Frame Loads - Gravity

Form: Frame Gravity Loads

This loading method is a way to add the factored self weight of the members as a force in any of the global directions. It is recommended that the actual self weight of the structure be included in the definition of the static load pattern.

Select one or more frames to be assigned gravity load.
Click the Assign menu > Frame Loads > Gravity command to access the Frame Gravity Loads form.
- Load Pattern Name drop-down list. Select the load pattern to which the load is being added. Alternatively, click the + (plus symbol) beside the drop-down list to access the Define Load Patterns form; use the form to define a load pattern that will then be available in the drop-down list.
- Gravity Multipliers edit boxes. Provide values for gravity multipliers in the Global X, Y and Z directions.
- Coordinate System drop-down list. Select the appropriate coordinate system from the drop-down list.
- Options. Specify how the load will be applied.

- - Add to Existing Loads: Adds the specified gravity load to the selected object. If one or more gravity load assignments have already been made, this option increases the existing load, assuming a positive load is being specified.
  - Replace Existing Loads: Replaces the currently specified gravity load, if any, with the new load. If no assignment exists, the new assignment is still made. This is the default option.
- - Delete Existing Loads: Deletes any and all gravity load assignments made to the selected object(s). When this option is selected, the items in the Gravity Multipliers area of the form are ignored when the OK button is clicked.

The window will refresh with a graphical representation of the load assigned on the selected membersd.