Wheel Patch Definition
The wheel patch definition dialog is accessed from the “Generate Static Vehicle Load” dialog and allows the user to specify that each vehicle wheel load should be represented by a series of grid point loads in a rectangular patch. This will only affect the analysis if the patch size is large compared to the panel size of the grillage. The patch size will generally be determined from loading code requirements for the contact area of the wheel with the road surface and the spread of load down to the neutral axis.