Eurocode 1

Actions On Structures



Wind Actions

 BS EN
BRITISH STANDARD
1991-1-4:2005

Eurocode 1: Actions on
structures
Part 1-4: General actions Wind
actions

The European Standard EN 1991-1-4:2005 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 91.010.30
BS EN 1991-1-4:2005

National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN 1991-1-4:2005. It supersedes DD ENV 1991-1-4:2004 which is withdrawn.
Details of superseded British Standards are given in the table below.
The structural Eurocodes are divided into packages by grouping Eurocodes for
each of the main materials, concrete, steel, composite concrete and steel,
timber, masonry and aluminium, this is to enable a common date of
withdrawal (DOW) for all the relevant parts that are needed for a particular
design. The conflicting national standards will be withdrawn at the end of the
coexistence period, after all the EN Eurocodes of a package are available.
Following publication of the EN, there is a period of 2 years allowed for the
national calibration period during which the National annex is issued, followed
by a three year coexistence period. During the coexistence period Member
States will be encouraged to adapt their national provisions to withdraw
conflicting national rules before the end of the coexistent period. The
Commission in consultation with Member States is expected to agree the end
of the coexistence period for each package of Eurocodes.
At the end of the coexistence period, the national standard(s) will be
withdrawn.
In the UK, the following national standards are superseded by the Eurocode 1
series. These standards will be withdrawn on a date to be announced.
Eurocode Superseded British Standards
EN 1991-1-1 BS 6399-1:1996
EN 1991-1-2 none
EN 1991-1-3 BS 6399-3:1988
EN 1991-1-4 BS 6399-2:1997, BS 5400-2:1978*
EN 1991-1-5 BS 5400-2:1978*
EN 1991-1-6 none
EN 1991-1-7 none
EN 1991-2 BS 5400-1:1988, BS 5400-2:1978*
EN 1991-3 none
EN 1991-4 none
* BS 5400-2:1978 will not be fully superseded until publication of Annex A.2 to BS EN 1990:2002.

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee

B/525, Building and civil engineering structures, to Subcommittee B/525/1,
Actions (loadings) and basis of design, which has the responsibility to:

aid enquirers to understand the text;

This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee on
25 April 2005
present to the responsible international/European committee any
enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;
monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date Comments

BSI 25 April 2005

ISBN 0 580 45959 4



Snow Loads



Imposed Loads

 NA to BS EN
NATIONAL ANNEX
1991-1-1:2002

UK National Annex to
Eurocode 1: Actions on
structures
Part 1-1: General actions Densities,
self-weight, imposed loads for buildings

ICS 91.010.30

 NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Introduction 1
NA.1 Scope 1
NA.2 Nationally Determined Parameters 1
NA.3 Decisions on the status of informative annexes 10
NA.4 References to non-contradictory complementary information 10
Bibliography 11
Table NA.1 Characteristic values of self-weight UK guidance on
additional provisions for bridges 3
Table NA.2 Categories for residential, social, commercial and
administration areas including additional sub-categories for the UK 4
Table NA.3 Imposed loads on floors, balconies and stairs in buildings 6
Table NA.4 Categories for storage and industrial areas including
additional sub-categories for the UK 7
Table NA.5 Imposed floor loads due to storage 7
Table NA.6 Imposed loads on garages and vehicle traffic areas 8
Table NA.7 Imposed loads on roofs not accessible except for normal
maintenance and repair 8
Table NA.8 Horizontal loads on partition walls and parapets 9

BSI 30 December 2005 i

 NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

National Annex (informative) to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Eurocode 1: Actions on

structures Part 1-1: General actions Densities, self-weight, imposed loads
for buildings
Introduction
This National Annex has been prepared by BSI Subcommittee B/525/1, Actions (loadings) and basis of
design. In the UK it is to be used in conjunction with BS EN 1991-1-1:2002.

NA.1 Scope
This National Annex gives:
a) the UK decisions for the Nationally Determined Parameters described in the following subclauses of
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002:
2.2 (3)
5.2.3 (1) to 5.2.3 (5)
6.3.1.1 (Table 6.1)
6.3.1.2 (1)P (Table 6.2)
6.3.1.2 (10)
6.3.1.2 (11)
6.3.2.2 (1)P (Table 6.4)
6.3.3.2 (1) (Table 6.8)
6.3.4.2 (Table 6.10)
6.4 (1) (Table 6.12)
b) the UK decisions on the status of BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 informative annexes; and
c) references to non-contradictory complementary information for the following subclauses of
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002:
6.3.2.2
6.3.4.2 (1)

