Design Loads on Structures during Construction

Abstract

Design loads during construction must account for the often short duration of loading and for the variability of temporary loads. Many elements of the completed structure that provide strength, stiffness, stability, or continuity may not be present during construction. Design Loads on Structures during Construction, ASCE/SEI 37-14, describes the minimum design requirements for construction loads, load combinations, and load factors affecting buildings and other structures that are under construction. It addresses partially completed structures as well as temporary support and access structures used during construction. The loads specified are suitable for use either with strength design criteria, such as ultimate strength design (USD) and load and resistance factor design (LRFD), or with allowable stress design (ASD) criteria. The loads are applicable to all conventional construction methods. Topics include: load factors and load combinations, dead and live loads, construction loads, lateral earth pressure, and environmental loads. Of particular note, the environmental load provisions have been aligned with those of Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, ASCE/SEI 7-10. Because ASCE/SEI 7-10 does not address loads during construction, the environmental loads in this standard were adjusted for the duration of the construction period. This new edition of Standard 37 prescribes loads based on probabilistic analysis, observation of construction practices, and expert opinions. Embracing comments, recommendations, and experiences that have evolved since the original 2002 edition, this standard serves structural engineers, construction engineers, design professionals, code officials, and building owners.