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Load Calculations for Modern Structures
This interactive widget estimates dead load (DL), live load (LL), and optional wind / seismic effects for typical floors or roof areas — with costing, unit toggle, and a print-ready report. Add multiple segments (e.g., “Typical Floor”, “Roof Terrace”), pick a standard profile, and the tool auto-suggests LL values (verify before use).
| # | Segment | Area | DL (per m²) | LL (per m²) | Wind (per m²) | ULS Gov (per m²) | Cost |
|---|
Methodology, Formulas & Unit Math (tap to expand)
Dead load (per area): For each layer i, thickness ti (m) × density γi (kN/m³). Sum over layers → DL (kN/m²).
Live load: From selected standard profile & occupancy. Override allowed. “Values derived from <Standard>, table/clause — user must verify.”
Wind pressure (simplified): q = k · V². k = 0.6 (IS), 0.613 (ASCE/EC). Wind per m² = q × Cp (Cp≈1 default).
Seismic base shear (optional): V = Cs · W, with W = DL + (LL × participation). Distributed per segment area for indicative per-m² effect.
ULS combos: Based on profile selection (IS / ASCE / Eurocode). Tool computes the governing per-m² value.
Units: SI internal. Imperial inputs converted: 1 m² = 10.7639 ft²; 1 kN/m² = 20.8854 psf; 1 m/s = 2.23694 mph.
Costing: Volume/area/weight × editable unit rates by currency. Wastage (%) applied to material quantities for cost only.
Load Calculations for Modern Structures
Understand how the calculator works, how to use it, and see a complete worked example.
Dead Load (DL) from layers (slab, screed, finishes), Live Load (LL) from occupancy presets, optional Wind and Seismic, plus a quick cost estimate for India/US/UK. You can split a project into segments (e.g., Office floor, Corridor, Balcony) and the tool totals everything.
- Pick a Standard Profile (IS / ASCE / Eurocode) & Units (SI or Imperial).
- Add Segments and choose occupancy; LL defaults auto-fill from the chosen standard (you can override).
- Build DL via layers: thickness (m) × density (kN/m³) for each layer.
- Optional: enter basic wind speed; the tool uses
q = k·V²(k depends on standard). - Review KPIs, detailed table, and ULS combinations; export the print-ready report.
Formulas & methodology (click to expand)
- Dead load (per m²): DL = Σ (ti · γi) where thickness t in m, density γ in kN/m³.
- Live load: chosen from occupancy presets by standard (confirm table/clause for your jurisdiction).
- Wind (simplified): q (kN/m²) = k · V² / 1000, with k≈0.6 (IS) or 0.613 (ASCE/EC), V in m/s.
- Seismic (indicative): Base shear V = Cs · W, with W = DL + (LL × participation fraction).
- ULS combos: IS: e.g., 1.5(D+L), 1.5(D+W); ASCE/IBC: 1.2D+1.6L+0.5W, etc.; EC: 1.35G+1.5Q+0.6W (representative).
- Unit conversions: 1 kN/m² = 20.8854 psf; 1 m² = 10.7639 ft²; 1 m/s = 2.23694 mph.
This mirrors the article’s worked example. Change units, standard, or wind speed to see results update. (Costs use example rates.)
| # | Segment | Area | DL / area | LL / area | Wind / area | ULS Gov / area | Cost |
|---|
- Choose Standard & Units: Pick IS / ASCE / EC. Toggle SI/Imperial any time.
- Add Segments: Use presets (Office, Corridor, Balcony, Classroom, Retail, Hospital, etc.). Rename as needed.
- Define Layers: Enter thickness (mm) and density (kN/m³). The tool sums DL automatically.
- Live Load: Pre-filled from your chosen standard’s occupancy table; override if your case differs.
- Wind/Seismic: Optional quick checks. Enter basic wind speed (V). Seismic uses a planning-level Cs.
- Review & Export: Inspect KPIs, the detailed table, and generate the HTML report (print to PDF).
Scenario: Typical floor of a commercial building (IS profile). Wind speed 44 m/s. Currency: INR.
- Office: 250 m², layers – concrete 150 mm (24 kN/m³), screed 40 mm (20), tiles 10 mm (22), LL = 2.5 kN/m².
- Corridor: 60 m², same layers as office, LL = 3.0 kN/m².
- Balcony: 25 m², no tiles (only concrete+screed), LL = 4.0 kN/m².
DL per m² (office/corridor): 0.150×24 + 0.040×20 + 0.010×22 = 4.62 kN/m².
DL per m² (balcony): 0.150×24 + 0.040×20 = 4.40 kN/m².
Wind per m²: q = 0.6×V²/1000 = 0.6×(44²)/1000 ≈ 1.16 kN/m².
Cost snapshot (example rates, INR)
- Concrete ₹7,500/m³, Screed ₹4,200/m³, Tiles ₹900/m². Wastage ~3% included.
- Office (250 m²): 37.5 m³ concrete + 10 m³ screed + 250 m² tiles → ≈ ₹431,250.
- Corridor (60 m²): scaled from office → ≈ ₹103,500.
- Balcony (25 m²): 3.75 m³ concrete + 1 m³ screed → ≈ ₹30,150.
- Total: ≈ ₹564,900.