NA.2 Nationally Determined Parameters

NA.2.1 Dynamically susceptible structures [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 2.2(3)]
NA.2.1.1 General
The procedure to be used for structures that are susceptible to dynamic excitation is outlined
in NA.2.1.2, NA.2.1.3 and NA.2.1.4 for particular cases of dynamic loading conditions and structural types.
In such cases, the design should take account of the load-structure interaction and dynamic characteristics
of the structure, e.g. natural frequency, mass, damping and mode shapes. Furthermore, for structural
design with oscillation or vibration as a serviceability criterion, separate consideration of their influence is
necessary, e.g. on the operation of equipment in the building and/or on the comfort of the users and
occupiers of the building.
In certain cases, e.g. structures intended primarily for providing spectator facilities, the relevant certifying
authority may refer to specific guidance documents that are considered appropriate and sufficient for
compliance with their requirements.
NA.2.1.2 Synchronized rhythmical movements
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. These activities generate dynamic effects that can result in enhanced
vertical and horizontal loads. If a natural frequency of a structure matches the frequency of the
synchronized movement, or an integer multiple of it, then resonance can occur that greatly amplifies the
dynamic response.

BSI 30 December 2005 1

NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

The following three alternative procedures are recommended for such design situations.
a) In addition to design using the dead and static imposed loads given for category C4 uses in Table NA.3,
resonance of the structure should be avoided by limiting its natural frequencies so that the vertical
frequency is greater than 8,4 Hz and the horizontal frequency is greater than 4,0 Hz. These frequencies
should be evaluated for the appropriate mode of vibration of an empty structure.
b) Structural elements subject to dancing and jumping should be designed to resist the anticipated
dynamic loading. The deformation should not exceed limits appropriate to the structure type. Detailed
design should be carried out accounting for dynamic response of the structure and a range of load
frequencies and types, and with the help of specialist advice and specialist guidance documents,
e.g. BRE Digest 426, The response of structures to dynamic crowd loads [1].
c) Specific guidance, as required by the certifying authority for the type of structure under consideration,
should be used.
NA.2.1.3 Dynamic loads from machinery
Dynamic effects caused by the operation of machinery depend on the type of machinery and the structural
form. Designers should seek specialist guidance and consider dynamic loads and potential resonant
excitation of such structures. Guidance on actions induced by cranes and machinery is given in
BS EN 1991-31).
NA.2.1.4 Lightweight structures and long-span structures
Where these structures are used as concourses and public spaces, they are likely to be subject to
inadvertent or deliberate synchronized movement by people, causing dynamic excitation. The design
provisions should take account of the nature and intended use of the structure, the potential number of
people and their possible behaviour. Structural design should be carried out with the help of specialist
advice and specialist guidance documents.
NA.2.2 Characteristic values of self-weight Additional provisions specific to bridges
[BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 5.2.3]
Additional provisions for bridges are given in BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 5.2.3. The UK guidance on these
provisions is given in Table NA.1.
NA.2.3 Categories for residential, social, commercial and administration areas
[BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.1.1]
The categories for residential, social, commercial and administration areas are given in
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.1. These categories have been expanded in Table NA.2 to include additional
sub-categories for the UK.
NA.2.4 Imposed loads on floors, balconies and stairs in buildings
[BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.1.2 (1)P]
Values for minimum imposed loads on floors, balconies and stairs in buildings should be taken from
Table NA.3 (as a replacement for BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.2) for the categories of residential, social,
commercial and administration areas described in Table NA.2.
NA.2.5 Reduction factor for imposed loads for floors and accessible roofs
[BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.1.2 (10)]
The reduction factor A should be determined using Equation (NA.1) instead of
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Equation (6.1):

A = 1,0 A/1 000 0,75 (NA.1)

where

A is the area (m2) supported.

NOTE Loads that have been specifically determined from knowledge of the proposed use of the structure do not qualify for reduction.

1)
In preparation.

2 BSI 30 December 2005

 NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

Table NA.1 Characteristic values of self-weight UK guidance on additional

provisions for bridges
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 Nationally Determined Parameter
subclause

5.2.3 (1) Self-weight of fill should be defined for the individual project depending on the
estimated change with time due to consolidation, saturation, etc. and considering
local conditions, type of soil, ground water variation and degree of consolidation.
For ballast on railway bridges, unless otherwise specified by the competent
authority, the upper characteristic value of the density of ballast should be taken as
21 kN/m3. This allows for dirty waterlogged ballast.
For ballast on railway bridges, unless otherwise specified for the individual project,
the lower characteristic value of the density of ballast should be taken as 17 kN/m3.
This value allows for dry clean ballast and should be used especially when a
dynamic analysis of the bridge is required by BS EN 1991-2 and a lower bound
estimate of the mass of the bridge is being considered.
5.2.3 (2) For determining the load effects on railway bridges, the nominal depth of ballast
should be taken as 300 mm measured from the underside of the sleepers at the
lowest rail to the top of the bridge deck unless the bridge carries a greater depth of
ballast. In the latter case, the actual depth of ballast should be taken.
In determining the upper and lower characteristic values of depth of ballast, the
deviation of 30 % should be applied only to the top 300 mm depth of ballast
measured from the underside of the sleepers.
5.2.3 (3) The deviation of the total thickness of waterproofing, surfacing and other coatings
for bridges from the nominal value, or other specified values, should be 40 % if a
post-execution coating is included in the nominal value and between 55 % and 40 %
if not.
5.2.3 (4) Deviation from the mean value of self-weight should be 20 %.
5.2.3 (5) The characteristic values of self-weight of other non-structural elements should be
taken to equal the nominal values.

