Distributed Loads

To define a distributed load the following parameters should be defined:

• Member type: Determines if the load is to be assigned over top chord or bottom chord members.
• Load Condition: Selects a load condition where the load is assigned.
• Magnitude1, Magnitude2: Represent the initial and final values of the applied distributed load, with value 1 located closest to the left end of the truss chord. The dimensions are [Force]/[L], (i.e. Kip/ft). A positive sign coincides with the vertical upwards direction.
• %: Indicates if the values of the distances are entered as absolute distances or as a percentage of the total length.
• Distance1, Dsitance2: Represent the initial and final distances of the uniform load measured from the left end of the truss chord. If % is selected, the value must be entered as a percentage of the total length.
• Projection: Determines the load projection over the member. Possible values are vertical and perpendicular.