1 

CHAPTER 4

2  LIVE LOADS

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3  4.1 DEFINITIONS

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The following definitions apply to the provisions of this chapter.

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5  FIXED LADDER: A ladder that is permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment.

GRAB BAR SYSTEM: A bar and associated anchorages and attachments to the structural

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7  system, for the support of body weight in locations such as toilets, showers, and tub enclosures.
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8  GUARDRAIL SYSTEM: A system of component or assembly of components, including

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anchorages and attachments to the structural system, near open sides of an elevated surface for
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the purpose of minimizing the possibility of a fall from the elevated surface by people,
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11  equipment, or material.

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12  HANDRAIL SYSTEM: A rail grasped by hand for guidance and support and associated
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13  anchorages and attachments to the structural system.

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HELIPAD: A structural surface that is used for landing, taking off, taxiing, and parking of
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15  helicopters.
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LIVE LOAD: A load produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure that
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17  does not include construction or environmental loads, such as wind load, snow load, rain load,
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18  earthquake load, flood load, or dead load.

19  ROOF LIVE LOAD: A load on a roof produced (1) during maintenance by workers,
20  equipment, and materials, and (2) during the life of the structure by movable objects, such as
21  planters or other similar small decorative appurtenances that are not occupancy related. An
22  occupancy-related live load on a roof such as rooftop assembly areas, rooftop decks, and
23  vegetative or landscaped roofs with occupiable areas, is considered to be a live load rather than a
24  roof live load.

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 1  SCREEN ENCLOSURE: A building or part thereof, in whole or in part self-supporting, having
2  walls and a roof of insect or sun screening using fiberglass, aluminum, plastic, or similar
3  lightweight netting material, which encloses an occupancy or use such as outdoor swimming
4  pools, patios or decks, and horticultural and agricultural production facilities.

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VEHICLE BARRIER SYSTEM: A system of components, including anchorages and

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attachments to the structural system near open sides or walls of garage floors or ramps, that acts

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7  as a restraint for vehicles.

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8  4.2 LOADS NOT SPECIFIED

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9  For occupancies or uses not designated in this chapter, the live load shall be determined in
10  accordance with a method approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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11  4.3 UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS
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4.3.1 Required Live Loads
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The live loads used in the design of buildings and other structures shall be the maximum loads
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14  expected by the intended use or occupancy but shall not in no case be less than the minimum
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15  uniformly distributed live unit loads required by Table 4.3-1.

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17  Table 4.3-1. Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live Loads, Lo, and Minimum Concentrated
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18  Live Loads.

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Occupancy or Use Live Load Multiple-Story Concentrated Also

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Uniform, Lo psf
Reduction Live Load lb (kN) See
(kN/m2) Permitted? Reduction Section
(Section. No.) Permitted?
(Section. No.)
Apartments (See Residential)
Access floor systems
Office use 50 (2.40) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 2,000 (8.90)
Computer use 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 2,000 (8.90)
Armories and drill rooms 150 (7.18) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Assembly areas
Fixed seats (fastened to floors) 60 (2.87) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Lobbies 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)

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 Movable seats 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Platforms (assembly) 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Stage floors 150 (7.18) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Reviewing stands,Bleachers, 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5) 4.14
folding and telescopic seating, and
grandstands, and bleachers

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Stadiums and arenas with fixed 60 (2.87) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5) 4.14
seats (fastened to the floor)

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Other assembly areas 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Balconies and decks 1.5 times the live Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)

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load for the area
served. Not required

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to exceed 100 psf
(4.79 kN/m2)

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Catwalks for maintenance and 40 (1.92) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 300 (1.33)
service access
Corridors

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First floor 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)
Other floors Same as occupancy
served except as
indicated
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Dining rooms and restaurants 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Dwellings (See Residential)
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Elevator machine room and
control room grating (on area of
— — 300 (1.33)
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2 in. by 2 in. [50 mm by 50 mm])

Finish light floor plate — — 200 (0.89)
construction (on area of 1 in. by
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1 in. [25 mm by 25 mm])

Fire escapes 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)
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On single-family dwellings only 40 (1.92) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)

