This program assists the designer in determining the individual and accumulated loads per level on a multi-story load-bearing member. This program will prove to be a tremendous help in keeping track of loads when many levels are used and different tributary widths and loading criteria are present.

 

The program also has the ability to determine live load reductions per 1994 UBC section 1606 Formulas 6-1 and 6-2. The user may input the  "r" factor at each level according to UBC Table 16-C (for roofs).

 

Loading options for each level include Tributary Area, Dead Load, Reducible Live Load, and Non-Reducible Live Load. Reducible live loads are automatically reduced by the calculated reduction factor, and all three loads are combined at each level and summed down the height of the column.

 

 

Basic Usage

Enter the Unit Dead, Live, and Non-Reducible Live loads acting at each level. Also, enter the tributary area that the unit loads apply to, and the  r-value you choose from UBC Table 16-C. Only the reducible live load will be modified according to the UBC equations.

Be sure to work from the top of the table downward.

 

 

Example

The data entry for this example is shown in the screen captures that accompany the Data Entry Tabs and Results & Graphics Tabs sections to follow.

 

Data Entry Tabs

This set of tabs provides entries for all input in this calculation. While you are entering data and switching between these tabs you can view the desired resulting information on the tabs on the right-hand side of the screen (calculated values, sketches, diagrams, etc.). A recalculation is performed after any entry data is changed. After each data entry you can view the results on the right-hand set of tabs.

 

 

General & Floor Data Tab

This is the main input tab for entering data that describes all the levels in your column. The list is arranged with the highest levels at the top of the list. Notice the two buttons below the table : [Move Level Up]  & [Move Level Down].  These two buttons move the levels you have entered up and down in the table.

 

 

 

Add, Change, Delete Buttons

These buttons control your modifications to the table of story information. Pressing Add or Change displays another window where you can specify the floor information. Here is what it looks like :

 

 

Unit Dead Load

Enter the basic dead load to be included in the summary. This load may vary from level to level.

 

Non-Reducible Live Load

Enter the live load that IS NOT reducible based on tributary area.

 

Reducible Live Load

Enter the live load that IS reducible based on tributary area.

 

Floor Area

This represents the tributary area that will be used to determine the actual dead and live load acting on the column at a particular level. This area may vary from level to level.

 

Reduction Factor

UBC Section 2306 Reductions : The reductions used in the program to automatically determine the live load reduction based upon tributary area are based on UBC section 2306. Formulas 6-1 and 6-2 are used to determine the maximum live load reduction. The user should indicate in the space provided whether the 60 % maximum reduction rule should be used for the loads added when two or more levels receive loads.

 

 

Results & Graphics Tabs

This set of tabs provides the calculated values resulting from your input on the "Data Entry Tabs". Because a recalculation is performed with each data entry, the information on these tabs always reflects the accurate and current results, problem sketch, or stress/deflection diagram.

 

Results Tab

This tab displays a table of the resulting calculated values for each floor level. The order of the floors displayed is the same as for the input table.

 

 

Level #

This level number is automatically entered when the program modifies the table for the chosen number of stories.

 

Total Dead Load

Total DL Per Level Equals Unit Dead Load * Tributary Area.

 

" R " : Maximum Reduction Factor

The maximum reduction factor is calculated from UBC Section 2306, formula 6-1 and 6-2, and according to the "r" factor entered by the user

 

Reduced Unit Live Load

This equals the Reducible Live Load * Reduction Factor, and will be used in tabulating the total load to each level. Total Reduced LL Per Level Equals Reduced Unit Live Load * Tributary Area.

 

Total LL Non-Reducible

Total Non- -Reducible LL Per Level Equals Reduced Unit Live Load * Tributary Area.

 

Total DL+LL Per Level

This is the summation of Dead, Live, and reducible Live load at each level.

 

Sum @ Floor Level

Summation Of Dead +Live Loads This represents the accumulation of loads along the length of the column.

 

 

Sketch Tab

This tab provides a sketch of the beam with loads and resulting values shown. Using the [Print Sketch] button will print the sketch in large scale on a single sheet of paper.

 

Sample Printout