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3.1 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 1990 and the following apply.

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3.1.1

angle of repose angle which the natural slope of the sides of a heaped pile of loose material makes to the horizontal

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3.1.2

barrier element that prevents people or moveable objects from horizontal movement or falling from the building or part of the building, and/or falling or moving through structural members or elements other than structural Note 1 to entry: This includes all elements that fulfil this function in a building (e.g. handrails, parapets, balustrades, guard rails, partition walls acting as barriers, non-loadbearing separating walls, etc.).

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3.1.3

grandstand large, often roofed structure that can include standing and/or seated accommodation for spectators at sporting or other events

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3.1.4

gross vehicle weight self-weight of the vehicle together with the maximum weight it is permitted to carry

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3.1.5

imposed loads on buildings loads arising from occupancy

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3.1.6

partition non-load bearing wall

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3.1.7

specific weight overall weight per unit volume of a material, including a normal distribution of micro-voids, voids and pores Note 1 to entry: In everyday usage this term is frequently called “density” (which is strictly mass per unit volume).

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3.1.8

stage structure that includes a performance area, which is used for a wide variety of functions at public and private events

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3.1.9

synchronised rhythmic crowd load load induced by coordinated jumping and stamping EXAMPLE: load induced by spectators on grandstands at sporting events and concerts, coordinated jumping or dancing at fitness centres or similar Note 1 to entry: Structures with elements subject to dancing and jumping are liable to inadvertent or deliberate synchronized movement of occupants, sometimes accompanied by music with a strong beat, such as occurs at pop concerts and aerobics events.

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3.1.10

tributary area area whose loading is assumed to contribute to the loading on the structural member supporting that area Note 1 to entry: The tributary area can change depending on the support conditions. An example of tributary areas for a beam supporting two single span one-way decks is given in Figure 3.1. An example of tributary areas for columns is given in Figure 3.2, which takes account of the continuity effects of the slab. Note 2 to entry: On each floor, the sum of tributary areas equals the total area of the slab. Figure 3.1 - Example of tributary area related to a beam (slabs are only spanning over one bay) Key:
  • A₁₋₂: tributary area related to beam 1-2
  • A₂₋₃: tributary area related to beam 2-3
Figure 3.2 - Example of tributary area related to columns supporting a slab (two way spanning) Key:
  • A₁: tributary area related to column 1
  • A₂: tributary area related to column 2
  • A₃: tributary area related to column 3

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3.2 Symbols and abbreviations

For the purposes of this document, the following symbols apply.

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3.2.1 Latin upper-case symbols

SymbolDefinition
Atributary area
A_refdefined area for the application of q_k on roofs
G_k,inflower characteristic value of a permanent action
G_k,supupper characteristic value of a permanent action
Q_kcharacteristic value of a variable concentrated action
Q_k,dyncharacteristic value of a dynamic action
Q_k,pself-weight of partitions

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3.2.2 Latin lower-case symbols

SymbolDefinition
g_kweight per unit area, or weight per unit length
l_foverall length of a forklift
nnumber of storeys
q_kcharacteristic value of a uniformly distributed load, or line load
q_k,pcharacteristic value of the uniformly distributed load representing partitions
W_f,axlewidth of axle relevant to a forklift
W_f,overalloverall width of a forklift

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3.2.3 Greek lower-case symbols

SymbolDefinition
α_Areduction factor for imposed loads for floors and accessible roofs
α_nreduction factor for imposed loads for columns and walls
γspecific weight
φdynamic amplification factor
ψ₀combination factor applied to a variable action to determine its combination value (see EN 1990)
φangle of repose (degrees)