Appearance
Loads
CivilKit Studio applies loads per load case, then lets you combine them (see Load combinations). All load components are in global directions - X, Y (vertical), Z - in newtons.
Nodal loads
Select a node; in the inspector set Fx / Fy / Fz (forces, N) for the active load case. Gravity is global −Y. Nodal loads draw as orange arrows in the 3D view and appear under Loads in the model tree.
Member loads
Select a member; the inspector's Member loads section lists its loads and lets you add, edit and delete them. Each load has a type, a load case, and global qx / qy / qz:
| Type | Meaning | Extra fields |
|---|---|---|
| UDL | Uniformly distributed load (N/m) over the whole member | - |
| Point | Concentrated force (N) at a position | position 0-1 along the member |
| Trapezoidal | Linearly varying load (N/m) | end intensities q2 + start/end span 0-1 |
Use ＋ UDL or ＋ Point load to add one; the 🗑 button deletes it. Member loads draw as a row of orange arrows along the loaded span (one arrow at a point load's position) and are listed in the model tree.
Self-weight
Click ⬇ Self-weight in the toolbar (or press W) to add each member's dead load automatically - a gravity UDL of mass/m × 9.81 in −Y, computed from the assigned catalogue section. Click again to remove it. Self-weight UDLs are managed by the toggle (shown muted grey in 3D) and are not listed in the member-load editor.
Checking it
After solving, the Summary tab shows an equilibrium check: the total applied vertical load (nodal + member UDL + plate pressure, factored per term for combinations) against the sum of reactions. A balanced model reads OK.
Springs & settlements
Select a node to set, per DOF (Tx Ty Tz Rx Ry Rz):
- Elastic support stiffness - a spring (kN/m for translations, kN·m/° for rotations). Works on a free DOF (elastic foundation) or alongside a restraint. The spring force appears in the node's reaction.
- Prescribed settlement - an imposed displacement (mm / mrad) on a restrained DOF, e.g. a support that sinks 10 mm. Free DOFs ignore it.
Both feed the solver directly (P9). After solving, the node's displacement and reaction reflect the spring/settlement.
Load cases
File → Load cases… lets you create, rename and delete load cases - name them G, Q, W etc. so you can apply loads per case and then combine them. The active case (the one new loads are added to, and whose results you view) is chosen in the results-panel selector. Deleting a case also removes its loads and drops it from any combination. Every model keeps at least one load case.