Design loads acting on elements

Example 2.3 Design loads on floor beams and columns

The floor shown below with an overall depth of 225 mm is to be designed to carry an imposed load of 3 kN m−2 plus
floor finishes and ceiling loads of 1 kN m−2. Calculate the design loads acting on beams B1–C1, B2–C2 and B1–B3 and
columns B1 and C1. Assume that all the column heights are 3 m and that the beam and column weights are 70 and
60 kg m−1 run respectively.

UNIT WEIGHTS OF MATERIALS

Reinforced concrete
From Table 2.1, unit mass of reinforced concrete is 2400 kg m−3. Assuming the gravitational constant is 10 m s−2, the
unit weight of reinforced concrete is
2400 × 10 = 24 000 N m−3 = 24 kN m−3

Steel beams
Unit mass of beam = 70 kg m−1 run
Unit weight of beam = 70 × 10 = 700 N m−1 run = 0.7 kN m−1 run

Steel columns
Unit mass of column = 60 kg m−1 run
Unit weight of column = 60 × 10 = 600 N m−1 run = 0.6 kN m−1 run

LOADING
Slab
Slab dead load (g k ) = self-weight + finishes
= 0.225 × 24 + 1 = 6.4 kN m−2
Slab imposed load (q k ) = 3 kN m−2
Slab ultimate load = 1.4g k + 1.6q k
= 1.4 × 6.4 + 1.6 × 3 = 13.76 kN m−2

Beam
Beam dead load (g k ) = self-weight = 0.7 kN m−1 run
Beam ultimate load = 1.4g k = 1.4 × 0.7 = 0.98 kN m−1 run

Column
Column dead load (g k ) = 0.6 kN m−1 run
Column ultimate load = 1.4g k = 1.4 × 0.6 = 0.84 kN m−1 run
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 Basic structural concepts and material properties

Example 2.3 continued

DESIGN LOADS
Beam B1–C1
Assuming that the slab is simply supported, beam B1–C1 supports a uniformly distributed load from a 1.5 m width of
slab (hatched //////) plus self-weight of beam. Hence
Design load on beam B1–C1 = slab load + self-weight of beam
= 13.76 × 6 × 1.5 + 0.98 × 6
= 123.84 + 5.88 = 129.72 kN

Since the beam is symmetrically loaded,

RB1 = R C1 = 129.72/2 = 64.86 kN

Beam B2–C2
Assuming that the slab is simply supported, beam B2–C2 supports a uniformly distributed load from a 3 m width of
slab (hatched \\\\\) plus its self-weight. Hence
Design load on beam B2–C2 = slab load + self-weight of beam
= 13.76 × 6 × 3 + 0.98 × 6
= 247.68 + 5.88 = 253.56 kN

Since the beam is symmetrically loaded, R B2 and R C2 are the same and equal to 253.56/2 = 126.78 kN.

Beam B1–B3
Assuming that the slab is simply supported, beam B1–B3 supports a uniformly distributed load from a 1.5 m width of
slab (shown cross-hatched) plus the self-weight of the beam and the reaction transmitted from beam B2–C2 which
acts as a point load at mid-span. Hence
Design load on beam B1–B3 = uniformly distributed load from slab plus self-weight of beam
+ point load from reaction RB2
= (13.76 × 1.5 × 6 + 0.98 × 6) + 126.78
= 129.72 + 126.78 = 256.5 kN

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 Structural analysis

Example 2.3 continued

Since the beam is symmetrically loaded,
RB1 = RB3 = 256.5/2 = 128.25 kN

Column B1

Column B1 supports the reactions from beams A1–B1, B1–C1 and B1–B3 and its self-weight. From the above, the
reaction at B1 due to beam B1–C1 is 64.86 kN and from beam B1–B3 is 128.25 kN. Beam A1–B1 supports only its
self-weight = 0.98 × 3 = 2.94 kN. Hence reaction at B1 due to A1–B1 is 2.94/2 = 1.47 kN. Since the column height is
3 m, self-weight of column = 0.84 × 3 = 2.52 kN. Hence
Design load on column B1 = 64.86 + 128.25 + 1.47 + 2.52
= 197.1 kN

Column C1

Column C1 supports the reactions from beams B1–C1 and C1–C3 and its self-weight. From the above, the reaction at
C1 due to beam B1–C1 is 64.86 kN. Beam C1–C3 supports the reactions from B2–C2 (= 126.78 kN) and its self-
weight (= 0.98 × 6) = 5.88 kN. Hence the reaction at C1 is (126.78 + 5.88)/2 = 66.33 kN. Since the column height
is 3 m, self-weight = 0.84 × 3 = 2.52 kN. Hence
Design load on column C1 = 64.86 + 66.33 + 2.52 = 133.71 kN

2.4 Structural analysis 1. equilibrium equations

The design axial loads can be used directly to size col-
umns. Column design will be discussed more fully
in section 2.5. However, before flexural members
such as beams can be sized, the design bending
moments and shear forces must be evaluated.
Such calculations can be performed by a variety of
methods as noted below, depending upon the com-
plexity of the loading and support conditions:
2. formulae
3. computer methods.
Hand calculations are suitable for analysing
statically determinate structures such as simply sup-
ported beams and slabs (section 2.4.1). For various
standard load cases, formulae for calculating the
maximum bending moments, shear forces and
deflections are available which can be used to rapidly
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