What type of load do dead loads and live loads fall under?

Dead loads and live loads are classified as static loads because they do not change over time during the use of a structure.

Dead loads are the permanent loads that are associated with the structure itself, including the weight of the building materials such as beams, walls, floors, and fixtures. These are constant and predictable loads that are always present in the structural design.

Live loads, on the other hand, are variable and represent the transient forces that a structure must support over time, such as the weight of occupants, furniture, and movable equipment. Although live loads can change depending on occupancy and use, they are still considered static loads because they are applied slowly to the structure, allowing the building to accommodate them without significant dynamic effects.

Dynamic loads, in contrast, refer to forces that are time-dependent and can vary rapidly, such as those created by winds, earthquakes, or moving vehicles. Environmental loads include factors such as snow loads, rain, and temperature changes, which can also have varying impacts but are categorized differently than static loads. Lastly, impact loads occur suddenly, such as a heavy object falling, which is distinct from the gradual application of dead and live loads.

Thus, dead and live loads fall under the definition of static loads due to their consistent