Thermal Load to Panel

[adam_stelfoxXJMD4]

Hi, I am looking for some help and guidance with regards to applying thermal loads to panels.

In particular I am modelling an above ground RC structure consisting of a base slab with a series of vertical walls. The base slab is to be supported on piles.

I have applied it as a uniform thermal load 3p to every panel and am getting significantly large reaction forces and moment about Z, which leads me to believe that I have not applied the load correctly.

The attached screenshot should provide clarity to this, it looks like it has been applied correctly to the base slab but not to the wall.

If I want thermal expansion/contraction to occur from the free end of the wall, how do I apply this, since it looks like applying a uniform thermal load 3p to a vertical wall applies it through the thickness of the wall?

[Rafacascudo]

If I want thermal expansion/contraction to occur from the free end of the wall, how do I apply this, since it looks like applying a uniform thermal load 3p to a vertical wall applies it through the thickness of the wall?

No , this is only graphical. I modelled a slab and a wall with the same dimensions (5mx5m) with the same support conditons and the results are the same although the thermal load graphics suggests they can be different

zip and attach your model

[adam_stelfoxXJMD4]

Hi thank you for your reply.

I found a guide to this and found that applying a Variable 2P load whilst keeping the dT1 and dT2 values the same ensures a uniform load is applied along the wall height consistent with the local axis.

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-simulate-te...

Please feel free to take a look. Load case 30 and 31 are the ones in particular concern here.

[lauri_barnhart]

Welcome to the community, @adam_stelfoxXJMD4.

@Rafacascudo, it looks like the zip file has been attached. Is there any additional guidance you can provide?

Best,

[Rafacascudo]

Structure is too complex to be sure. But you have a lot of "piles" supports 2,15m apart from each other with very strong springs. So for me it seems reasonable that ,we so little space to stretch or contract , temperature loading would cause significant horizontal reactions all over the place..

Other than that ,I do not understand why your supports have Mz blocked.

And always freeze all the panel meshes before running the model . It saves a lot of analysis time , especially in large model like yours

[lauri_barnhart]

Greetings, @adam_stelfoxXJMD4.

Just following up to see if you saw the additional information provided by Rafacascudo. Did the information provide the guidance you needed to resolve your question? If so, please consider clicking on the 'Accept Solution' button. If you still need assistance, please update us here.

Best,