Various Types of Loads
The main loads on a structure are described below:
- Dead loads (DL) ...
- Super-imposed dead loads (SDL)
- Live loads (LL)
- Snow loads (S)
- Wind loads (W)
- Seismic loads (E)
- Thermal loads (T)
Classification of Loads
The loads can be classified into two types:
Long-term loads (i.e. Sustained Loads)Short-term loads
In this case, the words "long term" and "short-term" refer to the duration of the applied load. For example, dead loads and superimposed dead loads are permanent - they are always being applied at any given time and they can be estimated reasonably accurately.
In contrast, potentially large forces caused by snow storms, strong winds or earthquakes occur over a relatively short period of time, and can therefore be classified as
| Long-term | Short-term |
| Dead Loads Superimposed Dead Loads Live Loads | Snow Wind Seismic Thermal |