A Beginner's Guide to ASCE 7-05

Chapter 2 - Load Combinations

© 2007, 2009, T. Bartlett Quimby

Section 2.4

Example Problems

Last Revised: 11/04/2014

The best way to gain an understanding of the application of the load combination equations is to work a few problems.  Three different problems are presented here.  PDF versions of the solutions must be downloaded to follow the explanation of the problems.

Example Problem 2.1

This problem looks at a simply supported beam that supports both a column and a floor.  The column supports a portion of roof.  The beam also acquires axial load as it functions a drag strut in the lateral load resisting system of the building that it is a part of.

Example Problem 2.2

This is the same beam and loading as used in example problem 2.1.  The difference is that we have used a spreadsheet to compute a few more load cases.  After this reviewing this problem you should have a better feel for how the load combination equation are applied to a problem without mixing equations on the same load diagram.

Example Problem 2.3

This problem illustrates the use of an electronic spreadsheet to apply all the load combinations to multiple load sources.

Example Problem 2.4

This problem "unfactors" the load in order to determine if LRFD or ASD is more restrictive for a beam under a given load arrangement.