What type of load is characterized as steady or gradually applied?

The type of load characterized as steady or gradually applied is known as a static load. This load remains constant over time and does not change in magnitude or direction. Static loads include weights that are consistently applied to a structure, such as the weight of the building materials themselves, furniture, and other fixtures that are not subject to variation.

In contrast to static loads, dynamic loads involve forces that change over time, such as wind loads or impact forces from moving vehicles. Dead loads refer specifically to the permanent, stationary loads associated with the structural components of a building. Live loads are the transient forces that fluctuate, such as people or movable equipment, but they do not have the same steady, gradual application as static loads.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for fire lieutenant candidates, as it helps in evaluating the stability and safety of structures in various scenarios, particularly during emergency responses.