Advance Design
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Create Rectangular Load Area

 

In Advance Design, rectangular load areas can be created quickly by defining only two diagonal points. This method simplifies modeling compared to point-by-point input and is ideal for regular geometries.

The guide covers how to access the command, step-by-step instructions for defining diagonal points, practical tips, common questions, and glossary terms relevant to rectangular floor decks.

 

 

On this page

  1. 1. How to Access the Rectangular Load Area Command
  2. 2. Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Rectangular Load Area
  3. 3. FAQ: Rectangular Load Area
  4. 4. Glossary
  5. 5. Related Topics

 

 

1. How to Access the Rectangular Load Area Command

You can start the rectangular load area creation command using:

 

 

Advance Design software showing the Home tab with the Floor Deck panel and the Rectangular Load Area command selected

Rectangular Load Area command on the Ribbon in Advance Design

 

 

 

2. Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Rectangular Load Area

A rectangular load area is defined by two diagonal points. You can specify these points by clicking in the graphic area or by entering coordinates on the command line.

  1. Click to define the first point of the load area's diagonal. Or input the first coordinate on the command line.
  2. Click to define the second point of the diagonal. Or input the second coordinate on the command line.

The load area is created.

Note

A rectangular load area can be created only in the current workplane.

 

Advance Design graphic area showing diagonal point selection and resulting rectangular floor deck

Creating a rectangular load area in Advance Design by selecting two diagonal points in the graphic area

 

 

 

3. FAQ: Rectangular Load Area

When should I use rectangular load area?

A: Use this method when the geometry is a simple rectangle. For irregular or non-orthogonal shapes, use the general load area modeling command.

 

Can I convert a rectangular load area into a planar element?

A: Yes. Advance Design introduces bidirectional conversion between load areas and planar elements. This is useful when modifying imported models or switching between analysis types.

 

Can I define the rectangular load area using imported coordinates?

A: Yes. You can import coordinates from Excel or define them in a table, which is especially helpful for repetitive or parametric modeling.

 

 

4. Glossary

Rectangular Load Area
A type of load area in Advance Design created by defining two diagonal points. This method is faster than point-by-point modeling and is limited to rectangular geometries within the current workplane.
 
Planar Element
Two-dimensional structural elements such as walls, slabs, or panels in Advance Design. Floor decks can be generated directly on planar elements, matching their plane and shape.
 
Bidirectional Conversion
A feature allowing you to switch between planar elements and load areas.