32.2. Loads

The load applied on the frame is from the weights of the roof slab, and the frame itself.

In this section, we discuss the different types of loads acting on the Magazini Generali structure. The average roof slab weight and the weight of the frame contribute to the total load. Specifically, the roof slab provides a vertical load due to its material weight, while the frame itself has a significant weight that must also be accounted for during structural analysis. These two elements together dictate how the structure will behave when subjected to various forces.

Think of the structure like a large book resting on a shelf. The weight of the book (the roof slab) and the shelf itself (the frame) both contribute to how much pressure is placed on the bottom of the shelf. Just as we need to ensure the shelf can support the weight of both the book and itself without bending or collapsing, engineers must ensure the frame and roof slab of a building can withstand the loads applied on them.

Given the space between adjacent frames is 14.7 ft, and that the roof load is 98 psf, the calculation for the roof load is as follows:

q = (98) psf(14:7) ft = 1:4 k/ft (32.1-a)

To calculate the load from the roof slab on a per foot basis, we multiply the roof load per square foot (psf) by the distance between adjacent frames. The roof load of 98 pounds per square foot is distributed over the space of 14.7 feet between frames, giving us a total load that can be expressed in kilo pounds per foot (k/ft). This calculation allows engineers to understand how the load is transferred from the roof to the supporting frames below.

Imagine a heavy blanket spread out over a bed. If the blanket weighs a certain amount for each square foot, to find out how heavy it is over the entire bed, you multiply that weight by the size of the bed. The result tells you how much extra weight your bed can support before it becomes too heavy!

The total frame weight is 13.6 kips, contributing another section of the load:

q = (13:6) k / (63:6) ft = 0:2 k/ft (32.1-b)

The weight of the frame also exerts a load on the structure that needs to be recognized in calculations. By taking the total weight of the frame and dividing it by its length (63.6 ft), we find the uniform load from the frame on a per-foot basis. This weight acts continuously along the length of the beam, contributing to the overall stability and strength required for the whole structure.

Think of it like a long, heavy rope hanging down from a rock climbing wall. Each foot of the rope contributes to the total weight pulling down. If you recognize how heavy the rope is for every foot, you can better prevent the climbing wall from buckling under that weight.

The total uniform load becomes:

q = 1:4+0:2 = 1.6 k/ft (32.1-c)

After calculating both the load from the roof slab and the load from the frame, we add these two values together to determine the total uniform load that will act on the frame per foot. This total value of 1.6 k/ft will be essential for further calculations, especially when analyzing how much force the foundations must support.

Consider stacking two heavy boxes on top of each other. The total weight on the base is simply the weight of box one plus the weight of box two. Understanding this combined weight helps you decide if the floor can safely hold the boxes without damage.

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