Load Generator and Distributor

The Lateral Load Generator/Distributor tool uses the dimensions and load specification for a building and calculates the total lateral wind and seismic loads according to ASCE 7 Standard “Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures”. Then, the tool distributes the lateral loads between floors and between shear walls in each floor. The distribution method takes into consideration type of floor diaphragm (rigid or flexible) and torsional effects of rigid diaphragms. The tool exports load data to SW design module and full output to a standard Excel sheet.

The input data for the building include overall dimensions and heights, number of stories, roof type and slope, and occupancy category.  Wind input data include basic wind speed, exposure and factors related to building enclosure classification, wind directionality and topography. Seismic input data include lateral system category and design coefficients, site classification and coefficients, spectral response acceleration and floor/roof weights to be considered for calculations of base shear.

The 3D viewer shows a three-dimensional view of the shear walls in the building in all orientation and floors.

 The output lateral seismic data and loads include Seismic Design Category (SDC), building total weight, total base shear, cumulative shear and lateral force at each floor. The output lateral wind data and loads include lateral positive and negative wall pressures, side wall pressure and roof pressure. It also includes Component and Cladding (C&C) design pressures. All output can be printed in a professional report, exported to a spreadsheet or transferred to the component design modules.