Measurement Systems for Estimating Imposed Loads

Abstract: The construction sector stands for eleven percent of the carbon dioxide emissions in the world WorldGBC (2019). To minimize that impact, the construction sector must take a closer look at improving the sustainability of buildings. One way to do this would be to have a more accurate understanding of the loads that affect buildings, including the so-called imposed load. The imposed load includes loads that arise due to the normal occupancy of humans and furniture. This load is of particular interest due to timber having a relatively low self-weight in relation to the imposed loads. The aim of this study is to investigate how accurately different measurement systems can measure imposed loads in buildings. Today imposed loads are based on outdated research with limited grounds. There are not enough studies conducted to be able to determine an accurate design load. To find a more accurate design load the accuracy of the measurement systems was tested in a few different situations. The tests were limited to strain gauges and potentiometers and were conducted on a cross laminated timber (CLT) slab which was then subjected to different loads. By comparing the real loads to the calculated loads from the measurements, it was possible to find the uncertainty associated with these measurements. By implementing measurement systems in real load situations, a broader database of real loads could be collected. This could in turn lead to finding an improved value for the imposed loads. The study concluded that it was possible to measure the load on a CLT slab with the help of strain gauges and potentiometers. The best overall accuracy had an error of eight percent for a centrally placed strain gauge and the average error was about twenty percent. It could therefore be concluded that measurement systems could be a solution to finding a more accurate imposed load, which would allow for more precise dimensions and more efficient material usage. This may in turn have a great impact on improving sustainability within the building sector.