Vehicle Live Load Calculation
Vehicle Live Load Calculation
(OP)
We are building a boardwalk and I need to do some quick calculations to redesign the joists and beam spacing.
They spec a unified live load of 85 PSF
The have a design vehicle load of 2,600 LBS, load distribution consists of 60% to rear axle, axle spacing of 6', wheel spacing of 4', and tire print area of 11" wide x 3.5" long (in the direction of travel).
I'm trying to find out if the vehicle live load is greater than the uniform 85 PSF. If you could give me a few calculations how you came about it for future reference that would be great.
Thanks
They spec a unified live load of 85 PSF
The have a design vehicle load of 2,600 LBS, load distribution consists of 60% to rear axle, axle spacing of 6', wheel spacing of 4', and tire print area of 11" wide x 3.5" long (in the direction of travel).
I'm trying to find out if the vehicle live load is greater than the uniform 85 PSF. If you could give me a few calculations how you came about it for future reference that would be great.
Thanks






RE: Vehicle Live Load Calculation
Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
RE: Vehicle Live Load Calculation
I calc a 780 lb rear tire load. Does this include passengers. Add them in.
Now just check your planking and beams, etc. Follow the loads all the way to foundation.
Don't forget that you can increase some sizes of lumber for "flat" application and short term loads to 125% - assuming you are using wood.
I usually don't add those in - just to stay conservative and high moisture will negate most of that anyway.