Structural loads

The definition of loading on a structural model is one of the most important modeling phases. Contrary to the modeling of structural members the load modeling is minutely controlled and supported by the structural codes and standards since the appropriate definition of loads ensures a major part in the reliability of structural performance.

In ConSteel several types of loading options help the engineer in this work. In accordance with the modeling of a structural member, the engineer can work with the load types and options defined and handled in the structural standards, and the applied loads are automatically converted into finite element loads for the calculation model. All the loading functionality connecting with the load modeling is placed on the Loads tab.

📄️ Load cases and load groups

Before placing any loads in the model, load cases and load groups must be defined. As a default, one load group and one load case have been defined in Consteel for quick calculations. Clicking on the Create load cases and load groups command () on the Loads tab the Load cases and load groups dialogue window appears.

📄️ Load combinations

Limit states

📄️ Load types

Any placed load will belong to the load case selected from the list.

📄️ Global imperfections

Three types of global imperfection can be applied on the model with the _Global imperfection_ () function. Several numbers of imperfections can be created, but only one can be used for the analysis at the same time. Used imperfection can be set for the analysis at the Analysis tab’s Set analysis parameters dialog.

📄️ Moving load

EuroCode based or user defined crane and train load can be created and placed on the model manually or by the loading of an influence graph.

📄️ Meteorological loads

All of the meteorological load generator-related functions (**Meteorological surface** , **Meteorological load generator** ) can be found on the Loads tab.