Concepts of Load Paths &

Tributary areas

Concepts of Load Paths

• The mechanism of load transfer in a building/structure
is known as the load path

• Every structure must have a complete load path

capable of transferring loads from their point of origin
to the load resisting elements

• Depending on the type of load to be transferred,

there are two basic load paths:
(1) Gravity load path
(2) Lateral load path

1
 Load Path Continuity
Vertical load path

Lateral load path

Gravity load path

The vertical gravity

loads acts on a slab (1),
which transfers the load
to the beams (2), which
in turn transfer the load
to the columns (3)

2
 Gravity load path

One-way action: the load is transferred in one direction

Two-way action: the load is transferred in two
perpendicular directions

Lateral load path

Roof and floor systems (1) transfer the load to the walls
(2), which in turn transfer the load to the foundations (3)

3
 Wind Lateral Loads

Seismic Lateral Loads

F = ma

4
 Tributary area
Tributary area is used to determine loads that beams, girders,
columns, and walls carry

A partial roof plan is shown. The roof is subjected

to a DL of 6 kPa, a LL of 1.0 kPa,
and a snow load (S) of 3.0 kPa

Determine the
factored axial load for
a typical interior
column C1 supporting
the roof according to
NBC 2010

5
 A = 9 m X 9 m = 81 m2

D = 6 kPa
L = 1 kPa
S = 3 kPa

Load case 1: wf = 1.4 D = 8.4 kPa

Load case 2: wf = 1.25D + 1.5 L +0.5S = 10.5 kPa

Load case 3: wf = 1.25D + 1.5 S +0.5L = 12.5 kPa

Factored axial load on column C1 = 12.5 kPa X 81 m2

= 1010 kN