Live Loads for Common Residential Construction
Articles > Live Loads for Common Residential Construction| Application | Uniform Load | Concentrated Load |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | ||
| Slope ≥ 4:12 | 15 psf | 250 lbs |
| Flat to 4:12 slope | 20 psf | 250 lbs |
| Attic | ||
| With limited storage | 10 psf | 250 lbs |
| With storage | 20 psf | 250 lbs |
| Floors | ||
| Bedroom areas | 30 psf | 300 lbs |
| Other areas | 40 psf | 300 lbs |
| Garages | 50 psf | 2,000 lbs (vans, light trucks) 1,500 lbs (passenger cars) |
| Decks | 40 psf | 300 lbs |
| Balconies | 60 psf | 300 lbs |
| Stairs | 40 psf | 300 lbs |
| Guards and handrails | 20 plf | 200 lbs |
| Grab bars | N/A | 250 lbs |
Notes:
- Live load values should be verified relative to the locally applicable building code.
- Roof live loads are intended to provide a minimum load for roof design in consideration of maintenance and construction activities. They should not be considered in combination with other transient loads (i.e., floor live load, wind load, etc.) when designing walls, floors, and foundations. A 15 psf roof live load is recommended for residential roof slopes greater than 4:12; refer to ASCE 7-98 for an alternate approach.
- Loft sleeping and attic storage loads should be considered only in areas with a clear height greater than about 3 feet. The concept of a “clear height” limitation on live loads is logical, but it may not be universally recognized.
- Some codes require 40 psf for all floor areas
Read also:
- Typical Load Combinations For Residential Buildings Design
- Load Combinations
- Dead Load vs Live Load
- Load Combinations of Concrete Design
- Solution of Maximum Uniformly Distributed Service Live Load That A Beam Can Support Based on Its Flexural Strength
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