NA.2.6 Reduction factors for imposed loads from several storeys

[BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.1.2 (11)]
The reduction factor n should be determined using Equation (NA.2) instead of
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Equation (6.2):

n = 1,1 n/10 for 1 n 5

n = 0,6 for 5 < n 10 (NA.2)
n = 0,5 for n > 10

where
n is the number of storeys with loads qualifying for reduction (see Note).
Load reductions based on area in NA.2.5 may be applied if A < n. However, the reductions given by
Equation (NA.1) cannot be used in combination with those determined from Equation (NA.2).
NOTE Loads that have been specifically determined from knowledge of the proposed use of the structure do not qualify for reduction.

BSI 30 December 2005 3

4
Table NA.2 Categories for residential, social, commercial and administration areas including additional sub-categories
for the UK

Category of Specific use Sub-category Example

loaded area

A Areas for A1 All usages within self-contained dwelling units (a unit occupied by a single family or a modular
domestic and student accommodation unit with a secure door and comprising not more than six single bedrooms
residential and an internal corridor)
activities Communal areas (including kitchens) in blocks of flats with limited use (see Note 1). For communal
areas in other blocks of flats, see A5, A6 and C3
A2 Bedrooms and dormitories except those in self-contained single family dwelling units and in hotels
and motels
A3 Bedrooms in hotels and motels; hospital wards; toilet areas
NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

B Office areas
A4 Billiard/snooker rooms
A5 Balconies in single family dwelling units and communal areas in blocks of flats with limited use
(see Note 1)
A6 Balconies in hostels, guest houses, residential clubs and communal areas in blocks of flats except
those covered by Note 1
A7 Balconies in hotels and motels
B1 General use other than in B2
B2 At or below ground floor level

C Areas where C1 Areas with tables

people may
C11 Public, institutional and communal dining rooms and lounges, cafes and restaurants (see Note 2)
congregate
(with the C12 Reading rooms with no book storage
exception of C13 Classrooms
areas defined
under C2 Areas with fixed seats
category A, B C21 Assembly areas with fixed seating (see Note 3)
and D)
C22 Places of worship
C3 Areas without obstacles for moving people
C31 Corridors, hallways, aisles in institutional type buildings not subjected to crowds or wheeled
vehicles, hostels, guest houses, residential clubs, and communal areas in blocks of flats not covered
by Note 1

BSI 30 December 2005

 Table NA.2 Categories for residential, social, commercial and administration areas including additional sub-categories
for the UK (continued)
Category of Specific use Sub-category Example
loaded area

C32 Stairs, landings in institutional type buildings not subjected to crowds or wheeled vehicles, hostels,
guest houses, residential clubs, and communal areas in blocks of flats not covered by Note 1

BSI 30 December 2005

C33 Corridors, hallways, aisles in all buildings not covered by C31 and C32, including hotels and motels
and institutional buildings subjected to crowds
C34 Corridors, hallways, aisles in all buildings not covered by C31 and C32, including hotels and motels
and institutional buildings subjected to wheeled vehicles, including trolleys
C35 Stairs, landings in all buildings not covered by C31 and C32, including hotels and motels and
institutional buildings subjected to crowds
C36 Walkways Light duty (access suitable for one person, walkway width approx 600 mm)
C37 Walkways General duty (regular two-way pedestrian traffic)
C38 Walkways Heavy duty (high density pedestrian traffic including escape routes)
C39 Museum floors and art galleries for exhibition purposes

C4 Areas with possible physical activities

C41 Dance halls and studios, gymnasia, stages (see Note 5)
C42 Drill halls and drill rooms (see Note 5)
C5 Areas susceptible to large crowds
C51 Assembly areas without fixed seating, concert halls, bars and places of worship (see Note 4 and
Note 5)
C52 Stages in public assembly areas (see Note 5)
D Shopping D1 Areas in general retail shops
areas D2 Areas in department stores
NOTE 1 Communal areas in blocks of flats with limited use are blocks of flats not more than three storeys in height and with not more than four self-contained dwelling units per
floor accessible from one staircase.
NOTE 2 Where the areas described by C11 might be subjected to loads due to physical activities or overcrowding, e.g. a hotel dining room used as a dance floor, imposed loads
should be based on C4 or C5 as appropriate. Reference should also be made to Note 5.
NOTE 3 Fixed seating is seating where its removal and the use of the space for other purposes is improbable.
NOTE 4 For grandstands and stadia, reference should be made to the requirements of the appropriate certifying authority.
NOTE 5 For structures that might be susceptible to resonance effects, reference should be made to NA.2.1.
NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

