Different types of structures are designed to bear different types of loads. So, here I will show you the different types of loads on the structure.
Types of loads on structure
- Dead Load
- Live Load or Imposed load
- Wind load
- Snow Loads
- Earthquake loads
Now, Let us describe different types of loads on structure in detail
Dead Load
Dead load is due to the self-load of structure. These loads are always present on the structure permanently.
Dead load depends upon the unit weight i.e density of materials used in the structure. Weight of the wall, the weight of the beam, the weight of the column are the dead load on the structure.
The given below are some unit weights of different materials according to IS Code 875– (Part-1)- 1987.
| S.N | Materials | Unit Weight (KN/meter Square) |
| 1 | Plain Cement Concrete | 24 |
| 2 | Reinforced Cement Concrete | 25 |
| 3 | Steel | 78.5 |
| 4 | Brick Masonry | 20 |
| 5 | Stone Masonry | 24 |
| 6 | Cement | 14.10 |
| 7 | Mortar | 20.4 |
| 8 | Marble | 26.7 |
| 9 | Glass | 27 |
| 10 | Bitumen | 0.102 |
Live Load
The load which is movable on the structure from one place to another place is known as a live load. Live loads on floors and roofs consist of all the loads which are temporarily placed on the structure.
The different types of Live load are people, furniture, machine, etc. These loads are also called imposed load. The impact of live load can be taken from IS code 875 (Part-2): 1987.
The table below has shown some value of live load due to different structure.
| S.N | Occupancy | UDL Load (KN/meter Square) |
| 1 | Bathrooms and toilets in all types of building | 2 |
| 2 | Living and bed Rooms | 2 |
| 3 | Kitchen | 2 |
| 4 | Banking Halls, class Room, X-rays rooms | 3 |
| 5 | Dining Rooms | 3 or 4 |
| 6 | Corridors, Passage, Staircase | 3 or 4 |
Wind Load
The load acted on building due to wind is known as wind load. This load is acted horizontally on the building. Wind load also depends on the shape, size, and height of the building or structure.
The method of calculating wind load on the structure can be taken from IS Code- 875 (Part-3) 1987.
Snow Load
This load is generally applied to the structure of the Himalayan region. So, these types of loads are considered where snowfall is common. Snow load is acted vertically on the structure. This load can be calculated with the help of IS Code-875 (Part-4) 1987.
Earthquake Load
The shaking of the ground may cause a very bad effect on the structure. This load may be acted on the structure either vertically or horizontally. This load is acted on the structure for a short period during the effect of the earthquake on the ground.
To calculate the earthquake load IS Code – 1893-2002 (Part-1) can be considered.
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