# Global Line Load \[FEA]

Global line loads apply distributed forces and moments along a polyline path defined by a set of points. The load is distributed to elements within the specified FE group that intersect the load path. This is useful for applying lane loads, barrier weights, or other distributed loads along a defined path without referencing individual elements.

## Line Load

**Load Case:** The analysis case (load case) to which this line load belongs.

**Group:** The FE group containing the elements to which the load will be distributed. The load is applied to elements within this group that intersect the defined polyline path.

**Points:** Defines the polyline path along which the distributed load is applied. Points are defined as X, Y, Z coordinates. Right-click this cell for actions: *Edit Points...* opens a point editor for manual coordinate entry; *Select Polyline (3D)...* launches an interactive 3D picker that lets you click on element edges to define the polyline path directly in the model view.

**Fx:** Distributed force intensity in the global X direction (force per unit length along the path).

**Fy:** Distributed force intensity in the global Y direction (force per unit length along the path).

**Fz:** Distributed force intensity in the global Z direction (force per unit length along the path). Use negative values for downward loads.

**Mx:** Distributed moment intensity about the global X axis (moment per unit length along the path).

**My:** Distributed moment intensity about the global Y axis (moment per unit length along the path).

**Mz:** Distributed moment intensity about the global Z axis (moment per unit length along the path).

**Convert to Node Load:** When set to Yes, the load is converted to equivalent nodal forces before analysis. This can improve performance for large models.

**Coordinate System:** The coordinate system in which the force and moment components are defined. Select Local to define forces relative to the line path direction, or Global for forces in the global XYZ directions.