PART 4 — STRUCTURAL DESIGNUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

4.1.2.1.Loads and Effects (See Note A-4.1.2.1.)

(1) Except as provided in Article 4.1.2.2., the following categories of loads, specified loads and effects shall be taken into consideration in the design of a building and its structural members and connections: D ………….. dead load – a permanent load due to the weight of building components, as specified in Subsection 4.1.4., E …………… earthquake load and effects – a rare load due to an earthquake, as specified in Subsection 4.1.8., H ……..…… a permanent load due to lateral earth pressure, including groundwater, L …………… live load – a variable load due to intended use and occupancy (including loads due to cranes and the pressure of liquids in containers), as specified in Subsection 4.1.5., LXC ………… live load exclusive of crane loads, C …………… live load due to cranes including self weight, Cd …………. self weight of all cranes positioned for maximum effects, C7 …………. crane bumper impact load, P …………… permanent effects caused by pre-stress, S …………… variable load due to snow, including ice and associated rain, as specified in Article 4.1.6.2., or due to rain, as specified in Article 4.1.6.4., T …………… effects due to contraction, expansion, or deflection caused by temperature changes, shrinkage, moisture changes, creep, ground settlement, or a combination thereof , and (See Note A-4.1.2.1.(1)) W ………….. wind load – a variable load due to wind, as specified in Subsection 4.1.7., where (a) load means the imposed deformations (i.e. deflections, displacements or motions that induce deformations and forces in the structure), forces and pressures applied to the building structure, (b) permanent load is a load that changes very little once it has been applied to the structure, except during repair, (c) variable load is a load that frequently changes in magnitude, direction or location, and (d) rare load is a load that occurs infrequently and for a short time only. (2) Minimum specified values of the loads described in Sentence (1), as set forth in Subsections 4.1.4. to 4.1.8., shall be increased to account for dynamic effects where applicable. (3) For the purpose of determining specified loads S, W or E in Subsections 4.1.6., 4.1.7. and 4.1.8., buildings shall be assigned an Importance Category based on intended use and occupancy, in accordance with Table 4.1.2.1. (See Note A- 4.1.2.1.(3)) Table 4.1.2.1. Importance Categories for Buildings(1) Forming Part of Sentence 4.1.2.1.(3) Type of Building Importance Category A Low Importance Category building is a building that represents a low direct or indirect hazard to human life in the event of structural Low failure. A Normal Importance Category building is a building that does not meet the criteria for a Low Importance Category building, High Normal Importance Category building or post-disaster building. A High Importance Category building is a building that provides a greater degree of safety to human life than a Normal Importance High Category building. Community centres and elementary, middle and secondary schools are High Importance Category buildings. A post-disaster building. Post-disaster Notes to Table 4.1.2.1. (1) See Note A-Table 4.1.2.1.

This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.

Understand this provision in seconds

BUILDAiD Assist explains any article of the building code in plain English — with exact citations, exceptions and related requirements.

Try BUILDAiD Beta

Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.