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In Table B.4.2.1-1 the NSR-10 sets the minimum live loads to be used in design according to the use of each space: for example, 1.8 kN/m² in private rooms of dwellings, 2.0 kN/m² in offices and 5.0 kN/m² in retail. The design must use the maximum load expected from the use, never less than these minimums (B.4.2.1).
| Use | Space | kN/m² | kgf/m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Balconies | 5.0 | 500 |
| Assembly | Corridors and stairs | 5.0 | 500 |
| Assembly | Fixed seating (fastened to the floor) | 3.0 | 300 |
| Assembly | Gyms | 5.0 | 500 |
| Assembly | Lobbies | 5.0 | 500 |
| Assembly | Movable seating | 5.0 | 500 |
| Assembly | Recreation areas | 5.0 | 500 |
| Assembly | Platforms | 5.0 | 500 |
| Assembly | Stages | 7.5 | 750 |
| Offices | Corridors and stairs | 3.0 | 300 |
| Offices | Offices | 2.0 | 200 |
| Offices | Restaurants | 5.0 | 500 |
| Educational | Classrooms | 2.0 | 200 |
| Educational | Corridors and stairs | 5.0 | 500 |
| Educational | Libraries: reading rooms | 2.0 | 200 |
| Educational | Libraries: stacks | 7.0 | 700 |
| Factories | Light industry | 5.0 | 500 |
| Factories | Heavy industry | 10.0 | 1000 |
| Institutional | Operating rooms, laboratories | 4.0 | 400 |
| Institutional | Private rooms | 2.0 | 200 |
| Institutional | Corridors and stairs | 5.0 | 500 |
| Commercial | Retail | 5.0 | 500 |
| Commercial | Wholesale | 6.0 | 600 |
| Residential | Balconies | 5.0 | 500 |
| Residential | Private rooms and their corridors | 1.8 | 180 |
| Residential | Stairs | 3.0 | 300 |
| Storage | Light | 6.0 | 600 |
| Storage | Heavy | 12.0 | 1200 |
| Garages | Passenger cars | 2.5 | 250 |
| Garages | Trucks of up to 2,000 kg capacity | 5.0 | 500 |
| Arenas and stadiums | Grandstands | 5.0 | 500 |
| Arenas and stadiums | Stairs | 5.0 | 500 |
How is the table used?
Each space is designed for the load of its use. Several coexist in one building: a residential building uses 1.8 kN/m² in the apartments, 3.0 kN/m² in the stairs and 5.0 kN/m² on the balconies. If the intended use produces larger loads, such as racking or equipment, the design must use those real loads.
What if the use changes?
Turning a house into offices, an apartment into a shop or an office mezzanine into storage changes the design load. The NSR-10 requires the structure to be reviewed when the use changes (A.10.1.3.2).
And roofs?
Roofs have their own table, B.4.2.1-2: a usable roof or terrace takes the load of the rest of the building, and a roof used as a garden or for gatherings, 5.0 kN/m².
Frequently asked questions
What is the residential live load in the NSR-10?
1.8 kN/m² (180 kgf/m²) in private rooms and their corridors, 3.0 kN/m² on stairs and 5.0 kN/m² on balconies (Table B.4.2.1-1).
What is the live load for offices?
2.0 kN/m² in offices, 3.0 kN/m² in corridors and stairs and 5.0 kN/m² in restaurants (Table B.4.2.1-1).
And for a warehouse?
Light storage 6.0 kN/m² and heavy storage 12.0 kN/m². With tall racking or forklifts, the design must use the real loads if they are larger.
Can I design for a lower load than the table?
No. The values in the table are minimums: design live loads may in no case be lower (B.4.2.1).
Common situations
- Adding a second floorBefore adding a floor you need to know whether the house can carry it.
- Home structural retrofitSo an older structure resists what today's code requires.
- Warehouse designFrames, roof, floor slab and foundation, designed together.
- Steel mezzanineMore usable floor area inside the same warehouse or store.
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