# Structural Design Loads

> Plain-language references to the site-driven structural design loads architects and engineers look up early — ground snow load, ultimate design wind speed, seismic design category, and risk/exposure categories per ASCE 7 and the IBC.

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Before a structural engineer runs a single calculation, the design is shaped by a handful of site-driven load parameters: ground snow load, ultimate design wind speed, and the seismic design category, each modified by the building's risk category and site conditions. Architects don't size the members, but knowing these values early informs massing, roof slope, lateral systems, and which envelope details will be governed by uplift, drift, or seismic drift.

The pages below explain each parameter in plain language and show how it flows into design. All numeric values are typical or illustrative, framed for orientation only — the authoritative, address-specific values come from the ASCE Hazard Tool, the USGS Seismic Design Maps, and the code edition adopted by your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

_Prepared by Harth as generated collection navigation. Evidence and review scope are recorded on each linked page._

## Pages

- [Seismic Design Category (SDC) Explained for Architects](https://harth.build/resources/structural-loads/seismic-design-category-explained.md)
- [Ground Snow Load (pg) Explained for Architects](https://harth.build/resources/structural-loads/ground-snow-load-explained.md)
- [Ultimate Design Wind Speed & Exposure Categories Explained](https://harth.build/resources/structural-loads/wind-speed-and-exposure-categories.md)

![Labeled structural load diagram: Structural Design Loads](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/structural-loads/index/diagram-1344.webp)

*Plain-language references to the site-driven structural design loads architects and engineers look up early — ground snow load, ultimate design wind speed, s…*

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