Load Tool Settings

There are three Load tools in Archicad:

  • Structural Point Load
  • Structural Line Load
  • Structural Surface Load

    LoadToolsBox00284.png

To open its Settings, double-click the tool in the toolbox.


PointLoadSettings.png

LineLoadSettings.png

Point Load Settings

Line Load Settings

Load Case

Choose a Load Case for this Load element.


LoadCaseSettings.png

The Load Case determines whether a Load element is visible or not (similar to element visibility depending on its Layer status).

Note:

  • Set the visible Load Case(s) using the Load Case palette, displayed by default in the Structural work environment.
  • The visible Load Case can be saved for each view, in View Settings.

Type

Choose Force or Moment to describe the Load's behavior.

Moment is indicated with a double arrowhead and a curved arrow.

ForcePointLoad00285.png     MomentPointLoad00286.png

Point Force                                                    Point Moment

Distribution (Line Loads only)

Describes Load distribution along its length.

  • Uniform: Load is distributed uniformly along the edge. Load values are identical at both ends.
  • Trapezoid: Load values are different at the two ends. Load intensity varies linearly between the two points.

Coordinate System

Defines how to interpret the vector direction of the Load Value.

  • Global (Coordinate System): the project's global coordinate system
  • Local (Coordinate System): the direction defined for the Load's parent element

Load Value

For each Load, specify its intensity in each direction

Point Load Value

Description

Point Force

Fx, Fy, Fz

The magnitude of Force applied in the X, Y and Z direction.

Point Moment

Mx, My, Mz

The magnitude of Moment applied about the X, Y and Z direction.

Line Load Value

Description

Line Force

px, py, pz

The magnitude of Force applied in the X, Y or Z direction at all points along Line Load

px1, py1, pz1

The magnitude of Force applied in the X, Y or Z direction at the startpoint of the Line Load

px2, py2, pz2

The magnitude of Force applied in the X, Y or Z direction at the endpoint of the Line Load

Line Moment

Mx, My, Mz

The magnitude of Moment applied in the X, Y or Z direction at all points along the Line Load

Mx1, My1, Mz1

The magnitude of Moment applied in the X, Y or Z direction at the startpoint of the Line Load

Mx2, My2, Mz2

The magnitude of Moment applied in the X, Y or Z direction at the endpoint of the Line Load

Surface Force Value

Description

px, py, pz

Magnitude of Force applied in the X, Y or Z direction of the Surface Load.

Structural Loads Units (Project Preferences)

For each Load tool and type, set its units at Options > Project Preferences > Structural Load Units:


LoadUnits.png