Fixed ladders — — See Sec. 4.5.4 4.5.4
Garages and Vehicle Floors (see 4.10
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Section 4.10)
Passenger vehicles only garages 40 (1.92) No (4.7.4) Yes (4.7.4) See 4.10.1
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Sec. 4.10.1
Trucks and buses garages See Section 4.10.2 — — See 4.10.2
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Sec. 4.10.2
Emergency vehicles — — See Sec. 4.10.4
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4.10.4
Handrails and Guardrails Systems See Section. 4.5.1 — — See 4.5.1
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Sec. 4.5.1
Grab bars — — See Sec. 4.5.2 4.5.2
Helipads (see Section 4.11)
Helicopter takeoff weight 3,000 lb 40 (1.92) No (4.11.1) — See 4.11.2
(13.35 kN) or less Sec. 4.11.2
Helicopter takeoff weight more 60 (2.87) No (4.11.1) — See 4.11.2
than 3,000 lb (13.35 kN) Sec. 4.11.2
Hospitals
Operating rooms, laboratories 60 (2.87) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
Patient rooms 40 (1.92) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
Corridors above first floor 80 (3.83) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
Hotels (see Residential)

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 Libraries
Reading rooms 60 (2.87) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
Stack rooms 150 (7.18) No (4.7.3) Yes (4.7.3) 1,000 (4.45) 4.13
Corridors above first floor 80 (3.83) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
Manufacturing
Light 125 (6.00) No (4.7.3) Yes (4.7.3) 2,000 (8.90)

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Heavy 250 (11.97) No (4.7.3) Yes (4.7.3) 3,000 (13.35)
Office buildings

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File and computer rooms shall be
designed for heavier loads based on

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anticipated occupancy
Lobbies and first-floor corridors 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 2,000 (8.90)

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Offices 50 (2.40) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 2,000 (8.90)
Corridors above first floor 80 (3.83) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 2,000 (8.90)

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Penal institutions
Cell blocks 40 (1.92) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)
Corridors 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)

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Public Restrooms Same as live load for Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)
area served but not
required to exceed
60 (2.87)
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Recreational uses
Bowling alleys, poolrooms, and 75 (3.59) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
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similar uses
Dance halls and ballrooms 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
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Gymnasiums 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)

Theater projection, control, and 50 (2.40) Yes (4.7.2) Yes(4.7.2)
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follow spot rooms

Roller skating rinks 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Residential
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One- and two-family dwellings

Uninhabitable attics without 10 (0.48) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 4.12.1
storage
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Uninhabitable attics with 20 (0.96) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 4.12.2

storage
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Habitable attics and sleeping 30 (1.44) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)

areas
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All other areas except stairs 40 (1.92) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)
All other residential occupancies
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Private rooms and corridors 40 (1.92) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)

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serving them
Public rooms 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)
Corridors serving public rooms 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)
Roofs
Ordinary flat, pitched, and curved 20 (0.96) Yes (4.8.2) — 4.8.1
roofs
Roof areas used for assembly 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5)
purposes
Roof areas used for Same as occupancy Yes (4.8.3) —
occupantsoccupancies other than served
assembly

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 Roof areas used for assembly 100 (4.70) Yes (4.8.3)
purposes
Vegetative and landscaped roofs
Roof areas not intended for 20 (0.96) Yes (4.8.2) —
occupancy
Roof areas used for assembly 100 (4.79) Yes (4.8.3)No —
purposes (4.7.5)

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Roof areas used for other Same as occupancy Yes (4.8.3) —

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occupancies other than assembly served
Awnings and canopies

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Fabric construction supported 5 (0.24) No (4.8.2) —
by a skeleton structure

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Screen enclosure support frame 5 (0.24) based on the No (4.8.2) — 200 (0.89)
tributary area of the

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roof supported by the
frame member
All other construction 20 (0.96) Yes (4.8.2) — 4.8.1

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Primary roof members, exposed to
a work floor
Single panel point of lower 2,000 (8.90)
chord of roof trusses or any point
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along primary structural members
supporting roofs over manufacturing,
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storage warehouses, and repair
garages
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All other primary roof members — — 300 (1.33)

All roof surfaces subject to — — 300 (1.33)
maintenance workers
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Schools
Classrooms 40 (1.92) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
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Corridors above first floor 80 (3.83) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
First-floor corridors 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
Scuttles, skylight ribs, and 200 (0.89)
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accessible ceilings
Sidewalks, vehicular driveways, 250 (11.97) No (4.7.3) Yes (4.7.3) 8,000 (35.60) 4.15
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and yards subject to trucking 4.10.3

4.10.4
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Stairs and exit ways 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 300 (1.33) 4.165
One- and two-family dwellings 40 (1.92) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 300 (1.33) 4.165
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only
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Storage areas above ceilings 20 (0.96) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)

