What Does
Imposed Load Mean?
Imposed loads are temporary, changeable or dynamic loads acting upon a structure. The magnitude of these loads is typically related to the occupancy of the space or building where the load is applied. For example, the imposed loads in an industrial facility will be different from those in a residential building. Imposed loads can also vary depending on the time of day. For example, the imposed loads in a typical office building will be higher during working hours than at night or on weekends when fewer employees are present.
Imposed loads are also known as live loads.
Corrosionpedia Explains Imposed Load
Understanding the imposed loads is crucial in the engineering design of various structures such as buildings, bridges, offshore platforms, etc. These loads are chosen by the engineer for use in design calculations.
Some of the most common sources of imposed loads include:
- Occupants
- Vehicle traffic
- Equipment
- Furniture
- Movable partitions
Imposed loads can be viewed as those loads that are added (or imposed) on the structure in addition to permanent loads. Engineers use various codes and standards, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers' ASCE 7, to determine the imposed loads on a particular structure.