Floor live loads - “The origin of 100psf”
The origins of floor live load values for office buildings are investigated in the report linked here. We examined how loading values for office buildings have evolved over the last two centuries, considering both values recommended by design codes, and values used in practice.
The aim of this study is to help architects, structural engineers, clients, quantity surveyors and letting agents understand design live load values.
“It was found that live loads assumed in designing many types of buildings were largely matters of tradition and had scant scientific basis.” Woolson et al. (1925)
“Unrealistic design loads should not be used when it is impossible to generate that load or when, with a little forethought and simple guidelines on activity, high loading can be avoided.” Hume and Miller (2015)
