To add a selfweight load for surface elements so the weight of the surface elements is included in the analysis of the structure, use the following procedure.

1. Either:

   On the Loading ribbon tab, select the Load Items tool in the Loading Specifications group

   Tip: This will add the load item to the currently selected load group selected in the program status bar.

   or

   In the Load & Definition dialog, select a primary load case in the Load Cases Details list and then click Add.

   The Add New Load Items dialog opens.
2. Select the Surface Loads > Selfweight Load tab.
3. Select a global Direction for the selfweight. This is typically the "vertical" direction but can be any global direction.
4. Type a Factor. This is multiplier on the calculated weight of the structure objects. You do not need to use a load factor for ultimate strength design here, as that is typically applied to load combinations.
   Note: A positive value will act in the positive global direction, so you will typically use a negative value here for gravity loads (-1 being the most commonly used value).
5. Click Add. The load item is added to the selected load case.