Activity 3.2.

2 Loads

Introduction
Once an architectural program has been devised and a preliminary structural system has been chosen, the structural
engineer may begin the process to design the structural elements. This requires that the engineer identify the design
loads for each structural element. Once the applied design loads have been determined, the loads must be traced
through the structure so that the load(s) are included in the design of each element through which the load(s) will
travel.

In this activity you will determine design loads for the roof of a high school in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois
(enrollment 2500) and select appropriate roof joists (beams) based on the loads transferred to the joists.

Beam

Girder

ROOF PLAN

Equipment
Engineering notebook
Pencil
Calculator
IBC Figure 1608.2 Ground Snow Loads for the United States
Roof Deck Span-Load Table
IBC Table 1604.5 Occupancy Category Table
Importance Factor Table
IBC Table 1607.1 Minimum Live Loads
Weight of Materials Table
K-series Standard ASD Load Table for Open Web Steel Joists
Keystone Library Renovation Preliminary (student version).rvt

Procedure
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Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 3.2.2 Loads Page 1
 You will calculate the design loads for the roof and choose a steel roof deck to carry the loads. You will then chase
the loads to the roof beams (joists). Based on the uniform beam loading, you will then choose an open web steel
joist that can carry the applied beam loading.

Criteria
The low-slope roof will be constructed of a steel roof deck, five in. of rigid insulation, and a
built-up roof (BUR).
Assume a double span (based on cost comparison for this project) for the roof deck. Note that a
double span simply means that the deck is cut so that it continuously spans from one beam, over the top of a
second, and ends at the third support beam (see ROOF PLAN).
The roof will support a mineral fiberboard suspended ceiling.
The roof will support mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment (MEP). Assume 10 psf for
all of this equipment.
The building is located in an urban environment surrounded by other buildings.

1. Calculate the snow load for the low-slope (flat) roof. For this structure we will use the following
coefficients.
Ce = 1.0 assuming an urban or suburban area surrounded by other buildings such that the
building is partially exposed to the wind.
Ct = 1.0 assuming the building is heated and loses some heat through the roof.
Cs = 1.0 because the roof is low-slope.

Design Snow Load Calculation

Ps = 0.7 Cs Ce Ct Is pg
Ps = Design Snow Load
Cs= Roof Slope Factor
Ce = Exposure Factor
Ct = Thermal Factor
Is = Importance Factor
Pg = Ground Snow Load
Ps = 0.7 Cs Ce Ct Is pg
Ps = 0.7 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) Is pg
Is = Importance Factor
School is equal to an Importance Factor of III, which is equal to (1.1)
Ps = 0.7 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (1.1) pg
Pg = Ground Snow Load
Snow Load of Chicago is equal to 25 Pounds per square foot.
Ps = 0.7 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (1.1) (25)
Ps = 19.25
Snow Load = 19.25 Pounds

If the Design Snow Load is less than 20 pounds, then you need to build in a safety factor, which calls for a new
calculation.
If the Snow Load equals less than 20, then you multiply your Is (Importance Factor) by 20.
Ps = 0.7 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (1.1 x 20) (25)

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Ps = 0.7 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (22) (25)
Ps = 385 Pounds

Snow Load = 385 Pounds

2. Find the roof live loading required by the IBC.

Where D = Dead load
L = Live load
Lr = Roof live load
W = Wind load
S = Snow load
E = Earthquake load
R = Rain load
w = coefficient

TABLE 1607.1
26. Roofs
Ordinary flat, pitched, and curved roofs (that are not occupiable) = 20 UNIFORM
20 (PSF)

3. Estimate the dead load of the roofing system by estimating the weight of all of the roof components.
Note that typically the ceiling and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) will be supported by the roof
framing (and not the roof deck), but conservatively include these loads for all roof calculations.
Where D = Dead load
L = Live load
Lr = Roof live load
W = Wind load
S = Snow load
E = Earthquake load
R = Rain load
w = coefficient
Criteria
The low-slope roof will be constructed of a steel roof deck, five in. of rigid insulation, and a
built-up roof (BUR).
The roof will support a mineral fiberboard suspended ceiling.
The roof will support mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment (MEP). Assume 10 psf for
all of this equipment.

Steel Roof Deck: Roofing Material, Steel Deck = 3 PSF

Five Inches of Rigid Insulation: Rigid Insulation per 1 thickness = 0.75 PSF 0.75 x 5 Inches = 3.75 PSF
Built - Up Roof (BUR): Roofing Material, Built Up = 6.5 PSF

3 PSF + 3.75 PSF + 6.5 + 10 PSF = 23.25 PSF

4. Determine the total design load for the roof system.

The Total Design Load = Live load + Dead load
Live Load = 20 PSF
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 Dead Load = 23.25 PSF
20 PSF + 23.25 PSF = 43.25 PSF
Total Design Load = 43.25 PSF
43.25 Pounds Per Square Foot
5. Select a steel roof deck (double span) to support the required loads. Note that you may specify single,
double, or triple spans for the roof decking depending on the relative material and installation cost of each.
Assume a double span for this particular application.

We want a Double Span Steel Roof Deck, Spaced 7 Feet Apart (Or Closer), that
can support at least 45 Pounds (Total Design Load).

This would be a Double Deck Span - Type 20

6. Determine the roof beam loading for both the interior and exterior beams.
Interior Beams hold more weight .
Interior Beams carry 7 Feet Of Weigh.
Interior Beams are able to hold 7 Feet Of Weight, and carry a maximum of 48 Pounds per square foot.
This means Each Interior Beam would be able to carry a maximum of 336 Pounds.
Exterior Beams carry 3.5 Feet Of Weigh.
Exterior Beams are able to hold 3.5 Feet Of Weight, and carry a maximum of 48 Pounds per square foot.
This means each Beam could carry 168 Pounds.

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 7. Choose open web steel joists to act as the roof beams. For now, use only the top load values in the table
and ignore the live load deflection load values. Assume the roof deck will be installed with a triple span.

Select a 12k1, and match our mass.

142 PLF

8. Select an appropriate Type F roof deck and open web steel joist for the Keystone Library Renovation.
Show all of your work and record all of your assumptions.
(In Revit)
9. Revisit your Keystone Library Renovation 3D model and make appropriate changes to the roof system
and roof framing to reflect your choices. Tag the roof joists and create a roof framing plan.
(In Revit)

Conclusion Questions
1. Why are dead load and live load considered separately? How do they affect the structure differently?

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 2. What is the justification for requiring engineers to consider many load combinations when designing a
structure rather than just one or two?

3. How would the size of the roof decking and roof beams change if the spacing of the beams was
increased? Why?

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