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Beam Load Formula:
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Wood deck beam loading refers to the total weight that a beam must support, calculated by multiplying the tributary area (the area of deck supported by the beam) by the total load per square foot. This calculation is essential for proper structural design and safety.
The calculator uses the beam load formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the total weight that a beam must support based on the area it serves and the load applied to that area.
Details: Accurate beam load calculation is crucial for structural integrity, safety compliance, and proper material selection in deck construction. It ensures beams can safely support expected loads without excessive deflection or failure.
Tips: Enter tributary area in square feet and total load in pounds per square foot. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is tributary area?
A: Tributary area is the portion of the deck surface that transfers its load to a specific beam or support member.
Q2: What factors contribute to total load psf?
A: Total load includes dead load (weight of materials) and live load (occupants, furniture, snow, etc.) per square foot.
Q3: How do I determine the tributary area for a beam?
A: Tributary area is typically half the distance to adjacent beams on each side multiplied by the beam length.
Q4: What are typical load values for residential decks?
A: Typical live loads range from 40-60 psf for residential decks, plus dead load of materials (10-20 psf).
Q5: Should safety factors be applied to the calculated beam load?
A: Yes, building codes typically require applying safety factors (1.2-1.6) to calculated loads for design purposes.