Types of Loads acting on a structure

 TYPES OF LOADS ACTING ON A STRUCTURE 

Any type of structure is subjected to different types of loads. These loads can be vertical, horizontal or even longitudinal loads. 

According to IS: 875 - 1987 The different types of loads are:

1. Dead load: Dead loads compose of those loads which are stationary. They are also called permanent loads because they are applied on the structure throughout it's lifetime. Mostly these comprise of structure's self -  weight, fittings, partitions, etc. 

2. Live load: Live loads are also referred as imposing or sudden loads meaning they can change with respect to time. These loads comprise of furniture, equipment, people.

3. Wind load: As the name suggests, this load is imposed due to the wind movement and the direction and intensity with which it moves. Factors taken during calculation of wind loads are wind speed, direction of wind and height of building.

4. Earthquake load: This load is taken in consideration for the case of an earthquake striking the structure. During an earthquake there is lateral ground movement, hence the load applied on the structure is horizontal according to the force exerted by the ground. Vertical component is also taken into consideration but that is mostly due to structure's own weight.

5. Snow load: This load is not typically taken into consideration while designing a building. This is exclusive for structures which receive snowfall. Calculation are done with respect to height of building, shape and size of the roof.