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Point Loads

PointLoad applies a concentrated force and/or moment at any position along a member.

Add point loads​

var load = new PointLoad
{
    Member = beam,
    Case = deadCase,
    Position = 0.5,
    PositionMode = PositionMode.Relative,
    Force = new Point3D(0, 0, -10_000)
};
model.AddPointLoad(load);

Absolute positioning (distance from start node in meters):

var load = new PointLoad
{
    Member = beam,
    Case = deadCase,
    Position = 2.5,
    PositionMode = PositionMode.Absolute,
    Force = new Point3D(0, 0, -10_000),
    Moment = new Point3D(0, 500, 0)
};
model.AddPointLoad(load);

Position modes​

  • Relative (default): 0.0 = member start, 1.0 = member end.
  • Absolute: distance in meters from the start node.

How it works​

The solver converts point loads to equivalent nodal forces at the member endpoints using Hermite shape function interpolation (Kassimali §5.3). No intermediate node is created, and the member stays as a single element.

Internal force recovery applies a span correction at the load point to capture the shear discontinuity and moment slope change.

Remove point loads​

model.RemovePointLoad(load);

Notes​

  • Add the load case first (model.AddLoadCase(...)).
  • A point load at position 0.0 or 1.0 is equivalent to a direct nodal force at the member endpoint.
  • Adding/removing loads invalidates cached results.