Introduction to loads

Load represents probably the most important part of the model. The user has always to pay a great attention to proper definition of load the structure is subject to.

SCIA Engineer comes with a set of tools that facilitate this very important task. The program not only provides for numerous load types (concentrated force, linear moment load, thermal load, etc.) but also enables the user to manage the loads in a very clear and effective way through load cases, load groups, load case combinations and result classes. Each of these topics is described in detail in a separate chapter.

Note 1: If the current load case is of Self weight type, it is not possible to define any load in it. Therefore, if service Loads is called with a Self weight load case active, the menu remains empty.

Note 2: The service Loads contains a long list of various load types. However, the actual offer in the list depends on several factors. First, the Standard user level of the user interface may hide some of the sophisticated loads. Second, the type of the load case that is set as active controls the individual load types in the list.