How to input loads in Diaphragm design module

Summary

Adding loads in the Diaphragm Design module allows PROFIS Engineering to evaluate diaphragm shear capacity and check fastener performance under applied design forces. Loads are assigned per diaphragm area and zone, enabling accurate verification of different load distributions across the structure.

Prerequisites

Make sure you:

Are logged in to your PROFIS Engineering account
Have opened the Diaphragm Design module

If needed, refer to the article How to access the Diaphragm Design module in PROFIS Engineering .

Step‑by‑step instructions

Go to the Loads section
In the Diaphragm Design workspace, scroll to the Loads table located at the bottom of the screen.
This table displays:
- Defined diaphragm areas
- Associated zones
- Load input fields and optimization options
Enter load values
In the Loads columns, enter the required load components:
- Q – Diaphragm shear load
- W – Wind load contribution (if applicable)
- G′ – Additional permanent load (if applicable)
- Other available load components depending on the design method
Input values directly into the table cells.
Alternatively, use 3D editor to input loads.
Add a zone (if required)
If you need to apply loads separately to different regions of the diaphragm:
- Click Add Zone at the bottom of the Loads table.
- A new zone row is created within the selected area.
Zones allow different load levels to be assigned within the same diaphragm area.
Add a load for a zone
To input loads:
- Select the desired zone in the table.
- Click Add Load for Zone.
- A new load row is added for the selected zone.
Use zone template (optional)
Click Use Zone Templates to quickly apply the same deck and fastener configuration across multiple zones.

In the Zone Templates window:
- Select a template from the dropdown list (or create a new one if available).
  Each template defines:
  - Deck gauge
  - Fastening pattern
  - Frame fastener type
  - Sidelap connector type and spacing
- Assign the template to zones by:
  - Selecting All zones, or
  - Checking individual zones (e.g., Zone, Zone (1))
- Click Apply template to assign the selected configuration to the chosen zones.
This automatically updates the deck and connector settings for each selected zone, ensuring consistency and reducing repetitive manual input.
Define diaphragm behavior (optional)
Under Diaphragm Details (Optional), you may:
- Select Optimize options for:
  - Frame fasteners
  - Sidelap connectors
- Allow PROFIS Engineering to automatically determine efficient fastening layouts based on the applied loads.
Optimize loads across zones (optional)
To optimize connections for all zones at once, click Optimize All Zones.
This applies the optimization routine consistently across the entire diaphragm area.
Delete a zone
Click on the trash icon at the end of the row to delete it.
Deleted zones cannot be recovered, so ensure you remove only those no longer needed.