Reading Time: 2 minutes

The following table provides a guide on the values of minimum superimposed floor loads to be used for the structural design of buildings and other simple structures according to the Nigerian Code of Practice (NCP 1: 1973).

Class Type of Floor/Building Load (kN/m2)
1 Private dwelling not exceeding two (2)storeys in height 1.43
2 Private dwelling exceeding two (2) storeys in height; floors other than those in private dwellings, used for residential purposes; hospital wards and rooms. 1.96
3 Rooms used as offices – floors above entrance floor only. 2.46
4 Classrooms in schools and colleges. 2.94
5 Rooms used as offices – entrance floors and floors below; libraries (excluding book storage); banking halls; and similar offices and rooms where public may congregate. 3.43
6 Retail shops; places of assembly with fixed sitting including churches, chapels, theatres and cinemas. 3.92
7 Places of assembly without fixed seating, including dance halls, drill halls, and billiard rooms; public dining rooms and restaurants; grandstands; circulation space in machinery halls and power stations not occupied by plant or equipment; light workshop. 4.90
8 Garages for all types of vehicles exceeding 218 kN/m2 each gross weight. 3.92
9 Garages for all types of vehicles not exceeding 218 kN/m2 gross weight. 4.90
10 Light storage space in business buildings; medium workshops; filing and record room in offices. 7.35
11 Warehouse; general storage space in industrial and commercial building; heavy workshops. 9.80
12 Pavement (side walk over basements). 4.90

In floors of buildings, allowances are often made for the reduction of superimposed loads. This can be applied to floors of 2-storeys and above except in the following cases:

  1. Superimposed roof loads.
  2. Moving loads (except those in garages).
  3. The weight of machinery and similar concentrated loads.
  4. Allowances made for partitions.

In situations where reductions would be made for superimposed loads, the table below provides a guide.

Number of Floors % Reduction of superimposed floor loads for all floors above the member   
1 0
2 10
3 20
4 30
5 and above 40
Share.

An inquisitive engineer with considerable skills in analysis, design and research in the field of civil engineering.

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Exit mobile version