Service load is the actual, unfactored load that a structure or structural element is expected to carry during its normal, intended use throughout its service life. These loads represent real-world conditions before any safety (load) factors are applied for strength design. Service loads are used to evaluate allowable soil bearing pressure, settlement, deflection, crack width, vibration, and other serviceability requirements. In spread footing design, the required footing area is typically determined using the service load divided by the allowable soil bearing pressure, because allowable bearing capacities provided in geotechnical reports are generally based on service-load conditions.
A service load may consist of one or more load components, including dead loads (the permanent weight of the structure), live loads (occupancy or movable loads), roof live loads, snow loads, equipment loads, and other sustained or temporary loads as required by the applicable building code. Unlike factored loads, service loads are not multiplied by load factors. Instead, they represent the expected loads acting on the structure during normal operation.
