Design Loads MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Design live load for residential staircases

Formula

LL_stairs = 3.0 kN/m² as per IS 875 (Part 2)

Step-by-step solution

1. IS 875 (Part 2): 1987 governs design imposed loads for buildings in India. 2. Table 1 specifies occupancy loading for residential buildings. 3. Living rooms and bedrooms require a live load of 2.0 kN/m². 4. Corridors, passages, and staircases not liable to overcrowding are assigned a design live load of 3.0 kN/m². Answer: B

Explanation

As specified in IS 875 (Part 2) - 1987 (Table 1) for residential buildings including dwelling houses and hostels, the design imposed (live) load on staircases and corridors not liable to overcrowding is 3.0 kN/m².

Why the other options are wrong

A) 2.0 kN/m² is the design live load for residential bedrooms and living rooms. C) 4.0 kN/m² applies to office staircases. D) 5.0 kN/m² applies to staircases subject to public overcrowding.

Shortcut

Residential rooms = 2.0 kN/m²; Residential stairs = 3.0 kN/m².

Common mistake

Confusing the staircase live load (3.0 kN/m²) with the general residential room live load (2.0 kN/m²).