Building Loading?

[SteelPE]

I have been tasked with the design of a 2 story food factory. We are currently in the preliminary design phase and we are trying to figure out what loading should be applied to the second floor where there will be a kitchen and a production area. Initially I was thinking 100psf, however light manufacturing is 125 psf with a concentrated load of 2,000 psf. Light manufacturing seems pretty heavy to me for this instance as that is comparable to a light storage loading.

Does anyone have any recommendations for what loading to use?

 

[MrHershey]

Would probably try to get an idea of actual equipment weight. Even if it's just similar equipment.

If it's actually light manufacturing, that's fine. But if it's going to be more like a professional kitchen then even 125 psf may be too low. ASCE 7-05 Chapter 4 Commentary lists a 150 psf live load (or equipment weight, whichever is greater) for non-domestic kitchens. UFC 3-301-01 (US military code) lists 250 psf for 'general kitchen area'.

 

[MotorCity]

I'd stick with 125 psf in lieu of more accurate information (especially in the preliminary phase when budgets are established). I am imagining some decent size equipment with large heavy wheeled bins for moving ingredients around.

 

[DETstru]

Manufacturing buildings are designed around the process. They surely have detailed information on the equipment, layout, weight, etc long before any architect is even involved. I would definitely inquire about that. Design for the actual loads with a minimum of 125 psf.

 

[Archie264]

I echo all the other comments. Years ago I worked on project involving a commercial food preparation facility. A forklift wheel had punched through the slab in two way action. The structure was built of concrete beams with a one way slab. I've forgotten the slab thickness but it was thick enough that we specified top & bottom reinforcing steel for the repair. Whether a forklift belonged on that slab is a different question but as others have written, ask what type of equipment they plan to put up there, including that to be used for material-handling purposes.