How live load codes work.
Floor live load capacity.
1 psf lb f ft 2 47 88 n m 2.
Maximum floor joist span for no.
Also measured in psf these loads include the anticipated weight of people furniture appliances automobiles moveable equipment and the like.
They represent the transient forces that can be moved through the building or act on any particular structural element.
1 ft 0 3048 m.
This sets an allowable first floor live load of 40 psf a dead load of 10 psf and a deflection of l 360.
2 grade of douglas fir are indicated below.
For especially heavy loads it is recommended to have a structural engineer research the floor framing.
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.
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.
Location and configuration of heavy loads should be looked at on a case by case basis.
Figure 2 live loads and deflection limits are set by code.
Dead load weight of structure and fixed loads 10 lbs ft 2.
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.
The acceptable live load will vary considerably based on the occupancy and expected use of a structure or structural element.
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.
Live load is weight of furniture wind snow and more.
Attics no storage with roof slope no steeper than 3 in 12.
Online free live maximum floor live load capacity is a great engineering tool to help you calculate floor strength use it now.
