Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Section 1606A
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
DEAD LOADS
1606 A .1 General. Dead loads are those loads defined in Chapter 2 of this code. Dead loads shall be considered to be permanent loads.
1606 A .2 Weights of materials of construction. For purposes of design, the actual weights of materials of construction shall be used. In the absence of definite information, values used shall be subject to the approval of the building official.
1606 A .3 Weight of fixed service equipment. In determining dead loads for purposes of design, the weight of fixed service equipment, including the maximum weight of the contents of
16A-10 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
TABLE 1607 A .1
| MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, L0, AND MINIM | MUM CONCENTRATED L | LIVE LOADS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCCUPANCY OR USE | OCCUPANCY OR USE | OCCUPANCY OR USE | UNIFORM (psf) |
CONCENTRATED (pounds) |
ALSO SEE SECTION |
| 1. | Apartments (see residential) | Apartments (see residential) | — | — | — |
| 2. | Access floor systems | Office use | 50 | 2,000 | — |
| 2. | Access floor systems | Computer use |
100 | 2,000 | — |
| 3. | Armories and drill rooms | Armories and drill rooms | 150b | — | — |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Fixed seats (fastened to floor) | 60a | — | — |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Follow spot, projections and control rooms | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Lobbies | 100a | 100a | 100a |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Movable seats | 100a | 100a | 100a |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Stage floors | 150b | 150b | 150b |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Platforms (assembly) | 100a | 100a | 100a |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands_g_ |
100a (See Section 1607_A_.19) |
100a (See Section 1607_A_.19) |
100a (See Section 1607_A_.19) |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Stadiums and arenas with fixed seats (fastened to the floor) |
60a (See Section 1607_A_.19) |
60a (See Section 1607_A_.19) |
60a (See Section 1607_A_.19) |
| 4. | Assembly areas_c, e_ | Other assembly areas | 100a | 100a | 100a |
| 5. | Balconies and decks | Balconies and decks | 1.5 times the live load for the area served, not required to exceed 100 |
— | — |
| 6. | Catwalks for maintenance and service access | Catwalks for maintenance and service access | 40 | 300 | — |
| 7. | Cornices | Cornices | 60 | — | — |
| 8. | Corridors | First floor | 100 | — | — |
| 8. | Corridors | Other floors | Same as occupancy served except as indi- cated |
Same as occupancy served except as indi- cated |
Same as occupancy served except as indi- cated |
| 9. | Dining rooms and restaurants | Dining rooms and restaurants | 100a | — | — |
| 10. | Dwellings (see residential) | Dwellings (see residential) | — | — | — |
| 11. | Elevator machine room and control room grating (on area of 2 inches by 2 inches) |
Elevator machine room and control room grating (on area of 2 inches by 2 inches) |
— | 300 | — |
| 12. | Finish light floor plate construction (on area of 1 inch by 1 inch) | Finish light floor plate construction (on area of 1 inch by 1 inch) | — | 200 | — |
| 13. | Fire escapes | Fire escapes | 100 | — | — |
| 13. | On single-family dwellings only | 40 | 40 | 40 | |
| 14. | Fixed ladders | Fixed ladders | See Section 1607_A_.17 | See Section 1607_A_.17 | — |
| 15. | Garages | Passenger vehicles only | 40c | See Section 1607_A_.7 |
— |
| 15. | Garages | Trucks and buses | See Section 1607_A_.8 | See Section 1607_A_.8 | See Section 1607_A_.8 |
| 16. | Handrails, guards and grab bars | Handrails, guards and grab bars | See Section 1607_A_.9 | See Section 1607_A_.9 | — |
| 17. | Helipads | Helipads | See Section 1607_A_.6 | See Section 1607_A_.6 | — |
| 18. | Hospitals [OSHPD 1 & 4] |
Corridors above first floor | 80 | 1,000 | — |
| 18. | Hospitals [OSHPD 1 & 4] |
Operating rooms, laboratories | 60_a_ | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 18. | Hospitals [OSHPD 1 & 4] |
Patient rooms | 40 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 19. | Hotels (see residential) |
Hotels (see residential) |
— | — | — |
(continued)
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
TABLE 1607 A .1—continued
| MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, L0, AND MINIMUM CON | NCENTRATED | D LIVE LOADS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCCUPANCY OR USE | OCCUPANCY OR USE | OCCUPANCY OR USE | UNIFORM (psf) |
CONCENTRATED (pounds) |
ALSO SEE SECTION |
| 20. | Libraries | Corridors above first floor | 80 | 1,000 | — |
| 20. | Libraries | Reading rooms | 60 | 1,000 | — |
| 20. | Libraries | Stack rooms | 150b | 1,000 | Section 1607_A_.18 |
| 21. | Manufacturing | Heavy | 250b | 3,000 | — |
| 21. | Manufacturing | Light | 125b | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| 22. | Marquees, except one- and two-family dwellings | Marquees, except one- and two-family dwellings | 75 | — | — |
| 23. | Office buildings_b_ |
Corridors above first floor | 80 | 2,000 | — |
| 23. | Office buildings_b_ |
File and computer rooms shall be designed for heavier loads based on anticipated occupancy |
— | — | — |
| 23. | Office buildings_b_ |
Lobbies and first-floor corridors | 100 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| 23. | Office buildings_b_ |
Offices | 50 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| 24. | Penal institutions |
Cell blocks | 40 | — | — |
