Load paths
How to calculate beam reactions from a slab
A slab loads a beam, and the beam passes that load to its end supports as reactions. Here is how to find them by statics, for uniform, triangular and trapezoidal loads.
Elena Marchetti··4 min
Tag
Load Path
8 posts tagged “Load Path”.
Load paths
How to do a structural load takedown (step by step)
A load takedown traces gravity loads from the slabs down to the foundation. Here are the five steps, a worked column, and the checks that catch errors.
Elena Marchetti··5 min
Load paths
What is a transfer beam?
A transfer beam carries a column or wall that stops part-way down and redistributes its load to supports below. Here is what it does, why it is used, and how load flows through it.
Elena Marchetti··4 min
Load paths
Lintel load calculation, explained
A lintel carries the wall and floor above an opening. Here is how to find its load, the triangular masonry-load idea, and a worked example for a door or window head.
Sam Rivera··5 min
Fundamentals
What is a load path in a building?
A load path is the continuous route a load follows to the ground. Here is what it means, the gravity and lateral paths, and why continuity and redundancy matter.
Elena Marchetti··4 min
Load paths
Gravity load path: slab to foundation
Follow one gravity load from the slab through the beam, column and footing to the soil. Here is each handoff in the load path and why tracing it prevents errors.
Elena Marchetti··5 min
Fundamentals
How loads transfer from a slab to beams
A slab hands its load to the beams that support it, as a uniform strip in one-way action or as triangles and trapezoids in two-way action. Here is how, with the load shapes.
Sam Rivera··5 min
Load paths
Column load takedown by hand, step by step
How to take one column down by hand: tributary area per floor, load per floor, accumulate down the building, then factor. A full worked example with numbers.
Sam Rivera··5 min