What is load? Different types of load in building design.

In building design, load refers to the forces that act upon a building or structure and its components, including its foundations, walls, floors, and roof. These forces can be classified as either dead loads or live loads.

Dead loads are the permanent or stationary loads that the structure must support, such as the weight of the building materials, fixtures, and equipment. Dead loads are calculated based on the weight of the materials and their distribution throughout the structure.

Live loads, on the other hand, are the variable or transient loads that are imposed on the structure during its use, such as people, furniture, and equipment. Live loads are calculated based on the expected usage of the space and the maximum loads that the structure may have to bear.

Designers must consider both dead loads and live loads when designing a building or structure to ensure that it can safely support the weight and forces it will be subjected to throughout its lifetime. The building’s structural elements, such as columns, beams, and walls, must be designed to withstand the loads they will experience, and the foundation must be designed to support the weight of the structure and transmit the loads to the ground without settling or shifting.