How do I model moving loads in ETABS?

ANSWER: Moving loads may be modeled in ETABS using the procedure which follows:

  1. Divide the element into an appropriate number of nodes.

  2. Define a series of load cases equal to the number of nodes (load1, load2, etc.).

  3. Select a load magnitude, then add each load to the corresponding node through Assign > Point Loads (load1 to the first node, load2 to the second, etc.).

  4. Define a load combination through Define > Load Combination, then include all the load cases created. To simulate the moving load within the model, select Envelope as the combination type. Refer to results from this combination for the effect of the moving load.

Related Incidents:

  • Incident 48384: Reg- moving load


Figure 1 - Modeling the moving load