A structural load is the application of a force, deformation, or acceleration to structural parts. A load in a structure creates stress, distortion, and displacement. Structural analysis is an engineering subject that examines the effects of loads on structures and structural parts. Excess load can cause structural failure; hence, it should be evaluated and regulated during the structure design. Various types of loads can create stress, displacement, and deformation on a structure, resulting in structural difficulties and even structural failure. Determining the total load acting on a structure is a critical and challenging task.
See also: Structural design: What is it and why is it important in construction?
Loads of various kinds
Vertical loads, horizontal loads, and longitudinal loads are the three types of loads in buildings and structures. Vertical loads include dead load, active load, and impact load. Wind and earthquake loads are examples of horizontal loads. In certain circumstances of design, longitudinal loads, such as tractive and braking forces, are taken into account. The correct assessment of various loads operating is required. The Indian Standard Code IS 875-1987 and the American Standard Code ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures both provide different design loads for buildings and structures. Each of them is covered in detail below.
Dead load
Dead loads, also known as permanent or static loads, are those that generally remain constant throughout time and include the weight of structural elements such as beams, walls, roofs, and structural flooring components of a structure. Permanent non-structural dividers, immovable fixtures, and even built-in cabinets can all be considered dead loads. Before any live loads are considered, dead loads include the weight of the structure or any permanent parts. The overall loading on the structure is calculated by adding the live and dead loads. The dead loads of any construction are computed by taking the volume of each segment and multiplying it by the unit material weight.
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Live load
A live load is a phrase used in civil engineering to describe a load that can fluctuate over time. The weight of the load varies or moves locations, like when individuals walk around a structure. Because it may be moved about, anything in a building that is not attached to the structure might result in a live load. The gravity load of a structure is calculated with live loads in mind. Pounds per square foot is the unit of measurement. The estimated maximum load is used to calculate the minimum live-load requirements. A live load can be described as either a uniformly distributed load (UDL) or as a load operating on a small region (point load). It may ultimately be considered while calculating gravitational loads.
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Wind load
Wind loads can be imposed by the movement of air relative to a structure, and analysis requires knowledge of meteorology, aerodynamics, and construction. Wind load may not be a major worry for small, large, low-level buildings, but it becomes more important as height, lighter materials, and features that may impact airflow, mainly roof forms, increase. When a structure’s dead weight is insufficient to withstand wind stresses, extra construction and fixings may be necessary. Wind load must be addressed in structural design, especially if the building’s heath exceeds two times the dimensions transverse to the exposed wind surface.
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Snow load
This is the strain that can be imposed by snow buildup and is more of a worry in areas where snowfall is heavy and regular. Significant amounts of snow can accumulate, providing a significant load to a building. The form of a roof plays a significant role in the quantity of the snow load. The IS 875 (Part-4):1987 code addresses snow loads on building roofs. The weight of snow is determined by a number of factors, including:
- Moisture content
- Accumulation
- Distribution
- Temperature variations
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Earthquake load
Earthquake load occurs as a result of the inertia force created in the building as a result of seismic excitations. The force of inertia changes with mass. The greater the mass of the structure, the greater the seismic loading. When the earthquake load exceeds the element’s moment of resistance, the structure will shatter or be damaged. The magnitude of earthquake loading is determined by the weight or mass of the structure, its dynamic qualities, and the stiffness differential between adjacent levels, as well as the severity and length of the earthquake. Earthquake force operates on the surface of a structure put on the ground or on a structure near it. Buildings in seismically active places must be carefully analysed and planned to guarantee they do not collapse in the event of an earthquake.
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Load combination
A load combination occurs when more than one form of load applies to a structure. Building codes often prescribe a number of load combinations as well as load factors (weightings) for each load type to assure the structure’s safety under various maximum predicted loading situations.
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FAQs
What are the two most common forms of loads?
Loads are often divided into two categories: Dead loads and live loads.
What is the difference between live and dead load?
The dead loads are persistent loads caused by the weight of the structure or other permanent attachments such as drywall, roof sheathing, and truss weight. Living loads are transitory loads that are applied to the structure on and off during its life.
A wall is what kind of load?
If the wall directly above the beam is built to handle the vertical load, it is referred to as a load bearing wall. Load bearing walls must also support their own weight. On each story, this wall is usually built over another.
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