For some reason STAAD is not applying distributed wind loads to horizontal members in my frame. It correctly applies a distributed load to vertical members and places a node load at locations where the horizontal members intersect the vertical members.
The total force, based on pressure and area is correct. However, I need to see the moments in the horizontal members for wind loads.
I have defined a wind load and a group "WWALL" for the face of the structure (the group includes the horizontal members). I used the following method to assign the wind load to the group:
LOAD 5 LOADTYPE None TITLE WIND WEST WIND LOAD Z 1 TYPE 1 MEMB _WWALL
Any ideas on how to make the wind load be applied as a distributed load to horizontal members?
Please attach the model.
I read more about this - this is the intended behaviour:Technical Reference Manual, Section 5.32.12.3:
"The automated load generator should only be used for vertical panels. Panels not parallel to the global Y axis (for Y UP) should be loaded separately."
The work around is simply to work out the wind pressure, create a group and apply an area load. (Or model vertical mullions and apply the wind load to them).