Auto lateral load FAQ

Wind auto-lateral-load assignment

Question: How do I assign wind auto-lateral-load conditions?

Answer: Wind auto lateral load may be assigned as follows:

• Define wind auto lateral load
• Assign wind-pressure coefficients using the Assign > Area Loads > Wind Pressure Coefficients option

Display auto-lateral-load application

Question: Is it possible to display (graphically or in tabular format) auto-lateral-load application?

Answer: Yes. For example, the seismic auto-lateral-load pattern applied to the joints of a structure may be reviewed in the table under Model Definition > Load Pattern Definitions > Auto Seismic Loads > Table: Auto Seismic Loads to Joints.

Local wind-load application

Question: Is it possible to apply wind load to only a specific frame element?

Answer: Yes. First, define a load pattern, designate the type as Wind, and specify the load as an auto-lateral-load pattern, such as with ASCE 7-05. Next, select Modify Lateral Load Pattern > Exposure from Frame and Area Objects > Include Frame Objects, and define wind-direction angle, along with other parameters. Finally, designate frame objects for wind auto-lateral-load application using the Assign > Frame Loads > Open Structure Wind Parameters menu.

Wind auto lateral load on 3D frame structure

Question: For modeling a

(FPSO) unit as a 3D frame, how would I apply wind load per BS standard? The Wave Wind form is limited to API standard, and I'm concerned that diaphragm definition would affect analysis.

Answer: Two options available include the following:

1. Users may define dummy diaphragms and assign each to a single point object. Each point object then becomes the location where wind load is applied. Users may then specify tributary area using the Wind Exposure Width Data form.
2. Alternatively, users may use dummy area objects to apply wind loads using exposure from area objects. This may be specified using the BS 6399-95 Wind Load Pattern form.