M. To add selfweight load

To add the calculated weight of the structure objects as a load item, use the following procedure.

You must create a primary load case first.

Note: The material definition or density constant is used for each member, element, or solid to determine the self weight load.

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.
- 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.
Select the Selfweight > Selfweight Load tab.
Select a global Direction for the selfweight.
This is typically the vertical direction but can be any global direction.
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).
Click Add.
The load item is added to the selected load case.

You must assign the load items to structure objects.

Tip: As selfweight typically will act on all members, plates, etc., you can use the Assign to View option and click Assign to quickly assign this load item to all objects in the structure (assuming that you have all objects currently displayed in the view window).