The Ontario Building Code | Dead Loads
4.1.4.1. Dead Loads
(1) The specified dead load for a structural member consists of,
(a) the weight of the member itself,
(b) the weight of all materials of construction incorporated into the building to be supported permanently by the member,
(c) the weight of partitions,
(d) the weight of permanent equipment, and
(e) the vertical load due to earth, plants and trees.
(2) Except as provided in Sentence (5), in areas of a buildingwhere partitions other than permanent partitions are shown on the drawings, or where partitions might be added in the future, allowance shall be made for the weight of such partitions.
(3) The partition weight allowance in Sentence (2) shall be determined from the actual or anticipated weight of the partitionsplaced in any probable position, but shall be not less than 1 kPa over the area of floor being considered.
(4) Partition loads used in design shall be shown on the drawings.
(5) In cases where the dead load of the partitionis counteractive, the load allowances referred to in Sentences (2) and (3) shall not be included in the design calculations.
(6) Except for structures where the dead load of soil is part of the load-resisting system, where the dead load due to soil, superimposed earth, plants and trees is counteractive, it shall not be included in the design calculations.
4.1.5. Live Loads Due to Use and Occupancy
In Plain Language
Dead load, the permanent weight a structural member must carry, includes the member's own weight plus all the construction materials permanently supported by it, forming the baseline load every other load calculation builds on.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.