Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

Chapter 10
Load Transfer
10.1 Introduction
Load will be transferred through a structure and to its foundation. Thus
the load imposed from a roof structure must, somehow, be transferred
through other structural elements until it is finally resisted by the earth
supporting the foundations. In order to design the roof members , we will
first need to determine how much load they are to carry. Having designed
the roof, we might then consider the design of the walls supporting the
roof structure and, as such, we must determine how much of the roof
load will be transferred to the wall. We might then consider the floor or
other structural member. Whatever member we decide to design, we
must first determine how much load it will be required to carry. This will
be based on its position in the structure and on how the loads are
transferred from part to part. To demonstrate the problem, consider the
simple structure of Example 10.1, shown in Figure 1.
Example 10.1: Calculation of loads for a simple structure
For the structure shown in Figure 1, determine the unfactored total load,
per metre depth of the building, at the base of the foundations across the
section A-A using the loads indicated in table 1.

Flat roof
Wall
Floor
Foundation

Data Load
0.75 k N/m2
3.5 k N/m2
0.85 k N/m2
5.6 k N/m

Imposed Load
0.75 k N/m2
----1.5 k N/m2
-----

Table 1: Table of applied dead and imposed loads for the structure of Example 1

Chapter 10

Page 1

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

Flat Roof

Wall
200 mm
6000 mm

10000 mm
Floor

Foundation

600 mm
400 mm

Section A-A
5000 mm

Plan
Figure 1: Simple Structure - Example 1

Answer
First it is important to note that we will be calculating the load per metre
depth of the building. Secondly, the dead load induced by the foundation
is given for the structure in Table 1. Often, only the density of the
concrete is known, in which case we will need to calculate the force per
metre from the volume of the foundation. Finally, there is no imposed
load on the wall. This is because, in this case, the imposed loads have
been included in the load-carrying floor and roof elements and, as we are
only calculating vertical imposed loads, the wind effects need not be
considered here. This will simplify the analysis of the structure.
In order to complete the load analysis of the structure, we must
determine how much of each load is transferred to each of the
foundations.
By observation, and assuming roof and floor span in the shortest
direction, as indicated in Figure 1, we see that half of the roof and floor
loads (2.5m), all the wall load (6m) and the foundation load are
transferred to the ground on either side of the building. It only requires us
to calculate each value. This is best completed in table form as shown in
Table 2.

Chapter 10

Page 2

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

Dead Load (k N/m)

Flat roof
0.75 k N/m2 x (5/2)m
Wall
3.5 k N/m2 x 6m
Floor
0.85 k N/m2 x (4.6/2)m
Foundation
TOTAL DEAD

= 1.875
= 21.0
= 1.955
= 5.6
30.43
kN/m

Imposed Load (k N/m)

0.75 k N/m2 x (5/2)m

= 1.875

1.5 k N/m2 x (4.6/2) m = 3.45

TOTAL IMPOSED

5.325
kN/m

Table 2: Total Loads at base of foundation for the structure of example 1

It can be seen from Table 2 that the total dead load at the underside of
the foundation is 30.43 kN/m run of building and the total imposed load is
5.325 kN/m run of building. The total unfactored load is therefore:
Total Load = 30.43 + 5.325
= 35.755 kN/m run
We can now follow this simple procedure to calculate the loads at various
points on any structure. However, it is important to note that not all
distributed loads will be of a simple rectangular or uniform nature. Also,
certain simplifications are made in our analysis, some of which will be
considered in the garage structure shown in Figure 2 of Example 2.

Chapter 10

Page 3

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

EXAMPLE 2:
STRUCTURE

LOAD

PATH

CALCULATIONS

FOR

GARAGE

Consider the simple garage structure shown in Figure 2.

