Load Distribution

Load distribution is available for Hollow Core sections. Load distribution is based on the PCI Manual for the Design of Hollow Core slabs and Wall, 3rd Edition MNL126-15.

Inputs

Input options for load distribution can be found on the Structural Model tab. The section only appears for Hollow Core Sections and Polygonal Sections that contain voids.

Input Name

Description

Plank Location

Sets the load distribution direction to be either in both directions or in a singular direction. Edge loads have a smaller distribution area.

Start Width

The width of the distribution area at the start of the member.

Center Width

The width of the distribution area, input as a percent of the piece length.

End Width

The width of the distribution area at the end of the member

Start Length

The distance it takes, input as a percent of the piece length, for the effective width to equal the center width.

Center Length

The percent of the member which uses the full distribution width (non editable)

End Length

The distance it takes, input as a percent of the piece length, for the effective width to equal the center width.

Analysis

The goal of this method is to perform the analysis on the effective width of the panel. To do this, we tweak the analysis to be on a unit width that is contained inside the effective region. The demands are first reduced to be only the forces within the bounds of the design section. These reduced loads are then used to compute all capacities on the full section. From here, the demand is transformed to be on a unit width, not that at the ends of the member this will increase the loading since the effective width is less then the member width. Also at this point the capacities as transformed to be on a unit width and the results are displayed. Note that in the results, the displayed units do not change, but now are displayed on a per foot width basis.

Effective Width Transformations

The following properties are transformed at a given location by multiplying it’s value by the piece width divided by the effective width.

  • My

  • Mz

  • Vy

  • Mz

Unit Width Transformations

The following properties are transformed at a given location by dividing it’s value by the piece width.

  • ϕMn

  • Mn

  • Mcr

  • ϕVn

  • Vn

  • Vc

  • Vci

  • Vcw

  • Av/s

  • Av,min

  • Av,req

Hand Calculation

Load Distribution.pdf

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