5
NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

Table NA.3 Imposed loads on floors, balconies and stairs in buildings

Category of loaded area qk Qk
kN/m2 kN

Category A A1 1,5 2,0

A2 1,5 2,0
A3 2,0 2,0
A4 2,0 2,7
A5 2,5 2,0
A6 Same as the rooms to which they give access but 2,0 (concentrated at the
with a minimum of 3,0 outer edge)
A7 Same as the rooms to which they give access but 2,0 (concentrated at the
with a minimum of 4,0 outer edge)
Category B B1 2,5 2,7
B2 3,0 2,7
Category C C11 2,0 3,0
C12 2,5 4,0
C13 3,0 3,0
C21 4,0 3,6
C22 3,0 2,7
C31 3,0 4,5
C32 3,0 4,0
C33 4,0 4,5
C34 5,0 4,5
C35 4,0 4,0
C36 3,0 2,0
C37 5,0 3,6
C38 7,5 4,5
C39 4,0 4,5
C41 5,0 3,6
C42 5,0 7,0
C51 5,0 3,6
C52 7,5 4,5
Category D D1/D2 4,0 3,6

6 BSI 30 December 2005

 NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

NA.2.7 Categories for storage and industrial areas [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.2.1 (1)P]
The categories for storage and industrial areas are given in BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.3. These
categories have been expanded in Table NA.4 to include additional sub-categories for the UK.

Table NA.4 Categories for storage and industrial areas including additional sub-categories
for the UK
Category of Specific use Sub-category Examples
loaded area

E1 Areas E11 General areas for static equipment not specified elsewhere
susceptible to (institutional and public buildings)
accumulation E12 Reading rooms with book storage, e.g. libraries
of goods,
including E13 General storage other than those specified (see Note)
access areas E14 File rooms, filing and storage space (offices)
E15 Stack rooms (books)
E16 Paper storage for printing plants and stationery stores
E17 Dense mobile stacking (books) on mobile trolleys, in public and
institutional buildings
E18 Dense mobile stacking (books) on mobile trucks, in warehouses
E19 Cold storage
E2 Industrial use See PD 6688 for imposed loads on floors for areas of industrial
use

NA.2.8 Imposed loads on floors due to storage [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.2.2 (1)P]
Values for imposed loads on floors due to storage should be taken from Table NA.5 (as a replacement for
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.4) for the sub-categories of E1 described in Table NA.4.

Table NA.5 Imposed floor loads due to storage

Category of loaded qk Qk
area
kN/m 2 kN

E11 2,0 1,8

E12 4,0 4,5
E13 2,4 per metre of storage height 7,0
E14 5,0 4,5
E15 2,4 per metre of storage height but with a minimum of 6,5 7,0
E16 4,0 per metre of storage height 9,0
E17 4,8 per metre of storage height but with a minimum of 9,6 7,0
E18 4,8 per metre of storage height but with a minimum of 15,0 7,0
E19 5,0 per metre of storage height but with a minimum of 15,0 9,0
NOTE E13 is a general category, however, designers are encouraged to liaise with clients to determine more specific load values
than the lower bound value given in this table.

BSI 30 December 2005 7

NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

NA.2.9 Imposed loads on garages and vehicle traffic areas [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.3.2 (1)]
Values for imposed loads on garages and vehicle traffic areas should be taken from Table NA.6 (as a
replacement for BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.8) for categories F and G described in
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.7.

Table NA.6 Imposed loads on garages and vehicle traffic areas

Categories of traffic areas qk Qk
2 kN
kN/m

Category F 2,5 10,0

(gross vehicle weight 30 kN)
Category G 5,0 To be determined for specific use
(30 kN < gross vehicle weight 160 kN)
NOTE qk and Qk should not be applied simultaneously.

NA.2.10 Imposed loads on roofs [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.4.2]

Values for imposed loads on roofs not accessible except for normal maintenance and repair should be taken
from Table NA.7 (as a replacement for BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.10) for category H described in
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.9.

Table NA.7 Imposed loads on roofs not accessible except for normal maintenance and repair
Roof slope, qk Qk
degrees kN/m2 kN

< 30 0,6 0,9

30 < 60 0,6[(60 )/30]
60 0
NOTE 1 All roof slopes are measured from the horizontal and all loads should be applied vertically.
NOTE 2 In evaluating Table NA.7 for curved roofs the roofs should be divided into not less than five equal segments and the mean
slope of each segment considered to be equivalent to the roof slope, .
NOTE 3 BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Note 3 to Table 6.10 states that qk may be assumed to act on an area A. It is recommended that the
value of A should be the whole area of the roof.

