Temperature Area Load properties
The following is a list of RAM Concept temperature area load properties:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| ΔT Top | Temperature change at the top of the slab. |
| ΔT Bot | Temperature change at the bottom of the slab. |
The defined temperature change is converted to a strain by multiplying it by the coefficient of thermal expansion, which is a property of the concrete mix.
Notes:
- Positive temperature changes expand elements. Negative temperature changes contract elements.
- When different values are input for ΔT Top and ΔT Bot, a curvature is induced in the elements.
- The area temperature change cannot linearly vary. Only a single temperature change value can be input for ΔT Top and ΔT Bot.
- Temperature area loads must be at least partially located on finite elements; Concept issues a warning if you violate this rule. Concept ignores any part of an area not on a finite element.
- Units associated with the temperature changes are defined in .
- Overlapping temperature area loads are not permitted.
- Where elements intersect multiple temperature area loads, the temperature area load covering the largest area of the element is used for the entire element.