What does the term "live load" refer to?

The term "live load" refers to any load that is not fixed or permanent. This includes dynamic weights that a structure must support during its use, such as the people occupying the building, movable furniture, and vehicles. Live loads can change over time and vary with factors like occupancy levels and uses of the space, making them different from static loads, which remain constant, such as the weight of the building itself or its permanent fixtures. Recognizing live loads is essential for understanding how structures behave under various conditions and ensuring that they are designed to support these varying weights safely.