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

To apply a moment to a joint

§    Select the joint or joints to be loaded

§    Choose Global Joint Moment from the Load menu to apply a moment relative to the global axes

§    or

§    Choose Local Joint Moment from the Load menu to apply a moment relative to the nodal axes

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 moment directions.  In the 3D view, all six possible icons will be displayed with the icons showing the direction of the action of the moments about the global axes in the current view.  The line through the centre of each icon indicates the direction of the axis the moment is acting about.

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

§    Type in a value for the magnitude of the moment

§    Click on the OK button

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

If you wish to remove the moments from a joint, select the joint and choose Unload Joint from the Load menu.