What is a live load?

A live load is a type of temporary or movable load that is applied to a structure, such as a building or bridge, during normal use. Unlike dead loads, which are permanent and stationary, live loads are dynamic and can vary in magnitude over time.

Examples of live loads include people, furniture, vehicles, equipment, and stored goods. These loads can cause temporary stresses on the structure, and therefore engineers must account for them when designing buildings and other structures to ensure they can safely support the expected loads.

Live loads are typically specified by building codes and standards, which provide guidelines for calculating the minimum required load capacity of a structure to accommodate these dynamic loads. It is important to consider live loads when designing and constructing buildings to ensure safety and structural integrity.