I have a Validation > Model > Loads > “Temperature load defined to non-meshed slab” warning. Why do I get this and how do I resolve it?

Question

I have a Validation > Model > Loads > “Temperature load defined to non-meshed slab” warning. Why do I get this and how do I resolve it?
 

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Answer

If you hover over the Temperature load defined to non-meshed slab validation warning or a temperature load listed within the folder branch a tooltip advises “A temperature loading is applied to a slab which is not modelled in the 3D analysis - no effect will be seen in model”.

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This validation warning occurs if a temperature load is applied to a slab and the 2-way slab is not meshed in the 3D analysis. This is because there are no elements modelling the slab behavior. Since there are no elements there will be no effect from the applied temperature load.  If the intention is to include the temperature effect of the slab, then its stiffness behavior needs to be included in the model - i.e. it should be meshed.  *Please refer to the end of the article for an exception to this.

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You can double click the Temperature load defined on non-meshed slab or individual temperature load to locate it in the active scene view. If the load is not in the active scene view then the Structural 3D view is opened and set active.

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You can now select the slab panels under the temperature load and determine the Plane upon which the slab resides.

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You can then include the slab in the 3D analysis by switching to the Structure window, highlighting the level the slab exists on and ensuring a check against “Mesh 2-way slabs in the 3D analysis”

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Further details on this option can be found in the article “When should I mesh 2-way Slab in the 3D analysis” linked in the related to area to the right.

After making the above change, the validation warning will no longer be displayed since the slab is now included in the analysis.

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Note that there is an exception to the statement made earlier.

“This validation warning occurs if a temperature load is applied to a slab and the slab is not meshed in the 3D analysis. This is because there are no elements modelling the slab behaviour. Since there are no elements there will be no effect from the applied temperature load.  If the intention is to include the temperature effect of the slab, then its stiffness behaviour needs to be included in the model - i.e. it should be meshed.”

If the Mesh 2-way slabs in the 3D analysis is checked OFF, Include Diaphragm is checked ON and the diaphragm option is set to SEMI-RIGID then the in-plane effects ARE considered and the temperature effects will be seen in the model. In this situation the Validation warning should not be displayed. The development team have been made aware of this scenario.