I would like to know how to figure live and dead loads for residential construction. I’m not an architect, nor am I looking for formulas that will be used for anything other than for my own knowledge. I really enjoy reading everything I can get my beedy little eyes on, including literature regarding structural materials. If anyone out there has any answers, please let me know. Thanks
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Replies
Live loads are specified in building codes, depending on the use of an area. 40 pounds per square foot is typical for residential use, 125 psf for libraries, maybe 10 psf for an attic....
Dead loads are the weight of the permanent parts of the building. Figure out the volume of the lumber and drywall, etc, multiply by their densities, and add it all up.
-- J.S.
bean, my building dept. and I settled on 75psf for live load, (people or snow) on my roof. Total load is the other figure you need if you want to read a bar joist chart. I downloaded mine from a steel site, if that's of any interest to you. 300 psf total load, and up, is what I deal with.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Harry Parker wrote several books called Simplified Design (of various types of structures). The math is easy and it explains the process. This book has the basics Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders
http://www.target.com/gp/search.html/601-6566128-1730548?field-author=Harry%20Parker&index=books
This is also a good easy book
Why Buildings Stand Up: The Strength of Architecture
http://www.target.com/gp/search.html/ref=sr_bx_1/601-6566128-1730548?url=index%3Dbooks-ta&field-keywords=why+buildings+stand+up&x=14&y=9
I also liked Why Building Fall Down by the same author of why they stand up.
CurlyHand Hewn Restorations Inc.
Restoring the past for the future.
The Parker "Simplified" books are an excellent series. I used some in high school and several colleagues used them as quick reference and study guides for the PE exam....that's not a mistake, it's rustic