AD 277: Load Combinations for the Design of Low-Rise

Buildings
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Since the release of BS 5950-1: 2000, our advisory service has received numerous queries in relation to the
interpretation of the phrase realistic combination in clause 2.4.1.1. The sentence containing the phrase reads:
“The factored loads should be applied in the most unfavourable realistic combination for the part or effect under
consideration.” (The italics do not appear in the code). Principal combinations appropriate for buildings are given
in BS 5950-1: 2000 Clauses 2.4.1.2. and 2.4.1.3. Following a consultation process with various bodies within the
Steelwork Sector, this Advisory Desk Note provides guidance on the load combinations for the design of low-rise
buildings.

The designers of low-rise buildings have for many years used their engineering judgement to interpret the phrase
realistic combination, and this has led to many different views. In particular, Load Combination 3 (dead load,
imposed load and wind load) appears to have had a wide range of interpretations and hence many related
questions. Questions arise from the perceived improbability of full imposed load on a roof when the wind load is
also at its maximum.

Firstly, it is difficult to imagine a maintenance load of 0.6kN/m² over more than a small proportion of a large
single storey roof at any one time. It is even more difficult to imagine a maintenance load over an entire roof with
the wind at its most onerous. It is improbable that the roof will be maintained or cleaned during a windstorm.

Secondly, many designers find it difficult to imagine that snow will remain on a roof when the wind is at maximum
speed, although they would accept that it is unlikely that wind will blow away the snow when the snowfall has
frozen or is close to melting point. Thus it is recommended that the combinations of wind and the various snow
loads be considered realistic combinations. BS 6399-3: 1988 should be referred to for an understanding of the
various snow loads – uniform, asymmetric and drifted.

It is recommended that low-rise buildings should be designed for the following load combinations:

SERVICEABILITY LIMIT STATE

Deflections should be checked under the following combinations of un-factored loads:

100% roof imposed load. i.e. The greater of the snow loads (uniform or asymmetric) and the minimum
roof (maintenance) load, e.g. 0.6kN/m²
100% wind load
80% snow load (uniform or asymmetric)+ 80% wind load
Other reasonable combinations that may arise from real and definable loads.

Note that AD 273 gives recommendations for the wind loads to considered when checking deflections.

ULTIMATE LIMIT STATE

The resistance of the building frames should be checked under the following combinations of factored loads:

Load combination 1: Dead load and imposed load (gravity load). The roof imposed load should be taken
as the greater of the snow load (uniform, asymmetric or drifted (1)) and the minimum roof (maintenance)
load(2), e.g. 0.6 kN/m².
Load combination 2: Dead load and wind load.
Load combination 3: Dead load, imposed load and wind load. The roof imposed load should be taken as
the snow load (uniform, asymmetric or drifted) and/or other real and definable loads, but not the minimum
roof (maintenance) load (e.g. 0.6 kN/m²).

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NOTES:

1. The drifted snow condition is considered to be an exceptional or accidental case and both BS 5950-1:
2000 and BS 6399-3: 1988 recommend a partial factor of 1.05 with its use.
2. The allowance of 0.6 kN/m2 is used where no access is provided to a roof other than that necessary for
cleaning and maintenance. If the roof is to have access, or is designed for specific usages, then the
designer should consult BS 6399 Parts 1 and 3 to determine the loading to be used in its design.
3. The structure of a low-rise building, including its roof, sometimes has to perform other functions than just
carry roof and wind loads, for example support a suspended platform or walkway, gantry girder, hoist or
runway beam. These additional loads must also be accounted for at SLS and ULS.

Contact: Thomas Cosgrove

Email: t.cosgrove@steel-sci.com
Telephone: 01344 623 345

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