NA.2.11 Horizontal loads on parapets and partition walls acting as barriers

[BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.4 (1)]
Values for horizontal loads on parapets and partition walls acting as barriers should be taken from
Table NA.8 (as a replacement for BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Table 6.12) for the categories of loaded areas
described in BS EN 1991-1-1:2002.

8 BSI 30 December 2005

 Table NA.8 Horizontal loads on partition walls and parapets
Category of loaded area Sub-category Examples qk
kN/m

A (including (i) All areas within or serving exclusively one dwelling including stairs, landings 0,36
sub-categories in etc. but excluding external balconies and edges of roofs [see (vii)]
Table NA.2) (ii) Residential areas not covered by (i) 0,74

BSI 30 December 2005

B and C1 (including (iii) Areas not susceptible to overcrowding in office and institutional buildings, 0,74
sub-categories in reading rooms and classrooms including stairs
Table NA.2) (iv) Restaurants and cafes 1,5
C2, C3, C4 and D (v) Areas having fixed seating within 530 mm of the barrier, balustrade or 1,5
(including sub-categories parapet
in Table NA.2)a (vi) Stairs, landings, balustrades, corridors and ramps 0,74
(vii) External balconies and edges of roofs 0,74
Footways within building curtilage and adjacent to basement/sunken areas
(viii) All retail areas 1,5
C5 (including (ix) Footways or pavements less than 3 m wide adjacent to sunken areas 1,5

sub-categories in (x) Theatres, cinemas, discotheques, bars, auditoria, shopping malls, assembly 3,0
Table NA.2) areas, studios
Footways or pavements greater than 3 m wide adjacent to sunken areas
(xi) Grandstands and stadia See requirements of
the appropriate
certifying authority
E (including (xii) Industrial; and storage buildings except as given by (xiii) and (xiv) 0,74
sub-categories in (xiii) Light pedestrian traffic routes in industrial and storage buildings except 0,36
Table NA.4) designated escape routes
(xiv) Light access stairs and gangways not more than 600 mm wide 0,22
F and G (xv) Pedestrian areas in car parks including stairs, landings, ramps, edges or 1,5
internal floors, footways, edges of roofs
(xvi) Horizontal loads imposed by vehicles See
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002,
Annex B
a
For areas where large crowds might occur, see C5.
NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

9
NA to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

NA.3 Decisions on the status of informative annexes

NA.3.1 Tables for nominal density of construction materials and nominal density and angles of
repose for stored materials [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Annex A]
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Annex A may be used.
NA.3.2 Vehicle barriers and parapets for car parks [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Annex B]
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Annex B should be used.

NA.4 References to non-contradictory complementary information

NA.4.1 Imposed loads on industrial areas [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.2.2]
BS EN 1991-1-1 does not specify values for imposed loads on floors for areas of industrial use (i.e.
category E2 from Table NA.4).
However, BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.1 (4) does state that loads for heavy equipment (e.g. in communal
kitchens, radiology rooms and boiler rooms) should be agreed between the client and/or the relevant
authority.
In the absence of such agreement, the minimum imposed loads given in PD 6688 may be used for
category E2 loaded areas.
NA.4.2 Imposed loads on roofs [BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.4.2 (1)]
Imposed loads on roofs specified in BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, 6.3.4.2 (1) are for access for cleaning or
maintenance only. Loads produced by climatic effects on all categories of roofs are specified in
BS EN 1991-1-4 (wind loads), BS EN 1991-1-3 (snow loads) and BS EN 1991-1-5 (thermal actions).

10 BSI 30 December 2005




Appendix
Crane Actions

Section 4 BS 5950-1:2000

4.10 Members in lattice frames and trusses

In the design of lattice frames and trusses, unless fatigue is a design consideration, it may be assumed that:
a) the in-plane lengths of chord members (rafters or bottom chords) should be taken as the distance
between connections to internal members, and the out-of-plane lengths as the distance between purlins
or longitudinal ties, provided that such ties are properly connected to an adequate restraint system;
b) for the purpose of calculating the effective length of members, the fixity of the connections and the
rigidity of adjacent members may be taken into account;
c) for the purpose of calculating the forces in the members, the connections may be taken as pinned;
d) if the exact locations of the purlins are not fixed relative to the points where the rafter is connected to
the internal members, the bending moment in the rafter may be taken as wL2/6, in which L is the length
of the rafter between such points and w is the total load per unit length applied perpendicular to the
rafter.
If the sheeting spans directly from truss to truss without using purlins, the stability of the rafter should be
investigated and the sheeting should be adequately fixed. This method of providing restraint to the rafter
should not be used unless the loading is mainly roof loading.
4.11 Gantry girders
4.11.1 General
Gantry girders resisting loads from overhead travelling cranes, see 2.2.3 and 2.4.1, should satisfy the
conditions given in 4.11.2, 4.11.3, 4.11.4 and 4.11.5, in addition to those given in 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.9.
4.11.2 Crabbing of trolley
Gantry girders intended to carry cranes of loading class Q1 and Q2 as defined in BS 2573-1 need not be
designed for the effects of crabbing action.
Gantry girders intended to carry cranes of class Q3 and Q4 as defined in BS 2573-1 should be designed for
the following couple due to crabbing action. This couple need not be combined with the horizontal loads
obtained from 2.2.3. The couple is due to the crabbing action of two wheels or bogies comprising two equal
and opposite forces FR acting transverse to the rail, one at each end of the wheelbase:

Lc Ww Ww
F R = ---------------- but FR ---------
40a w 20

where
aw is the distance between the centres of the two end wheels or between the pivots of the bogies,
except that if horizontal guide rollers are used aw is the wheelbase of the guide rollers;
Lc is the span of the crane;
Ww is the largest load (including dynamic effects) on a wheel or bogie pivot.

4.11.3 Lateral-torsional buckling

Due to the interaction between crane wheels and crane rails, crane loads need not be treated as
destabilizing, see 4.3.4, provided that the rails are not mounted on resilient pads. In either case, the
equivalent uniform moment factor mLT in 4.3.6.2 should be taken as 1.0.

BSI 05-2001 105

BS 5950-1:2000 Section 4

4.11.4 Local compression under wheels

The local compressive stress in the web due to a crane wheel load may be obtained by distributing it over
a length xR given by:
xR = 2(HR + T) but xR sw
where
HR is the rail height;
sw is the minimum distance between centres of adjacent wheels;
T is the flange thickness.
Alternatively, where the properties of the rail are known:

I f + I R 1/3
x R = K R ---------------- but xR sw
t

where
If is the second moment of area of the flange about its horizontal centroidal axis;
IR is the second moment of area of the crane rail about its horizontal centroidal axis;
KR is a constant;
t is the web thickness.
The constant KR should be taken as follows:
a) when the crane rail is mounted directly on the beam flange: KR = 3.25;
b) where a suitable resilient pad not less than 5 mm thick is interposed between the crane rail and the
beam flange: KR = 4.0.
The stress obtained by dispersing the wheel load over the length xR should not be greater than pyw.
4.11.5 Welded girders
Web to top flange welds should be continuous and should preferably be full penetration butt welds. They
should be checked for the local effects of crane wheel loads by assuming that these are transmitted to the
web by the welds alone, over a length xR determined as in 4.11.4, in addition to all other effects.

