What term is used for loads other than dead loads?

The term used for loads other than dead loads is "live loads." Live loads refer to the weight of occupants, furniture, equipment, and other movable items within a building that can change over time. While dead loads consist of the permanent structural elements of a building, such as beams, walls, and roofs, live loads are dynamic and can vary significantly due to their transient nature.

In the context of building construction and fire service, recognizing live loads is crucial during emergencies, as these loads can affect the structural integrity of a building under various conditions, such as fires or during evacuations. Understanding live loads helps firefighters assess the stability and safety of a structure when responding to incidents.

Other terms like static loads and impact loads are specific in their definitions. Static loads involve forces that do not change over time, while impact loads refer to forces that occur abruptly, such as a heavy object falling. Concentrated loads apply force over a small area but do not capture the full range of dynamic, changing loads that live loads encompass. Thus, live loads is the most appropriate term to describe loads other than dead loads.