Panels
Panels (roof / facade panels, sometimes also called loading panels) are entity (i) that is not consider in the FEM analysis and the stiffness of which is not taken into account in the calculation itself, but (iii) that is capable of redistributing the applied surface load to other load bearing entities supporting the panel. The panel can transform the applied load to (i) nodes (corners), (ii) edges (e.g. opening edges), or (iii) beams situated in the plane of the panel (beams supporting the panel).
The main purpose of panels is to allow the user to define surface loads even on models where 2D members entering the FEM calculation are not defined. A roof window can be a typical example: it is subjected to snow load but it is not considered in the FEM calculation.
The applied load can be distributed in one or two directions according to the user setting.
Load to panel nodes
Panel of this type transfers the applied load to all or selected nodes (corners) of the panel. The load is generated only in supported nodes. Sum of load is transferred to nodes according to the length of edges connected to each node. The user can set the weight for individual nodes or exclude some of them from load transfer.
The panel supports can be displayed. All load types can be used on the panel. Panel is available in all project types - Frame, Grid, General, etc.
Load to panel edges
Panel of this type transfers the applied load to all or selected edges of the panel. The load is generated only along supported edges ("supported" means supported by another member, it is not possible to define a direct support on the load panel). Sum of load is transferred to edges according to the length of edges. The user can adjust the weight for individual edges or exclude some of them from load transfer.
Supports can be formed by beams or edges of 2D members. If an edge is only partially supported, then point load at the end of the support is generated.
The panel supports can be displayed. All load types can be used on the panel. Panel is available in all project types - Frame, Grid, General, etc.
Load to opening edges
This type is analogous to the previous one. The difference is that for this type no material, thickness, etc. are required. This type does not appear in the bill of material.
Load to panel beams
Panel of this type transfers the applied load to all or selected beams that are located (with a defined tolerance) in the plane of the panel. If the panel has some edges supported ("supported" means supported by another 2D member, it is not possible to define a direct support on the load panel), these supported edges are treated like beams, i.e. the load is transferred to them as well.
The user can choose a method that transfers the load to the beams. There are two methods available:
Standard
The sum of the load is transferred to beams according to the length of individual beams and supported edges. The user can set the weight factor for individual beams or exclude some of them (using the Beam Selection Action Button) from load transfer.
Accurate (FEM)
The finite element method is used to recalculate the applied load to individual beams.
All load types can be used on the panel. Panel is available in all project types - Frame, Grid, General, etc.
Parameters and input procedure for panels are described in chapters:
Defining a new load panel with beams
Note: The loads generated from the load panels through the Generate loads action button cannot be moved using function Move AddData. This function is disabled for the generated loads. On the other hand, if a load generated through the Generate loads action button is copied using function Copy AddData, a new separate load(s) (completely independent on the load panel) is created on the target entity.