QUESTION
I am using Forte to size my beams and I found that the program is considering dead load, live load and snow load at same time with the specific load factors (1.25D + 1.0L + 1.5S). Isn’t it too conservative in that way?
REPLIES
IceNine
In the IBC code, L is defined as live load except roof live load. Lr is defined as roof live load
The load combinations in the IBC code don’t require Roof Live load and Snow load be applied at the same time.
However, you do have to apply live load and snow load per the load combination you noted.
For example, if you had a floor beam with a post supporting roof framing, you would need to consider live load and snow load.
SOURCE
https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=453735
Above is a snippet.