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Dead load

Diagram of a reinforced concrete beam supported by timber on either side of the beam. Across the reinforced concrete beam there are arrows pointing downwards. The length of the reinforced concrete beam is 10 m and the width is 600 mm.

Volume of beam 10.0 x 0.6 x 0.3 = 1.8 m3

Unit weight of reinforced concrete = 24 kN/m3

Therefore, dead load of beam = volume x unit weight

= 1.8 m3 x 24 kN/m3

= 43.2 kN


Dead load on a structure is the result of the weight of the permanent components such as beams, floor slabs, columns and walls. These components will produce the same constant 'dead' load during the lifespan of the building. Dead loads are exerted in the vertical plane.

Dead load = volume of member x unit weight of materials

By calculating the volume of each member and multiplying by the unit weight of the materials from which it is composed, an accurate dead load can be determined for each component.

The different components can then be added together to determine the dead load for the entire structure.

Material Unit weight kN/m3
Plain concrete 23.5
Reinforced concrete 24
Glass 25.5
Mild steel 77
Hardwood 11
Softwood 8
Table 1: Dead load comparisons of various materials