The Ontario Building Code | Determination of Structural Loads and Effects
5.2.2.1. Determination of Structural Loads and Effects
(1) Where materials, components or assemblies that separate dissimilar environments or are exposed to the exterior, or their connections, are required to be designed for structural loads, these loads shall be determined in accordance with Part 4.
(2) Except as provided in Article 4.1.8.18., the structural loads referred to in Sentence (1) and their related effects shall include,
(a) dead loadstransferred from structural elements,
(b) wind, snow, rain, hydrostatic and earth pressures,
(c) earthquake effects for post-disaster buildings, depending on their intended function,
(d) live loadsdue to use and occupancy, and
(e) loads due to thermal or moisture-related expansion and contraction, deflection, deformation, creep, shrinkage, settlement, and differential movement.
(3) Where materials, components or assemblies that separate dissimilar environments or are exposed to the exterior, or their connections, can be expected to be subject to loads or other effects not otherwise described in this Subsection or in Part 4, such loads or other effects shall be taken into account in the design based on the most current and applicable information available.
In Plain Language
Where materials, components, or assemblies separating dissimilar environments are also subject to structural loads, those structural loads and their effects must be determined using the methods set out in this article.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.