Loads 101 - Vertical & lateral Loads
In the realm of structural engineering we deal with a large variety of loads acting on structures. In a nutshell what we structural engineers do is determine the appropriate loads acting on structural elements and ensure that the capacity of that structural element is not exceeded by the given loads.
LOADS
In structural engineering, loads are categorized based on their axis of action. These categories include:
Vertical Loads:
Dead load
Live load
Snow loads
Lateral Loads:
Seismic load
Wind load
Vertical Loads Include:
Dead loads
These are the static loads that result from the weight of the building itself and its permanent components. This includes the weight of the wooden framing, floors, walls, roof, and any fixed equipment. The specific weight of the wood used and the building's design will determine these loads.
Live Loads
These are dynamic loads that result from occupants, furniture, appliances, and other temporary items within the house. These loads can vary and need to be considered in the design to ensure the structure can safely support the people and items inside.
Snow Loads
Depending on the geographical location of the structure, one may need to consider snow loads. The amount of snowfall in the region and the weight of accumulated snow on the roof can impact the structural design. Roof design and pitch are important factors in managing snow loads.
Lateral Loads Include:
Wind Loads
Wind loads are especially important in areas prone to strong winds or hurricanes. The design should account for the wind force that the structure must resist. This includes lateral wind forces on the walls and uplift forces on the roof.
SEISMIC LOADS
In earthquake-prone regions, seismic loads are critical. The design should consider how the structure will respond to ground motion during an earthquake. This may involve special bracing and fastening techniques to enhance the structure's earthquake resistance.
Conclusion
The world of structural engineering is a complex and ever-evolving field that plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and stability of our built environment. Structural engineers must have a deep understanding of the various types of loads that can act on structures, as well as the ability to analyze and design structures to withstand these loads.
In this blog post, we have discussed the different categories of structural loads, including vertical loads (dead loads, live loads, and snow loads) and lateral loads (wind loads and seismic loads). We have also provided an overview of how structural engineers determine the appropriate loads acting on structural elements and ensure that the capacity of those elements is not exceeded.