106 BSI 05-2001


vi) For any conditions dealt with in Subclauses ii)
to v) above, the impact test pieces shall be cut
from the sections as specified in BS 43603).
b) High tensile steel rivets. Where high tensile
steel is used for rivets, steps shall be taken to ensure
that the rivets are so manufactured that they can be
driven and the heads formed satisfactorily; and that
the physical properties of the steel are not impaired.
c) Electrodes. Mild steel electrodes and high
tensile steel electrodes shall comply with the
requirements of BS 639, Covered electrodes for the
manual metal-arc welding of mild steel and
medium-tensile steel.
d) Steel for bolts and nuts
Bolts and nuts shall comply with one of the
following specifications:
BS 3692. ISO metric precision hexagon bolts,
screws and nuts.
BS 4190. ISO metric black hexagon bolts, screws
and nuts.
BS 4933. ISO metric black cup and countersunk
head bolts and screws with hexagon
nuts.
e) Washers. Plain washers shall be made of steel.
Taper or other specially shaped washers shall be
made of steel or malleable cast iron. (See BS 4320,
Metal washers for general engineering purposes.
Metric series.).
4 Other materials
Other materials used in the structure in association
with steelwork shall conform to any bye-laws or
regulations to which the building has to conform.
Where an appropriate British Standard for a
particular material exists the material shall also
comply with that British Standard, except where it
may conflict with, or differ from, the requirements of
any relevant bye-law or regulation.
5 Standard dimensions
The dimensions of all structural rolled shapes, and
the form, weight, tolerance, etc., of all rolled shapes
and other members used in any structure shall,
whenever possible, conform to the latest
appropriate standards of the British Standards
Institution.
The dimensions or form and the weight, tolerances,
etc., of all rivets, bolts, nuts, studs, etc., shall
conform to the requirements of the latest
appropriate standards of the British Standards
Institution.
3) BS 4360, Weldable structural steels.
BSI 02-1999
BS 449-2:1969
Chapter 3. Loads
6 Dead loads and imposed loads
Reference should be made to CP 3:Chapter V,
Loading:
1) for recommendations on the determination of the
dead load; and
2) for recommended values of imposed loads on
floors, corridors, balconies, stairs and landings,
parapets and balustrades; of snow and other loads;
and of wind loads on buildings and unclad
structures (including sheeted towers and chimneys).
7 Dynamic loads
Where loads arising from machinery, runways,
cranes and other plant producing dynamic effects
are supported by or communicated to the
framework, allowance shall be made for these
dynamic effects, including impact, by increasing the
deadweight values by an adequate percentage.
In order to ensure due economy in design the
Engineer shall ascertain as accurately as possible
the appropriate dynamic increase for all members
affected.
For crane gantry girders the following allowances
shall be deemed to cover all forces set up by
vibration, shock from slipping of slings, kinetic
action of acceleration and retardation, impact of
wheel loads and skew loads due to travelling:
1) For loads acting vertically, the maximum static
wheel loads shall be increased by the following
percentages:
for electric overhead cranes 25 per cent
for hand-operated cranes 10 per cent
Values for cranes for loading class Q3 and Q4 as
defined in BS 2573-1 shall be established in
consultation with the crane manufacturer.
2) The horizontal force acting transverse to the rails
shall be taken as a percentage of the combined
weight of the crab and the load lifted as follows:
for electric overhead cranes 10 per cent
for hand-operated cranes 5 per cent
This force shall be taken into account when
considering the lateral rigidity of the rails and their
fastenings. Provided that both gantry girders
supporting the crane are similar, this horizontal
force may be assumed to be shared equally between
the two supporting girders.
3
BS 449-2:1969
3) Horizontal forces acting along the rails shall be
taken as a percentage of the static wheel loads
which can occur on the rails, as follows:
for overhead cranes, either
electric or hand-operated 5 per cent
4) For gantry girders intended to carry cranes of
class Q3 and Q4 as defined in BS 2573-1, two equal
and opposite horizontal forces acting transverse to
the rail, one at each end of the wheelbase, of the
magnitude specified in Clause 3.1.5.2 of BS 2573-1.
The forces specified in 2), 3) or 4) above shall be
considered as acting at the rail level and being
appropriately transmitted to the supporting
systems.
Gantry girders and their supporting structures
shall be designed on the assumption that the
horizontal forces 2), 3) and 4) are alternatives which
do not act at the same time but that each of them
may act at the same time as the vertical load.
An increase of 10 per cent on the allowable stresses
specified in this standard shall be allowable for the
combination of loadings 1) and 2), 3) or 4) above in
respect of the design of the gantry girders and
supporting structures. This increase is not however
in addition to that permitted in Clause 13.
In special cases, e.g. charging machines, and where
more than one crane is in use on the gantry and
where high speeds are attained, the above
allowances should be reconsidered.
For cranes on outdoor gantries the wind loads on the
gantry and supporting structure shall be obtained
from:
a) BS 2573-1, for cranes in the working condition;
b) CP 3:Chapter V-2, for cranes which are not
working.
Where a structure or member is subject to loads
from two or more cranes, the crane loads shall be
taken as the maximum vertical and horizontal loads
acting simultaneously. Loading on steel over-head
runway beams shall be as specified in BS 2853.
NOTE For factors applicable to the allowable working stresses,
and detailed design under fatigue conditions, see BS 2573-1.
4 BSI 02-1999
8 Temperature range
Where, in the design and erection of a building, it is
necessary to take account of a change of
temperature, it shall be assumed that the average
temperature of the metal in the structure in Great
Britain and Northern Ireland does not vary over a
range greater than from 7 C to + 50 C. The
design range, however, depends on the location,
type and purpose of the building. Special
consideration will be necessary for structures in
special conditions and in localities abroad subject to
different temperature ranges.
Chapter 4. Design and details of
construction
A. General
9 Steel framework
a) Any part of the structure shall be capable of
sustaining the most adverse combination of static
and dynamic forces which may reasonably be
expected from dead loads and all imposed loads,
including snow and wind loads, referred to in
Chapter 3, without the allowable stresses specified
in Chapter 4 being exceeded. The design and details
of parts and components shall be compatible so that
the required overall stability is achieved.
NOTE This is best ensured by making one person responsible
for this compatibility when some or all of the design and details
are not made by the same designer.
b) The following methods may be employed in the
design of the steel framework:
1) Simple design. This method applies to
structures in which the end connections between
members are such that they will not develop
restraint moments adversely affecting the
members and the structure as a whole and in
which the structure may, for the purposes of
design, be assumed to be pin-jointed.
This method of design involves the following
assumptions:
Beams are simply supported.
All connections of beams, girders or trusses are
proportioned to resist the reaction shear forces
applied at the appropriate eccentricity.
Members in compression are subjected to loads
applied at the appropriate eccentricities
(see Clause 34 for stanchions), with the
effective lengths given in Clauses 30 and 31.
Members in tension are subjected to
longitudinal loads applied over the net area of
the section, as specified in Clause 42.
BS 2573-1:1983

No change in the group classification of a crane, or in its combination of state of loading and class of
utilization within the same group classification shall be made without reference to the manufacturer or
having a thorough design check carried out by a competent person.
Table 2 State of loading
State of loading Nominal load Descriptive definition
spectrum factor
Kp
Q1 Light 0.5 Cranes which hoist the safe working load very rarely and, normally,
light loads.
Q2 Moderate 0.63 Cranes which hoist the safe working load fairly frequently and,
normally, moderate loads.
Q3 Heavy 0.8 Cranes which hoist the safe working load frequently and, normally,
heavy loads.
Q4 Very heavy 1.0 Cranes which are normally loaded close to safe working load.
NOTE The values of the nominal load spectrum factor as defined in ISO 4301 are equivalent to the cube of those in Table 2 above.
This difference from ISO 4301 does not affect the state of loading of the crane or its group classification but results in values that
can be applied directly in the simple treatment for fatigue design given in 8.4.