| 24. | Penal institutions |
Corridors | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 25. | Recreational uses |
Bowling alleys, poolrooms and similar uses | 75a | — | — |
| 25. | Recreational uses |
Dance halls and ballrooms | 100a | 100a | 100a |
| 25. | Recreational uses |
Gymnasiums | 100a | 100a | 100a |
| 25. | Recreational uses |
Ice skating rinks | 250b | 250b | 250b |
| 25. | Recreational uses |
Roller skating rinks | 100a | 100a | 100a |
| 26. | Residential | One- and two-family dwellings: | — | Section 1607_A_.22 |
|
| 26. | Residential | Uninhabitable attics without storage | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 26. | Residential | Uninhabitable attics with storage | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| 26. | Residential | Habitable attics and sleeping areas | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| 26. | Residential | Canopies, including marquees | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| 26. | Residential | All other areas | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| 26. | Residential | Hotels and multifamily dwellings: | |||
| 26. | Residential | Private rooms and corridors serving them | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| 26. | Residential | Public roomsa and corridors serving them | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 27. | Roofs | Ordinary flat, pitched, and curved roofs (that are not occupiable) | 20 | — | Section 1607_A_.14.2 |
| 27. | Roofs | Roof areas used for assembly purposes | 100a | — | — |
| 27. | Roofs | Roof areas used for occupancies other than assembly | Same as occupancy served |
— | — |
| 27. | Roofs | Vegetative and landscaped roofs: | Vegetative and landscaped roofs: | — | — |
| 27. | Roofs | Roof areas not intended for occupancy | 20 | — | — |
| 27. | Roofs | Roof areas used for assembly purposes | 100a | — | — |
| 27. | Roofs | Roof areas used for other occupancies | Same as occupancy served |
— | — |
| 27. | Roofs | Awnings and canopies: | Awnings and canopies: | — | — |
| 27. | Roofs | Fabric construction supported by a skeleton structure | 5a | — | — |
| 27. | Roofs | All other construction, except one- and two-family dwellings | 20 | — | — |
| 27. | Roofs | Primary roof members exposed to a work floor: | Primary roof members exposed to a work floor: | Section 1607_A_.15.2 |
|
| 27. | Roofs | Single panel point of lower chord of roof trusses or any point along primary structural members supporting roofs over manufacturing, storage warehouses, and repair garages |
— | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| 27. | Roofs | All other primary roof members | — | 300 | 300 |
| 27. | Roofs | All roof surfaces subject to maintenance workers | — | 300 | 300 |
(continued)
16A-12 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
TABLE 1607 A .1—continued
| MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, L0, AND MINIMUM CON | NCENTRATED | D LIVE LOADS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCCUPANCY OR USE | OCCUPANCY OR USE | OCCUPANCY OR USE | UNIFORM (psf) |
CONCENTRATED (pounds) |
ALSO SEE SECTION |
| 28. | Schools_d_ | Classrooms | 40 [DSA-SS] 50f |
1,000 | — |
| 28. | Schools_d_ | Corridors above first floor | 80 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 28. | Schools_d_ | First-floor corridors | 100 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 29. | Scuttles, skylight ribs and accessible ceilings | Scuttles, skylight ribs and accessible ceilings | — | 200 | — |
| 30. | Sidewalks, vehicular driveways and yards, subject to trucking | Sidewalks, vehicular driveways and yards, subject to trucking | 250b | 8,000 | Section 1607_A_.20 |
| 31. | Stairs and exits | One- and two-family dwellings | 40 | 300 | Section 1607_A_.21 |
| 31. | Stairs and exits | All other | 100 | 300 | Section 1607_A_.21 |
| 32. | Storage areas above ceilings | Storage areas above ceilings | 20 | — | — |
| 33. | Storage warehouses (shall be designed for heavier loads if required for anticipated storage) |
Heavy | 250b | — | — |
| 33. | Storage warehouses (shall be designed for heavier loads if required for anticipated storage) |
Light | 125b | 125b | 125b |
| 34. | Stores | Retail: | — | ||
| 34. | Stores | First floor | 100 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 34. | Stores | Upper floors | 75 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 34. | Stores | Wholesale, all floors | 125b | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 35. | Vehicle barriers | Vehicle barriers | See Section 1607_A_.10 | See Section 1607_A_.10 | — |
| 36. | Walkways and elevated platforms (other than exitways) | Walkways and elevated platforms (other than exitways) | 60 | — | — |
| 37. | Yards and terraces, pedestrian_h_ | Yards and terraces, pedestrian_h_ | 100a | — | — |
| 38. | Storage racks and wall-hung cabinets | Storage racks and wall-hung cabinets | Total loadsd | — | — |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 645.16 mm 2, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kN/m 2, 1 pound = 0.004448 kN,
1 pound per cubic foot = 16 kg/m 3 . a. Live load reduction is not permitted. b. Live load reduction is only permitted in accordance with Section 1607 A .12.1.2 or Item 1 of Section 1607 A .12.2. c. Live load reduction is only permitted in accordance with Section 1607 A .12.1.3 or Item 2 of Section 1607 A .12.2. d. The minimum vertical design live load shall be as follows:
Paper media:
12-inch-deep shelf 33 pounds per lineal foot 15-inch-deep shelf 41 pounds per lineal foot, or 33 pounds per cubic foot per total volume of the rack or cabinet, whichever is less.
