Which term specifically refers to the self-weight of the building and permanent fixtures?

Which term specifically refers to the self-weight of the building and permanent fixtures?

• A. Dead Load
• B. Load
• C. Added Dead Load
• D. Live Load

Answer: (A)

The self-weight of a building and its permanent fixtures is described by dead load—the constant, gravity-driven weight of all fixed structural components and fixed equipment (beams, walls, floors, roofs, permanent fixtures, etc.). This load stays the same regardless of occupancy or use. Live load is the variable load from people, furniture, and movable objects; it changes with how the space is used. Added dead load would refer to extra permanent loads added after construction, not the original self-weight. Simply saying “load” is too vague and doesn’t specify that it’s the fixed, enduring weight of the structure.

The self-weight of a building and its permanent fixtures is described by dead load—the constant, gravity-driven weight of all fixed structural components and fixed equipment (beams, walls, floors, roofs, permanent fixtures, etc.). This load stays the same regardless of occupancy or use.

Live load is the variable load from people, furniture, and movable objects; it changes with how the space is used. Added dead load would refer to extra permanent loads added after construction, not the original self-weight. Simply saying “load” is too vague and doesn’t specify that it’s the fixed, enduring weight of the structure.