Storage warehouses (shall be
designed for heavier loads if required
for anticipated storage)
Light 125 (6.00) No (4.7.3) Yes (4.7.3)
Heavy 250 (11.97) No (4.7.3) Yes (4.7.3)
Stores
Retail
First floor 100 (4.79) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
Upper floors 75 (3.59) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2) 1,000 (4.45)
Wholesale, all floors 125 (6.00) No (4.7.3) Yes (4.7.3) 1,000 (4.45)
Vehicle barriers See Sec. 4.5.3 4.5.3

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 Walkways and elevated platforms 60 (2.87) Yes (4.7.2) Yes (4.7.2)
(other than exit ways)
Yards and terraces, pedestrian 100 (4.79) No (4.7.5) No (4.7.5)

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2  4.3.2 Provision for Partitions

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3  In office buildings and in other buildings where partition locations are subject to change,

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4  provisions for partition weight shall be made, whether or not partitions are shown on the plans.
5  The partition load shall not be less than 15 psf (0.72 kN/m2) and shall not be reduced per Section

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6  4.7.

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7  EXCEPTION: A partition live load is not required where the minimum specified live load is
8  80 psf (3.83 kN/m2) or greater.
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9  4.3.3 Partial Loading
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10  The full intensity of the appropriately reduced uniform live load applied only to a portion of a
structure or member shall be accounted for if it produces a more unfavorable load effect than the
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12  same intensity uniform live load applied over the full structure or member. Uniform live loads
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13  applied to a portion of a structure or member are permitted to be reduced in accordance with
14  Section 4.7.Roof live loads shall be distributed as specified in Table 4.3-1.
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15  4.3.3.1 Partial Loading of Roofs

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16  Where uniform roof live loads are reduced to less than 20 psf (0.96 kN/m2) in accordance with
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17  Section 4.8.2 and are applied to the design of structural members arranged so as to create
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18  continuity, the reduced roof live load shall be applied to adjacent spans or to alternate spans,
19  whichever produces the greatest unfavorable load effect.

20 

21  4.3.4 Interior Walls and Partitions

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 1  Interior walls and partitions that exceed 6 ft (1.83 m) in height, including their finish materials,
2  shall have adequate strength and stiffness to resist the loads to which they are subjected but not
3  less than a horizontal load of 5 psf (0.240 kN/m2).

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5  4.4 CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS

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6  Floors, roofs, and other similar surfaces shall be designed to support the uniformly distributed
7  live loads prescribed in Section 4.3 or the concentrated live loads, in pounds or kilonewtons

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8  (kN), given in Table 4.3-1, whichever produces the greater load effects. Unless otherwise

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9  specified, the indicated concentration shall be assumed to be uniformly distributed over an area
10  2.5 ft (762 mm) by 2.5 ft (762 mm) and shall be located so as to produce the maximum load
11  effects in the members.
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4.5 LOADS ON HANDRAIL, GUARDRAIL, GRAB BAR, AND VEHICLE BARRIER
SYSTEMS, AND ON SHOWER SEATS AND FIXED LADDERS
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14  4.5.1 Handrail and Guardrail Systems

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15  Handrail and guardrail systems shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of 200 lb
16  (0.89 kN) applied in any direction at any point on the handrail or top rail to produce the
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17  maximum load effect on the element being considered and to transfer this load through the
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18  supports to the structure.

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19  4.5.1.1 Uniform Load

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20  Handrail and guardrail systems shall also be designed to resist a load of 50 lb/ft (pound-force
21  per linear foot) (0.73 kN/m) applied in any direction along the handrail or top rail and to transfer
22  this load through the supports to the structure. This load need not be assumed to act concurrently
23  with the concentrated load specified in Section 4.5.1.

24  EXCEPTIONS: The uniform load need not be considered for the following occupancies:

25  1. Oone- and two-family dwellings, and

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 1  2. Ffactory, industrial, and storage occupancies in areas that are not accessible to the public
2  and that serve an occupant load not greater than 50; and.
3  2.3.Roofs not intended for occupancy.

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4  4.5.1.2 Guardrail System Component Loads

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5  Balusters, panel fillers, and guardrail system infill components, including all rails except the

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6  handrail and the top rail, shall be designed to resist a horizontally applied normal load of 50 lb

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7  (0.22 kN) on an area not to exceed 12 in. × 12 in. (305 mm × 305 mm), including openings and

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8  space between rails and located so as to produce the maximum load effects. Reactions due to this
9  loading are not required to be superimposed with the loads specified in Sections 4.5.1 and

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10  4.5.1.1.
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11  4.5.2 Grab Bar Systems and Shower Seats

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Grab bar systems and shower seats shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of
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13  250 lb (1.11 kN) applied in any direction at any point on the grab bar or shower seat to produce
14  the maximum load effect.
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15  4.5.3 Vehicle Barrier Systems

