Structural and Civil Engineering Curriculum
Design Loads
Module from the Structural and Civil Engineering Curriculum curriculum.
Module 1 - Design Loads and Codes · Learning Objectives · 1. Apply ASCE 7 load combinations (strength and service) · 2. Compute wind load per ASCE 7 Chapter 26-30 (basic wind speed V, exposure, Kz) · 3. Compute seismic load per ASCE 7 Ch 11-12 (Ss, S1, site class, SDS, SD1, R) · 4. Apply IBC (International Building Code) for buildings, PIP STE for process structures · 5. Identify snow, ice, thermal, and blast load requirements · ASCE 7 Load Combinations (Strength Design)
| Combo | Formula | Typical Controls | Notes | Ref | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC-1 | 1.4 D | Dead only | Large equipment | ASCE 7-22 2.3 | Not typical |
| LC-2 | 1.2 D + 1.6 L + 0.5 (Lr or S or R) | Live load max | Platforms | ASCE 7-22 2.3 | Common |
| LC-3 | 1.2 D + 1.6 (Lr or S or R) + (L or 0.5W) | Snow / roof live | Regions | ASCE 7-22 | Snow |
| LC-4 | 1.2 D + 1.0 W + L + 0.5 (Lr or S or R) | Wind | Tall, exposed | ASCE 7-22 | Common |
| LC-5 | 1.2 D + 1.0 E + L + 0.2 S | Seismic | Seismic zones | ASCE 7-22 | Common |
| LC-6 | 0.9 D + 1.0 W | Wind uplift | Light roofs | ASCE 7-22 | Uplift |
| LC-7 | 0.9 D + 1.0 E | Seismic uplift | Overturning | ASCE 7-22 | Overturning |
| Typical Refinery Wind Speeds (ASCE 7-22, Risk Cat III) | |||||
| Location | Basic Wind V (mph) | Exposure | Notes | Hurricane? | Ref |
| Gulf Coast refineries | 150-180 | D (open) | Hurricane design | Yes | NOAA Atlas |
| California coast | 85-95 | D | Seismic dominates | No | CA Code |
| Inland US refinery | 95-115 | C | Standard | No | ASCE 7-22 Fig 26.5 |
| Alaska / cold regions | 100-130 | C or D | Snow + wind | No | AKDOT |
| Middle East | 100-120 | D | Hot dry + dust | No | ASCE 7-22 |
Source: Structural_Civil_Engineering_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Design Loads
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