I need to figure out what the load limit is on a loft.?

Question

Its 16 foot square and the flooring is made of 10" I-beams 12" oc. The sheating (or flooring) is 3/4" ply. I am guessing the load limit is about 250 lbs., but need resources (proof) that it is. Does anyone know how to find this out?? Thanks

Answer 1

I need more info to help direct you.   10" I-beam (metal) or are you talking about plywood stringer joists(wood)? What is the span  and there are two load limits    live load and dead load both descibed as P.S.F. (pounds per square foot)

Answer 2

Your "dead load", or weight of building materials, is 10 lbs/sq ft.  Your "live load" rating, which includes anything that is removable, such as furniture, yourself, etc, is 40 lbs/sq. ft.  At 196 sq. ft. (16ft x 16 ft), your live load rating is 7840 lbs, evenly distributed.  Hope this helps.