Building Construction Greensboro Fire Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A dead load refers to the permanent static weight of a structure and its components, which do not change over time or with the use of the building. This includes materials and elements that are fixed in position and contribute to the overall weight of the structure, resulting in loads that are constant throughout the building's lifespan.

In this context, the weight of water in a reservoir is not classified as a dead load, because it can vary significantly depending on factors such as usage and seasonal changes. Unlike fixed materials such as bricks, steel beams, and cement, which remain constant, the volume of water can fluctuate based on the reservoir's purpose, leading to changing loads on the structure rather than a consistent dead load.

On the other hand, bricks in a wall, steel beams in a framework, and cement in a foundation are all considered dead loads, as their weights remain constant and contribute to the structural integrity and stability of the building.