Load Points in VisualPlate are used to apply concentrated loads and moments to plates at a specified location.

Modeling

Load points are defined by their location in the model. Note: In the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model, a single node in the slab's mesh is loaded; therefore, care should be taken when using a load point to model a physical load that has a large cross-sections.

Mesh Refinement

The FEA method is approximate and the accuracy of the solution typically increases as the mesh becomes finer. Generally, a finer mesh should be used in regions where there are large changes in stresses in the plates (such as at load points where concentrated loads can create stress concentrations). Select a load point(s) and set Refine? = True in the Project Manager | Modify tab to refine the mesh in the regions of the chosen load point(s). The mesh refinement parameters for load points are defined in the image below.  Note: Since load points are a single point in the model and do not have physical sized, the offset and element length at start begin at a 4 inch diameter circle that encloses the load point.

Loading

Concentrated forces (compression and tension), in addition to moments in two directions can be applied to load points.

Analysis

During the finite element analysis each load point is modeled as a single node connected to the plate's finite element mesh. Therefore, care should be taken when using a load point to model a physical load that has a large cross-sections.

Report

Multiple report tables, which include modeling, loading, and result information for the Load Points, are available in the Text Report view.