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Chapter 2 – Section 2
Common Load Types and Categories
Primary Loads.
Loads The nature of Primary Loads is that the load magnitude does not diminish when the
structure deforms.

(Weight loads are also subdivided into “Dead” and “Live” Loads in structural steel codes)
Figure 1 – Primary Load Examples

Secondary Loads. The nature of Secondary Loads is that the load magnitude diminishes as the structure
deforms. Almost always these loads are a type of restrained expansion. NOTE: The designer must be aware that
this definition is temperature dependant. At temperatures in the creep range of the material, some secondary loads
take on the characteristics of PRIMARY loads.

(At temperatures below the creep range)

(Restrained Thermal Expansion) (Through Wall Temperature Gradient)

Figure 2 – Secondary Load Examples

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