occasional load definition

Hi every body,

Is there any exact definition for occasional loads? how often should a load happen to be considered as an operating load? Is it related to the magnitude of the load too?

Thank you

Are you using B31.3 ? Occasional loads are clearly defined therein.

B31.1 implies timing in its definition of k:
k = 1.15 for occasional loads acting for no more than 8 hr at any one time and no more than 800 hr/yr [see para. 102.3.3(A)]
k = 1.2 for occasional loads acting for no more than 1 hr at any one time and no more than 80 hr/yr [see para. 102.3.3(A)]
In B31.3, this k=1.33