Dead loads are also known as which type of loads?

• A. Kinetic loads
• B. Dynamic loads
• C. Live loads
• D. Static loads

Answer: (D)

Dead loads are permanent, fixed weights that come from the structure itself and its fixed components, like the building mass, framing, floors, walls, and fixed equipment. Because this weight doesn’t change with time or usage under normal conditions, it is treated as a static load. In contrast, dynamic or kinetic loads involve movement or time-varying effects (such as wind, earthquakes, or machinery start-up), and live loads come from occupants and movable items that can change location and magnitude. So dead loads fit the static loads category because they remain essentially constant over the life of the building.