Film media: 18-inch-deep shelf 100 pounds per lineal foot, or 50 pounds per cubic foot per total volume of the rack or cabinet, whichever is less.
Other media: 20 pounds per cubic foot or 20 pounds per square foot, whichever is less, but not less than actual loads. e. [DSA-SS] The following minimum loads for stage accessories apply:
1. Gridirons and fly galleries: 75 pounds per square foot uniform live load. 2. Loft block wells: 250 pounds per lineal foot vertical load and lateral load. 3. Head block wells and sheave beams: 250 pounds per lineal foot vertical load and lateral load. Head block wells and sheave beams shall be designed for all tributary loft block well loads. Sheave blocks shall be designed with a safety factor of five. 4. Scenery beams where there is no gridiron: 300 pounds per lineal foot vertical load and lateral load. 5. Ceiling framing over stages shall be designed for a uniform live load of 20 pounds per square foot. For members supporting a tributary area of 200 square feet or more, this additional load may be reduced to 15 pounds per square foot. f. [DSA-SS] Live load reduction is not permitted for classrooms classified as Group A occupancies. g. [DSA-SS] The minimum uniform live load for a press box floor or accessible roof with railing is 100 psf. h. [DSA-SS] Item 37 applies to pedestrian bridges and walkways that are not subjected to uncontrolled vehicle access.
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
1607 A .5 Partition loads. In office buildings and in other buildings where partition locations are subject to change, provisions for partition weight shall be made, whether or not partitions are shown on the construction documents, unless the specified live load is 80 psf (3.83 kN/m 2 ) or greater. The partition load shall be not less than a uniformly distributed live load of 15 psf (0.72 kN/m 2 ).
1607 A .6 Helipads. Helipads shall be designed for the following live loads:
- A uniform live load, L, as specified in Items 1.1 and 1.2. This load shall not be reduced.
1.1. 40 psf (1.92 kN/m 2 ) where the design basis helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 3,000 pounds (13.35 kN) or less. 1.2. 60 psf (2.87 kN/m 2 ) where the design basis helicopter has a maximum take-off weight greater than 3,000 pounds (13.35 kN).
A single concentrated live load, L, of 3,000 pounds (13.35 kN) applied over an area of 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches (114 mm by 114 mm) and located so as to produce the maximum load effects on the structural elements under consideration. The concentrated load is not required to act concurrently with other uniform or concentrated live loads.
Two single concentrated live loads, L, 8 feet (2438 mm) apart applied on the landing pad (representing the helicopter’s two main landing gear, whether skid type or wheeled type), each having a magnitude of 0.75 times the maximum take-off weight of the helicopter, and located so as to produce the maximum load effects on the structural elements under consideration. The concentrated loads shall be applied over an area of 8 inches by 8 inches (203 mm by 203 mm) and are not required to act concurrently with other uniform or concentrated live loads.
Landing areas designed for a design basis helicopter with maximum take-off weight of 3,000 pounds (13.35 kN) shall be identified with a 3,000-pound (13.34 kN) weight limitation. The landing area weight limitation shall be indicated by the numeral “3” (kips) located in the bottom right corner of the landing area as viewed from the primary approach path. The indication for the landing area weight limitation shall be a minimum 5 feet (1524 mm) in height.
1607 A .7 Passenger vehicle garages. Floors in garages or portions of a building used for the storage of motor vehicles shall be designed for the uniformly distributed live loads indicated in Table 1607 A .1 or the following concentrated load:
For garages restricted to passenger vehicles accommodating not more than nine passengers, 3,000 pounds (13.35 kN) acting on an area of 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches (114 mm by 114 mm).
For mechanical parking structures without slab or deck that are used for storing passenger vehicles only, 2,250 pounds (10 kN) per wheel.
