Overview of IS 875: Code of Practice for Design Loads (Other than Earthquake) for Buildings and Structures

IS 875 is a crucial Indian Standard (BIS) that provides detailed guidelines for determining the design loads that buildings and structures should be able to withstand, excluding earthquake loads. These design loads include dead loads, live loads, wind loads, and snow loads, which are essential for ensuring the structural safety, stability, and performance of buildings and other construction projects. The standard is widely used by structural engineers and architects to design structures that are both safe and efficient under different environmental and functional conditions.

Purpose of IS 875

The primary objective of IS 875 is to establish a standardized approach to determining the various loads a structure may be subjected to during its lifetime. By providing these guidelines, IS 875 helps engineers and designers create buildings and infrastructure that can withstand these loads without compromising structural integrity or safety. Proper load calculations are crucial for avoiding over-engineering or under-engineering the structure, both of which can result in increased costs or failure risks.

Key Loads Covered by IS 875

1. Dead Loads (IS 875 Part 1):

   • Dead loads refer to the permanent loads on a structure, including the weight of the building itself, walls, roofs, floors, and other fixed components. IS 875 Part 1 provides guidelines for calculating these loads based on the material properties and dimensions of the structural elements.

2. Live Loads (IS 875 Part 2):

   • Live loads represent transient or movable loads that vary over time, such as occupants, furniture, equipment, and other loads that are not permanent. IS 875 Part 2 specifies the minimum load values for different types of buildings and uses based on occupancy type.

3. Wind Loads (IS 875 Part 3):

   • Wind loads are dynamic forces exerted on a structure due to wind pressure. IS 875 Part 3 provides guidelines for calculating wind loads based on geographical location, building height, and shape, ensuring that the structure is designed to withstand varying wind speeds and forces.

4. Snow Loads (IS 875 Part 4):

   • Snow loads are relevant for buildings in cold regions, where snow accumulation on roofs can create significant loading conditions. IS 875 Part 4 provides methods to calculate snow loads based on climate data and roof geometry to prevent snow-related collapses.

Importance of IS 875

1. Safety and Stability:

   • IS 875 ensures that structures are designed safely to withstand various loads throughout their life cycle. By considering dead, live, wind, and snow loads, the standard helps avoid structural failure due to overloading or improper design.

2. Cost-Effective Design:

   • Following the IS 875 guidelines helps engineers determine the precise loads a structure is likely to experience, enabling the use of the right materials and construction techniques. This ensures a cost-effective design by preventing the unnecessary use of excessive materials while maintaining safety.

3. Regulatory Compliance:

   • IS 875 serves as a key standard for meeting national building codes and regulatory requirements, ensuring that structures comply with the necessary safety and performance criteria.

4. Optimized Structural Performance:

   • Properly calculating design loads allows engineers to design structures that not only meet safety standards but also perform well under different environmental and functional conditions, ensuring long-term durability and serviceability.

Applications of IS 875

1. Residential Buildings:

   • Ensuring that homes and apartment complexes are designed to withstand common loads such as furniture, occupants, wind pressure, and snow.

2. Commercial Buildings:

   • Providing guidelines for office buildings, shopping malls, and other commercial structures that may experience variable live loads and require considerations for wind load resistance.

3. Industrial Structures:

   • Ensuring the design of warehouses, factories, and manufacturing facilities accounts for specific live loads related to equipment, machinery, and human occupancy.

4. Infrastructure Projects:

   • IS 875 is also used in the design of bridges, tunnels, dams, and other large infrastructure projects where dead, live, and wind loads must be carefully calculated to ensure the structure’s stability and safety.

IS 875: Code of Practice for Design Loads (Other than Earthquake) for Buildings and Structures is an essential standard for structural design, helping engineers and architects ensure that buildings and structures are capable of handling the various dead, live, wind, and snow loads they may encounter. By adhering to these guidelines, professionals can ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of their construction projects, while also meeting regulatory and performance standards. Whether in residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects, IS 875 plays a critical role in creating stable and durable buildings that stand the test of time.

Thu Jan 23, 2025