Ceiling Load Capacity

[polarisxcsp]

We have a couple offices at work with overhead storage capabilities. We have a little bit of stuff up there but not a ton (nothing heavy) Our corporate safety rep wants me to label the allowable weight capacity of the ceiling. They are 2x8x12 set 16” oc. Any idea where to get a figure on this? Everything I’ve found states 10 psf (dead space)

 

[98panther]

In residences, 2X8 16"o/c usually can span 12' less bearing so around 11' clear span for a floor joist. Which would be 40psf LL. Not knowing the species can't be too exact.

Dead spaces are usualy designed to 10psf, but you are more that that. Does it have decent bearing, what it's sitting on? that would matter just as much if not more.

I'm not an engineer just have all the span charts here.

 

[polarisxcsp]

Walls are 2x4

 

[uperjim]

ok---what is on the ceiling---ie drywall or drop ceiling etc? If you assume the 2x8's are douglas fir ( pretty typical) then you would be able to support a live load of 40 pounds/ sq ft if the ceiling dead load is 10 pounds / sq ft or less on 16" centers with the 12' span. If you can get at the 2x8's they should have an ink stamp on them with the species and or E value which you really need to nail it down exact.

 

[polarisxcsp]

Thanks for the info. The room has a drop ceiling in it but it has ½” OSB on the top of it. Sounds like the 10 psf is probably close to the dead load.