Truss Load [TB]

The Truss Load workflow item applies a concentrated load to every node of a selected truss's finite element group at a chosen construction stage. The input force and moment components are split evenly between the two nodes of each truss element (the internal formulation applies Fx/2, Fy/2, -Fz/2, Mx/2, My/2, Mz/2 to the associated node group), so the entered values represent the total load delivered per truss element along the gravity-downward convention for Fz.

Truss Load

Truss: Select the truss to which the load will be applied. The user must provide a truss pick; the truss's FE node group and alignment are pulled from the selected object.

Stage: Choose the construction stage at which to apply the truss load. When left empty, the load is defined but not activated on any construction stage (activation is guarded by a non-empty stage).

Fx: Force in the longitudinal direction along the truss alignment.

Fy: Force in the direction perpendicular to the truss alignment.

Fz (Gravity): Force in the vertical direction. A positive value indicates a load in the global -Z (gravity) direction. For typical gravity-type loads (utility loads, attached equipment, miscellaneous dead load), the user should enter positive values.

Mx: Moment about the longitudinal axis along the truss alignment.

My: Moment about the axis perpendicular to the truss alignment.

Mz: Moment about the vertical axis.

Although Fz is applied in the direction of gravity (positive values correspond to the downward direction), Mz is positive relative to the +Z axis (upward direction by the right-hand rule).