Kokonaiskuorma

Kokonaiskuorma is a Finnish term that refers to the total or gross load acting on a system, component, or structure. It encompasses all forces and weights that contribute to the demand placed on the object, and its exact meaning depends on the context. In general, kokonaiskuorma can include the weight of the object itself (dead load), any carried payload or live load, and additional effects from the environment or operation (such as wind, snow, vibrations, or dynamic forces).

In civil and structural engineering, kokonaiskuorma denotes the sum of all loads a structure must be designed to withstand. Designers typically categorize loads into dead loads, live loads, and environmental or dynamic loads, and then apply load combination rules from applicable standards. Since not all loads occur at the same time, engineers use combinations of load cases to ensure safety under worst-case conditions. The concept is central to dimensioning structural elements, supports, joints, and connections.

In road and rail transport, kokonaiskuorma is commonly used to describe the gross load or total mass carried by a vehicle. For trucks, it often corresponds to the gross vehicle weight (GVW), which equals the curb weight plus payload. This figure influences regulatory compliance, tire and axle ratings, braking performance, fuel efficiency, and road safety. Operators must ensure that the actual weight does not exceed the permissible kokonaiskuorma specified by manufacturers and authorities.

Examples illustrate the idea: a truck with a curb weight of 6,000 kg and a payload of 4,000 kg has a kokonaiskuorma of 10,000 kg. A building beam designed for dead load, live load, and wind load uses totaled loads to assess safety and performance.