Is furniture classified as a live load or a dead load?

Furniture is classified as a live load because it is movable and not permanently affixed to a structure. Live loads are dynamic and can change over time, encompassing all loads that are not part of the building's structure itself, such as occupants, furniture, and equipment. This classification is crucial for structural engineering and architecture, as it informs the design considerations for load-bearing elements, ensuring they can accommodate varying levels of load without compromising safety.

On the other hand, dead loads refer to permanent structural elements and fixed components, such as walls, roofs, and floors. Transient loads involve temporary forces that act on a structure, typically over a short period. Accidental loads include unforeseen impacts, such as those from equipment failures or natural disasters. Understanding these classifications helps architects and engineers create safer, more efficient designs.