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
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.
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.