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Applying loads to the portal frame

This section explains how to:

Adding self weight loads​

  1. Go to Explorer pane > Data > Loading > Gravity loading.

  2. Click the first cell of row 1. Press Enter to copy the default row.

Note: This will calculate the self-weight based on the material density and element volume.

gravity-loading

Creating a lateral load on a node​

  1. Select the node at (0, 0, 4) and press Ctrl+C to copy the selection.

Note: The node coordinates and other settings will appear in the Properties pane.

  1. Go to Explorer pane > Data > Loading > Nodal loading > Node loads to open the node loads table.

  2. Select the first nodes cell on row 1, then press Ctrl+V to paste the node you have selected.

  3. Set the load case to '2' and change the direction of the load to 'x'. Set your value, e.g., 2kN.

Tip: You can change the unit of your values via the units button in the top toolbar:

units

Creating a uniformly distributed load on a beam​

To create a load on a 1D entity, you have the option to load the member (GSA will transfer the loads to its constituent elements) or load the elements directly. The following shows how to create a uniform load on a member.

  1. Ensure that you are working in the Design layer by checking at the legend in the top right corner of the graphics window. If you are currently on the Analysis layer, you'll need to switch layers.

  2. Click the Select members/elements tool: icon or use keyboard shortcut E, select your cross-beam and use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C to copy.

  3. Go to Explorer pane > Data > Loading > 1D entity loading > Beam loads to open the Beam loads table.

  4. Select Member in the Loaded entities type dropdown.

  5. Use Ctrl+V to paste the selected member into the row 1 Loaded entities list cell.

  6. Set the load case to '2' and select uniform for the type of the load.

  7. Specify the value of the load, e.g., -5kN/m in the z direction.

Display loads in the graphics window​

  1. Go to the cases dropdown at the top of the graphics window and select L2.

  2. Click the Loads diagram tool to display the loads: icon

The node loads will be displayed as purple arrows while the beam load will be displayed as pink arrows.

Note: Loads can only be displayed if the analysis elements associated with the load have been created. If members are being loaded, its constituent elements need to first be created before it is possible to display the loads. See the mesh the model section for how to create analysis elements from members.