CHAPTER3

3-1 Load paths

Structural systems transfer gravity loads from the floors and roof to the ground through load
paths that need to be clearly identified in the design process.
Identifying the correct path is important for determining the load carried by each structural
member. The tributary area concept is used to determine the load that each structural
component is subjected to.

3-2 Loads on structural members

Load is distributed over the area of the floor. This distributed load has units of (force/area),
e.g. kN/m2.

3-2-1 Loads on (one-way) beams

In order to design a beam, the tributary load from the floor carried by the beam and
distributed over its span is determined. This load has units of (force/distance), e.g. kN/m.
Notes:
-In some cases, there may be concentrated loads carried by the beams as well.
-All spans of the beam must be considered together (as a continuous beam) for design.

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This tributary load is
determined by multiplying “q”
by the tributary width for the
beam.

3-2-2 Loads on (two-way) beams

The tributary areas for a beam in a two way system are areas which are bounded by 45-
degree lines drawn from the corners of the panels and the centerlines of the adjacent
panels parallel to the long sides.
A panel is part of the slab formed by column centerlines.

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NOTE
-An edge beam is bounded by panels
from one side.
-An interior beam is bounded by panels
from two sides.

For edge beams:

Q=S/2

For interior beams:

Q=S

3-2-3 Loads on columns

The tributary load for the column is concentrated. It has units of (force) e.g., kN. It is
determined by multiplying by the tributary area for the column.

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Example1
Determine the loads acting on beams B1 and B2 and columns C1and C2. Distributed load
over the slab is q = 10 kN/m2. This is a 5 story structure.

B1:

4
B2:

5
C1:

C2:

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3-3 Load types
All structural elements must be designed for all loads anticipated to act during the life
span of such elements. These loads should not cause the structural elements to fail or
deflect excessively under working conditions.

3-3-1 Classification by direction

1- Gravity loads

2- Lateral loads

3-3-2Classification by source and activity

1- Dead loads
Including:
•Weight of all permanent construction.
• Constant magnitude and fixed location.
Examples:
* Weight of the Structure (Walls, Floors, Roofs, Ceilings, Stairways, Partitions).
* Fixed Service Equipment.

2- Live loads
The live load is a moving or movable type of load such as occupants, furniture, etc.
Live loads used in designing buildings are usually specified by local building codes. Live
loads depend on the intended use of the structure and the number of occupants at a
particular time. See table below.

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3- Environmental loads

Wind load (W.L)

The wind load is a lateral load produced by wind pressure and gusts. It is a type of dynamic
load that is considered static to simplify analysis. The magnitude of this force depends on
the shape of the building, its height, the velocity of the wind and the type of terrain in which
the building exists.
Earthquake load (E.L) or seismic load
The earthquake load is a lateral load caused by ground motions resulting from earthquakes.
The magnitude of such a load depends on the mass of the structure and the acceleration
caused by the earthquake.
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