Live Load for Hotel Pool Deck - your thoughts?

[structuresguy]

Hi all.

We are working on an elevated, outdoor hotel pool deck per 2010 Florida Building Code, using a 2-way slab. The deck is over ground level parking, connects to the hotel lobby, and also has direct egress to the ground. We are having a debate on the appropriate live load, as the Code is not specific. There are a few options which could apply, adn just looking for other opinions as to which you think apply:

1. Balconies and deck = same as occupancy served = 40 psf (hotel) <- im inclined to not use this, since the deck is not directly serving a private hotel room
2. Hotel public rooms = 100 psf
3. Yards and terraces, pedestrian = 100 psf

I'm inclined to go with 100 psf, but using a lower value would be quite helpful, as we have a superimposed dead load of over 100 psf for the finishes.

Thanks.

 

[jayrod12]

I'd be going with 100psf. Although pools are popular places to party, 100psf of people equates to no room to breath, which is an highly unlikely.

 

[KootK]

I like yards and terraces as the closest analog.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[manstrom]

100 psf for public loading. No brainer.

When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.

-R. Buckminster Fuller

 

[KootK]

Some people might think to gather at the pool in the event of an emergency. That was my rationale.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[structuresguy]

It's weird, because Chapter 3 defines indoor pools as type A-3 assembly space. But they make no mention of elevated, outdoor pools, rooftop or otherwise.

 

[JedClampett]

There might be a big crowd there due to a bikini top mishap.

 

[msquared48]

Definitely 100 psf + three beers.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)