Load Build-Up
Dead Load Calculator
Use this calculator when the first job is to assemble permanent load from real layers such as finishes, screed, slab, ceiling, services, and partition allowances before moving into beam design.
Layer Inputs
A lighter floor setup with finishes, services, and a modest allowance for partitions.
Dead Load Summary
Layer share of total
| Finishes | 0.80 kN/m^2 (15.5%) |
| Topping / screed | 0.60 kN/m^2 (11.7%) |
| Slab / deck self weight | 2.80 kN/m^2 (54.4%) |
| Ceiling allowance | 0.25 kN/m^2 (4.9%) |
| Services allowance | 0.20 kN/m^2 (3.9%) |
| Partitions allowance | 0.50 kN/m^2 (9.7%) |
Calculation Basis
Assumptions & Limits
- Entered layer values remain project assumptions and do not replace a verified quantity takeoff.
- The page prepares load inputs but does not apply full design combinations or code partial factors automatically.
- Changing tributary width, local peaks, or an uncertain load path require a more detailed model.
Reference Basis
Reference Setups
| Best use | Permanent floor or roof load build-up before beam checks |
| Primary output | kN/m^2, kN/m, total member dead load, support reaction estimate |
| Typical handoff | Beam solver, support checks, load combinations |
| Model scope | Permanent load takeoff only; no partial factors or code combinations applied |
Engineering Notes
- This page is strongest at the load-takeoff stage, before the member response check begins.
- Treat partition and service allowances as project assumptions. They can dominate the dead load on lighter floor systems.
- If the supported area changes along the beam, use more than one tributary width or split the member into load zones instead of forcing one averaged value.
Calculation Method
- Area dead load: g_k = g_finishes + g_topping + g_slab + g_ceiling + g_services + g_partitions. The calculator sums the entered permanent layers into one characteristic area load.
- Line load: w = g_k x b_tr. Area load is converted into line load through tributary width.
- Member load: W = w L. The total unfactored member dead load is useful for early support and framing studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should live load be included here? No. This page is for permanent actions only. Add imposed load separately so dead and live components remain transparent before combinations are applied.
- Can I use the slab field for steel deck or timber deck self weight? Yes. That field is the main structural self-weight slot. It can represent whichever primary deck or slab layer carries the build-up.
- Why is there a simple-support reaction result on a dead-load page? Because early framing work often needs a quick support-load estimate even before the full beam model is opened.
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