Which type of load is considered fixed or permanent?

The term "dead load" refers to the permanent or fixed loads that are constant and do not change over time. These loads typically include the weight of the structure itself, such as walls, flooring, and roofs, as well as any other permanent fixtures attached to the building. Dead loads are crucial to consider in structural engineering and fire safety planning because they form the baseline weight that a structure must support at all times without structural deformation or failure.

Understanding dead loads is essential for firefighting operations and building safety assessments, as they influence how a structure behaves under stress, especially during a fire when materials may become weakened. Static loads involve forces that are applied slowly or remain constant, but they do not specifically denote permanence, while dynamic loads refer to forces that vary over time, such as those resulting from wind or moving vehicles. Live loads are temporary or variable loads, such as occupancy or furniture, and can change in magnitude and location. Thus, in the context of fixed or permanent loads, dead load is the most appropriate classification.