Live loads
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Loads are forces that may cause stresses, deformations, displacement and accelerations on a building. Different types of load can act upon a structure or building element, the nature of which will vary according to design, location, and so on. Assessing loads forms part of an engineer’s structural calculations – a crucial part of ensuring the safe design of building structures and other built assets such as tunnels, bridges and dams. Design requirements are generally specified in terms of the maximum loads that a structure must be able to withstand.
Loads are generally classified as either live loads (LL) or dead loads (DL).
For more information see: Types of load.
[edit] Live loads
Live loads (also known as applied or imposed loads, or variable actions) may vary over time and often result from the occupancy of a structure. Typical live loads may include; people, the action of wind on an elevation, furniture, vehicles, the weight of the books in a library and so on.
A live load can be expressed either as a uniformly distributed load (UDL) or as one acting on a concentrated area (point load). It may eventually be factored into the calculation of gravity loads. In the UK and much of Europe, live loads are expressed as kilo Newtons per square metre (kN/m2) while in the US the unit is pounds per square foot (PSF).
NB Loads such as wind loading are sometimes considered separately from live loads as environmntal loads. For more information see: Types of load.
[edit] Dead loads
In contrast, dead loads (also known as permanent or static loads, or permanent actions) remain relatively constant over time and comprise, for example, the weight of a building’s structural elements, such as beams, walls, roof and flooring components. Dead loads result from the weight of the structure or other fixed elements before any live loads are taken into consideration. They may include permanent non-structural elements such as partitions, immovable fixtures and even built-in cupboards.
Live loads are added to dead loads to give the total loading exerted on a structure.
For more information see: Dead loads.
[edit] Standards
Eurocode BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 Eurocode 1 Actions on structures (General actions. Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings (formerly BS 6399-1:1996)) is the European code of practice for dead and imposed loads and gives guidance on the structural design of buildings.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.