What are load tables (span charts)?
Load tables indicate the distance a material can span between support points to resist a given pressure. The pressure is measured in pounds per square foot (psf).
Deflection
The degree to which a part of a long structural element (such as beam) is deformed laterally under a load.
Deflection Criteria
- Identified as L/90, L/120, L/150, , L/180, L/240, L/360
- L= length
- Example:
- Distance between supports = 48”
- 48/180 = .27” allowed deflection
Positive and Negative Bending
Section Properties
Sectional properties refer to various characteristics used to analyze how the cross-section of a structure reacts to external loads. Sectional properties are determined by the shape of the cross-section, and the strength of the structure can vary greatly depending on its shape.
Span Condition
The Result!
Load table values indicate the distance a panel can span between supports to resist an indicated pressure under the appropriate span condition.Example:
MRD110 in 032 aluminum can resist a 25 psf load in a multiple (three) span condition when the supports are spaced no greater than 4’-1” o,c,