A

0.175 m

1.40 m
1.25 m

Details of Garage
Structure
(Not to Scale)

2.20 m

5.50 m

Side Elevation

2.00 m
Roof trusses at 450 mm
centres
2.50 m
Lintel A

Lintel B

Plan
Section A-A

I-Beam

150 mm

Front Elevation

Rear Elevation

300 mm

Section B-B

Figure 2: Details of Garage - Example 2

Pitched roof
Walls
Floor
I-Beam

Dead Load (k N/m2)

0.85
2.30
1.50
9.00

Imposed Load (k N/m2)

1.00
1.50

Table 3: Structural Loads for garage structure Example 2

For the given loading, calculate the total unfactored load carried by the
lintels A and B and the load per metre depth of the building just above
the foundation at point C.
Chapter 10

Page 4

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

Answer
Before commencing our analysis of loading for the lintels A and B, let us
consider the pitched roof and its effect on the openings. Although the roof
spans from side to side on the garage and is supported on the walls, in
practice some roof load will be transmitted to the lintels. This is because,
in this case, when constructing the roof, an overhanging section will be
formed. This section can transfer load to the end (or gable) walls. Also
some load will be transmitted because the trusses do not tightly abut the
end walls. In making this allowance some engineering judgement must
be used. In this example we will consider the end walls support one span
(i.e. 450mm) of roof. A detail of the lintel loads is shown in figure 3.

Y = 1120 mm

X = 280 mm
150 mm

2000 mm
250 mm

2500 mm

Y = 700 mm

X = 700 mm

150 mm

1250 mm
2500 mm

625 mm

Figure 3: Load Applied by brickwork and I-Beam to lintels A and B

Using properties of similar triangles we can find the distance x and y

above each lintel. Hence we can calculate the area of wall supported by
Chapter 10

Page 5

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

each lintel. To calculate the total load we multiply the area by the value
for dead and imposed load given in Figure 3 plus an allowance for the roof
load hence:

Total
load on
lintel A =

Brickwork

Brickwork

Pitched Roof

(0.28m 2.0m
(2.3 kN/m2))

(0.5 1.12m
2.0m (2.3
kN/m2))

(0.45m 2m
(0.85 + 1.00)
kN/m2)

(0.15m 2.0m
(9.0 kN/m2))

2.576

1.665

2.7

(0.15m
1.25m (9.0
kN/m2))
1.6875

=
1.288
= 8.229 kN
Total
(0.7m 1.25m
load on
(2.3 kN/m2))
lintel B =
=
2.0125
= 5.75 kN

+
+

(0.5 0.7m
1.25m (2.3
kN/m2))
1.00625

+
+

(0.45 1.25m
(0.85 + 1.00)
kN/m2)
1.040625

I-Beam

Table 4: Calculation of Load on each Lintel for Example 2

We assume that the lintels support an area equivalent to one truss.

Next we calculate the load transferred to the foundation. We assume that
the floor is supported on the walls and also that the roof load can be
considered as being uniformly distributed. This second assumption may
seem a bit of an anormaly since the trusses are spaced at 450mm
centres, however the load from each truss will be distributed throughout
the brickwork. At the foundation level the distribution will be complete.
Table 5 shows the calculation of loads at foundation level.

Dead Load (k N/m)

Pitched
0.85 kN/m2 x (2.52/2)m
roof
2.3 kN/m2 x (2.2m + 0.3m)
Wall
1.50 kN/m2 x ( (2.5 2 x 0.175))/2)m
Floor
TOTAL DEAD

Imposed Load (k N/m)

= 1.063

1.00 kN/m2 x (2.5/2)m

= 1.250

= 5.750
= 1.613 1.50 kN/m2 x 2.15 m/2 = 1.613

8.426

TOTAL IMPOSED

2.863

Table 5: Total loads at the top of the foundation (point C) for garage - Example 2

Therefore the total load at point C, per metre depth of the building, will
be:
Total load per metre depth of building at point
C

= 8.426 + 2.863
= 11.289 kN/m run (of side wall)

Chapter 10

Page 6

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

EXAMPLE 3:
STRUCTURE

LOAD

PATH

CALCULATIONS

FOR

BUILDING

Consider the section through the building shown in Figure 4.

12 000 mm

Pitched
Roof

Cavity Wall
2500 mm

Floor 2

Brick wall
2500 mm

Floor 1
750 mm
5700 mm

5700 mm

300 mm

600 mm

600 mm

Foundation A

Foundation B

600 mm

Foundation C

Figure 4: Section through building Example 1.4

Given the dead and imposed loads in table 6 and assuming the unit
weight of concrete is 24 kN/m3 calculate the load, per metre depth of
buliding, at the underside of foundations A,B and C.

