loadengineering

Load engineering, also known as structural load analysis, is a discipline focused on determining the forces and stresses that a structure will experience during its intended use and throughout its lifespan. This involves considering various types of loads, including dead loads (the weight of the structure itself and its permanent components), live loads (transient loads like people, furniture, or vehicles), environmental loads (wind, snow, seismic activity), and impact loads. Engineers use established codes and standards, such as those provided by ASCE in the United States or Eurocodes in Europe, to define and quantify these loads. The primary goal of load engineering is to ensure that a structure is designed to safely withstand these applied forces without failure, excessive deformation, or loss of serviceability. This analysis is critical in the design of buildings, bridges, vehicles, and virtually any engineered system that must resist external forces. Understanding and accurately calculating these loads is fundamental to preventing structural collapse and ensuring the safety and longevity of constructed works.