Trapezoidal loads may be assigned to shell objects by using a joint pattern. This may be done in SAP2000 through the following process:
- Add a new joint pattern name through Define > Joint Pattern.
- Assign joint pattern values to the structural joints through Assign > Joint Patterns.
- Apply trapezoidal loading to area objects through Assign > Area Loads > Surface Pressure (All), then select the By Joint Pattern option.