1607 A .8 Heavy vehicle loads. Floors and other surfaces that are intended to support vehicle loads greater than a 10,000pound (4536 kg) gross vehicle weight rating shall comply with Sections 1607 A .8.1 through 1607 A .8.5.
1607 A .8.1 Loads. Where any structure does not restrict access for vehicles that exceed a 10,000-pound (4536 kg) gross vehicle weight rating, those portions of the structure subject to such loads shall be designed using the vehicular live loads, including consideration of impact and fatigue, in accordance with the codes and specifications required by the jurisdiction having authority for the design and construction of the roadways and bridges in the same location of the structure.
1607 A .8.2 Fire truck and emergency vehicles. Where a structure or portions of a structure are accessed and loaded by fire department access vehicles and other similar emergency vehicles, the structure shall be designed for the greater of the following loads:
The actual operational loads, including outrigger reactions and contact areas of the vehicles as stipulated and approved by the building official.
The live loading specified in Section 1607 A .8.1.
1607 A .8.3 Heavy vehicle garages. Garages designed to accommodate vehicles that exceed a 10,000-pound (4536 kg) gross vehicle weight rating, shall be designed using the live loading specified by Section 1607 A .8.1. For garages the design for impact and fatigue is not required.
Exception: The vehicular live loads and load placement are allowed to be determined using the actual vehicle weights for the vehicles allowed onto the garage floors, provided that such loads and placement are based on rational engineering principles and are approved by the building official, but shall be not less than 50 psf (2.9 kN/m 2 ). This live load shall not be reduced.
1607 A .8.4 Forklifts and movable equipment. Where a structure is intended to have forklifts or other movable equipment present, the structure shall be designed for the total vehicle or equipment load and the individual wheel loads for the anticipated vehicles as specified by the owner of the facility. These loads shall be posted in accordance with Section 1607 A .8.5.
1607 A .8.4.1 Impact and fatigue. Impact loads and fatigue loading shall be considered in the design of the supporting structure. For the purposes of design, the vehicle and wheel loads shall be increased by 30 percent to account for impact.
1607 A .8.5 Posting. The maximum weight of vehicles allowed into or on a garage or other structure shall be posted by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent in accordance with Section 106.1.
1607 A .9 Loads on handrails, guards, grab bars and seats. Handrails and guards shall be designed and constructed for the structural loading conditions set forth in Section 1607 A .9.1. Grab bars, shower seats and accessible benches shall be designed and constructed for the structural loading conditions set forth in Section 1607 A .9.2.
16A-14 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
1607 A .9.1 Handrails and guards. Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a linear load of 50 pounds per linear foot (plf) (0.73 kN/m) in accordance with Section 4.5.1.1 of ASCE 7. Glass handrail assemblies and guards shall comply with Section 2407.
Exceptions:
For one- and two-family dwellings, only the single concentrated load required by Section 1607 A .9.1.1 shall be applied.
In Group I-3, F, H and S occupancies, for areas that are not accessible to the general public and that have an occupant load less than 50, the minimum load shall be 20 pounds per foot (0.29 kN/m).
1607 A .9.1.1 Concentrated load. Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 200 pounds (0.89 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.1 of ASCE 7.
1607 A .9.1.2 Guard component loads. Balusters, panel fillers and guard infill components, including all rails except the handrail and the top rail, shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 50 pounds (0.22 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.1.2 of ASCE 7.
1607 A .9.2 Grab bars, shower seats and accessible benches. Grab bars, shower seats and accessible benches shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of 250 pounds (1.11 kN) applied in any direction at any point on the grab bar, shower seat, or seat of the accessible bench so as to produce the maximum load effects. [DSA-AC] See Chapter 11A, Section 1127A.4 and Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-609.8, 11B-610.4 and 11B-903.6 for grab bars, shower seats and dressing room bench seats, as applicable.
1607 A .10 Vehicle barriers. Vehicle barriers for passenger vehicles shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 6,000 pounds (26.70 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.3 of ASCE 7. Garages accommodating trucks and buses shall be designed in accordance with an approved method that contains provisions for traffic railings.
1607 A .11 Impact loads. The live loads specified in Sections 1607 A .3 through 1607 A .10 shall be assumed to include adequate allowance for ordinary impact conditions. Provisions shall be made in the structural design for uses and loads that involve unusual vibration and impact forces.
1607 A .11.1 Elevators. Members, elements and components subject to dynamic loads from elevators shall be designed for impact loads and deflection limits prescribed by ASME A17.1/CSA B44.
1607 A .11.2 Machinery. For the purpose of design, the weight of machinery and moving loads shall be increased as follows to allow for impact:
Light machinery, shaft- or motor-driven, 20 percent.
Reciprocating machinery or power-driven units, 50 percent.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Percentages shall be increased where specified by the manufacturer.
