Wind loads and seismic loads are classified as which type of load?

Wind loads and seismic loads are classified as dynamic loads because they are imposed by forces that can vary with time and can cause a structure to experience changes in movement or vibration. Dynamic loads differ from static loads, which remain constant and can be analyzed with simpler methods.

When considering wind and seismic events, the forces experienced by a structure are not constant; they can fluctuate due to factors such as gusts of wind or the intensity of an earthquake, influencing how a building behaves. This variability requires a more complex analysis to ensure that the structure can adequately respond to these forces without failure. Understanding this distinction is crucial for architects and engineers in design practices to create safe and resilient structures in environments prone to such dynamic forces.