Pier Cap Line Load [SPIG]

Line loads for pier caps can be applied based on the definitions made using the parameters below.

Pier Cap Load

Pier Cap: Choose the pier cap to impose the line load.

Stage: Select a stage to apply the load.

Start Normalized Distance From Right (0-1): The relative distance where the line load starts must be specified with a value between 0 and 1, where 0 corresponds to the initial node of the selected pier cap, and 1 corresponds to the final node. The initial node is defined along the alignment direction, looking upstation (to the right in the standard view).

End Normalized Distance From Right (0-1): The relative distance where the line load ends must be specified with a value between 0 and 1, where 0 corresponds to the initial node of the selected pier cap, and 1 corresponds to the final node. The initial node is defined along the alignment direction, looking upstation (to the right in the standard view).

Fx: Force in the X direction with respect to the global coordinate system.

Fy: Force in the Y direction with respect to the global coordinate system.

Fz (Gravity): Force in the Z direction with respect to the global coordinate system.

Mx: Moment in the global X-axis direction.

My: Moment in the global Y-axis direction.

Mz: Moment in the global Z vertical direction.

Although Fz is applied in the direction of gravity (positive values for Fz will correspond to the downward direction, as with gravity), Mz will have a positive direction relative to the +Z axis or, in other words, in the upward direction.

The Directions of Forces See the figures provided below for further clarification on the directions of positive forces and moments.