What are the two broad categories of loads in building construction?

In building construction, understanding the types of loads is fundamental to ensuring the structural integrity and safety of a building. The two broad categories of loads are dead loads and live loads.

Dead loads refer to the permanent static forces that are always acting on a structure, such as the weight of the building materials (walls, floors, roofs, etc.) and any fixed equipment attached to the building. These loads do not change over time and are a critical component in designing a structure to ensure it can support its own weight.

Live loads, on the other hand, are variable and dynamic forces that can change over time. These include the weight of occupants, furniture, vehicles, and other movable items within the structure. Live loads are important to consider during the design phase because they can fluctuate with usage patterns, and buildings must be able to accommodate these changing loads without experiencing structural failure.

By categorizing loads as dead and live, engineers can effectively design support systems that maintain the balance between stability and flexibility, ensuring safety and functionality while also accommodating various uses of the building over its lifespan.