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Vehicle barrier systems for passenger vehicles shall be designed to resist a single concentrated
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17  load of 6,000 lb (26.70 kN) applied horizontally in any direction to the barrier system and shall
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18  have anchorages or attachments capable of transferring this load to the structure. For design of
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19  the system, the load shall be assumed to act at heights between 1 ft 6 in. (460 mm) and 2 ft 3 in.
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20  (686 mm) above the floor or ramp surface, located to produce the maximum load effects. The
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21  load shall be applied on an area not to exceed 12 in. × 12 in. (305 mm × 305 mm). This load is
22  not required to act concurrently with any handrail or guardrail system loadings specified in
23  Section 4.5.1. Vehicle barrier systems in garages accommodating trucks and buses shall be
24  designed in accordance with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.

25  4.5.4 Fixed Ladders

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 1  Fixed ladders with rungs shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of 300 lb
2  (1.33 kN) applied at any point to produce the maximum load effect on the element being
3  considered. The number and position of additional concentrated live load units shall be a
4  minimum of 1 unit of 300 lb (1.33 kN) for every 10 ft (3.05 m) of ladder height.

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Where rails of fixed ladders extend above a floor or platform at the top of the ladder, each side

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rail extension shall be designed to resist a single concentrated live load of 100 lb (0.445 kN)

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7  applied in any direction at any height up to the top of the side rail extension. Ships ladders with

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8  treads instead of rungs shall be designed to resist the stair loads given in Table 4.3-1.

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9  4.6 IMPACT LOADS

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10  4.6.1 General
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11  The live loads specified in Sections 4.3 through 4.5 shall be assumed to include adequate
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allowance for ordinary impact conditions. Provision shall be made in the structural design for
uses and loads that involve unusual vibration and impact forces.
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14  4.6.2 Elevators

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15  All elements subject to dynamic loads from elevators shall be designed for impact loads and
16  deflection limits prescribed by ASME A17.1.
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17  4.6.3 Machinery

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18  For the purpose of design, the weight of machinery and moving loads shall be increased as
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19  follows to allow for impact: (1) light machinery, shaft- or motor-driven, 20%; and
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20  (2) reciprocating machinery or power-driven units, 50%. All percentages shall be increased
21  where specified by the manufacturer.

22  4.6.4 Elements Supporting Hoists for Façade Access and Building Maintenance Equipment

23  Structural elements that support hoists for façade access and building maintenance equipment
24  shall be designed for a live load of 2.5 times the rated load of the hoist or the stall load of the
25  hoist, whichever is larger.
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 1  4.6.5 Fall Arrest, and Lifeline, and Rope Descent System Anchorages

2  Fall arrest, and lifeline, and rope descent system anchorages and the structural elements that
3  support these anchorages shall be designed for a live load of 3,100 lb (13.8 kN) for each attached

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4  lifeline in every any direction that thea fall arrest load may be applied.

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5  Anchorages of horizontal lifelines and the structural elements that support the anchorages shall

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6  be designed for the maximum tension that develops in the horizontal lifeline from these live

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7  loads.

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8  4.7 REDUCTION IN UNIFORM LIVE LOADS

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9  4.7.1 General
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Except for roof uniform live loads, all other minimum uniformly distributed live loads, Lo , in

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Table 4.3-1, are permitted to be reduced in accordance with the requirements of Sections 4.7.2
through 4.7.6.
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13  4.7.2 Reduction in Uniform Live Loads

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14  Subject to the limitations of Sections 4.7.3 through 4.7.6, members for which a the value of
15  K LL AT is 400 ft2 (37.16 m2) or more are permitted to be designed for a reduced uniform live
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16  load in accordance with the following formula:

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 15 
17  L  Lo  0.25   (4.7-1)
 
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 K LL AT 
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 4.57 
L  Lo  0.25  
 K LL AT 
18    (4.7-1.SI)

19  where

20  L = Reduced design live load per ft2 (m2) of area supported by the member;

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 1  Lo = Unreduced design live load per ft2 (m2) of area supported by the member (see Table 4.3-1);

2  K LL = Live load element factor (see Table 4.7-1); and

3  AT = Tributary area in ft2 (m2).

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4  L shall not be less than 0.50 Lo for members supporting one floor, and L shall not be less than

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5  0.40 Lo for members supporting two or more floors.

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Table 4.7-1. Live Load Element Factor, K LL .

