Untitled Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is an example of a dead load?

Snow on a roof

A concrete vault (correct)

Water in a tank

A movable safe

Which of the following statements about live loads is true?

Live loads must be estimated based on projected building use. (correct)

Live loads remain constant regardless of building use.

Live loads do not vary with environmental conditions like wind or snow.

Live loads are easily calculated.

What does the uniform live load column in building codes refer to?

Total structural weight of the building

Heavy furniture loads only

Loads at a specific point in the building

Loads distributed over the entire area in pounds per square foot (psf) (correct)

What is the minimum design load requirement for an office building floor?

50 psf (2.4 kN/m2) over the entire floor Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to notify your buildings department if loading exceeds minimum design loads?

To ensure the structural integrity of the building Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable height for the nominal book stack unit?

90 in. (2290 mm) Signup and view all the answers

What should be the minimum width of aisles between parallel rows of double-faced book stacks?

36 in. (914 mm) Signup and view all the answers

How much horizontal swaying force is applied parallel to each row of seats?

24 lb per linear ft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes uninhabitable attic areas without storage?

Maximum clear height between joist and rafter less than 42 in. (1067 mm) Signup and view all the answers

What horizontal swaying force is applied perpendicular to each row of seats?

10 lb per linear ft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not describe conditions for uninhabitable attic areas without storage?

Maximum clear height between joist and rafter is 120 in. (3048 mm) Signup and view all the answers

The design for stack room floors specifically accounts for what types of loads?

Both vertical and horizontal loads Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the loading on stack room floors?

The concentrated load need not act concurrently with other live loads. Signup and view all the answers

What is the uniform load requirement for assembly areas with fixed seats?

150 psf (7.18 kN/m2) Signup and view all the answers

What is the required live load for a catwalk used for maintenance access?

40 psf (1.92 kN/m2) Signup and view all the answers

For dining rooms and restaurants, what is the uniform load specified?

100 psf (4.79 kN/m2) Signup and view all the answers

What does the specified live load for balconies and decks depend on?

Occupancy served by the balcony or deck Signup and view all the answers

What load is specified for corridors on the first floor?

100 psf (4.79 kN/m2) Signup and view all the answers

What is the live load requirement for office use in access floor systems?

50 psf (2.4 kN/m2) Signup and view all the answers

What is the uniform load requirement for elevator machine room grating?

300 lb (1.33 kN) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following loads requires exceeding 100 psf (4.79 kN/m2) for balconies?

Decks serving dining rooms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Live Loads Overview

Live loads consist of transient forces acting on building structures, differing from dead loads (permanent/static).
Live load values are specified for various types of occupancy and use, crucial for structural safety and compliance with building codes.

Occupancy and Use Classifications

Apartments: Typical live load design not specified in the table, refer to residential guidelines.
Office Use: Requires a uniform live load of 50 psf (2.4 kN/m²) and a concentrated load of 2000 lb (8.9 kN).
Computer Use: Increased uniform live load of 100 psf (4.79 kN/m²) with a concentrated load of 2000 lb (8.9 kN).
Armories & Drill Rooms: Uniform live load set at 150 psf (7.18 kN).
Assembly Areas (Theaters, Lobbies): Fixed seats demand 60 psf (2.87 kN/m²), while movable seats and platforms require 100 psf (4.79 kN/m²).
Balconies and Decks: Must support 1.5 times the required live load for the occupancy served, or exceed 100 psf (4.79 kN/m²).

Specific Areas and Load Requirements

Catwalks (Maintenance Access): Designed for 40 psf (1.92 kN/m²) uniformly and a concentrated load of 300 lb (1.33 kN).
Corridors: Uniform requirement set at 100 psf (4.79 kN/m²).
Dining Rooms/Restaurants: Maintain a uniform live load of 100 psf (4.79 kN/m²).
Elevator Machine Room Grating: Concentrated load of 300 lb (1.33 kN) on designated small areas (2 in. by 2 in.).
Finish Light Floor Plate Construction: Requires a uniform load capacity of 200 lb (0.89 kN).

Importance of Live Load Estimation

Accurate estimation of live loads is vital as they can vary due to factors like snow, wind, or rain.
Building codes stipulate minimum live load designs, ensuring structures accommodate intended uses and safety regulations (refer to NFPA 5000).

Practical Implications

Dead loads (e.g., concrete vault) are predictable, whereas live loads (e.g., movable safes) must be estimated based on use and occupancy.
Structural integrity requires assessment of both uniform and concentrated loads, which apply to various scenarios within a building's design.
Consulting local building authorities is essential when actual load conditions exceed minimum design loads.

Unique Load Considerations

Specific requirements exist for library book stacks, including height and separation specifications, to ensure stability under live loads.
Horizontal swaying forces for assembly seating must be accounted for, applying both parallel and perpendicular forces without simultaneous application restrictions.
Uninhabitable attic areas without storage require precise classifications based on the clear height and adjacent truss configurations.