Distributed Loads
Apply surcharge and other distributed loads to boundaries.
A distributed load applies a pressure over a span of the model boundary. Use it for surcharges, embankment fill, footings, traffic, or any load spread across a length of the surface.
Distribution type
Set Pressure Distribution to control how the magnitude varies along the loaded span:
- Rectangular — a constant pressure equal to the start magnitude. The end magnitude is ignored.
- Trapezoidal — the pressure varies linearly from the start magnitude at the first point to the end magnitude at the second point.
Magnitude
| Parameter | Unit | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Magnitude | kN/m² | 50 | Pressure at the first (start) point of the loaded span. |
| End Magnitude | kN/m² | 50 | Pressure at the second (end) point. Used only for trapezoidal distribution; disabled and set equal to the start magnitude when rectangular. |
Pressures are entered in kN/m² (numerically equal to kPa).
Orientation
The Orientation option sets the direction in which the pressure acts:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Normal to Boundary | Perpendicular to the loaded boundary segment. |
| Vertical | Straight down. |
| Horizontal | Horizontal. |
| Angle from Horizontal | At the specified Angle measured from horizontal. |
| Angle to Boundary | At the specified Angle measured from the boundary normal. |
| Parameter | Unit | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angle | degrees | 0 | Direction angle. Enabled only for the two angle-based orientations. |
| Flip Angle 180 Degrees | — | off | Reverses the load direction by 180°. |
Placement
A distributed load is placed by a pair of points on the geometry. The two points define the start and end of the loaded span, and the load is applied to the boundary between them.
- Open Loading → Distributed Load.
- Choose the distribution type and enter the start (and, for trapezoidal, end) magnitude.
- Choose the orientation, and an angle if required.
- Click Add Distributed Load and pick the two boundary points that bound the loaded span.
Note Distributed loads require an external (model) boundary to attach to. The Add Distributed Load button is disabled until the model has an external boundary defined.