1607 A .11.3 Elements supporting hoists for façade access and building maintenance equipment. In addition to any other applicable live loads, structural elements that support hoists for façade access and building maintenance equipment shall be designed for a live load of 2.5 times the rated load of the hoist or the stall load of the hoist, whichever is larger.
1607 A .11.4 Fall arrest, lifeline, and rope descent system anchorages. In addition to any other applicable live loads, fall arrest, lifeline, and rope descent system anchorages and structural elements that support these anchorages shall be designed for a live load of not less than 3,100 pounds (13.8 kN) for each attached line, in any direction that the load can be applied.
Anchorages of horizontal lifelines and the structural elements that support these anchorages shall be designed for the maximum tension that develops in the horizontal lifeline from these live loads.
1607 A .12 Reduction in uniform live loads. Except for uniform live loads at roofs, all other minimum uniformly distributed live loads, Lo, in Table 1607 A .1 are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607 A .12.1 or 1607 A .12.2. Uniform live loads at roofs are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607.14.2.
1607 A .12.1 Basic uniform live load reduction. Subject to the limitations of Sections 1607 A .12.1.1 through 1607 A .12.1.3 and Table 1607 A .1, members for which a value of KLLAT is 400 square feet (37.16 m 2 ) or more are permitted to be designed for a reduced uniformly distributed live load, L, in accordance with the following equation:
Lo = Unreduced design live load per square foot (m 2 ) of
area supported by the member (see Table 1607 A .1).
KLL = Live load element factor (see Table 1607 A .12.1).
AT = Tributary area, in square feet (m 2 ).
L shall be not less than 0.50 Lo for members supporting one floor and L shall be not less than 0.40 Lo for members supporting two or more floors.
1607 A 12.1.1 One-way slabs. The tributary area, AT, for use in Equation 16-7 for one-way slabs shall not exceed an area defined by the slab span times a width normal to the span of 1.5 times the slab span.
(Equation 16 A -7)
For SI:
where:
L = Reduced design live load per square foot (m 2 ) of
area supported by the member.
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
TABLE 1607 A .12.1
LIVE LOAD ELEMENT FACTOR, KLL
| ELEMENT | KLL |
|---|---|
| Interior columns | 4 |
| Exterior columns without cantilever slabs | 4 |
| Edge columns with cantilever slabs | 3 |
| Corner columns with cantilever slabs | 2 |
| Edge beams without cantilever slabs | 2 |
| Interior beams | 2 |
| Members not previously identified including: | 1 |
| Edge beams with cantilever slabs | Edge beams with cantilever slabs |
| Cantilever beams | Cantilever beams |
| One-way slabs | One-way slabs |
| Two-way slabs | Two-way slabs |
| Members without provisions for continuous shear transfer normal to their span |
1607 A .12.1.2 Heavy live loads. Live loads that exceed 100 psf (4.79 kN/m 2 ) shall not be reduced.
Exceptions:
The live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be reduced by not greater than 20 percent, but the live load shall be not less than L as calculated in Section 1607 A .12.1.
For uses other than storage, where approved, additional live load reductions shall be permitted where shown by the registered design professional that a rational approach has been used and that such reductions are warranted.
1607 A .12.1.3 Passenger vehicle garages. The live loads shall not be reduced in passenger vehicle garages.
Exception: The live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be reduced by not greater than 20 percent, but the live load be shall be not less than L as calculated in Section 1607 A .12.1.
1607 A .12.2 Alternative uniform live load reduction. As an alternative to Section 1607 A .12.1 and subject to the limitations of Table 1607 A .1, uniformly distributed live loads are permitted to be reduced in accordance with the following provisions. Such reductions shall apply to slab systems, beams, girders, columns, piers, walls and foundations.
- A reduction shall not be permitted where the live load exceeds 100 psf (4.79 kN/m 2 ) except that the design live load for members supporting two or more floors is permitted to be reduced by not greater than 20 percent.
Exception: For uses other than storage, where approved, additional live load reductions shall be permitted where shown by the registered design professional that a rational approach has been used and that such reductions are warranted.
A reduction shall not be permitted in passenger vehicle parking garages except that the live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be reduced by not greater than 20 percent.
For live loads not exceeding 100 psf (4.79 kN/m 2 ), the design live load for any structural member supporting 150 square feet (13.94 m 2 ) or more is permitted to be reduced in accordance with Equation 16-8
For one-way slabs, the area, A, for use in Equation 16-8 shall not exceed the product of the slab span and a width normal to the span of 0.5 times the slab span.
R = 0.08( A – 150) (Equation 16 A -8)
For SI: R = 0.861( A - 13.94)
Such reduction shall not exceed the smallest of:
40 percent for members supporting one floor.
60 percent for members supporting two or more floors.
