What are the two main types of loads that structural steel is subjected to?

The two main types of loads that structural steel is subjected to are live load and dead load.

Dead load refers to the weight of the structure itself, including all permanent fixtures and components such as beams, columns, floors, and roofs. This load is constant and does not change over time. In contrast, live load represents any transient or movable loads that a structure carries, which can vary during its use. This includes people, furniture, vehicles, and other temporary loads that may change in magnitude or position.

Understanding the difference between these loads is crucial for structural design, as engineers must ensure that a structure can safely support both the constant dead loads and the variable live loads it may encounter throughout its lifespan. While other options like wind load and seismic load refer to specific external effects on structures, they fall within the broader categories of loads considered in structural analysis. Additionally, shear load and tensile load describe forces acting on materials but do not categorize overall load types as directly as live and dead loads do.