collateral load 2

[richardm]

Can somebody please help with a translation from US English to UK English? A colleague is spending this week in the States conducting an independent review of some structures there for a client. We are puzzled by the phrase 'collateral load' in calculations, which is listed in addition to dead load, live (imposed) load etc, and typically has a value of 5 lb/sq ft. We are wondering if it means what we in the UK call 'services load' - e.g. the weight of lights, pipes, a/c ducts etc suspended from the structure. Or does it have some other meaning we haven't guessed at? Help would be much appreciated.
Richard

 

[Taro]

Your interpretation is correct. It is also sometimes called "superimposed dead load" here in the states.

 

[richardm]

Thanks very much Taro - that's just what we needed.
Cheers
Richard

 

[havesealwilltravel]

Collateral load is used to account for miscellaneous loads which would be too cumbersome to account for individually. These are items such as: lights, fire water piping, ventilation ductwork, etc.

You know the loading is there but cannot define it in great detail. Collateral load is applied as a uniform load so that the main framing members are designed properly.

The individual items are small, but over the area of a building, they can be significant.