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Dead Loads

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45 views

Dead Loads

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Shokry Alkissy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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3.1.

Dead Loads
Dead loads, D, are determined in accordance with IBC 1606. In general, dead loads are the actual weights of construction
materials and fixed service equipment that are attached to or supported by the building or structure. Various types of such
loads are listed in IBC 202 under "Dead Load."

Dead loads are considered to be permanent loads; that is, loads in which variations over time are rare or of small magnitude.
Variable loads, such as live loads and wind loads, are not permanent. It is important to know the distinction between
permanent and variable loads when applying the provisions for load combinations (see IBC 1605, ASCE/SEI Chapter 2 and
Chapter 2 of this publication for information on load combinations).

The weights of materials and service equipment (such as plumbing stacks and risers, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and
refrigeration (HVACR) equipment, elevators and elevator machinery, fire protection systems and similar fixed equipment) are
not usually known during the design phase. Estimated material and equipment loads are often used in design. Typically,
estimated dead loads are assumed to be greater than the actual dead loads so that the design is conservative. While such
practice is acceptable when considering load combinations where the effects of gravity loads and lateral loads are additive, it
is not acceptable when considering load combinations where gravity loads and lateral loads counteract. For example, it would
be unconservative to design for uplift on a structure using a value of dead load that is overestimated.

ASCE/SEI Table C3.1-1a provides minimum design dead loads for various types of common construction components,
including ceilings, roof and wall coverings, floor fill, floors and floor finishes, frame partitions and frame walls in pounds per
square foot. Minimum densities for common construction materials are given in ASCE/SEI Table C3.1-2.

The weights and densities in ASCE/SEI Tables C3.1-1a and C3.1-2, respectively, can be used as a guide when estimating dead
loads. Actual weights of construction materials and equipment can be greater than tabulated values, so it is always prudent to
verify weights with manufacturers or other similar resources prior to design. In cases where information on dead load is
unavailable, values of dead loads used in design must be approved by the building official (IBC 1606.2).

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