Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Structural design of floors will be satisfied for most situations by
using the minimum figures given for uniformly distributed loading
(UDL). These figures provide for static loading and for the dynamics
of occupancy. The minimum figures given for concentrated or point
loading can be used where these produce greater stresses.

See also:

BS 6399-1: Loading for buildings. Code of practice for dead and
imposed loads.

BS 6399-2: Loading for buildings. Code of practice for wind loads.

BS 6399-3: Loading for buildings. Code of practice for imposed roof loads.

Application UDL (kN/m^2 ) Concentrated (kN)

Dwellings ~

Communal areas 1.5 1.4

Bedrooms 1.5 1.8

Bathroom/WC 2.0 1.8

Balconies (use by 1 family) 1.5 1.4

Commercial/Industrial ~

Hotel/motel bedrooms 2.0 1.8

Communal kitchen 3.0 4.5

Offices and general work

areas

2.5 2.7

Kitchens/laundries/

laboratories

3.0 4.5

Factories and workshops 5.0 4.5

Balconies † guest houses 3.0 1.5/m run at outer

edge

Balconies † communal

areas in flats

3.0 1.5/m run at outer

edge

Balconies † hotels/motels 4.0 1.5/m run at outer

edge

Warehousing/Storage ~

General use for static

items

2.0 1.8

Reading areas/libraries 4.0 4.5

General use, stacked items 2.4/m height 7.0

Filing areas 5.0 4.5

Paper storage 4.0/m height 9.0

Plant rooms 7.5 4.5

Book storage 2.4/m height

(min. 6.5)

7.0

Typical Imposed Floor Loads