Understanding Loads in STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler
You can model most loads in STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler for later use on the analytical model in STAAD.Pro.
Nodes, members, and surfaces can all have loads applied in STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler. Additionally, STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler uses a concept called panels which allow you to apply a pressure load over an area for automated distribution to supporting members. These individual loads are known as "load items" and are contained in a load case or load group. STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler allows you to add manual load items, such as joint or member loads, as well as code-defined loads which are collected as a single load item.
Load Definitions
You can add parametric load data for code-dictated loads, such as seismic, wind, snow, and response spectra. Similarly, time history load parameters are added to load definitions. These are kept in the mode catalog.
Load Cases
You can also group your loads into load cases, similar to primary load cases in STAAD.Pro. These will transfer directly as primary load cases in the Analytical Modeling workflow.
Load Groups
You can group your loads in STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler using Load Groups. Each load item created is assigned to the current load group, which is set in the program window status bar.
When you create the corresponding analysis model, each load group generates a reference load case in the STAAD input file. You can then use these with in primary load cases in any combination needed. The reference load cases are not directly analyzed.