Structural Load

What is Structural Load and how can it be used?

The actions or forces that cause structural loads on a structure to produce, deform, stress, or displacement is called structural load.

The most common types of load are vertically applied loads and horizontally applied loads.

Vertically applied loads are the live load and dead loads.

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a. Load Live

Over time, this load can change.

Moving furniture, walking people, and so on are some of the best examples for live load.

b. Dead load

This load does not change over time.

The best examples of dead loads are those that have a self-weighted structure, such as the weight of columns or beams.

This can be calculated using the specified weight of the building materials and the volume of the structural components. This allows for a high degree of accuracy.

Based on codes, dead load = Volume for each memberx unit weight in building materials.

You can calculate the total dead load by adding each structural dead load.

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live load vs dead load

The calculation of loads is the core of structural design. Nishkian, an engineering firm, provides a concise description of structural design: "Loads can be defined as forces that cause stress, deformations or accelerations. These loads are applied on a structure or its parts that cause stress or displacement. There are two main categories of dead loads and living loads. What are the differences?

Dead Loads

The dead load of a structure is its total weight before it enters service. It is usually measured in pounds per sq. ft. Static loads are those that don't change throughout the life of a building. They include floors, walls and roofs, columns, stairs, permanent equipment, and any decor. Nishkian said it again: "[D]ead load accounts for the non- dynamic, permanent forces that exert continuous and persistent force upon a structure."

Calculations for the dead load that a building will take on from occupancy or use must consider the concrete foundation, plan building materials, and any service equipment like elevators, HVAC units, ductwork, plumbing and fixed manufacturing equipment.

Live Loads

The dynamic forces of occupancy and intended use are called live loads. These are the transient forces that move through the building and act on any structural element. These loads are also measured in psf and include the expected weight of people, furniture, appliances or other moveable items.

In the event that loads exceed their maximum expected live loads, the American Society of Civil Engineers requires that the minimum design live loads not only meet but exceed the maximum anticipated loads for the building's lifetime. ASCE guidelines recommend that live loads be determined based on the types of occupancy and uses for each building type.

Live loads are dependent on the structural strength of the building. It is important to know the exact intended use of the building. It is often determined by the strength of the dead load or its lack, how heavy it can withstand. Reinforced concrete not only creates the largest dead loads, but it also has the greatest compressive strength and can support the most weight.

Structural steel has a lower dead load and is better suited to support live loads in multi-story buildings. Both engineered and natural wood are lighter than concrete and steel, but they can support more live loads.

The structure's "gravity load" is the sum of its total dead and live loads. Buildings also have to withstand additional loads.

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