Live loads refer to the dynamic forces from occupancy and intended use.
Floor live load capacity.
Location and configuration of heavy loads should be looked at on a case by case basis.
For example the live load for a room in a single family residence will be significantly smaller than the live load for an area of equal size at a movie theatre or sporting event.
The acceptable live load will vary considerably based on the occupancy and expected use of a structure or structural element.
Live load is weight of furniture wind snow and more.
For example a floor joist at 16 spacing s that can carry 53 pounds per linear foot would translate into a 318 pound single point load at its center.
For this example i ll use the cabo one and two family dwelling code which serves as the model for many state and local codes.
For especially heavy loads it is recommended to have a structural engineer research the floor framing.
This sets an allowable first floor live load of 40 psf a dead load of 10 psf and a deflection of l 360.
They represent the transient forces that can be moved through the building or act on any particular structural element.
Use live load psf n m 2.
Attics no storage with roof slope no steeper than 3 in 12.
Figure 2 live loads and deflection limits are set by code.
2 grade of douglas fir are indicated below.
How live load codes work.
With an evenly distributed live load of 30 psf which the tables show the floor is able to support the total weight on the floor would be about 3 360 pounds.
Increasing the total weight on the floor to 4 480 pounds however results in a live load of 40 psf which is beyond the floor s load capacity.
Also measured in psf these loads include the anticipated weight of people furniture appliances automobiles moveable equipment and the like.
1 psf lb f ft 2 47 88 n m 2.
Dead load weight of structure and fixed loads 10 lbs ft 2.
1 ft 0 3048 m.
