How to integrate gravity loads to frame element formulation?

Ronankeating

Dear All,

How am I supposed to integrate gravity load (induced by frame element self mass ) into the general equation of K*U = F?

If I presume the element self mass load is uniformly distributed along the length of the frame element then then that uniform loads can be converted into equivalent nodal loads and applied at the nodes of whole structure. If element is horizontal then equivalent nodal loads should result in vertical shear and moment, but what happens if element is inclined or veritcal in space. ? Then self mass is not supposed to create (especially for vertical) any moment in the frame element as long as it acts only in vertical direction. I'm bit confused with that issue does anybody can shed some light on that ?

Regards,