Point load or uniform area load?
Point load or uniform area load?
(OP)
At 24" o..c. rafters and floor joists create a uniformly distributed load. I was informed today that 4x8 porch rafters with 3/4 T&G pine decking @ 36" o.c. should be calculated as point loads. I was hoping someone could tell me what the cut off is that changes a UDL to a series of point loads.
Thanks,
Doug
Thanks,
Doug






RE: Point load or uniform area load?
RE: Point load or uniform area load?
Do it both ways and see the differences...then apply your judgment.
RE: Point load or uniform area load?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Point load or uniform area load?
The assumption of a uniform load is always conservative but if your design is governed by shear, you may wish to consider point loads.
BA