Point loads are applied to the nodes of the mesh by means of the *CLOAD key word. Applying a point load at a node in a direction for which a point load was specified in a previous step replaces this point load, otherwise it is added. The parameter OP=NEW on the *CLOAD card removes all previous point loads. It takes only effect for the first *CLOAD card in a step. A buckling step always removes all previous loads.