Point load
A point load is a load that is applied at a specific, concentrated point, sometimes referred to as equivalent concentrated load (ECL). This is in contrast to loads such as uniformly distributed loads (UDL), where the the load is distributed across a region of an element such as a beam or slab.
For example, when a point load is imposed on a shelf, its weight is significantly concentrated in one place. On the other hand, when a UDL is placed on a shelf, its weight is evenly distributed over the entire shelf.
Point loads are expressed by calculating the total load over the object's surface or length and attributing the entire load to its centre point.
Other related types of load include
- Coupled loads
- Dead loads
- Line loads
- Live loads
- Uniformly varying loads.
For more information see: Types of structural load.
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