Which study deals with the analysis of loads on objects at rest, or in equilibrium?

The study that focuses on the analysis of loads on objects that are at rest, or in equilibrium, is known as statics. In this branch of mechanics, the primary concern is understanding how various forces and moments interact and balance out when an object is not in motion.

In statics, the conditions for equilibrium are examined, which state that the sum of all forces and the sum of all moments acting on an object must equal zero. This means that static structures, like bridges or buildings, must be analyzed to ensure they can support the loads they will encounter without experiencing movement or collapse.

On the contrary, dynamics is concerned with objects in motion and the forces that cause changes in their state of motion. Kinematics focuses on the motion of objects without considering the forces causing the motion, while fluid mechanics involves the behavior of fluids (liquids and gases) and their interactions with solid boundaries. These distinctions are crucial for understanding the principles governing different physical scenarios in civil engineering.