R as determined by the following equation:
R = 23.1(1+ D/Lo ) (Equation 16 A -9)
where:
A = Area of floor supported by the member, square
feet (m 2 ). D = Dead load per square foot (m 2 ) of area supported. Lo = Unreduced live load per square foot (m 2 ) of area
supported. R = Reduction in percent.
1607 A .13 Distribution of floor loads. Where uniform floor live loads are involved in the design of structural members arranged so as to create continuity, the minimum applied loads shall be the full dead loads on all spans in combination with the floor live loads on spans selected to produce the greatest load effect at each location under consideration. Floor live loads are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607 A .12 .
1607 A .14 Roof loads. The structural supports of roofs and marquees shall be designed to resist wind and, where applicable, snow and earthquake loads, in addition to the dead load of construction and the appropriate live loads as prescribed in this section, or as set forth in Table 1607 A .1. The live loads acting on a sloping surface shall be assumed to act vertically on the horizontal projection of that surface.
** The structural supports of roofs and marquees shall be designed to resist wind and, where applicable, snow and earthquake loads, in addition to the dead load of construction and the appropriate live loads as prescribed in this section, or as set forth in Table 1607 A .1. The live loads acting on a sloping surface shall be assumed to act vertically on the horizontal projection of that surface.
1607 A .14.1 Distribution of roof loads. Where uniform roof live loads are reduced to less than 20 psf (0.96 kN/m 2 ) in accordance with Section 1607 A .14.2.1 and are applied to the design of structural members arranged so as to create continuity, the reduced roof live load shall be applied to adjacent spans or to alternate spans, whichever produces the most unfavorable load effect. See Section 1607 A .14.2 for reductions in minimum roof live loads and Section 7.5 of ASCE 7 for partial snow loading.
1607 A .14.2 Reduction in uniform roof live loads. The minimum uniformly distributed live loads of roofs and
16A-16 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
marquees, Lo, in Table 1607 A .1 are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607 A .14.2.1.
1607 A .14.2.1 Ordinary roofs, awnings and canopies. Ordinary flat, pitched and curved roofs, and awnings and canopies other than of fabric construction supported by a skeleton structure, are permitted to be designed for a reduced uniformly distributed roof live load, Lr, as specified in the following equations or other controlling combinations of loads as specified in Section 1605 A, whichever produces the greater load effect.
In structures such as greenhouses, where special scaffolding is used as a work surface for workers and materials during maintenance and repair operations, a lower roof load than specified in the following equations shall not be used unless approved by the building official. Such structures shall be designed for a minimum roof live load of 12 psf (0.58 kN/m 2 ).
Lr = Lo R 1 R 2 (Equation 16 A -10)
where: 12 ≤ Lr ≤ 20
For SI: Lr = LoR 1 R 2 where: 0.58 ≤ Lr ≤ 0.96
Lo = Unreduced roof live load per square foot (m 2 ) of
horizontal projection supported by the member (see Table 1607 A .1). Lr = Reduced roof live load per square foot (m 2 ) of
horizontal projection supported by the member.
The reduction factors R 1 and R 2 shall be determined as follows:
R 1 = 1 for At ≤ 200 square feet (18.58 m 2 )
(Equation 16 A -11)
R 1 = 1.2 - 0.001 At for 200 square feet < At < 600 square feet (Equation 16 A -12)
For SI: 1.2 - 0.011 At for 18.58 square meters < At <
55.74 square meters
R 1 = 0.6 for At ≥ 600 square feet (55.74 m 2 )
where:
(Equation 16 A -13)
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
1607 A .14.2.2 Occupiable roofs. Areas of roofs that are occupiable, such as vegetative roofs, landscaped roofs or for assembly or other similar purposes, and marquees are permitted to have their uniformly distributed live loads reduced in accordance with Section 1607 A .12.
1607 A .14.3 Awnings and canopies. Awnings and canopies shall be designed for uniform live loads as required in Table 1607 A .1 as well as for snow loads and wind loads as specified in Sections 1608 A and 1609 A .
1607A.14.4 Photovoltaic panel systems. Roof structures that provide support for photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed in accordance with Sections 1607 A .14.4.1 through 1607 A .14.4.5, as applicable.
1607 A .14.4.1 Roof live load. Roof structures that support photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed to resist each of the following conditions:
- Applicable uniform and concentrated roof loads with the photovoltaic panel system dead loads.
Exception: Roof live loads need not be applied to the area covered by photovoltaic panels where the clear space between the panels and the roof surface is 24 inches (610 mm) or less.
- Applicable uniform and concentrated roof loads without the photovoltaic panel system present.
1607 A .14.4.2 Photovoltaic panels or modules. The structure of a roof that supports solar photovoltaic panels or modules shall be designed to accommodate the full solar photovoltaic panels or modules and ballast dead load, including concentrated loads from support frames in combination with the loads from Section 1607 A .14.4.1 and other applicable loads. Where applicable, snow drift loads created by the photovoltaic panels or modules shall be included.