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Element

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K LL * a
Interior columns 4
Exterior columns without cantilever slabs 4
Edge columns with cantilever slabs 3
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Corner columns with cantilever slabs 2
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Edge beams without cantilever slabs
Interior beams
2
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All other members not identified, including 1

Edge beams with cantilever slabs
Cantilever beams
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One-way slabs
Two-way slabs
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Members without provisions for continuous shear

transfer normal to their span
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7  *a
In lieu of the preceding values, K LL is permitted to be calculated.
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8  4.7.3 Heavy Live Loads

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Live loads that exceed 100 lb/ft2 (4.79 kN/m2) shall not be reduced.
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10  EXCEPTION: Live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be

11  reduced by a maximum of 20%, but the reduced live load shall not be less than Las calculated in
12  Section 4.7.2.

13  4.7.4 Passenger Vehicle Garages

14  The live loads shall not be reduced in passenger vehicle garages.

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 1  EXCEPTION: Live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be

2  reduced by a maximum of 20%, but the reduced live load shall not be less than Las calculated in
3  Section 4.7.2.

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4  4.7.5 Assembly Uses Area Loads

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5  Live loads shall not be reduced in assembly uses areas.

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6  4.7.6 Limitations on One-Way Slabs

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7  The tributary area, AT , for one-way slabs shall not exceed an area defined by the slab span

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8  times a width normal to the span of 1.5 times the slab span.

9  4.8. REDUCTION IN UNIFORM ROOF LIVE LOADS

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4.8.1 General
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11  The minimum uniformly distributed roof live loads, Lo , in Table 4.3-1, are permitted to be
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12  reduced in accordance with the requirements of Sections 4.8.2 and 4.8.3.
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13  Where uniform roof live loads are reduced to less than 20 lb/ft 2 ( 0.96 kN / m 2 ) in accordance
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with Section 4.8.2 and are applied to the design of structural members arranged so as to create
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15  continuity, the reduced roof live load shall be applied to adjacent spans or to alternate spans,
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16  whichever produces the greatest unfavorable load effect.

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4.8.2 Ordinary Roofs, Awnings, and Canopies

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18  Ordinary flat, pitched, and curved roofs, and awning and canopies other than those of fabric
19  construction supported by a skeleton structure, are permitted to be designed for a reduced
20  uniform roof live load, as specified in Eq.Equation (4.8-1), or other controlling combinations of
21  loads, as specified in Chapter 2, whichever produces the greater load effect. In structures such as
22  greenhouses, where special scaffolding is used as a work surface for workers and materials
23  during maintenance and repair operations, a lower roof load than specified in Eq.Equation (4.8-

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 1  1) shall not be used unless approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. On such structures,
2  the minimum roof live load shall be 12 psf (0.58 kn/m2).

3  Lr  Lo R1 R2 where 12  Lr  20 (4.8-1)

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Lr  Lo R1 R2 where 0.58  Lr  0.96

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4  (4.8-1.SI)

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5  where Lr is the reduced roof live load per ft2 (m2) of horizontal projection supported by the

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6  member, and Lo is the unreduced design roof live load per ft2 (m2) of horizontal projection

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7  supported by the member (see Table 4.3-1).

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8  The reduction factors R1 and R 2 shall be determined as follows:
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1 for AT  200 ft 2

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R1  1.2  0.001AT for 200 ft 2  AT  600 ft 2
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9 
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10  in SI:
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1 for AT  18.58 m 2
11  R1  1.2  0.011AT for 18.58 m 2  AT  55.74 m 2
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0.6 for AT  55.74 m 2

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12  where AT is the tributary area in ft2 (m2) supported by the member and
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1 for F  4
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13  R2  1.2  0.05 F for 4  F  12

0.6 for F  12

14  where, for a pitched roof,F is the number of inches of rise per foot (in SI: F = 0.12 × slope, with
15  slope expressed in percentage points) and, for an arch or dome, F is the rise-to-span ratio
16  multiplied by 32.

13
 1  4.8.3 Occupiable Roofs

2  Roofs that have an occupancy function, such as roof gardens or other special purposes, are
3  permitted to have their uniformly distributed live load reduced in accordance with the

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4  requirements of Section 4.7.

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5  Roofs used for other special purposes shall be designed for appropriate loads as approved by the

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6  Authority Having Jurisdiction.

