I have a Validation > Model > Load > "Area load not defined within a panel area" warning. Why do I get this and how do I resolve it?

This validation warning can appear when a command from the Load ribbon tab > Panel loads group is applied to the model but the load is not wholly contained within the slab boundary.
 

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It is most common when applying Point load, Line load, Patch load, Polygon load or Variable patch loads.
 

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You can locate the problem load by double clicking on the reference in the Model > Validation > Loads > Area load not defined within a panel area branch of the Status window. This will display the load in the active view - if it exists, or switch to the 3D Structural view and highlight the problem load. It may be easier to open the construction level or slope view that the load exists on. You can determine the location of the problem load via the information displayed in the Properties window > Plane.
 

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To gain an understanding of the issue you need to zoom into the edges of the area load and locate where the load falls outside the slab edge. Hovering the cursor over the slab item will highlight the slab edge. By doing this, we can see that the area load lies outside the slab boundary and hence the reason for the validation warning - even though it lies over the beam flange.
 

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Three options exist:   

1. Ignore the warning and carry on, accepting that the applied loads do not equal the reactions due to the small area of lost load. The warning will still appear.
2. Adjust the location of the area load so that it lies within the boundary of the slab item. You can select the load and adjust the X or Y dimension as appropriate to redraw the load.

    

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3. Use the Model ribbon tab > Slab group > Slab overhang command to extend the slab boundary to the face of the flange. Run the command, set the width in the Properties window and click on the start and end locations to define the extent of the slab.

    

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Once an Analysis or Design command is performed, the validation warning will be removed if the resolution option 2 or 3 is chosen.
 

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