1. What Is Ledger Deck Load Calculation?

Ledger Deck Load Calculation is a structural engineering method used to determine the total load that a deck ledger board must support. It considers the tributary area (the area of deck supported by the ledger) and the expected live load (the weight of people, furniture, and other temporary loads).

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Tributary Area \) — The area of deck supported by the ledger (sq ft)
• \( Live Load \) — The expected live load per square foot (psf)

Explanation: This calculation helps determine the total force that the ledger board and its connections must be designed to support.

3. Importance Of Load Calculation

Details: Proper load calculation is essential for deck safety, ensuring the ledger board and its attachments can safely support the anticipated loads without failure.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the tributary area in square feet and the expected live load in pounds per square foot. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical live load value for residential decks?
A: Most building codes specify a minimum live load of 40 psf for residential decks, but local codes may vary.

Q2: How do I determine the tributary area?
A: The tributary area is typically half the distance between adjacent supports multiplied by the length of the ledger.

Q3: Does this calculation include dead load?
A: No, this calculation only considers live load. Dead load (weight of the structure itself) should be calculated separately and added to the total.

Q4: What safety factors should be applied?
A: Building codes typically require a safety factor, often 1.5-2.0 times the calculated load, depending on the application.

Q5: Are there different requirements for commercial decks?
A: Yes, commercial decks typically require higher live load values, often 100 psf or more, depending on the intended use.