Bus Terminal Live Load Design Query 1

[Eyobed]

Hello everyone,

I am currently working on a project involving a suspended bus terminal within a building plaza. I need some guidance on determining the appropriate live loads for the design of the slab.

According to EN 1991-1-1: Eurocode 1 - Part 1-1: General actions - Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings, the recommended live load for vehicle traffic areas (Category F2) is 5.0 kN/m². However, the buses operating in our terminal have a gross vehicular weight of approximately 18,500 kg (18.5 tons), which is higher than the typical values considered in the Eurocode.

To ensure safety and compliance, I referred to EN 1991-2: Traffic loads on bridges, which includes Load Model 1 (LM1) specifying:
- Lane Number 1: 9 kN/m² (UDL)
- Lane Number 2: 2.5 kN/m² (UDL)
- Lane Number 3: 2.5 kN/m² (UDL)
- Other lanes and remaining area: 2.5 kN/m² (UDL)

Given the higher gross vehicular weight of our buses, I'm considering using the 9 kN/m² uniformly distributed load for the primary bus lanes on the suspended slab.

Questions:
1. Is it appropriate to use the load values from EN 1991-2 (Traffic loads on bridges) for a suspended bus terminal slab in a building?
2. Are there any additional recommendations or best practices for designing slabs subjected to heavy bus loads in such scenarios?

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

 

[human909]

According to EN 1991-1-1: Eurocode 1 - Part 1-1: General actions - Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings, the recommended live load for vehicle traffic areas (Category F2) is 5.0 kN/m². However, the buses operating in our terminal have a gross vehicular weight of approximately 18,500 kg (18.5 tons), which is higher than the typical values considered in the Eurocode.

Huh? How close are you expecting the busses to pack in with each other? 5kN/m2 seems pretty adequate for busses. I'd also consider whatever the local code is for 'public areas where large numbers of people may congregate' which in my jurisdiction is also 5kN/m2. From a UDL perspective 5kN/m2 seems about on the money as a unfactored design load.

But beyond UDL I'd be looking pretty closely at the punching loads. Busses are relatively 'light' from a UDL perspective but the loads on the front driving wheels would get pretty high.

I'd also consider whether this is a project that you should be taking without closer guidance. A bus terminal inside a structure seems isn't where I'd want to begin my experience with vehicle loads.