A joint load is a force that is applied at a joint in the structure. Joint loads can be applied relative to the global coordinate system in which case the forces act in a direction parallel to one of the reference x, y or z axes. Joint loads may also be specified using the local orientation of a joint in which case the loads act parallel to the direction of the local degrees of freedom at a joint.

To apply a load to a joint

§    Select the joint or joints to be loaded

§    Choose Global Joint Load from the Load menu to apply a global load

§    or

§    Choose Local Joint Load from the Load menu to apply a local load

A dialog box will appear with icons to indicate the direction of loading.

In a two dimensional view, there will be four icons indicating the four possible load directions.  In the 3D view, all six possible icons will be displayed with the icons pointing in the direction of the appropriate axes in the current view.

§    Click on the icon which shows the direction in which the load is to act

§    Type in a value for the magnitude of the load

§    Click on the OK button

There is no need to enter '+' or '-' signs for your load magnitudes.  The directions are determined from the icon that you select.

If you wish to remove the joint loads from a joint, select the joint and choose Unload Joint from the Load menu. You can also double click on a joint to view a table of all the loads on the joint.

You can superimpose loads in the same direction on a single joint.  Each time you use the Joint Load command, the new loads will be superimposed on any other joint loads you may have previously applied.