dead load

American  

noun

Engineering.

1. load11

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dead load British  

noun

1. Also called: dead weight.  the intrinsic invariable weight of a structure, such as a bridge. It may also include any permanent loads attached to the structure Compare live load

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Etymology

Origin of dead load

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Can your roof support the extra dead load of the panels?

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2022

Dead Load.—The dead load consists of the weight of main girders, flooring and wind-bracing.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various

I have heard that the dead load of the books lay, for many a long day, heavy on the shelves of the booksellers and the mind of the luckless publisher.

From My Reminiscences by Hesh, Sasi Kumar

To-night, my friend, within this humble cot Be the dead load of mortal ills forgot, Renewing, when the rosy summits glow At morn, our various journey, sad and slow.

From The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 1 by Knight, William

In the case of a bridge the weight of the structure itself is the dead load.

From The Mechanical Properties of Wood Including a Discussion of the Factors Affecting the Mechanical Properties, and Methods of Timber Testing by Record, Samuel J.