Types of loads explained

There are different types of loads that act on a building structure, depending on the nature, magnitude, and direction of the forces. These loads can be broadly classified into four groups: dead loads, live loads, impact loads, and environmental loads.

- **Dead loads** are the constant loads that result from the self-weight of the structure and its permanent components, such as walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, etc. Dead loads are calculated by multiplying the density of the material with the dimensions of the structural element.

- **Live loads** are the variable loads that result from the occupancy and use of the structure, such as people, furniture, equipment, vehicles, etc. Live loads depend on the function and location of the structure and are usually specified by codes and standards.

- **Impact loads** are the sudden or dynamic loads that result from the application of a force over a short period of time, such as moving vehicles, vibrating machinery, dropped weights, etc. Impact loads cause larger stresses in the structure than those produced by gradually applied loads of the same magnitude.

- **Environmental loads** are the loads that result from natural phenomena or human activities that affect the structure, such as wind, snow, rain, earthquake, temperature, fire, etc. Environmental loads vary in intensity and frequency depending on the location and climate of the structure.

Types of loads on a structure beams

Point load; its when u have a load acting on a certain point, example as above.

Uniform distribution load; its when u have a load laying across the beam, such as a wall.

Triangular distribution load; it can be a load that is heavy at one side, for example roof or a container on a truck whihc is half loaded.

TYPES OF LOAD that can act on a building

As explained above, building have its own materials weight acting on it and refer as dead load.. than you have live load, for example human being walking around n humping around, these loads acts mostly to gravity and knws as vertical loads.

Horizontal loads are more natural causes unless your building been hit by a bus.

I hope this answer helps you understand the types of loads on a building structure. 😊

#engineer