Notes:

• You need the license Moving loads to calculate models containing moving loads.
• The article below illustrates the input of a random moving load in Diamonds. However, it is outside the scope of this article to explain EN 1993-6 – Crane supporting structures. For more info on that, we refer to literature like the book “Hallen“ – Chapter 6.

In order to explain how the module Moving Loads works, we model the train below. The dimensions of the train and its loads are given. The shape of the trajectory is drawn in step 1 (see further). There’s a bumper at both ends of the trajectory. 

In Diamonds

1. Define the trajectory (= lines or bar) of the moving load in the Geometry configuration .
   If you want to apply a moving load on a plate, you must draw the trajectory in the surface of the plate.
   In the image below, two trajectories are drawn. One trajectory is slightly shorter than the other one.
   
2. Define a load group for moving loads
   • Go to the loads configuration  and click on .
   • Add a new load group. Set the type to Crane loads.
     
3. Add the moving load to the library.
   • Select the load group Crane loads from the pull down list and click on .
   • Click New and enter the properties of the moving load.
     
4. Allocate the moving load to the trajectory.
   • Select the trajectory and click on . The moving load Train1 we just defined, is automatically selected from the pull downlist.
     
   • Choose whether you wish to apply the crane load to the group of lines or to the individual lines. In this case we choose group of lines.
     
   • Enter the dimensions of the bumpers.
     
   • Click OK to close the dialog. You will see a graphic illustration of the moving load.
     Green is were the moving load start, red is were it ends.
     
5. Click on  to get a summary of all applied moving loads.
   
6. Click on  to start/ stop the animation of the moving load.

Notes:

• Diamonds shows the enveloppe result from all the positions of the train. Not the results for each position separately. Therefor this feature cannot be used to create influence lines.
• When importing a Diamonds model with moving loads into PowerFrame, it is advised to redefine the moving loads again in PowerFrame and visa versa.

• Diamonds assumes that the default temperature of the structure is 20°C.
• The temperature you define is an increasing or descreasing of this 20°C.
• A gradient of for example +50°C, is translated to a load of +25°C at the top of the section and -25°C at the bottom. A gradient of -50°C, is translated as a load of -25°C at the top of the section and +25°C at the bottom.

Some examples:

• Example 1: The desired temperature at the top of a cross-section is and the desired temperature at the bottom is .
  • Calculate the temperature difference between desired temperatures and default structure temperature (20°C)

       

       

  • Calculate value of the gradient/ global temperature load

       

       

  • Insert values in Diamonds
    
• Example 2: , 
  • Calculate temperature difference

       

       

  • Calculate value of the gradient/ global temperature load

       

       

  • Insert values in Diamonds
    

As an example we use the vessel made in this topic. You can download the model at the bottom of this article. This vessel is round, but the workflow applies to any shape. The vessel has a total height of 3m. Let’s say the water level can only rise to 2m.

• Take a transparent view .
• Go to the geometry configuration .
• Open the configuration settings and check the option Local coordinate system below Surfaces.

• To define trapezium loads, all local coordinate systems of the plates must point either inward or outward. We recommend that you direct all the local coordinate systems inward.
  The orientation of upper an lower reinforcement is related to the oriëntation of the local coordinate system. If you change its orientation for the base plate, you’ll be looking at the upper reinforcement for all plates while for the base plate you’re looking at the bottom reinforcement. That’s very confusing.

• Select the walls for which the local y’-axis is not facing inwards using.
  The model has already been prepped a little for you. All green walls have a local coordinate system pointing outward. It’s those walls you should select. Since they’re organized in a design type, you can easily select them using CTRL.

• Open the plate properties and change the orientation of the local coordinate system.

• All local y-axis’ are now facing inwards.

• The bottom of the vessel is drawn on Y=0m. The top has a global Y coordinate of 3m.
  We’re going to cut the vessel in two, were the water line (Y=2m) is.

• Select everything (CTRL + A) and click on . Select Intersection lines and plates with reference plane and set Y = 2m.

• The vessel is now divided into two parts.

• Select the upper part and hide it .

• Go to the Loads Configuration .
• Define a new load group  for water pressure.
  “Water pressure” is not a default load group. You can either see it a permanent or a variable load depending on its variation in time.
• For water pressure: select everything (CTRL + A).
  For ground pressure: select everything (CTRL + A). With SHIFT pressed in, deselect the foundation slab!
• Click on .

• Select a load according to the local coordinate system and the option ‘Trapezoidal load’.

• Click once on one of the points in the upper circumference of the plate. Diamonds will copy-paste the global Y-coordinate of the selected point. In this example: 2m.

• At a height of 0m, the value of the waterpressure is 0kN/m².

• Click once on one of the points in the lower circumference of the plate. Diamonds will copy-paste the global Y-coordinate of the selected point. In this example: 0m.

• At a height of 0m, the value of the waterpressure is 20kN/m².

• Hit OK to generate the loads.

• The loads are now inside the vessel. Like a swimming pool filled with water. If this was a basement, you want the loads to be on the outside of the vessel. To do so, select everything and hit . Enter -1 as scaling factor.

• Now the loads are on the outside of the vessel.

Diamonds never automatically places water or ground pressure on the structure! Not even when soil layers are used!

Demo video

Any other load can be disabled in a similar way.