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7  4.9. CRANE LOADS

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8  4.9.1 General

9 
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The crane live load shall be the rated capacity of the crane. Design loads for the runway beams,
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10  including connections and support brackets, of moving bridge cranes and monorail cranes shall

n
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11  include the maximum wheel loads of the crane and the vertical impact, lateral, and longitudinal
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12  forces induced by the moving crane.
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4.9.2 Maximum Wheel Load

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13 
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14  The maximum wheel loads shall be the wheel loads produced by the weight of the bridge, as
15  applicable, plus the sum of the rated capacity and the weight of the trolley with the trolley
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16  positioned on its runway at the location where the resulting load effect is maximized.
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17  4.9.3 Vertical Impact Force

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18  The maximum wheel loads of the crane determined in accordance with Section 4.9.2 shall be
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19  increased by the percentages shown in the following text to account for the effects of vertical
20  impact or vibration:

Monorail cranes (powered) 25%

Cab-operated or remotely operated bridge cranes(powered) 25
Pendant-operated bridge cranes (powered) 10
Bridge crane service class D, E, or F 25%

14
 Bridge crane service class A, B, or C 10%
Bridge cranes or monorail cranes Cranes with hand-geared bridge, trolley, and hoist 0

1  4.9.3.1 Bridge Crane Service Class

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2  For the purpose of determining the vertical impact force, one of the following bridge crane

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service class shall be assigned based on the actual service conditions including the frequency of

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3 
4  use, variability in load lifted, and the operation speed.the vertical impact force, one of the

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5  following bridge crane service class shall be assigned.

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6  Bridge Crane Service Class A (Standby or infrequent service): This service class shall include

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7  cranes used in installations such as powerhouses, public utilities, turbine rooms, motor rooms
8  and transformer stations where precise handling of equipment at slow speeds is required and
cranes are infrequently used or are idled for long periods. Full rated loads shall be handled for
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9 

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10  initial installation of equipment and for infrequent maintenance.
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11 
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Bridge Crane Service Class B (Light service): This service class shall include cranes used in
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12  repair shops, light assembly operations, service buildings, light warehousing, etc. where service
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13  requirements are light and the speed is slow. Loads are permitted to vary, but full rated loads
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14  shall occur only occasionally, with two to five lifts per hour, averaging 10 ft (3.05 m) per lift.

15  Bridge Crane Service Class C (Moderate service): This service class shall include cranes used in
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16  machine shops or paper mill machine rooms, etc. where service requirements are moderate. In
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17  this type of service, the crane shall handle loads which average 50 percent% of the rated capacity
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18  with five to ten lifts per hour, averaging 15 ft (4.6 m), not over 50 percent% of the lifts at rated
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19  capacity.
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20  Bridge Crane Service Class D (Heavy service): This service class shall include cranes used in
21  heavy machine shops, foundries, fabricating plants, steel warehouses, container yards, lumber
22  mills, etc., and the standard duty bucket and magnet operations where heavy duty production is
23  required. In this type of service, the crane shall handle loads approaching 50 percent% of the
24  rated capacity constantly during the working period. High speeds are used for this type of service
25  with 10 to 20 lifts per hour averaging 15 ft (4.6 m), not over 65 percent% of the lifts at rated
26  capacity.

15
 1  Bridge Crane Service Class E (Severe service): This service class shall include cranes capable of
2  handling loads approaching rated capacity throughout its life. Applications include magnet,
3  bucket, magnet/bucket combination cranes for scrap yards, cement mills, lumber mills, fertilizer
4  plants, container handling, etc., with twenty20 or more lifts per hour at or near the rated capacity.

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Bridge Crane Service Class F (Continuous severe service): This service class shall include

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5 
cranes capable of handling loads approaching rated capacity continuously under severe service

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6 
7  conditions throughout its life. Applications include custom designed specialty cranes essential to

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8  performing the critical work tasks affecting the total production facility. These cranes shall

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9  provide the highest reliability with special attention to ease of maintenance features.

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10  4.9.4 Lateral Force

11  The lateral force on crane runway beams with electrically powered trolleys shall be calculated as
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12  20% of the sum of the rated capacity of the crane and the weight of the hoist and trolley. The
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13 
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lateral force shall be assumed to act horizontally at the traction surface of a runway beam, in
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14  either direction perpendicular to the beam, and shall be distributed with due regard to the lateral
15  stiffness of the runway beam and supporting structure.
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16  4.9.5 Longitudinal Force

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17  The longitudinal force on crane runway beams, except for bridge cranes with hand-geared
bridges, shall be calculated as 10% of the maximum wheel loads of the crane. The longitudinal
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18 
19  force shall be assumed to act horizontally at the traction surface of a runway beam in either
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20  direction parallel to the beam.

