Vehicle Live Load Calculation

[stiebert]

We are building a boardwalk and I need to do some quick calculations to redesign the joists and beam spacing.

They spec a unified live load of 85 PSF

The have a design vehicle load of 2,600 LBS, load distribution consists of 60% to rear axle, axle spacing of 6', wheel spacing of 4', and tire print area of 11" wide x 3.5" long (in the direction of travel).

I'm trying to find out if the vehicle live load is greater than the uniform 85 PSF. If you could give me a few calculations how you came about it for future reference that would be great.

Thanks

 

[paddingtongreen]

Assume the vehicle is 10'x5'=50sqft. 50xsay70lbsLive Load=3500lbs The total is less. So far so good. The rest can only be done on an individual basis, the plank size and span, the beams that directly support the load, must be checked for the locally intensified load under the tire.



Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Like paddington said..

I calc a 780 lb rear tire load. Does this include passengers. Add them in.

Now just check your planking and beams, etc. Follow the loads all the way to foundation.

Don't forget that you can increase some sizes of lumber for "flat" application and short term loads to 125% - assuming you are using wood.

I usually don't add those in - just to stay conservative and high moisture will negate most of that anyway.