Solid Loads - Gravity

Form: Solid Gravity Loads

This loading method is a way to add the factored self weight of the objects 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. The load is calculated based on the mass density of the material used to define the material assigned to the corresponding section.

Select one or more solids to be assigned loads.
Click the Assign menu > Solid Loads > Gravity command to access the Solid Gravity Loads form.
- Load Pattern Name drop-down list. Select the load pattern to which the gravity 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 gravity multipliers in the specified global directions.
- Coordinate System drop-down list. Select the coordinate system for the load from the drop-down list.
- Options. Specify how the load is to be applied.
- Add to Existing Loads option. Adds the specified load to the selected solid object. If one or more gravity load assignments have already been made, this option increases the load assuming, of course, that a positive load is being specified.
- Replace Existing Loads option. Replaces the currently specified gravity load, if any, with the new load. If no assignment exists, a new assignment is made. This is the default option.
- Delete Existing Loads option. Deletes any and all gravity load assignments made to the selected solid object. When this option is selected, the items in the Gravity Multiplier area of the form are ignored when the OK button is clicked.
- Click the OK button.

The window will refresh with a graphical representation of the load assigned on the selected members. If necessary, use the Assign menu > Clear Assigns command to remove the display of the assigned load.