Pitched roof
Cavity wall
Brick wall
Floor

Dead Load (kN/m2)

Imposed Load (kN/m2)

0.90
4.00
2.00
1.00

1.00

1.50

Table 6: Structural laods for building Example 3

Chapter 10

Page 7

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

Answer
Dead Load (kN/m2)

Imposed Load
(kN/ m2

Total Load (kN/

m2)

0.90
4.00
2.00
1.00

1.00

1.90
4.00
2.00
2.50

Pitched roof
Cavity wall
Brick wall
Floor

1.50

Table 7: Total loads for building Example 3

Foundation A

Foundation B

Pitched roof
Cavity wall

Foundation C
1.9 kN/m2 x (12m/2)
= 11.4 kN/m
4.00 kN/m2 x (2.5 + 2.5
+ 0.75)m
= 23.0 kN/m

1.9 kN/m x (12/2)m

= 11.4 kN/m
4.00 kN/m2 x (2.5 + 2.5
+ 0.75)m
= 23.0 kN/m

Floor 2

2.5 kN/m2 x (5.7/2)m

= 7.13 kN/m

2.5 kN/m2 x (5.7/2)m

= 7.13 kN/m

Floor 1

2.5 kN/m2 x (5.7/2)m

= 7.13 kN/m

2.5 kN/m2 x (2 x(5.7/2))m

= 14.26 kN/m

2.5 kN/m2 x (5.72)m

= 7.13 kN/m

Foundation

24 kN/m3 x (0.6 x 0.3)m

= 4.32 kN/m

2.00 kN/m2 x (2.5 +

0.75)m
= 6.5 kN/m
24 kN/m2 x (0.6 x 0.3) m
= 4.32 kN/m

24kN/m3 x (0.6 x 0.3)m

= 4.32 kN/m

TOTAL

52.98 kN/m run

32.21 kN/m run

45.85 kN/m run

Brick wall

Table 8: Total loads at the base of the foundations A,B and C for building Example 3

Chapter 10

Page 8

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

EXAMPLE 4: LOAD PATH CALCULATIONS FOR A BEAM AND
FOUNDATION
Given the dead and imposed loads in table 9 calculate the factored loads,
per metre depth of building, at beam A and the top of the points B and C,
as shown in Figure 5. Assume that the dead loads are to be factored by
1.4 and all imposed loads by 1.6.

Dead Load (kN/m2)

Imposed Load (kN/m2)

Flat roof

0.85

0.75

Cavity wall

3.50

Block wall

2.50

Floor 1

1.50

1.50

Floor2

0.85

1.50

Table 9: Structural Loads for building - Example 4

10 000 mm

3 000 mm

Flat Roof

Cavity Wall
Floor 2

Beam A
3500 mm

Block Wall
5800 mm

Floor 1

800 mm

6000 mm
Point C

Point B

Figure 5: Section Through Building - Example 4

Chapter 10

Page 9

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

Answer
Dead Load
(kN/m2)

