3
$\begingroup$

I have a concrete steel ceiling. The calculations show the ceiling is designed for 1,5 kN/m² in addition to it's own weight and traffic loads including snow. So I assume I can hang 1,5 kN/m² from that ceiling, provided I use suitable anchors.

However, when I hang any load from that ceiling, I apply discrete point loads. I probably cannot simply say: Well the room is 2x4m, so I can hang 2m x 4m x 1,5kN/m² = 12kN in the middle of the room. Which is probably wrong.

So how do I arrive at the point loads I can apply?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
  • $\begingroup$ This is not an answer, but i prefer to hang the anchor on the steel and not in the concrete matrix for two reason if it fails it would't fail suddenly and the second reason (i'm not sure) i think the load acts as a distributed load over a line. $\endgroup$ – Sam Farjamirad Nov 2 '18 at 11:49
  • $\begingroup$ well, divide by the number of points and then make sure that the area of each point load is sufficient for the load applied or the load is applied over sufficient area... $\endgroup$ – Solar Mike Nov 2 '18 at 12:11
  • $\begingroup$ SolarMike, if I take your suggestion 1 could (in this case) hang 12kN or 1,2 tons in the middle of the room I strongly doubt that is correct. $\endgroup$ – mart Nov 2 '18 at 12:33
  • $\begingroup$ @mart did you account for the area as I suggested? $\endgroup$ – Solar Mike Nov 4 '18 at 6:44
  • $\begingroup$ So you want to hang 1223.7 tons from the ceiling as a point load? Not going to happen. In order to calculate that you need to take shear forces of the type of concrete into account and also punching stress. That means sigma=force/ area. Point loads are only really useful for calculations but in practice you need to use moments of inertia after doing moments of area calc first. $\endgroup$ – Rhodie Dec 8 '18 at 10:49
1
$\begingroup$

Any slab or ceiling can Receive several kinds of loading which are marked on the structural plans in case that loading can be critical. e.g., a library floor is ranked both for distributed loads and concentrated loads due to stacking of the books, and they are different.

Or a plant floor will be rated for equipment dynamic impact loading, separately than allowable floor load. So much so that a heavy machine load has to be designed for its lateral forces impacting the lateral stability of the building.

However most of the ceilings can support light weight light fixture or suspended signs, provided they are attach using common sense and appropriate anchors or hardware penetrating into competent material and avoiding potential electrical or utility conduits.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.