Lab: Computer Modeling

Problem A Tutorial: Define Loads

Select Loads and Load Types.

Select Add to accept the default dead-load options.

This will be the only load case needed for this problem. We will add the particular load details in the next steps.

Select Close.

Select Loads and Load Definition.

The Load Definition window will appear.

Select the Bar tab.

Select the Bar Force icon to define a concentrated force.

The Bar Force options window will appear.

Enter the magnitude and direction (negative z-direction for down).

Select the Absolute coordinate option.

Enter the distance between the left end of the beam and the concentrated force.

Select Add.

Move the options window until the beam is visible. Click anywhere on the left half of the beam.

The concentrated force will now appear on the beam.

If you accidentally click on the right half of the beam, the load coordinate will be measured from the right end.

And the load will be in the wrong location. If this happens, simply Undo.

Select the Trapezoidal Load icon.

The default is a simple trapezoidal load with starting and ending magnitudes of p1 and p2.

Enter the starting magnitude and direction (negative for down).

Enter the ending magnitude and direction.

Enter the starting coordinate, measured from the left end of the beam.

Enter the ending coordinate.

Select the Absolute coordinate option.

Select Add.

Click anywhere on the left side of the beam.

The trapezoidal load will now appear on the beam.

Select the Trapezoidal Load icon again.

Select the four-point trapezoidal load option from the pull-down menu.

This loading is defined by magnitudes p1, p2, p3 and p4. Note that these values can be zero.

Enter the first non-zero magnitude and direction.

Enter the other non-zero magnitude and direction.

Enter the coordinates corresponding to p1 through p4.

Select the Absolute coordinate option and Add.

Click anywhere on the left half of the beam.

The second trapezoidal load will now be visible on the beam.

Select Close. The loads will no longer be visible, but they are still defined and applied to the beam.

Select Loads and Load Table.

This table summarizes the loads currently present on the beam. Note that the beam's self weight is automatically included.

Select the Restore Down icon.

Close the load table.

Select View and Display.

The Display window can be used to change how the beam appears on the screen.

Select the Loads option.

Select Load Symbols.

Select Apply.

Note that the loads are now visible again. Feel free to try other Display options.

Select OK.

Select Loads and Load Types.
Select Add to accept the default dead-load options.
This will be the only load case needed for this problem. We will add the particular load details in the next steps.
Select Close.
Select Loads and Load Definition.
The Load Definition window will appear.
Select the Bar tab.
Select the Bar Force icon to define a concentrated force.
The Bar Force options window will appear.
Enter the magnitude and direction (negative z-direction for down).
Select the Absolute coordinate option.
Enter the distance between the left end of the beam and the concentrated force.
Select Add.
Move the options window until the beam is visible. Click anywhere on the left half of the beam.
The concentrated force will now appear on the beam.
If you accidentally click on the right half of the beam, the load coordinate will be measured from the right end.
And the load will be in the wrong location. If this happens, simply Undo.
Select the Trapezoidal Load icon.
The default is a simple trapezoidal load with starting and ending magnitudes of p1 and p2.
Enter the starting magnitude and direction (negative for down).
Enter the ending magnitude and direction.
Enter the starting coordinate, measured from the left end of the beam.
Enter the ending coordinate.
Select the Absolute coordinate option.
Select Add.
Click anywhere on the left side of the beam.
The trapezoidal load will now appear on the beam.
Select the Trapezoidal Load icon again.
Select the four-point trapezoidal load option from the pull-down menu.
This loading is defined by magnitudes p1, p2, p3 and p4. Note that these values can be zero.
Enter the first non-zero magnitude and direction.
Enter the other non-zero magnitude and direction.
Enter the coordinates corresponding to p1 through p4.



Select the Absolute coordinate option and Add.
Click anywhere on the left half of the beam.
The second trapezoidal load will now be visible on the beam.
Select Close. The loads will no longer be visible, but they are still defined and applied to the beam.
Select Loads and Load Table.
This table summarizes the loads currently present on the beam. Note that the beam's self weight is automatically included.
Select the Restore Down icon.
Close the load table.
Select View and Display.
The Display window can be used to change how the beam appears on the screen.
Select the Loads option.
Select Load Symbols.
Select Apply.
Note that the loads are now visible again. Feel free to try other Display options.
Select OK.