Tutorial 2: Loading Types

Project Description:
VisualAnalysis provides several different types of member loads. This project will demonstrate three of the most useful. A uniform member load is shown in the top figure below. This is the most frequently used of the member loads and represents a constant distributed force along the length of the member. FEATURES: Member Loads Split Members Graphical Results

A projected member load is useful for tasks such as modeling snow loads on roofs, which are specified in terms of horizontal ground coverage and must be adjusted for the inclined plane of the rooftop.

There may be times when it is convenient to specify the position of a member load relative to the member rather than the global coordinate axis. In this case a local axis member load is called for. Choosing this option allows you to place forces and moments on a member without regard to its orientation in the structure.

VisualAnalysis Model
Uniform Member Load

VisualAnalysis Tutorial 2: Loading Types

Tutorial Examples 1

Projected Member Load

Local Axis Member Load

Setting Up the Project:

When you start up VA you are presented with the VisualAnalysis Startup Wizard. Choose Cancel in this wizard.

VisualAnalysis Startup Wizard

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VisualAnalysis Tutorial 2: Loading Types

A new project automatically generated for you. Make sure the project is a plane frame (Edit | Project Information), set the unit style to US ft-lb (Edit | project Units), and name the project "Loading Types" (Edit | Project Information).

Modeling the Structure:

Draw the truss and copy it two times in the Y-direction at 15ft. The four top chord members and the diagonal web members are 5.59ft. The vertical web member is 5ft and the two bottom chord members are 10ft long. Do not forget to make the left support pinned and the right support fixed in the Y-direction only. Modeling Hints: Draw the bottom chord members first. Then, draw the vertical member. Then draw the top chord on each side as one member. Select these members and split them into two pieces (Model | Split Members). That should get you on the right track. Basic Level Users: The Basic Level of VA does not support the Generate Copies feature. You will have to graphically draw the second and third trusses.

This is modeled as a plane frame rather than a plane truss because VA will not allow you to put a uniform load on truss members, which are two force members. This requires you to release the moments on internal members so that they only resist axial and shear forces. This effectively causes the above system to act as a truss. There are many ways to execute a command in VA, depending on your preference. When copying objects, you can use the toolbar copy key, short cut keys (ctrl+c), the menus, and "hot keys" (Alt+Menu+Underlined letter in option). The menus consist of both pop up and the main menus. Short-cut keys can be customized to your preference in the Tools menu. Also notice the command options by right-clicking.

Loading the Structure:

Select the load case titled "Snow Loads" using the Load Type Drop Down box, and select the source as snow.

Load Case Drop-Down Box

VisualAnalysis Tutorial 2: Loading Types

Tutorial Examples 3

Apply a 3 lb/ft uniform member load to the top chord members of the first truss. Apply a 3 lb/ft projected member load to the top chord of the second truss. Apply a 3 lb/ft local axis member load to the top chord members of the third truss. Make the right hand side a local axial force and make the left hand side a local shear force. Applying member loads in the local direction are convenient when the member orientation does not coincide with the global direction well. In this example we use it to apply a shear and an axial load but they could also be used for other scenarios like applying a load in the weak direction of a member.

Analysis & Results:

Just before running an analysis, select Analyze | Check Model for Errors. You should get a message indicating that no problems were found. From the Analyze | Analysis Options menu

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VisualAnalysis Tutorial 2: Loading Types

choose "Perform 1st order analysis only" and uncheck "Calculate dynamic mode shapes". Run the analysis and the results should appear as shown.

Hint: To lessen the exaggeration of the deflected shape, reduce the displaced shape "factor" on the Filter tab of the Project Manager. Create a graphical report using the Filter tab on the Project Manager. By adjusting the shape of the window you can control what the printed output will look like. The overall size does not matter but the closer the aspect ratio of the model is the better it will fill the paper. Refer to the User's Guide for more information. Use the Print Preview command to view the final product.

VisualAnalysis Tutorial 2: Loading Types

Tutorial Examples 5

Print Preview

Filter Menu

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VisualAnalysis Tutorial 2: Loading Types