A uniformly distributed load (UDL) is a load that is distributed or spread across the whole region of an element such as a beam or slab. In other words, the magnitude of the load remains uniform throughout the whole element.

How do you represent uniformly distributed load?

Uniformly distributed load is usually represented by W and is pronounced as intensity of udl over the beam, slab etc.

What is the resultant of the uniformly distributed load?

Resultant of Distributed Loads

The resultant of a distributed load is equal to the area of the load diagram. It is acting at the centroid of that area as indicated. The figure below shows the three common distributed loads namely; rectangular load, triangular load, and trapezoidal load.