If a 900-pound load is spread over 1 square foot of bearing area, the pressure on the floor is which value?

If a 900-pound load is spread over 1 square foot of bearing area, the pressure on the floor is which value?

• A. 700 psf
• B. 900 psf
• C. 1200 psf
• D. 1000 psf

Answer: (B)

Pressure on the floor is found by dividing the weight by the area it covers. A 900-pound load spread over 1 square foot gives 900 pounds per square foot (900 psf). This unit, psf, is what floors are assessed with for bearing loads. If you spread the same weight over a larger area, the pressure decreases; over a smaller area, it increases.

Pressure on the floor is found by dividing the weight by the area it covers. A 900-pound load spread over 1 square foot gives 900 pounds per square foot (900 psf). This unit, psf, is what floors are assessed with for bearing loads. If you spread the same weight over a larger area, the pressure decreases; over a smaller area, it increases.