Loads

Structural loads on structures can be classified as live (imposed) loads, dead loads, earthquake (seismic) loads, wind loads, soil pressure loads, fluid pressure loads, impact loads, and vibratory loads. Live loads are transitory or temporary loads and are relatively unpredictable in magnitude. They may include the weight of a building's occupants and furniture and temporary loads the structure is subjected to during construction. Dead loads are permanent and may consist of the structure's weight and all major permanent components. A dead load may also include the weight of the structure itself supported, so it would not typically be supported, for example, during construction.