How to apply Loads ( Dead loads, Live Loads, Seismic Loads, Wind Loads ) in ETABS according to BNBC-2020

Applying Loads

First, select all floor slabs where all loads (live load, Floor Finish load, Wall load, etc.) will be applied.

Go to Select - select - properties - Slab section - select slab

Now apply loads according to BNBC-2020 (Page 3114)

Live Loads:  1 kn/m2 = 20.88 psf

 Roof Live:

Other Live Load

Floor Finish Load (FF)

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Use 25 psf as a FF load

Partition Wall (PW) Loads:

Red Colors are Input Value.

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First Select the walls to apply loads.

Then go to Assign - Frame loads - Distributed - uniform load.

Apply.

Water Tank Load

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Apply Water Load on the slab of the Water tank.

Now It’s time to apply Wind Loads and Seismic Loads

When using ASCE 7-05:

Wind Load (WX)

When using Diaphragms in structure, select Diaphragms.

When using without Diaphragms and only using Frame and shell objects like in steel structures, select Shell objects.

Wind Pressure Coefficient

1. Use Excel to Determine the values.

2. Use Program Determined.

Apply Wind Speed from here.

1 m/s = 2.23694 mph

 Exposure Type: 

ETABS B = BNBC A

ETABS C = BNBC B

ETABS D = BNBC C

Important Factor, I

Topographic factor:

Gust Factor

Directional Factor: 

In WY…. All values should be same.

Just Change the Direction from 0 to 90 degrees

UBC-94 & UBC-97 has similar value to Input

Now, the Most Important part is Applying Wind Loads according to hand calculation.

Just change UBC/ASCE to User load to apply calculated loads.

Note: Before applying loads, It is mandatory to assign Diaphragms.

Just click modify lateral load to input user loads.

Where you will get these loads?

Relax !

Just Download The Excel

Download Wind 2020

Just Input the values and Boom !

If you want to calculate Wind Load according to BNBC-2006 then Download this

Download Wind 2006

Now Define Seismic Loads or Earthquake Loads

For ACSE 7-05

 In EX=>

1. Check all X direction

2. Consider 5% Eccentricity

3. Time period can be Program Calculated or User Defined.

If user defined then choose according to structure type.

Excel will be provided  Don’t Worry 

4. Factors of R, Omega, Cd, I

Choose according to your Structure Type

Determine Zone;

From this table: 

Find  Ss, S1 , Fa, fv according to Zone and soil type.

Soil type should be determined before by soil report.

The site Class should be F to input Fa, Fv values

In EY=>

All values should be the same except Y direction.

After applying all values, check the base shear after analysis.

 The Difference between Manual and Etabs should be on range of 2-3%

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🏗️ How to Apply Dead Load, Live Load, and Super Dead Load in ETABS – Full Guide

Accurate load application in ETABS is crucial for reliable structural analysis and design. In this tutorial, we’ll cover how to apply Dead Load (DL), Live Load (LL), and Super Dead Load (SDL) to your ETABS model, ensuring your design complies with international codes such as BNBC, ACI, and ASCE.

📘 What Are These Loads?

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Apply Loads in ETABS

🧱 Step 1: Define Load Patterns

Before assigning loads, make sure your Load Patterns are defined:

• Go to Define → Load Patterns

• Create or verify:

  • DL – Dead Load (Type: Dead, Self-Weight Multiplier: 1.0)

  • SDL – Super Dead Load (Type: Dead, Multiplier: 0.0)

  • LL – Live Load (Type: Live, Multiplier: 0.0)

⚠️ Only DL should include self-weight.

📐 Step 2: Assign Dead Load (DL)

ETABS automatically applies dead load based on self-weight of the elements if set to 1.0.

To apply additional dead loads (e.g., walls on slabs):

1. Select area/frame elements

2. Go to Assign → Shell Loads → Uniform

3. Choose DL as the Load Pattern

4. Enter the load magnitude (e.g., -3.0 kN/m² for wall load)

5. Click Apply

🧱 Step 3: Apply Super Dead Load (SDL)

SDL includes non-structural permanent loads such as:

• Floor finishes

• Ceiling tiles

• Partition walls

To apply SDL:

1. Select relevant slabs or floors

2. Go to Assign → Shell Loads → Uniform

3. Load Pattern: SDL

4. Load Value: e.g., -1.5 kN/m²

5. Apply

💡 Tip: Apply SDL separately so it can be included/excluded in different combinations.

🧍 Step 4: Apply Live Load (LL)

1. Select slab or frame elements where occupancy load applies

2. Go to Assign → Shell Loads → Uniform

3. Load Pattern: LL

4. Load Value: based on building use:

   • Residential: 2.0 kN/m²

   • Office: 3.0–4.0 kN/m²

   • Assembly: 4.0–5.0 kN/m²

5. Apply

📏 Refer to BNBC, ACI, or IBC for accurate LL values.

📊 Visualization Tip

• Turn on Load Labels from Display → Show Load Assigns

• This helps verify correct load magnitudes and assignments

📌 Best Practices

• Keep DL and SDL separate for better load combination control

• Do not include SDL and LL in self-weight

• Use correct units (kN/m², kips/ft²) depending on your project settings

• Double-check live load areas — don't assign LL to non-occupiable elements

🏁 Conclusion

Accurate load application is the foundation of a safe and efficient structural design. ETABS gives you powerful tools to assign dead, super dead, and live loads precisely. Follow building codes, verify your loads visually, and double-check combinations for complete compliance.