What term refers to the weight of a building and any permanently attached equipment?

The term that describes the weight of a building along with any permanently attached equipment is "Dead Load." Dead loads are considered static forces that are constant and do not change over time. They include the weight of structural components, such as walls, floors, roofs, and built-in fixtures like plumbing and HVAC systems.

Understanding dead loads is crucial in building construction since they directly affect the structural integrity and design of the building. Engineers must calculate the dead load to ensure that the structure can adequately support its own weight without risk of failure. This concept is central to both building design and fire service operations, as knowledge of dead loads informs the assessment of potential hazards linked to structural stability during emergencies. In contrast, live loads, static loads, and dynamic loads refer to factors that vary and do not represent the permanent weight of the building itself.