2D Loads on Load Panels

Linear 2D elements can be defined as load panels. A load panel element is not structural and so does not contribute to the stiffness or mass of the structure. The purpose of the load panel is to allow loads to be defined as a face load on 2D elements and then distributed to the beam elements surrounding the 2D element. In many ways face loads on load panels gives an alternative to grid load.

A 2D element is specified as a load panel in the properties. A load panel element does not have a material, thickness, etc. Instead a support type and reference edge are specified. The support pattern defines the number of edges to which the load is transferred and the reference edge sets the selection of the free/loaded edges.

• All edges supported - the load is distributed to the edges in proportion to the contributing areas.

• Three edges supported - the load is distributed to the supporting edges so that as far a possible equilibrium is maintained. The edge opposite the reference edge does not take any load

• Two edges supported - the load spans from the sides adjacent to the reference edge.

• Two adjacent edges supported - the load is taken on the reference edge and the “next” edge on the element.

• One edge supported - the load is all attributed to the reference edge. The moment due to the offset of the load is ignored.

• Cantilever support - the forces are distributed as for one edge supported but the moment is applied to the edge so that equilibrium is achieved.

Quad 8 or tri 6 element cannot be selected for load panels.

Setting the ‘Load panels’ labelling option in the Labels and Display Methods: On Elements dialog tab displays the load distribution pattern on load panels.

The loads from the load panels are distributed by searching for beam/bar elements that bound the panel and attributing load to these elements based on the support condition. If the bounding beam/bar elements are dummy elements these elements cannot take load so an appropriate support condition should be selected to ensure that no load is attributed to the dummy elements.

For elements with rigid offsets the basic load distribution is modified to avoid loads on the rigid offsets.