2.2.4: Define Loads

Fig. 2.2.4.1: A cantilever with a point-load at its tip

In fig. 2.2.4.1 a point-load of 1 kilo Newton ($kN$) is added at the tip of the cantilever beam. A vector at the input-plug “Force” specifies direction and magnitude of the load: since the global Z-axis points upwards a load acting downwards has a negative z-component.

The input-plug “LCase” can be used to set the number of the load case in which the load acts. This allows different load scenarios (e.g. wind from different directions) to be created.

Fig. 2.2.4.2: definitions of different load types

The dropdown list at the bottom of the “Loads”-component lets one choose between different types of loads as shown in fig. 2.2.4.2. Gravity loads (1) act on the whole structure. The location of point loads (2) can be specified by node index or position. Beam loads (3) act on elements given by element identifiers. Distributed loads on arbitrary meshes (4) get reduced to approximately statically equivalent node and beam loads.

The directions of gravity and point-loads refer to the global coordinate system. The direction vector of beam- and mesh-loads can be specified relative to the global or local (relating to the element or mesh) coordinate system.