Table 3 Group classification of the crane as a whole

State of loading Nominal Class of utilization and maximum number of operation cycles of the crane
load
spectrum U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 U7 U8 U9
factor Kp 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6
3.2 10 6.3 10 1.25 10 2.5 10 5 10 1 10 2 10 4 10 > 4 106

Q1 Light 0.5 A1 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8
Q2 Moderate 0.63 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A8
Q3 Heavy 0.8 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A8 A8
Q4 Very heavy 1.0 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A8 A8 A8

4 BSI 10-1999
BS 2573-1:1983

Table 4 Impact and duty factors according to

crane type and application
NOTE The table does not cover all crane types and duties. Cranes such as floating cranes,
breakdown cranes and pedestal cranes for off-shore use, for example, all have special design
requirements associated with their particular applications which have to be taken into
account when determining appropriate impact and duty factors.
a) Overhead travelling industrial type cranes (O.T.C.)
Type and/or application Impact Duty
factor factor

Power stations, engine houses, etc. 1.1 0.95

Light work shop duty (maintenance, repairs, 1.1 1.0
assembly, etc.)
Light stores duty 1.1 1.0
Medium and heavy warehouse duty 1.3 0.95
Medium and heavy workshop duty 1.3 0.95
Goliath cranes for general hook service 1.3 0.95
Goliath cranes for container handling 1.3 0.95
Goliath and bridge cranes for intermittent duty 1.4 0.90
grabbing work continuous duty 1.5 0.85
Shipyard cranes 1.3 0.95
Ladle cranes for foundry work 1.2 0.90
Magnet cranes for steel stockyard 1.4 0.90
Magnet cranes for scrapyard work 1.5 0.85
Forging cranes 2.0a 0.85
b) Overhead travelling steelworks cranes
Type and/or application Impact Duty
factor factor

Ladle cranes 1.2 0.85

Pig/scrap breaking cranes 1.5 0.85
Ingot strippers 1.2 0.85
Soaking pit mould handling cranes 1.5 0.85
Vertical ingot chargers b
See below 0.85
Furnace charging cranes 1.5 0.85
Forging cranes 2.0a 0.85
Process cranes: on line 1.5 0.85
Process cranes: off line 1.3 0.9
Heavy mill service 1.4 0.9
Service and maintenance cranes 1.2 0.95
a This
factor may be modified when an overload protection device is fitted.
bL
is taken as 1.2 (W1 + W2) or 1.5 W1 + 1.0 W2, whichever is the greater, where:
3
W1 is the load in the tongs;
W2 is the weight of the mast and the tongs.

6 BSI 10-1999
 BS 2573-1:1983

Table 4 Impact and duty factors according to

crane type and application
c) Transporters
Type and/or application Impact factor Duty
factor

Medium duty: general use 1.3 0.95

Heavy duty: intermittent grabbing and magnet
work 1.4 0.90
Extra heavy duty: continuous grabbing and
magnet work 1.5 0.85
d) High pedestal or portal jib cranes and derrick cranes
Type and/or application Impact factor Duty
factor

Medium duty in docks and elsewhere: handling

general cargo and piece goods 1.3 0.95
Full-time container handling 1.4 0.90
Grabbing or magnet work intermittent 1.4 0.90
continuous 1.5 0.85
Shipyard cranes 1.3 0.95
e) Tower cranes
Type and/or application Impact factor Duty
factor

Normal duty: general use on building sites 1.2 0.95

Medium duty: general use at a permanent
location, etc. 1.3 0.95
f) Freight container cranes
Type and/or application Impact factor Duty
factor

Freight container medium duty 1.3 0.95

transporters heavy duty 1.4 0.90
Goliath for container handling duty 1.3 0.95
g) Power driven mobile cranes
Type and/or application Impact factor Duty
factor

General use 1.2a 0.95

Heavy duty: including intermittent grabbing and
magnet work 1.3 0.90
a For
mobile cranes and appliances used for plant erection, lifting hook loads of 75 tonnes up
to 100 tonnes, graded impact factors in the range 1.2 to 1.05 may be used where special
consideration is given to the duty and the hoist drive characteristics. In this case, for hook
loads above 100 tonnes an impact value of 1.05 may be used.

BSI 10-1999 7