Generate Live Loads

With this feature, structural engineers can automatically generate live loads on zones.

How it works

Map your zones (via their Classification) to the appropriate Load Category

Load Categories determine the live load values. Archicad comes with default Load Category definitions, which you can customize as needed.

Use Design > Structural Analytical Elements > Generate/Update Live Load

Which zones generate live loads?

Live loads are generated for zones which meet the following conditions:

“Generate Live Loads” checkbox is activated (Zone Settings)

the zone has a Classification (Zone Settings)

Zone Classification is mapped to a Load Category (Load Mapping dialog)

Activate checkbox: Generate Live Loads

Activate this in Zone Settings or the Info Box (Structural Analytical Parameters panel):

GenerateLiveLoadsBox.png 

Classify zone

Classify a zone in Zone Settings or Info Box (Classification and Properties panel):

ClassifyZone.png 

Set up Load Mapping

1.Open Options > Load Mapping

2.Use this table to map Classifications (left column) to Load Categories.

LoadMapping.png 

Click Add to create as many mapping rules as needed

This dialog displays the Load Category value (To edit this value, use the Load Categories dialog)

You can map one or more zone classifications to any single Load Category: here, the “Meeting room” and “Office” classifications are mapped to a single Load Category.

ChooseZoneClassification.png 

Generate Live Loads Command

1.Make sure the Structural Analytical Model is on: use the Show Structural Analytical Model toggle

from the View menu

from the Structural Analytical Model Toolbar

2.Use Design > Structural Analytical Elements > Generate/Update Live Loads

Check the resulting surface loads in 3D.

LiveLoads3D.png 

Update Live Loads

When the model changes, you can update live loads the same way:

Use Design > Structural Analytical Elements > Generate/Update Live Loads

New live loads are created, updated or deleted as needed, to reflect changes in the model (e.g. zone geometry, classification) or in load mapping.

Related topics

Set up Load Categories