What is the term used for the weight of all nonpermanent objects within a structure, such as people and furniture?

The term that refers to the weight of all nonpermanent objects within a structure, such as people and furniture, is "live load." Live loads are variable forces that can change over time based on occupancy or usage patterns. They are not fixed and can fluctuate, allowing for different conditions inside a building.

In the context of structural engineering, understanding live loads is essential for designing safe structures that can accommodate the variability associated with human use and movable objects. Structures must be designed to support these loads in addition to other types of loads that might be present.

Dead loads, on the other hand, refer to the permanent weight of the structure itself, including walls, beams, and any other fixed elements that do not change over time. Dynamic loads involve forces that change rapidly, like wind or seismic activities, while static loads typically refer to constant forces applied to a structure that do not vary with time, which can include both dead and live loads. Thus, the distinction of live load focuses specifically on the changing, nonpermanent weight that is critical for analyzing and designing buildings appropriately for human occupancy and their associated furnishings.