Hello,
I am new Civil Engineering graduate that is working on the design of electrical substations. I am currently modelling a structure simple structure where I have two horizontal beams that are connected to each other by a plate. On top of the plate are transformers. When my structure is subjected to lateral loads such as wind, the equipment will transfer the horizontal force and a moment to my beam through the plate. I was able to add a vertical concentrated load onto the center of my plate, but was unable to add a concentrated moment. Is there a way to implement this? I also believe that I can add a horizontal concentrated force on my plate correct? Is there also a way I can view the stresses on my plate?
Thank you!
You can add Fx, Fy or Fz forces as well as Mx, My or Mz moments as a Nodal Loads to the node of the plate. Yes, the stresses on the plates can be reviewed in the post processing workflow in the Plate Results.
That is great! May I ask how I can add a concentrated moment on my plate? Do I have to break the plate up into multiple plates (meshing), or can I keep my plate as one big plate?
You always need to mesh the plate in order to get an accurate analysis results.