1607 A .14.4.3 Photovoltaic panels installed on open grid roof structures. Structures with open grid framing and without a roof deck or sheathing supporting photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed to support the uniform and concentrated roof live loads specified in Section 1607 A .14.4.1, except that the uniform roof live load shall be permitted to be reduced to 12 psf (0.57 kN/m 2 ).
1607 A .14.4.4 Ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems. Ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems that are independent structures and do not have accessible/occupied space underneath are not required to accommodate a roof photovoltaic live load. Other loads and combinations in accordance with Section 1605 A shall be accommodated.
1607 A .14.4.5 Ballasted photovoltaic panel systems. Roof structures that provide support for ballasted photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed, or analyzed, in accordance with Section 1604 A .4; checked in accordance with Section 1604 A .3.6 for deflections; and checked in accordance with Section 1611 A for ponding.
At = Tributary area (span length multiplied by
effective width) in square feet (m 2 ) supported by the member, and
R 2 = 1 for F ≤ 4 (Equation 16 A -14)
R 2 = 1.2 - 0.05 F for 4 < F < 12 (Equation 16 A -15)
R 2 = 0.6 for F ≥ 12 (Equation 16 A -16)
where:
F = For a sloped roof, the number of inches of rise
per foot (for SI: F = 0.12 × slope, with slope expressed as a percentage), or for an arch or dome, the rise-to-span ratio multiplied by 32.
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
1607A.14.5 Uncovered open-frame roof structures. Uncovered open-frame roof structures shall be designed for a vertical live load of not less than 10 pounds per square foot (0.48 kN/m 2 ) of the total area encompassed by the framework.
1607 A .15 Crane loads. The crane live load shall be the rated capacity of the crane. Design loads for the runway beams, including connections and support brackets, of moving bridge cranes and monorail cranes shall include the maximum wheel loads of the crane and the vertical impact, lateral and longitudinal forces induced by the moving crane.
1607 A .15.1 Maximum wheel load. The maximum wheel loads shall be the wheel loads produced by the weight of the bridge, as applicable, plus the sum of the rated capacity and the weight of the trolley with the trolley positioned on its runway at the location where the resulting load effect is maximum.
1607 A .15.2 Vertical impact force. The maximum wheel loads of the crane shall be increased by the following percentages to account for the effects of vertical impact or
| vibration: Monorail cranes (powered) | 25 percent |
|---|---|
| Monorail cranes (powered) | 25 percent |
| Cab-operated or remotely operated bridge cranes (powered) |
25 percent |
| Pendant-operated bridge cranes (powered) | 10 percent |
| Bridge cranes or monorail cranes with hand-geared bridge, trolley and hoist |
0 percent |
1607 A .15.3 Lateral force. The lateral force on crane runway beams with electrically powered trolleys shall be calculated as 20 percent of the sum of the rated capacity of the crane and the weight of the hoist and trolley. The lateral force shall be assumed to act horizontally at the traction surface of a runway beam, in either direction perpendicular to the beam, and shall be distributed with due regard to the lateral stiffness of the runway beam and supporting structure.
1607 A .15.4 Longitudinal force. The longitudinal force on crane runway beams, except for bridge cranes with hand-geared bridges, shall be calculated as 10 percent of the maximum wheel loads of the crane. The longitudinal force shall be assumed to act horizontally at the traction surface of a runway beam, in either direction parallel to the beam.
1607 A .16 Interior walls and partitions. Interior walls and partitions that exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height, including their finish materials, shall have adequate strength and stiffness to resist the loads to which they are subjected but not less than a horizontal load of 5 psf (0.240 kN/m 2 ). The 5 psf (0.24 kN/m 2 ) allowable stress design load need not be applied simultaneously with wind or seismic loads. The deflection of such walls under a load of 5 psf (0.24 kN/m 2 ) shall not exceed the limits in Table 1604A.3.
1607 A .16.1 Fabric partitions. Fabric partitions that exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height, including their finish materials, shall have adequate strength and stiffness to resist the following load conditions:
The horizontal distributed load need only be applied to the partition framing. The total area used to determine the distributed load shall be the area of the fabric face between the framing members to which the fabric is attached. The total distributed load shall be uniformly applied to such framing members in proportion to the length of each member.
A concentrated load of 40 pounds (0.176 kN) applied to an 8-inch-diameter (203 mm) area [50.3 square inches (32 452 mm 2 )] of the fabric face at a height of 54 inches (1372 mm) above the floor.
1607 A .16.2 Fire walls. In order to meet the structural stability requirements of Section 706.2 where the structure on either side of the wall has collapsed, fire walls and their supports shall be designed to withstand a minimum horizontal allowable stress load of 5 psf (0.240 kN/m 2 ).
