R301.4

Section R301.4 is titled 'Dead load' and covers the requirements for the determination of minimum design weight of construction materials. The method for determination of construction materials as well as a clarification on elements that are required to be considered as part of the total dead load is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent structural failure. Dead load is a term defined in Chapter 2 and is used as part of a structural calculation to assure that gravity will not cause a building to sink into the ground.

The model shows examples of construction materials that are required to be included in structural calculations as dead load.