Point load
A point load is a load that is applied at a specific, concentrated point, sometimes referred to as equivalent concentrated load (ECL). This is in contrast to loads such as uniformly distributed loads (UDL), where the the load is distributed across a region of an element such as a beam or slab.
For example, when a point load is imposed on a shelf, its weight is significantly concentrated in one place. On the other hand, when a UDL is placed on a shelf, its weight is evenly distributed over the entire shelf.
Point loads are expressed by calculating the total load over the object's surface or length and attributing the entire load to its centre point.
Other related types of load include
- Coupled loads
- Dead loads
- Line loads
- Live loads
- Uniformly varying loads.
For more information see: Types of structural load.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
2023 HSE data on workplace injuries and ill health
And CIOB's response.
Building Safety Act and Secondary Legislation
Presidential update from CIAT's Eddie Weir PCIAT.
Starting pistol Statement for an election campaign?
Rates freeze, NI cuts, full expensing; early election?
Positive pressure or positive input ventilation
Could this be a remedy for condensation, damp or mould?
Unlocking a Healthier Tomorrow
Report on Social housing retrofit in Scotland 2023
Call for ministerial group and National Retrofit Delivery Plan.
The Great Transformation 1860–1920. Book review.
2023 Autumn Statement in brief with reactions
Including the devolved governments, CIOB, ECA, APM and IHBC.
Irish Life Sciences HQ, an exemplar of adaptive reuse
AT awards small to medium size project category winner.
Formal and informal adaptive re-use or new use of buildings.
Broken Record. Emissions Gap Report 2023
Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions (again).
Environment Agency cuts waste red tape
No longer enforcing certain waste transfer documentation.
APM Project Management Awards 2023
Winners reactions during the event at the Park Plaza Hotel.
BSRIA Living Laboratory Innovation Challenge
An exciting opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate.
Discussing issues related to inside and outside air quality
Report from the BSRIA Briefing 2023, Cleaner Air, Better Tomorrow.