Commercial Building Inspector B2Floor ConstructionMedium
A commercial building inspector is examining a raised access floor system in a data center. The access floor panels are supported by adjustable pedestals. According to the IBC, what is the minimum required live load for general office areas with raised access floors?
- A125 psf (6.00 kN/m²)
- B50 psf (2.40 kN/m²)
- C75 psf (3.59 kN/m²)
- D100 psf (4.79 kN/m²)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 50 psf (2.40 kN/m²)
According to IBC Table 1607.1, for office areas, the minimum uniformly distributed live load is 50 psf (2.40 kN/m²). This applies to general office use, regardless of whether a raised access floor is present, as the live load is for the floor area itself.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 125 psf or higher is for heavy storage or specific industrial uses, far exceeding general office requirements.
- C. 75 psf is typically for office areas used for business equipment or filing, which is a higher load than general office.
- D. 100 psf is required for corridors, lobbies, and areas with heavy equipment or storage, not general office.
Office Live Load
The IBC specifies minimum uniformly distributed live loads for various occupancy types, including office areas, to ensure floors are designed to safely support their anticipated use.
- Minimum 50 psf for general office areas.
- Higher loads for specific areas (e.g., corridors, heavy equipment).
- Applies to the floor area, not just the raised floor components.
- Used in structural design calculations.
Memory trick: Loads on the floor, check the code's score, for safety and more.