Types of load on structure Image credits : gharpedia


What is load ?

        Load is defined as a force that causes a stress, deformation or accelerations. The load causes stress or displacement in a structure (or)| its components. Structural analysis, a discipline in Engineering. An excess load may cause structural failure. So, this should be considered and controlled during the design of structure. Determining the total load acting on a structure is very important.


Types of load :-

       The loads in a building structure can be classified as vertical loads, Horizontal loads and longitudinal loads . Dead load, Live load and Impact load are acting vertically on a building and structure. These loads are called vertical loads. Horizontal loads consists of wind and seismic loads. Longitudinal loads considered in special case of design. The loads are designed as per Indian Standard 857-1987, Different types of loads are discussed below,

1.Dead load

2.Live load

3.Snow load

4.Wind load

5.Seismic (or) Earthquake load

Dead load :-


Dead load Image credits : gharpedia

       The dead load is gravity force exerted by all the permanent members of structure like wall, roof slab, beam, column, flooring etc.Basically, a self-weight of the building or a structure. This also includes partition walls, dropped ceiling etc. The dead loads can be calculated if the unit weight of different materials are known. You can calculate the dead load of the structure as per IS 875 (part 1) : 1984 Code of practice for design loads (other than Earthquake) for building and structure - Dead loads - Unit weight of building materials and stored materials. 

Live or Imposed load :-


Imposed or Live load Image credits : gharpedia

        Live or imposed load, that cam change over time. These loads are include the loads of moving furniture, humans etc. Usually, live loads assumed to be uniformly distributed load or concentrated load. IS 875 (part 2):1984 code of practice for design loads (other than Earthquake) for building and structure - Imposed Loads, have specified live loads for different materials for different types of building. For example, 2 KN/m² live load for all types of rooms and kitchens of residential building.

Snow load :-

        Snow load is a downward forces causes by accumulation of snow on building's roof. It is the major concern in the heavy and frequent snowfall regions. 

Image credits : civilbull

IS 875 (part 4):1984 code of practice for design loads (other than Earthquake) for building and structure - Snow loads, gives the recommendations for snow loads on building's roof. 


Wind load :-

        The Wind is acts Horizontally on face of the wall. wind load may nor cause significant issues on short, low-rise and massive buildings but in structures has more height like telecom towers, multi-storied buildings, chimney, etc.




The value of wind load varies depends on several factors like geographical location of the structure, height of structure, wind flow etc. 

IS 875 (part 3):1984 code of practice for design loads (other than Earthquake) for building and structure - Wind loads, gives the recommendations.


Seismic or Earthquake load :-

        The Earthquake load acts both Horizontally and vertically on the structure. The total vibration caused by earthquake maybe resolved into three mutually perpendicular direction. Two horizontally and one vertically. storied buildings, chimney, etc.

Image credit: The constructor

The vertical movement may not causes any significant extent in structures, but the horizontal movement should be consider during structure designing.