Loading Area Group

Define (create, modify & delete) loading area group names to which loaded area are later assigned.

In a relatively complicated model for a complex structure, grouping specifically loaded area becomes handy when the groups of the loads are to be repeatedly selected. Using the loading area group names, can we then select (Select Identity) or activate (Active Identity) frequently used loading area groups. Loading area groups are especially dedicated to Construction Stage analysis (of a high-rise building) where each part of the total structure erected in each stage may be subjected to different loadings.

Loading area groups can be defined in Define Loading area Group first. Next, the desired area loaded with particular loadings can be selected in the Group tab of the Tree Menu and assigned to the groups by Drag & Drop. Or, the loading area group names can be directly assigned at the time of defining the loads.

From the Main Menu select Structure > Group > B/L/T > Define Loading Area Group.

Name

Enter the name of a loading area group to be created, modified or delete.

Suffix

The Suffix entry field is provided for the convenience of creating a number of related group names simultaneously. This is mainly used to generate changing loading conditions pertaining to multiple construction stages.

Note
The construction stages defined by using Construction Stage Wizard for Building automatically create the Load Groups of "#CS Construction Stage No" for the self-weight of the slabs and "#AD Additional Load No.- Construction Stage No. "for additional loads.

Group Sorting

: Sort in ascending alphanumeric order

: Sort in descending alphanumeric order

: The selected group moves up one position in the list. The use of [Ctrl] or [Shift] key permits multi-selection.

: The selected group moves down one position in the list. The use of [Ctrl] or [Shift] key permits multi-selection.

Operation

The entered loading area group is created. The load groups as many as defined in the Suffix entry field are simultaneously created.

The designated loading area group name is modified.

Selected loading area group names are deleted. The use of [Ctrl] key permits multi-selection.

All the loading area groups on the list are deleted except for the selected groups. The use of [Ctrl] key permits multi-selection.

Close the Define Loading area Group dialog box.

Note 1
Use the Group tab of the Tree Menu to assign nodes and elements loaded with particular loading conditions to the defined Loading Area Groups.   

First, select the area loaded with particular loading conditions to be assigned to a group using the Selection functions.

Next, drag and drop the loading area group name to which the selected area will be assigned from the Tree Menu to the Model Window

Note 2
When a number of loading conditions are defined by different loading area groups and assigned to a node or an element in a given construction stage, the accumulated effect is considered in that construction stage.