Forces Applied on Building Structures

There are number of different loads applied on building structures. Therefore when we design a building structure, we should design it such way that all those forces are equally and safely borne by the structure itself. Below the types of loads that we need to analysis when design a structural design for a building, bridge, road, etc.

• Dead Load
• Live Load
• Lateral Loads
• Earth quick Loads
• Construction Loads
• Soil and Hydrostatic Pressure  

Dead Load: The load due to structure itself. It is determined by calculating the weights of beams, columns, slabs, walls, partitions, roofs or whatever the building components is used in a building or in any type of construction.

Live Load:  People, cupboards, beds, books, tables, etc. which is movable or temporary fixed in the building or in any type of construction. for an example in a bridge we can assume maximum traffic that is going to put on by calculating expected amount of vehicles and other types of weights such as billboards, ads, etc. which can be changed time to time. but we have to assume the maximum possible weight and into that we need to add safety factor depending on the building standards.

Lateral Loads: This is also known as wind load. we know wind load is a big problem with the height of a building. According to the wind profile, we must take care of wind load when building going high on the air as it forcing the building.

Earth quick Loads: Also known as seismic loads. The loads or shocks that are due to unexpected movement of ground where the building structure is rested on.

Construction Loads: Loads due to the construction of a building. (storing construction material & plants, temporary structures, etc.) 

Soil & Hydrostatic Pressure: Pressures due to soil condition and ground water that can force the building by any means. We can analysis this by a soil investigation.