Wall Analysis

How it calculates

The Wall Analysis calculator analyses factored loads on a vertical wall panel and automatically applies AS 1170.0:2002 load combinations to every load you enter. It handles unlimited loads at the top of the wall and lateral supports at the bottom, covering interior and exterior walls at any storey level.

Structural model

The wall is modelled as a vertical member with pinned or fixed support conditions at the base. Loads are entered as characteristic values at the top of the wall (distributed area loads, line loads, and concentrated point loads) along with any lateral distributed loads applied along the wall height, such as wind or soil pressure. Self-weight of the wall panel is included automatically based on the panel unit weight and height you specify.

Openings can be defined within the wall panel to remove tributary load area and to trigger lintel load redistribution where applicable.

Load input and AS 1170.0 load case factoring

Loads are entered as characteristic values against named AS 1170 load types:

• G - permanent (dead) load, including self-weight and superimposed dead
• Q - imposed (live) load, with occupancy class selectable (residential floors, balustrades, roofs, etc.)

The calculator generates all relevant strength and serviceability combinations per AS 1170.0:2002, including:

• Strength (ULS): 1.35G; 1.2G + 1.5Q; 1.2G + 1.5 x psi_c x Q (where psi_c is the combination factor for the selected occupancy class)
• Serviceability (SLS): G + psi_s x Q (short-term); G + psi_l x Q (long-term)

The governing load combination for each demand type is identified and reported.

Demand outputs

For each demand type the calculator reports the factored demand and the governing AS 1170.0 load case:

• N* - factored axial compression (or tension) at the base of the wall, used directly in wall capacity checks to AS 3600 or AS 1720.1
• V* - factored in-plane horizontal shear at the base, used in shear wall and footing design
• M* - factored bending moment at critical sections, relevant for eccentric loading or lateral loads along the wall height

Tributary width and spacing

Where floor or roof loads are input as area loads (kPa), you specify the tributary width or joist/rafter spacing from which the wall receives load. The calculator converts the area load to a line load at the wall top for analysis. Project defaults can pre-populate tributary width and self-weight values so multi-wall projects remain consistent.

Load path linking to footings

Wall reactions are available as linkable outputs. The factored axial demand N* and shear demand V* at the base connect directly to the Concrete Wall Footing calculator using Calcs.com's load-linking function. When a floor load, tributary width, or wall height is updated upstream, the footing design receives the revised factored reaction automatically, eliminating manual transcription between wall and footing calculations.