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Structural

Live Load

In Plain English

The weight of people, furniture, snow, and other movable items that a building must support.

Definition

A variable, movable load on a structure caused by the occupants, furniture, vehicles, equipment, snow, or other non-permanent items. Live loads can change in magnitude and position over time and are specified by building codes based on occupancy type. Structural members must be designed to carry both dead loads and the maximum anticipated live loads.

Example

Office floors are designed for a live load of 50 psf per ASCE 7, while assembly areas require 100 psf.

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