Dorm loft design 1

[cedarbluffranch]

I've been approached by a university to design a plan for a lofted bed typically found in college dorms.

Are there any structural codes that I can use as reference for the load capability of the fasteners, joints, and wooden members?

My design will be more than robust. But I would like to be able to reference that the loft meets the requirements of any applicable codes.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

OSHA says a man with tools weighs 250 lbs.

This being a college dorm - I would suggest at least double that in case the dormee has a visitor and seismic effects come into play.....

 

[DaveAtkins]

I would use the National Design Specification for Wood Construction, latest version.

DaveAtkins

 

[civilperson]

Underwriters Laboratory.

 

[cedarbluffranch]

UL doesn't publish codes unless someone knows otherwise. And I've never heard of a UL stamp on furniture.

 

[rday]

I Second the NDS.

The liability thread was far more interesting to read.

 

[IRstuff]

UL does indeed publish standards. UL60950 - Safety of Information Technology Equipment, as an example. You are, however, correct in that there is no UL standard for furniture:

http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[IRstuff]

You should look here:

http://www.nssn.org/search/IntelSearch.aspx

TTFN

FAQ731-376