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21  4.10 GARAGE AND VEHICULAR FLOOR LOADS

22  4.10.1 Passenger Vehicle Garages

23  Floors in garages orand portions of a building used for the storage of motor vehicles shall be
24  designed for the uniformly distributed live loads of Table 4.3-1 or the following concentrated
25  load: (1) for garages restricted to passenger vehicles accommodating not more than nine
26  passengers, 3,000 lb (13.35 kN) acting on an area of 4.5 in. × 4.5 in. (114 mm × 114 mm); and

16
 1  (2) for mechanical parking structures without slab or deck that are used for storing passenger
2  vehicles only, 2,250 lb (10 kN) per wheel.

3  4.10.2 Truck and Bus Garages

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4  Live loads in garages orand portions of a building used for the storage of trucks and buses shall

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5  be in accordance with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications; however, provisions for

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6  fatigue and dynamic load allowance therein are not required to be applied.

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7  EXCEPTION: The vehicular live loads and load placement in garages and portions of a

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8  building used for the storage of trucks or buses are permitted to be determined using the

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9  actual vehicle weights for the vehicles allowed onto the garage floors, provided that such
10  loads and placement are based on rational engineering principles and are approved by the
11  Authority Having Jurisdiction. The load effects from the actual vehicle weights shall not be
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12  less than the effects from a uniform live load of 50 psf (2.40 kN/m2). This live load shall not
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13 
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be reduced.
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14  4.10.3 Sidewalks, Vehicular Driveways, and Yards Subject to Trucking.

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15  Uniform loads for sidewalks, vehicular driveways, and yards subject to truck loads, other than
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16  that provided in Table 4.3-1, shall also be considered where appropriate, in accordance with an
17  approved method which contains provisions for truck loads. The concentrated wheel load
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18  provided in Table 4.3-1 shall be applied on an area of 4.5 in. × 4.5 in. (114 mm × 114 mm).
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19  4.10.4 Emergency Vehicle Loads.

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Where a structure or portions of a structure are accessed by fire department vehicles and other
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20 
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21  emergency vehicles, those portions of the structure subjected to such loads shall be designed for
22  one of the following:

23  (a) The actual operational loads, including the total vehicle load, the individual wheel loads,
24  and the outrigger reactions, whichever produces the greater load effects, as stipulated and
25  approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The loads shall include the combined weight
26  of the vehicle and equipment. The total vehicle load, individual wheel loads, and outrigger
27  reactions do not act concurrently.

17
 1  (b) The design truck and design tandem live loads in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design
2  Specifications. The design truck and the design tandem need not be assumed to act
3  concurrently. The AASHTO provisions for fatigue and dynamic load allowance are not
4  required to be applied.

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Emergency vehicle loads need not be assumed to act concurrently with other uniform live loads.

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5 

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6  EXCEPTION: Emergency vehicle loads need not be considered for portions of the structure

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7  where physical barriers such as bollards, vehicle barriers, or overhead clearance bars restrict
emergency vehicle access.

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8 

4.11 HELIPAD LOADS

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9 

10  4.11.1 General

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11  The live loads shall not be reduced. The labeling of helicopter capacity shall be as required by
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12 
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the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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13  4.11.2 Concentrated Helicopter Loads

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14  Two single concentrated loads, 8 ft (2.44 m) apart, shall be applied on the landing area
15  (representing the helicopter’s two main landing gear, whether skid type or wheeled type), each
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16  having a magnitude of 0.75 times the maximum takeoff weight of the helicopter and located to
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17  produce the maximum load effect on the structural elements under consideration. The
18  concentrated loads shall be applied over an area of 8 in. × 8 in. (200 mm × 200 mm) and are not
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19  required to act concurrently with other uniform or concentrated live loads.
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20  A single concentrated load of 3,000 lb (13.35 kN) shall be applied over an area of 4.5 in. ×
21  4.5 in. (114 mm × 114 mm), located so as to produce the maximum load effects on the structural
22  elements under consideration. The concentrated load is not required to act concurrently with
23  other uniform or concentrated live loads.

24  4.12 UNINHABITABLE ATTICS

25  4.12.1 Uninhabitable Attics without Storage

18
 1  In residential occupancies, uninhabitable attic areas without storage are those where the
2  maximum clear height between the joist and rafter is less than 42 in. (1,067 mm) or where there
3  are not two or more adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an
4  assumed rectangle 42 in. (1,067 mm) in height by 24 in. (610 mm) in width, or greater, within

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5  the plane of the trusses. The live load in Table 4.3-1 need not be assumed to act concurrently

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6  with any other live load requirement.

