If multiplying the distributed load by the vertical length, the load is in the horizontal direction. However, in reality, the dimension you multiply does not determine the vertical load. The vertical loads (normal) and horizontal loads (shear) are independent of the dimensions you multiply. To include the weight, you need to multiply the lb/ft (distributed load) with the horizontal dimensions, not the vertical dimensions. I would say the question is not clear about where the distributed load has been applied.
If multiplying the distributed load by the vertical length, the load is in the horizontal direction. However, in reality, the dimension you multiply does not determine the vertical load. The vertical loads (normal) and horizontal loads (shear) are independent of the dimensions you multiply. To include the weight, you need to multiply the lb/ft (distributed load) with the horizontal dimensions, not the vertical dimensions. I would say the question is not clear about where the distributed load has been applied.
Hello kenza i wanna learn that why we are taking Wcd = 260 lb/ft? Can we take half of weight which is 130?
260 lb/ft is the weight per unit length. Multiply by 5 ft for the weight of the desired section.