The load that includes people and equipment on a roof is called:

The load that includes people and equipment on a roof is called:

• A. Dead load
• B. Live load
• C. Wind load
• D. Thermal load

Answer: (B)

Live load is the portion of a roof’s load that comes from use and occupancy. It varies with time because it includes people and movable equipment on the roof, such as workers, tools, and portable gear. This is different from dead load, which is the permanent weight of the roof structure and finishing materials, and from wind and thermal loads, which are environmental forces or temperature-related effects. When maintenance crews are on the roof with their gear, that temporary weight must be supported just like the roof must be designed for those varying loads. That’s why the load described as including people and equipment falls under live load.

Live load is the portion of a roof’s load that comes from use and occupancy. It varies with time because it includes people and movable equipment on the roof, such as workers, tools, and portable gear. This is different from dead load, which is the permanent weight of the roof structure and finishing materials, and from wind and thermal loads, which are environmental forces or temperature-related effects. When maintenance crews are on the roof with their gear, that temporary weight must be supported just like the roof must be designed for those varying loads. That’s why the load described as including people and equipment falls under live load.