What Is Load in Civil?
There are different types of load than working on a structure, the design, location, and similar nature of which will vary.
Design requirements are usually specified in terms of the maximum load that a structure must be able to withstand.
The load is usually classified as either dead load or live load. Dead loads, also known as permanent or static loads, are those that remain relatively constant over time and, for example, the weight of structural elements of a building, such as beams, walls, ceilings, and structural floors. Component.
Dead loads may include permanent non-structural partitions, fixed fixtures, and even built-in cupboards.
Live loads (applied or imposed loads) may vary over time. Typical live loads may include audience weight in an auditorium.
Live Load Vs Dead Load
Dead Load-
Dead loads are static forces that are relatively constant for an extended time. They can be in tension or compression. The term can refer to a laboratory test method or to the normal usage of a material or structure.
In short, the dead weight of a structure includes its full weight, usually measured in pounds per square foot before it goes into service.
Floors, walls, ceilings, columns, staircases, permanent appliances, and any fixed decoration create a static load that does not typically change over the life of the building.
To quote Nischian again: “[D] loads account for non-dynamic forces having constant and permanent force on a structure.”
Therefore, the calculation of dead load, the weight of its components, and pressures applied in a downward direction from the ground before taking additional load from living or use in a building must include the foundation system, the construction material employed, and concrete for any service.
Equipment such as elevators, and ductwork, plumbing, fixed manufacturing equipment, etc.
Live Load-
Live loads are usually variable or moving loads. These can have a significant dynamic element and may involve considerations such as impact, momentum, vibration, slosh dynamics of fluids, etc.
Live load refers to occupational forces from occupancy and intended use. They represent transient forces that can be moved through the building or act on a particular structural element.
Also measured in PSF, these weights include people’s estimated weights, furniture, appliances, automobiles, movable equipment, and the like.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) requires that the minimum live load in the design should always exceed the maximum anticipated live load during the life span of the building in the Caseloads.
ASCE guidelines set live loads according to categories of occupancy and use per building type. Because live load depends on structural strength, knowledge of the exact planned use of the building is important. The lack of dead load, or lack thereof, often defines how much live weight it can handle.
Reinforced concrete forms the heaviest load, but also supports the most weight with its tremendous compressive strength.
Structural steel provides very little of a dead load and provides better support for live loads in multi-story buildings. Natural and engineered wood rest relatively lightly on foundations but support a lower live load than steel and concrete.
Environmental Regulations:
Before an edifice can pass the requirements, the structural design must also subsequently include other dynamic loads acting on it.
These environmental loads can come from snow, soil movement, and seismic activity. Naturally, Colorado Front Range codes are mild on seismic control, but certainly a factor of extreme snow, wind, and soil conditions.
The different types classified as vertical loads, horizontal loads, and longitudinal loads. Vertical loads include dead loads, live loads, and impact loads.
Horizontal loads include wind loads and earthquake loads. Longitudinal loads, i.e. tractive and braking forces, are considered in special cases of design of bridges, gantry girders, etc.
The Types of Loads Acting on a Structure Are:
- Dead Weight.
- Load applied.
- Wind load.
- Snow Weight.
- Earthquake load.
- Special load.
Calculate the volume of the slab and multiply the density of the material from which it is made. For example, if you are working with a rectangular prismatic slab, you would multiply the area of the slab’s thickness and the resulting time density (for concrete, it is 2200 to 2400 kg per cubic meter).
Once you have mass, it multiplies gravity to increase weight, which is the dead load. This is a concentrated load, so you should distribute it on the surface of the slab.
As it may be noted that the phase thickness of the multiplication of the field is redundant, because, in the end, you would divide it at the same value, but I pointed it out because I think it is conceptually important.
Frequently Asked Questions about Load in Civil Engineering
What is the difference between dead load and live load?
Dead load refers to the static forces exerted by the structure itself and permanent fixtures, while live load refers to the variable forces caused by occupancy and intended use.
How are dead loads calculated?
Dead loads are calculated by determining the weight of structural elements and permanent fixtures, such as floors, walls, and ceilings, and multiplying them by the gravitational acceleration.
What factors influence live loads?
Live loads are influenced by the occupancy and intended use of the structure. Factors such as the number of occupants, furniture, equipment, and movable loads contribute to live loads.
Why is it important for the minimum live load to exceed the maximum anticipated live load?
Ensuring that the minimum live load exceeds the maximum anticipated live load guarantees structural safety and resilience over the lifespan of the building, considering potential changes in occupancy and use.
How do environmental factors impact structural design?
Environmental factors such as wind, snow, soil movement, and seismic activity impose additional dynamic loads on structures, which must be considered in the design process to ensure structural stability.
What are the different types of loads acting on a structure?
The types of loads include dead weight, applied load, wind load, snow weight, earthquake load, and special load, each exerting specific forces on the structure that must be accounted for in the design.
How is the volume of a slab calculated to determine dead load?
The volume of a slab is calculated by multiplying its area by its thickness, and then multiplying the result by the density of the material. For concrete, the density typically ranges from 2200 to 2400 kg per cubic meter.
Why is it necessary to distribute dead load on the surface of the slab?
Distributing the dead load on the surface of the slab ensures that the weight is evenly supported by the underlying structure, preventing localized stress concentrations that could compromise its integrity.
Is it conceptually important to multiply the thickness of the slab during volume calculation?
While multiplying the thickness of the slab may seem redundant in the calculation, it is conceptually important as it emphasizes the relationship between volume, density, and weight, reinforcing understanding of load concepts in civil engineering.
