LOADS ON WALLS

Loads on walls may be classified based on the load–wall reaction. The load–wall interaction may be divided into the following two major groups:

1. Vertical
2. Lateral or Transverse

Vertical Loads

Vertical loads may be uniformly distributed load or concentrated load. Loads acting parallel and along the axis of wall cause axial stress. Loads may act eccentrically. In such cases, these loads will cause bending stress in addition to the axial stress. Thus, a uniformly distributed load or concentrated load may act axially or eccentrically. The design of such structural elements is different from that normally used in the case of walls with lateral or transverse loads.

Lateral Loads

Lateral or transverse loads may act parallel to the face of the wall or on the surface perpendicularly. This type of loads may be concentrated, uniformly distributed or triangularly distributed. The lateral or transverse loads cause bending stresses in addition to in plane or transverse shear force.