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4.12.2 Uninhabitable Attics with Storage

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7 

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8  In residential occupancies, uninhabitable attic areas with storage are those where the maximum
9  clear height between the joist and rafter is 42 in. (1,067 mm) or greater or where there are two or

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10  more adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle
11  42 in. (1,067 mm) in height by 24 in. (610 mm) in width, or greater, within the plane of the
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n
12  trusses. For attics constructed of trusses, the live load in Table 4.3-1 need only be applied to
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13  se li
those portions of the bottom chords where both of the following conditions are met:
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14   The attic area is accessible from an opening not less than 20 in. (508 mm) in width by
30 in. (762 mm) in length that is located where the clear height in the attic is a minimum
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15 
16  of 30 in. (762 mm); and
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17   The slope of the truss bottom chord is no greater than 2 units vertical to 12 units
horizontal (9.5% slope).
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18 
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19  The remaining portions of the bottom chords shall be designed for a uniformly distributed
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20  concurrent live load of not less than 10 lb/ft2 (0.48 kN/m2).
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21  4.13 LIBRARY STACK ROOMS

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22  The live loading for library stack rooms provided in Table 4.3-1 applies to stack room floors that
23  support nonmobile, double-faced library book stacks subject to the following limitations:

24  1. The nominal book stack unit height shall not exceed 90 in. (2,290 mm);
25  2. The nominal shelf depth shall not exceed 12 in. (305 mm) for each face;
26  3. Parallel rows of double-faced book stacks shall be separated by aisles not less than 36 in.
27  (914 mm) wide.

19
 1  4.14 SEATING FOR ASSEMBLY USES

2  In addition to the vertical live loads provided in Table 4.3-1 for reviewing stands, grandstands,
3  and bleachers, folding and telescopic seating, and grandstands, and for stadiums and arenas with

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4  fixed seats fastened to the floor, the design shall include horizontal swaying forces applied to

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5  each row of the seats as follows:

at
6   24 lb per linear ft (0.35 kN/m) of seat applied in a direction parallel to each row of seats;

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7  and

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8   10 lb per linear ft (0.15 kM/m) of seat applied in a direction perpendicular to each row of
9  seats.

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10  The parallel and perpendicular horizontal swaying forces need not be applied simultaneously.

4.15 SIDEWALKS, VEHICULAR DRIVEWAYS, AND YARDS SUBJECT TO

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11 

n
12  TRUCKING
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13  4.15.1 Uniform Loads

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14  Uniform loads, other than that provided in Table 4.3-1, shall also be considered where
appropriate, in accordance with an approved method which contains provisions for truck
C

15 
16  loadings.
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17  4.15.2 Concentrated Loads

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The concentrated wheel load provided in Table 4.3-1 shall be applied on an area of 4.5 in. by
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18 
19  4.5 in. (114 mm by 114 mm).
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20  4.165 Stair Treads

21  The concentrated load on stair treads provided in Table 4.3-1 for stair and exit ways, and for
22  stairs in one- and two-family dwellings, shall be applied on an area of 2 in. × 2 in. (50 mm ×
23  50 mm) and is to be applied nonconcurrently with the uniform load.

24  4.176 SOLAR PANEL LOADS

20
 1  4.167.1 Roof Loads at Solar Panels

2  Roof structures that support solar panel systems shall be designed to resist each of the following
3  conditions:

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4  1. The uniform and concentrated roof live loads specified in Table 4.3-1 with the solar panel

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5  system dead loads.

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6  EXCEPTION: The roof live load need not be applied to the area covered by solar panels where

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7  the clear space between the panels and the roof surface is 24 in. (610 mm) or less.

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8  2. The uniform and concentrated roof live loads specified in Table 4.3-1 without the solar
panel system present.

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9 

10  4.176.2 Load Combination

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11  Roof systems that provide support for solar panel systems shall be designed for the load
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12 
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combinations specified in Chapter 2.
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13  4.176.3 Open-Grid Roof Structures Supporting Solar Panels

D ut O C

14  Structures with open-grid framing and no roof deck or sheathing supporting solar panel systems
15  shall be designed to support the uniform and concentrated roof live loads specified in Table 4.3-
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16  1, except that the uniform roof live load shall be permitted to be reduced to 12 psf (0.57 kN/m2).
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17  4.187 CONSENSUS STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

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This section lists the consensus standards and other documents that shall be considered part of
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18 
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19  this standard to the extent referenced in this chapter.

20  AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 7th ed., American Association of State Highway
21  and Transportation Officials, 2014, with 2015 interim revisions.

22  Cited in: Section 4.5.3, Section 4.002E10.2, Section 4.10.4

23  ASME A17.1, American National Standard Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, American
24  Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2013 2016.

21
 2 
1 
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Cited in: Section 4.6.2

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N U M
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22
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