What is the total weight of a structure itself (known as dead load) plus the weight added under normal use (known as live load) referred to as?

The term that describes the total weight of a structure itself, known as the dead load, combined with the weight added under normal use, referred to as the live load, is classified as a static load. This is because both dead loads and live loads are considered constant or slowly varying forces that do not result in acceleration when the structure is at rest.

Dead load includes the permanent components of a structure, such as beams, columns, walls, and floors, while live load encompasses variable elements such as furniture, occupants, and equipment that can fluctuate over time. When assessing a structure's ability to support these combined forces, engineers focus on static loads to ensure safety and stability without accounting for dynamic effects like vibrations or impact loads.

In contrast, dynamic loads involve moving forces that change over time, such as those caused by vehicles on a bridge or wind acting on a building. Support loads refer to forces that a structural support system must bear but do not encompass the total weight of the structure plus its usage. Environmental loads pertain to forces resulting from environmental factors, including wind, seismic activity, and snow, which are also not considered part of the dead and live loads. Hence, static load is the appropriate term for the combined effects of dead and live loads on