Snow drift and other area load types

[jittles]

New to ETABS and building my first model.

How does ETABS handle the input of snow drift loading? I can't seem to find any options for it. I am dreading that I might have to input tapered loads individually on all my frame members.

On the same note, is there any way to assign, for instance, a storage area live load on just a portion of a floor? It seems that I have to mesh my floor element down to the size of said area just to apply that loading. Is this correct or is there another way?

 

[jittles]

To add one more quick question:

I apparently cannot select my damn dimension lines, which means I cannot delete them. Any insight on why I might not be able to even select them?

 

[johnbridge231]

Very useful document, I have to admit.. Thanks for sharing.

Analysis and Design of arbitrary cross sections
Reinforcement design to all major codes
Moment Curvature analysis

http://www.engissol.com/cross-section-analysis-design.html

 

[johnbridge231]

Sorry, wrong post above!
As for your quesation, you will have to apply the snow loads manually to all frame elements or directly on the slabs. In any case, proper meshing using the divide tool should be used, something that applied in your case as well.


Analysis and Design of arbitrary cross sections
Reinforcement design to all major codes
Moment Curvature analysis

http://www.engissol.com/cross-section-analysis-design.html

 

[shijie0411]

I am fairly new in etabs just like you, regarding snow drift I will assign typical snow load on the main roof area, and draw some null areas for snow drift area and assign additional snow drift load on these null areas, but I found in ETABS no way to assign tapered area load to slab or null area like SAFE does. Anyone has better idea about this? Thank you.