Overview
ISO 9194:1987 - Bases for design of structures - defines how to determine actions (loads) due to the self-weight of structures, non‑structural elements and stored materials by providing representative density values. The standard explains units and conventions (volumetric densities in kg/m3, surface densities in kg/m2 or surface pressures in N/m2), describes how to convert density into weight (multiply density × gravitational acceleration × actual volume), and includes tabulated density data in annexes for practical structural design.
Key topics and requirements
- Determination of self-weight: Actions are calculated by multiplying representative density by gravitational acceleration and the actual volume of the element.
- Units and forms: Volumetric densities (kg/m3) for bulk materials and components; surface densities or pressures (kg/m2 or N/m2) for thin roof coverings and shells.
- Deterministic representative values: Annex A (structural and non‑structural elements) and Annex B (stored materials) give mean/deterministic density values and, where relevant, ranges to accommodate national practice.
- Stored materials and stacking: Distinguishes disorderly (natural heap) and orderly (stacked/baled) storage methods; densities and angles of repose for stored materials are provided because packing method affects load.
- Roofing convention: Some roof coverings are given as surface pressures (N/m2) alongside surface density values.
- National adaptation: Values are representative; countries may select traditional or locally derived values within indicated ranges.
- Cross references: Design reliability principles (ISO 2394) and concrete classification (ISO 3893) are referenced for related design decisions.
Practical applications
ISO 9194 is used to establish gravity loads for structural analysis and design, including:
- Structural engineers calculating dead loads for beams, slabs, frames and foundations.
- Architects and building designers specifying material data and verifying self-weight consequences.
- HVAC, façade and roofing designers assessing non‑structural element loads.
- Warehouse designers and storage planners using stored‑material densities and angles of repose to size storage structures and load-bearing floors.
- Building inspectors and code writers referencing standard density values in national standards and codes.
Typical use cases: computing self-weight of reinforced concrete elements (using concrete density plus allowance for reinforcement), estimating roof dead load from cladding (kg/m2), and converting bulk material volumes to loads for silo and retaining structure design.
Related standards
- ISO 2394 - General principles on reliability of structures (referenced for reliability guidance).
- ISO 3893 - Concrete - Classification by compressive strength (used when selecting concrete density entries).
Keywords: ISO 9194, density, self-weight, design loads, stored materials, angles of repose, structural design, dead load, annex A, annex B.