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User-defined Default Loads (Feature 24)

Certain applications, like floor loading, have a standard set of loads e.g. 40 Live, 15 dead, that are mandated by design codes and standards for certain types of buildings. This feature allows you to apply standard loads that are activated upon creation of new files and initial change of member type, to avoid the repetitive task of entering these loads for every new file created.

Different default loads can be entered for each member type in Sizer. This feature applies to Beam mode and Column mode. There are no default loads in Concept Mode.

Default Load File

A new binary file has been created in the Sizer installation folder called Sizer.wss to contain the default loads. It is automatically generated when the user creates default loads.

The program is not delivered with “factory” default loads. Any default loads will be created by the user.

Saving Default Loads

The usual Sizer load input screen is used for default loads. Any number and type of loads shown in this screen can be saved as defaults. When you user press the "Save as default loads" button, all loads on that member are saved to the Sizer.wss file.

You can eliminate default loads by pressing Save as default loads for a blank set of loads.

If repeating loads are included, the program includes only those repeating loads that were applied to the original member when default loads are saved.

Applying Default Loads

Default loads are applied when a new file is created of a type for which default loads exist, or if you subsequently change the member type (e.g. from Beam to Floor Joist). The original default loads will be removed and replaced with the default loads of the changed type. Existing loads that are not default loads remain and appear after the newly added default loads.

New files vs Saved Files

Default loads are automatically created for members that have not been saved to disk. Once a member has been saved, no loads will be automatically created or deleted.

Therefore, if you wish to suppress the behaviour of creating default loads when member type changes, you can save the file.

Modifying a Default Load

If a default load has been modified by pressing the modify button in Loads view, the load is no longer considered a default load. This implies that when a default load is modified, it will not be erased if you change the type of the member.

Validating Default Loads

The beam configuration ( member length and bearing length and design span settings will in general be different on the actual member than on the default member for which the loads..

Uniform loads

Uniformly distributed line and area loads are extended or shortened to be the length of the new member.

Partial loads

Partial loads whose endpoint is after the end of the member will be shortened to end at the member. Partial loads which start on or after the end of the member will not be applied.

Trapezoidal or triangular loads

The magnitude of trapezoidal or triangular loads that are shortened is the magnitude at the end of the longer member. The program does not truncate the load magnitude using equal triangles.

Point loads

Point loads that are at the end of the member will be placed at the end of the shortened member. Point loads that are between the end of the shortened member and the longer member will not be applied.

Note that “end of member” means anywhere within the bearing area of the member. For unknown bearing length, it is the end of the beam.

See Also

Loads and Analysis

Adding Moments Directly to Members (Feature 20)

Factor for Area Load on Continuous Support (Feature 63)

Load Combinations in Presence of Concentrated Load (bug 2353)

Importance Factor in Unfactored Reactions (Bug 2286)

Snow Point Loads at Supports (Bug 2199)