LOADING OF MEZZANINE FLOORS

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Mezzanine floors used for light storage should be designed for minimum characteristic imposed loads as follows:

Uniformly distributed load (UDL) of 3.5kN/sq.m.

Shelving 2.5kN/bay

Concentrated load  3.5kN

Subject to an appropriate management scheme. 

(See BRE 437)

Mezzanine floors used for medium storage should be designed for minimum characteristic imposed loads as follows:

Uniformly distributed load (UDL) of 5.0kN/sq.m.

Shelving 4.0kN/bay

Hand pallet truck 7.0kN

Concentrated load  5.0kN

Subject to an appropriate management scheme.

(See BRE 437)

Mezzanine floors used for heavy storage should be designed for minimum characteristic imposed loads as follows:

Uniformly distributed load (UDL) of 7.0kN/sq.m.

Shelving 5.0kN/bay

Powered pallet trucks 12.0kN

Concentrated load  6.0kN

Subject to an appropriate management scheme.

(See BRE 437)

Mezzanine floors used for offices, workrooms or canteens should be designed for minimum characteristic imposed loads as follows:

Uniformly distributed load (UDL) of 2.5kN/sq.m. 

If partitioned, and additional 0.5kN/sq.m.

Concentrated load 2.7kN

Subject to an appropriate management scheme. 

(See BRE 437)

Detailed guidance regarding the design of mezzanine floors is contained within the document  'Industrial Platform Floors: mezzanine and raised storage, Digest 437' originally published in April 1999 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). This guidance is applicable only if an appropriate management scheme is adopted by those responsible for the management and safe use of the structure. Otherwise the loading requirements of BS6399: Part 1 should be strictly adhered to.  

Mezzanine floors used for other uses should be conservatively designed with reference to the minimum loadings within BRE 437 for  guidance.

Many cafe and leisure uses for example will come within the office parameters. If in doubt clarification should be sought from Building Control. 

Subject to an appropriate management. scheme ( See BRE 437)