Governing Load Combination Calculator

Jonathan Ochshorn

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Directions: Enter values for loads in any consistent units (e.g., pounds, kips, psf, etc.). The following abbreviations are used: D = dead load; L = live load; Lr = roof (maintenance/construction) live load; S = snow load; W = wind load; and E = earthquake (seismic) load.

Two "yes" or "no" questions are asked: "Garage or public assembly" occupancies cannot take advantage of 0.5L otherwise permitted in certain strength design combinations; "Consider Cd for wood (ASD) only" includes consideration of the duration of load factor in determining the governing load. It is only applicable for wood structures, and only invoked when using "Allowable Stress Design" in this calculator.

Press "update" button.

More detailed explanations and examples can be found in the text. Based on ASCE/SEI 7-05.

	Enter loads (any consistent units)
Design method:	D	L	Lr	S	W	E


Garage, public assembly, or L > 100psf?


Consider Cd for wood (ASD) only?


Governing load combination (pos):


Governing load combination (neg):

Disclaimer: This calculator is not intended to be used for the design of actual structures, but only for schematic (preliminary) understanding of structural design principles. For the design of an actual structure, a competent professional should be consulted.

First posted August 4, 2009 | Last updated August 6, 2009