Dead Load Definition

PURPOSE

Dead loads in addition to the computer generated gravity forces can be applied to member lines and COGO points explicitly. Use this entry sheet to describe either a “Load at Point” or a “distributed member load” applied to a member line.

A full length uniform load can easily be applied by just entering the a Start Value and leaving the End Value, Start Distance, and End Distances blank.

Parameters

tbDeadLoadDef
Field	Type	Units	Description
Stage	int		Dead Load stage number
CogoPt	text		Cogo point of Point Load
ForceDir	text		[FY\|MZ] Forces direction in global coordinate system.
Force	real	KFT	Forces
MbrLine	text		Member line name
LoadCode	text		[PY\|LY\|MZ], Loads applied to major local axis.
StartDist	real	FET	Distance from start of member line
EndDist	real	FET	Distance from start of member line to end of linear force.
StartValue	real	KLF	Point or moment force value, or starting linear load.
EndValue	real	KLF	Ending value of linear load.
Description	text		Optional description

Stage

Enter dead load stage number. This number can not exceed the maximum defined dead load stage that is derived by scanning the stages used when entering member stiffness parameters. If a force is applied to a member that is not active in the stage specified, then a warning message will be displayed and this load ignored.

Point Loading

COGO Point

If this entry is being use to describe a point load, then specify the point where the force will be applied. Member loading does not use this entry.

Force Dir

Forces are applied in the global coordinate system. Note that unlike the member loads, the sense of these loads is consistent with the directions of the global coordinate system. Use either: FY or MZ. Member loading does not use this part of the dead load entry.

Force

Enter the force in units of Kips and Feet. Member loading does not use this entry.

Member Loading

Mrb Line

Specify which member (stringer) to apply this load.

Load Code

Loads are applied to the major local axis of the member. Although the Y direction is up, for convenience, the Y forces are negated so that a positive value will apply a downward forces. Use the following codes to apply point, linear, and moment forces:

PY Downward point load.

LY Linear downward load applied along a member.

MZ Moment about the local Z axis.

Start Dist

Distance from start of member line. Use to specify location of point or moment forces, and beginning of linear load.

End Dist

Distance from start of member line. Used to specify ending location of linear load. Leave blank (or 0) for point load.

Start Value

Force value, or starting linear load force value.

Ending Value

Ending force value for linear load.