Form: Distributed Loads on Lines
Use the Assign menu > Load Data > Distributed Loads on Lines command to assign trapezoidal or uniform distributed loads in the gravity (negative Z) direction to a selected line object.
Select one or more line objects in the datum plane (not columns or braces).
Click the Assign menu > Load Data > Distributed Loads on Lines command to access the Distributed Loads on Lines form. On that form, select and enter data in the following categories:
Load Pattern Name: Select a previously defined load pattern from the drop-down list. The specified loads will be associated with this load pattern.
Load Type and Direction. Specify that the load is a Force or Moment and select the Load Direction.
Trapezoidal Loads: Enter start and end distances in either relative (i.e., 0.5 is at the midpoint of the line) or absolute terms, and specify start and end load values. The distributed load will vary linearly from the start to end value.
Note: Start and end points may be identified by right clicking on a line object and selecting the Geometry tab on the Beam-Type Line Object Information form.
Uniform Load: Enter a value for the uniform distributed load.
Options:
Add to Existing Loads: Adds the specified distributed loads to the line object. If one or more distributed load assignments have already been made, this option increases the total line load on the object, assuming you specify a positive load.
Replace Existing Load: Replaces the currently specified distributed loads, if any, with the new distributed load assignment. If no assignment exists, the new assignment is still made. This is the default option. Note that only the loads in the load pattern that is specified are replaced.
Delete Existing Loads: Deletes any and all distributed load assignments made to the selected line object(s). When this option is selected, the items in the Loads areas of the form are ignored when you click the button. Note that only the loads in the load pattern that is specified are deleted.
The assignment will appear graphically on the screen. To remove the display, click the Assign menu > Clear Display of Assigns command.
Note: If both trapezoidal and uniform loads are specified at the same time, they are additive.