How to Define Load Pattern in ETABS
Define load pattern
Dead, live, PW,FF, EX,EY, WX, WY
Dead Load Self Multiplier should always be 1.
Wind and Earthquake Loads can be defined as 👍
🧱 How to Define Load Patterns in ETABS – Complete Guide for Beginners
Creating accurate load patterns in ETABS is the first and most essential step before assigning loads or performing structural analysis. Without the correct load pattern setup, your model may fail to reflect real-world load behavior, leading to inaccurate or unsafe designs.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk through:
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What a load pattern is
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Why load patterns are important
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How to define them correctly in ETABS
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Recommended patterns for common structures
📘 What Is a Load Pattern?
A load pattern in ETABS categorizes the types of loads applied to the structure. These loads can be:
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Dead Load (DL) – Self-weight of structural elements
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Live Load (LL) – Temporary occupancy or usage loads
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Super Dead Load (SDL) – Floor finishes, non-structural partitions
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Wind Load (WL) – Lateral wind pressure
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Seismic Load (EQ) – Earthquake forces
Each load pattern can be analyzed differently depending on how you define it in ETABS.
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Define Load Patterns in ETABS
🔹 Step 1: Go to Define → Load Patterns
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Open your ETABS model
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Navigate to Define → Load Patterns
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A dialog box will appear showing the existing load patterns
➕ Step 2: Add New Load Patterns
Click "Add New Load Pattern" and fill in the following details:
| Field | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Load Pattern Name | Use descriptive names like DL, LL, EQX, WL_Y |
| Load Type | Choose from: Dead, Live, Roof Live, Wind, Quake, Snow, etc. |
| Self-Weight Multiplier | Set to 1.0 for DL (includes self-weight), and 0.0 for other loads |
⚠️ Important: Only set the Self Weight Multiplier to 1.0 for the DL (Dead Load) pattern. For all other load types, it should be 0.0.
📊 Recommended Load Patterns for a Typical Building
| Name | Type | Self-Weight Multiplier | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
DL |
Dead | 1.0 | Structural self-weight + permanent loads |
SDL |
Dead | 0.0 | Floor finishes, partitions |
LL |
Live | 0.0 | Occupant and furniture load |
WL_X |
Wind | 0.0 | Wind in X-direction |
WL_Y |
Wind | 0.0 | Wind in Y-direction |
EQX |
Quake | 0.0 | Earthquake force in X-direction |
EQY |
Quake | 0.0 | Earthquake force in Y-direction |
🧠 Best Practices
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Use Clear Names:
EQX_RS,WL_Y_Neg, etc., help avoid confusion during load combinations -
Keep Patterns Separate: Never mix load types in the same pattern
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Align With Codes: Use building codes (like BNBC, ASCE, ACI) to determine required load patterns
🏁 Conclusion
Defining load patterns correctly is foundational in ETABS modeling. They control how loads are grouped and applied in the model, ultimately affecting how your structure behaves under different loading conditions.
Once your load patterns are defined, you can start assigning them to elements and creating load combinations for analysis and design.
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