The IBC Section 1607.9 seems pretty clear. You can take the live load reductions for any live load except for roof uniform live loads and restrictions for live loads over 100 psf, Group A occupancies plus a few others. IBC Section 1607.9.2 specifically mentions walls.
Thomas Hunt, S.E.
Fluor
From: "Greg Mosier" <gmosier@vaaeng.com>
To: <seaint@seaint.org>
Date: 11/01/2011 11:20 AM
Subject: Bearing Wall Live Load Reduction
We are designing a multi-family project with 5-stories of wood on top of 2-levels of concrete. For the wood portion, we are using corridor, exterior and selected interior walls as bearing walls. The question was raised as to whether any live load reduction is allowed for the bearing walls. I can't find a code basis for reducing the load but have found that some engineers do take some reduction in the load both for the walls themselves and for the wall load on the concrete for the concrete design. Does anyone have thoughts on this or a rational approach to allow a reduction?
Greg in Minnesota
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