Hi -
Why could be the reason for the error below. I have not assign any loads to "Member 1004", I am basically using area loads.
The model will be required to answer this question. Can you please share the model with us?
AEA - Copy-Area.zip
Please see the attached compressed file.
RAM Elements limits the number of distributed member loads to 24. The member in question is a long member that is connected to several different deck areas. Those deck areas have pressures that apply both x and z direction loads. A separate distributed load is created for the component in each direction. The error occurs because more than 24 distributed loads are generated by the deck area. Segmenting the member into 2 or more members is one way to work around the problem. The unbraced lengths can be modified in the steel design worksheet to ensure the member is designed correctly.
I am facing the similar error! But the member being considered was initially working well, when it had chevron brace framing into it. Now when I remove the brace and replacedt bay with a distributed load, I am getting the error message as seen above. I do not think the beam is supporting 24 distributed member loads. I would really appreciate if you could help me with this.
Thank You!
You can check the member loads on the member for each load case in the spreadsheet and confirm if it has a lot of discreet member loads or not. If it does then some simplification of the loads is advised. Alternatively one could segment the member, but this affects default unbraced length and more.
Thanks Seth! That helped! There were redundant forces from previous force distribution (before editing, the one with the brace). Although the number of distributed force didn't exceed 24, I still kept getting errors. Nevertheless, after deleting those forces from the spreadsheet, I was able to reassign the wind distribution area and run the analysis without hassles.
Thank you for your timely answer! I appreciate it!