Hauptlasten

Hauptlasten is a term used in structural engineering to denote the principal loads acting on a building or structural element. They represent the dominant forces that determine member sizes, stability, and safety, and are distinguished from auxiliary or secondary loads that may have smaller magnitudes or shorter duration.

Typically, Hauptlasten are categorized into permanent (dead) loads and variable (live) loads. Permanent loads include the self-weight of structural components, fixed equipment, and other elements permanently attached to the structure. Variable loads cover occupant-induced loads, movable furniture and equipment, and stored materials. In many design practices, environmental or external loads such as wind, snow, rain, and occasionally seismic effects are treated as significant loads that must be combined with the permanent and live loads according to the applicable design code.

The determination of Hauptlasten follows design codes and standards, which prescribe how loads are estimated, reduced, or amplified and how they are combined for different design situations. Common codes provide load cases and combination rules to account for permanent and variable loads, as well as exceptional events, ensuring adequate safety and serviceability margins. The exact terminology and grouping can vary by jurisdiction, but the concept remains the same: Hauptlasten are the main forces driving structural design decisions.

Examples of Hauptlasten in typical buildings include the weight of floors and walls (dead loads), expected occupant and furniture loads (live loads), and environmental forces like wind or snow that are significant for the structure’s envelope and roof. Understanding Hauptlasten is essential for accurate sizing and ensuring structural reliability.