Live Load Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the reduced design live load (L) is:

\[ L = L_0 \left(0.25 + \frac{15}{\sqrt{K_{LL} \cdot A_t}}\right) \]

Where:

\( L \) is the reduced design live load per ft²
\( L_0 \) is the unreduced design live load per ft²
\( K_{LL} \) is the live load element factor
\( A_t \) is the tributary area (ft²)

What is a Live Load?

A live load is defined as the load or force per unit area that a structure is subjected to in addition to its own weight. It includes the weight of people, furniture, vehicles, and other movable objects.

Example Calculation

Let's assume the following values:

Unreduced Design Live Load (L₀): 100 ft²
Live Load Element Factor (K_LL): 1.5
Tributary Area (A_t): 200 ft²

Using the formula to calculate the reduced design live load:

\[ L = 100 \left(0.25 + \frac{15}{\sqrt{1.5 \cdot 200}}\right) \approx 100 \left(0.25 + \frac{15}{17.32}\right) \approx 100 \left(0.25 + 0.87\right) \approx 100 \cdot 1.12 = 112 \text{ ft}^2 \]

The Reduced Design Live Load (L) is approximately 112 ft².