Load bearing
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Load bearing - or loadbearing - describes a structural element that has been designed to support its own dead load in addition to the weight of other structural and non-structural elements. The weight of this load is carried down to the foundations of the building.
[edit] Load bearing elements
The most commonly used load bearing structural elements include:
The overlying elements that are typically supported by load bearing structures include those from any wall that sits directly above the element as well as roofs, floors and so on.
[edit] Capacity parameters
The load bearing capacity of an element of the structure can be influenced by:
- Size – a thick wall can take higher loads than a thinner wall of similar material and construction. A tall concrete-block wall may be more prone to buckling than one which is less tall and of identical material, construction and loading.
- Density – dense materials, such as stone and concrete, are typically better able to resist failure under loading.
- Material properties such as compressive strength, resistance to shear forces, bending, vibration and so on.
- Structural design – by virtue of its shape. For example, a folded-plate roof may be able to accept higher loads than one that is a simple flat slab. Similarly, a diagonally braced structure will have a higher load bearing capacity than an identical structure that is unbraced.
- Environmental conditions such as wind, temperature, fire, frost, moisture and so on.
[edit] Load bearing and road construction
Load bearing can also be used in the context of roadway construction in relation to the capacity of the road to accommodate vehicles of a certain weight. In this instance, the term ‘load’ refers to weight of the materials being carried by the vehicles being used to transport them. Load bearing capacity is used to express the impact that a vehicle combined with its load will have on a roadway and the surface beneath it.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.