RAM Concept allows you to draw point, line and area loads and moments on any loading plan. These loads can be in the directions of the global x-, y- and z-axes and the moments can be about the global x- and y-axes.

Each load belongs to a loading layer, such as Live Loading. You define each loading in the loadings window, and draw the loads on plans.

There is no limitation to the number of loads defined.

Loads are independent of the finite element mesh and have no effect on the automatic mesh generation. This is satisfactory for most loads. For very heavy point or line loads (such as on a mat or transfer slab), however, the loads should correlate with the finite element mesh nodes. You can do this by drawing pinned columns and walls above the floor, and drawing the loads at these locations with the help of snaps. Alternatively, you can refine the mesh locally with the use of "dummy" slab objects. Refer to " Selectively refining the mesh " for further information.

Horizontal loads may cause applied moments depending upon the elevation above the slab surface of the loads. If a load is located at a slab surface step, RAM Concept uses the thickness of the lowest numbered slab element in determining the load elevation. For this reason, it is not advisable to locate point or line loads at steps.