1607 A .17 Fixed ladders. Fixed ladders with rungs shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of 300 pounds (1.33 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.4 of ASCE 7. Where rails of fixed ladders extend above a floor or platform at the top of the ladder, each side rail extension shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of 100 pounds (0.445 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.4 of ASCE 7. Ship’s ladders shall be designed to resist the stair loads given in Table 1607 A .1.
1607 A .18 Library stack rooms. The live loading indicated in Table 1607 A .1 for library stack rooms applies to stack room floors that support nonmobile, double-faced library book stacks, subject to the following limitations:
The nominal book stack unit height shall not exceed 90 inches (2290 mm).
The nominal shelf depth shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) for each face.
Parallel rows of double-faced book stacks shall be separated by aisles not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width.
1607 A .19 Seating for assembly uses. Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall be designed for the loads specified in ICC 300 as modified by Section 1605A.3 load combinations. Stadiums and arenas with fixed seats shall be designed for the horizontal sway loads in Section 1607 A .19.1.
1607 A .19.1 Horizontal sway loads. The design of stadiums and arenas with fixed seats shall include horizontal swaying forces applied to each row of seats as follows:
- 24 pounds per linear foot (0.35 kN/m) of seat applied in a direction parallel to each row of seats.
16A-18 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.
- 10 pounds per linear foot (0.15 kN/m) of seat applied in a direction perpendicular to each row of seats.
The parallel and perpendicular horizontal swaying forces are not required to be applied simultaneously.
1607 A .20 Sidewalks, vehicular driveways, and yards subject to trucking. The live loading indicated in Table 1607 A .1 for sidewalks, vehicular driveways, and yards subject to trucking shall comply with the requirements of this section.
1607 A .20.1 Uniform loads. In addition to the loads indicated in Table 1607 A .1, other uniform loads in accordance with an approved method that contains provisions for truck loading shall be considered where appropriate.
1607 A .20.2 Concentrated loads. The concentrated wheel load indicated in Table 1607 A .1 shall be applied on an area of 4 1 /2 inches by 4 1 /2 inches (114 mm by 114 mm).
1607 A .21 Stair treads. The concentrated load indicated in Table 1607 A .1 for stair treads shall be applied on an area of 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm by 51 mm). This load need not be assumed to act concurrently with the uniform load.
1607 A .22 Residential attics. The live loads indicated in Table 1607 A .1 for attics in residential occupancies shall comply with the requirements of this section.
1607 A .22.1 Uninhabitable attics without storage. In residential occupancies, uninhabitable attic areas without storage are those where the maximum clear height between the joists and rafters is less than 42 inches (1067 mm), or where there are not two or more adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle 42 inches (1067 mm) in height by 24 inches (610 mm) in width, or greater, within the plane of the trusses. The live load in Table 1607 A .1 need not be assumed to act concurrently with any other live load requirement.
n the joists and rafters is less than 42 inches (1067 mm), or where there are not two or more adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle 42 inches (1067 mm) in height by 24 inches (610 mm) in width, or greater, within the plane of the trusses. The live load in Table 1607 A .1 need not be assumed to act concurrently with any other live load requirement.
1607 A .22.2 Uninhabitable attics with storage. In residential occupancies, uninhabitable attic areas with storage are those where the maximum clear height between the joist and rafter is 42 inches (1067 mm) or greater, or where there are two or more adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle 42 inches (1067 mm) in height by 24 inches (610 mm) in width, or greater, within the plane of the trusses. The live load in Table 1607 A .1 need only be applied to those portions of the joists or truss bottom chords where both of the following conditions are met:
The attic area is accessed from an opening not less than 20 inches (508 mm) in width by 30 inches (762 mm) in length that is located where the clear height in the attic is not less than 30 inches (762 mm).
The slope of the joists or truss bottom chords is not greater than 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
The remaining portions of the joists or truss bottom chords shall be designed for a uniformly distributed concurrent live load of not less than 10 pounds per square foot (0.48 kN/m 2 ).
1607 A .22.3 Attics served by stairs. Attic spaces served by stairways other than the pull-down type shall be designed to support the minimum live load specified for habitable attics and sleeping rooms.
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code▸Contents — California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
- Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT
- Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING
- Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED
- Appendix N — REPLICABLE
- Appendix O — PERFORMANCE-BASED
- Chapter 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
- Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY A…
- Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
- Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
- Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
- Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
- Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
- Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
- Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
- Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
- Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
- Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
- Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
- Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
- Chapter 21 — MASONRY
- Chapter 22 — STEEL
- Chapter 23 — WOOD
- Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
- Chapter 25 — GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
- Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
- Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
- Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
- Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
- Chapter 31C — RADIATION
- Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
- Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
- Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Appendix C — GROUP U – AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
- Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
- Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
- Appendix H — SIGNS
- Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
- Appendix J — GRADING
- Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES
- Appendix P — EMERGENCY HOUSING