Flat roof
Cavity wall
Block wall
Floor 1
Floor2

Imposed
Load
(kN/m2)
(2)
075

(1)
0.85
3.50
2.50
1.50
0.85

1.50
1.50

Factored
Dead Load
((1) x 1.4)
1.19
4.90
3.50
2.10
1.19

Factored
Imposed
Load
((2) x 1.6)
1.20

2.40
2.40

Total Load
(Factored)
(kN/m2)
2.39
4.90
3.50
4.50
3.59

Table 10: Total loads for building Example 4

Beam A

Point B

Flat
roof

2.39 kN/m2 x (10/2)m

= 11.95 kN/m

2.39 kN/m2 x (10/2)m

= 11.95 kN/m

Cavity
wall

4.90 kN/m2 x 3.0m

= 14.70 kN/m

4.90 kN/m2 x (3.0 + 3.5 + 0.8)m

= 35.77 kN/m

Point C

3.5 kN/m2 x (3.5 + 0.8)m

= 15.05 kN/m

Block
wall
4.5 kN/m2 x (6.0/2)m
= 13.50 kN/m

Floor 1
Floor 2

3.59 kN/m2 x (5.8/2)m

= 10.41 kN/m

TOTAL

37.06 kN/m run

4.5 kN/m2 x (6.0/2)m

=13.50 kN/m
3.59 kN/m2 x (5.8/2)m
= 10.41 kN/m

61.22 kN/m run

38.96 kN/m run

Table 11: Total loads on beam A and at point B and C for building - Example 4

Chapter 10

Page 10

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

We are not able to calculate the bearing pressure beneath foundation B
and C unless we include the weight of the foundations themselves. In a
like manner, we can design beam A to carry a factored distributed load of
37.06 kN/m, however it is sometimes necessary to include the self-weight
of the beam in our calculations. This may be particularly important in the
design of large concrete members. This is easily achieved by calculating
the weight of the beam, per metre length, and, after factorising, adding it
to the previously calculated load of 37.06 kN/m.
Hence, if beam A is a concrete section of density 2400 kg/m3 and crosssection 300 mm x 450 mm the factored self-weight would be:

Self-weight

= ((2400 kg/m3 x (9.81 m/s2)) x 0.3 m x 0.45 m) x 1.4

= 4449.8 N/m run = 4.45 kN/m run

Therefore, the load on beam A including its self-weight will be:

Total factored load (including self-weight of beam)

= 37.06 + 4.45
= 41.51 kN/m run

A similar procedure can be adopted to calculate loads transmitted to

various elements of any structure.

Chapter 10

Page 11

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

Exercise 10.1
1.

Figure 6 shows a section through a building. Below is a table

indicating the loads imposed by each of the structural elements.
Assuming a load factor for dead loads of 1.4 and for imposed loads
of 1.6, calculate the total factored loads at beam B and foundations
A and C. The self-weight of beam B can be ignored in this case.

Pitched roof 1
Pitched roof 2
Cavity wall
Brick wall
Floor 1
Floor 2
Foundation

Dead Load (kN/m2)

0.95
0.75
3.00
1.80
1.00
0.85
4.00

Imposed Load (kN/m2)

1.0
1.0

1.5
1.5

Table 12: Table of loads - Question 1

13 000 mm

Pitched
Roof (2)

Pitched
Roof (1)

Cavity Wall

Brick wall

3500 mm

Floor 2
Beam B
6750 mm

5750 mm

2700 mm

Cavity Wall
Floor 1
1000 mm
300 mm

600 mm

Foundation A
Chapter 10

Figure 6: Question 1

600 mm

Foundation C
Page 12

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

2.

Figure 7 shows a section through a building. Below is a table

indicating the dead and imposed loads contributed by each of the
structural elements.
Calculate the total factored loads at beam A and foundations B, C
and D. Self-weight of the beam should be included. Concrete
density may be assumed to be 2400 kg/m3.

Total Load (kN/m2)

2.00
4.00
6.00
2.50
2.80
2.00
2.00

Flat Roof
Cavity Wall
Brick Wall
Block Wall
Floor 1
Floor 2
Floor 3

Table 13: Table of Total Loads - Question 2

Flat Roof

15 000 mm

Block Wall

Cavity Wall
3000 mm

Brick wall
Floor 3

2500 mm

300 150 mm
Concrete
Beam A

7350 mm

7000 mm
150 mm

Floor 2

Block Wall
2500 mm

Floor 1
900 mm

Point B

Point C

Point D

Figure 7: Question 2

Chapter 10

Page 13

Unit 14: Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

3.

A concrete beam is to be used as a support, as shown in figure 8.

The total load imposed is shown in the table below. Calculate the
total load, per unit length, to which the beam will be subjected
including its self-weight. Concrete density may be assumed to be
2400 kg/m3.

Dead Load (kN/m2)

0.83
3.33
1.00

Flat Roof
Cavity Wall
Floor

Imposed Load (kN/m2)

0.75
1.5

Flat Roof

10 m
Cavity Wall

3m

Floor

0.5 m

Concrete Beam
Solid Wall
0.3 m

6m

Figure 8: Question 3

Chapter 10

Page 14