Modeling Walls

Walls in VisualFoundation are used to distribute applied loads and add stiffness to the foundation. Walls are created by drawing them on a slab in the Model and Load view. Walls have specified thickness, material, length (defined by the start and end locations), and height.

Loading Walls

Vertical forces (compression and tension), in addition to sliding forces and moments in two directions can be applied to walls. The wall's self weight can be included by checking the option for the selected wall in the Project Manager | Modify tab. The sliding forces are assumed to act at the top of the wall and will generate moments in the slab. Sliding forces are also used for the sliding checks on the foundation. Wall loads can be entered as distributed evenly along wall length or as the resultant total. Loads can be entered in the global coordinate system or in the wall's local coordinate system (defined as parallel or perpendicular to the wall).

Analysis of Walls

Walls are modeled as a beam-element in the Finite Element Analysis model. While stiffness is modeled, no stresses are reported.

Wall Design

Walls are not designed in VisualFoundation, they are only used to define loads and add stiffness to the foundation.

Punching Shear

In VisualFoundaiton, Punching Shear design checks are performed at wall locations and the program automatically determines the punching shear perimeter (critical section). Additional information regarding punching shear design checks can be found on the Punching Shear page of the Help File.