What is the load of the building and its permanently attached fixtures referred to as?

The load of the building and its permanently attached fixtures is referred to as a dead load. This concept is crucial in structural engineering and fire safety inspections because dead loads represent the weight of the structure itself, including walls, roofs, floors, and any fixtures that are intended to remain stationary.

Dead loads are considered constant over time, unlike live loads, which can vary due to occupants, furniture, equipment, and other temporary factors. Understanding the distinction is essential for ensuring that structures can support their own weight in addition to any additional loads they may encounter.

Static loads are generally understood as loads that do not change over time, which can include dead loads but also encompasses other forces acting on a structure. Conversely, dynamic loads are forces that change quickly, such as wind loads, seismic loads, or moving vehicles.

It's essential for fire inspectors and engineers to identify and evaluate dead loads when assessing the integrity and safety of a building, as exceeding these limits can lead to structural failure, especially in emergency situations such as fires where additional loads may be introduced.