Moving loads as free polygon loads on Grasshopper plugin

Hi,

I am trying to parametrize a bridge model and I am trying to include the loads in the grasshopper definition as well. For this, I need to model a moving load to simulate the car wheels. I know how to achieve this using the line load+series components, but I am not sure if it is possible to do this using a free polygon load. The issue is that if loads are placed as concentrated point loads, it results in unrealistic stress concentrations, especially in steel shells. Therefore, a uniform distribution over the wheel contact area would be ideal. Is there a way to achieve this cleanly in grasshopper?

Thank you in advance

Hi _lobo,

You could also define a Free Polygon Load with a series. The definition of the Load Location could be tricky, depending on your surface and the number of loads.
I attached a simple GH file with a moving free polygon load that may help you with your definition.

Moving free polygon load.gh (30.0 KB)

If you have further questions, feel free to ask.

Best regards
Paul Sivolgin

1 Like