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Dipl.-Ing. (BA) Andreas Niemeier, M.Eng.
2017-07-26

Spatial and Planar Load Display

In RFEM, structures can be modeled and analyzed in a spatial environment. The permanent 3D visualization helps you to better understand complex models and to represent the force flux. However, you can switch from a spatial mode to a planar sheet mode in the documentation of a calculation. To do this, you have to describe the spatial calculation of the structure with all the necessary properties on "flat" paper pages for an independent reader. Usually, you try to display the load actions and the corresponding results by using an orthogonal view of the substructure of the entire structure. Obviously, the load symbols depicted in the 3D mode in a view perpendicular to the load become unrecognizable due the missing expansion. In order to still be able to create a clear representation of all information, the corresponding adjustments are available in RFEM.

Concentrated Load

In a spatial view, a point load is displayed as a vector (a line with an arrow) above the reference node or point. The vector length indicates the respective size, and the arrow shows the direction of the load. When looking in the direction of the load axis, the load symbol changes accordingly. The program displays a crossed circle when looking in the direction of the load, and a circle with a center point when looking in the opposite direction. To specify the load size exactly, you can additionally write a numeric value next to the spatial and planar symbols.

Diverse Display of Concentrated Load
Diverse Display of Concentrated Load

Line Load

A line load is treated in a similar way as a concentrated load. The spatial display of a load on lines or members is represented by a framed array of vectors (a line with an arrow) above the assigned line. The vector length indicates (qualitatively) the size and the arrow indicates the direction of the load. A frame with optional shading around the load vectors should illustrate the line reference. When looking in the direction of the load axis, the load symbol changes accordingly. The program displays a crossed circle when looking in the direction of the load, and a circle with a center point when looking in the opposite direction. To specify the load size exactly, you can additionally write a numeric value next to the combined load symbol.

Diverse Display of Line Load
Diverse Display of Line Load

Flat Load

The spatial display of flat loads is a further development of the line load. In the spatial display, a framed vector set represents the boundary lines of the load. The vector length indicates (qualitatively) the size, and the arrow indicates the direction of the load. A frame with optional shading around the load vectors should illustrate the outer edge of the surface load. In summary, this results in a block-shaped display of the load. When looking in the direction of the load, the rotating vectors are not converted into a crossed or dotted circle, but the line polygon is displayed around the arrow with optional shading or hatching. The hatching is set in such a way that each load size uses a separate hatching type. To specify the load size exactly, you can additionally write the numerical value at the edge or in the middle of the load symbol.

Diverse Display of Flat Load
Diverse Display of Flat Load
Author

Mr. Niemeier is responsible for the development of RFEM, RSTAB, RWIND Simulation, and in the area of membrane structures. He is also responsible for quality assurance and customer support.

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