Codes & standards
Typical floor live load values by occupancy
Floor live load depends on use, and codes set minimum values by occupancy. Here is a reference table for offices, homes, retail, storage and more, in kPa and psf.
Sam Rivera··4 min
Tag
Loads
6 posts tagged “Loads”.
Fundamentals
What is superimposed dead load (SDL)?
Superimposed dead load is the permanent weight added on top of the structure's self weight: finishes, services, ceilings and partitions. Here is what counts and typical values.
Sam Rivera··4 min
Fundamentals
Area load vs line load vs point load
Loads come in three forms: area loads on slabs, line loads on walls and beams, and point loads at columns. Here is what each means, its units, and how they convert.
Sam Rivera··4 min
Fundamentals
Dead load and live load calculator (free)
Need to turn floor build-ups and occupancy into dead and live loads fast? StructLoads is a free tool that computes them and carries them through a full load takedown.
Elena Marchetti··4 min
Fundamentals
Dead load vs live load, explained
Dead load is the permanent weight of the structure; live load is the movable weight it carries. Here is the difference, typical values, and how each is factored.
Elena Marchetti··4 min
Codes & standards
Partition load allowance explained
Movable partitions are covered by a load allowance rather than counted one by one. Here is what the allowance is, typical values, and when a partition is counted as dead load instead.
Sam Rivera··4 min