Re: [ARSCLIST] Floor Load Capacity

[Mwcpc6@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 12/20/2006 2:32:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
Nicole_Blain@xxxxxx writes:
If there's an official document or study out there too, it would help 
convince the architects/engineers that this is an important issue.

I found an article in the Fall 1993 ARSC Journal: Storage of Sound Recordings 
by Richard Warren Jr.  He has weight per linear foot, but not floor load 
capacity.  

Our collection houses ~175,000 12" vinyl and ~30,000 10" shellac discs.


In a message dated 12/22/2006 3:41:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
arclists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
>I would think that the loading for shelf stacks would be independent of what
>is on them and the library specification would apply.
>
>However, as all the other comments imply, it depends entirely on the type of
>construction of the building and flooring.

Mike,

There are several variables at work.
****************************

As soon as I sent the reply, I realized that everyone was assuming that this 
was a query about new construction. 

Since the original post mentioned an existing collection, I thought they were 
asking for information to satisfy a building inspector.  In that case, if the 
rating of the room was for library shelving, that specification would apply 
regardless of the contents of the shelves, meaning there might be a problem 
with records. 

As many mentioned, it is very important to consider the weight of shellac 
records when using existing shelving. Hazardous conditions could result. 10" 
records in albums may compare to books of a similar size, but tightly packed in 
thin sleeves, probably not. Most construction is very conservative, but 
satisfying building inspectors relying on standard specifications may be a challenge 
once they try to heft a stack of 78s.

You might find something in the architects specification for the record 
library rooms of 1940s radio or TV stations.  I've seen some articles and pamphlets 
put out by RCA about station design but don't know if they were that detailed.

Mike Csontos