Distributed loads
Distributed loads (or surface loads) are loads that are exerted over a larger surface area. They are most likely to be dead loads such as the weight of foundation slabs spread over the entire area of contact with the ground.
The term can also be used to reflect different types of live loads also, for example if a person lies on the floor rather than stands they are employing weight distribution, that is to say their weight is distributed over a larger surface area of the whole body than just the area of their feet if they were standing.
A uniformly distributed load (UDL) is a load that is distributed or spread across the whole region of an element such as a beam or slab. In other words, the magnitude of the load remains uniform throughout the whole element.
If, for example, a 20 kN/m load is acting on a beam of length 10m, then it can be said that a 200 kN load is acting throughout the length of 10m (20kN x 10m).
Other types of load include; point loads, line loads, coupled loads, uniformly varying loads and so on. For more information see: Types of structural load.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Bearing capacity.
- Beam and block.
- Biaxial bending.
- Braced frame.
- Concept structural design of buildings.
- Dead loads.
- Finished floor level.
- Flooring.
- Gross floor area GFA.
- Lateral loads.
- Limit state design.
- Live loads.
- Load-bearing wall.
- Point load.
- Resilient flooring.
- Structural engineer.
- Types of floor.
- Types of structural load.
- Uniformly Distributed Load.
- Wind load.
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.