic Load Cases for more information.

Alternatively you can directly click on the loads in the 3D View and edit the selected load within the Properties panel.

From the Properties panel, you can change the configuration of the load as well as edit or create a basic load case by clicking the triple dot in the BLC parameter.

Delete Loads

Deleting loads can be done in the spreadsheets. In the ‘Explorer’ panel, click on the spreadsheet that you wish to modify. You can also go to the ‘Spreadsheets’ ribbon, click the Data Entry icon and then choose the spreadsheet that you wish to modify. You can then move through different Basic Load Cases by using the drop-down list on the Window Toolbar.

You can use spreadsheet operations such to help modify the loads. You can also delete entire Basic Load Cases from the Basic Load Case spreadsheet. See Deleting Basic Load Cases.

Alternatively you can directly click on the loads in the 3D View and press the Delete key.